I’ve found another Tasmanian treasure trove: Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre. If you visit, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the ruins (above ground) of the original Tasmania Mine and also to walk around the headframe of the Beaconsfield Gold Mine. Inside, there are several, highly interactive exhibits. View displays of mining equipment, communication equipment, the history of the local area and the stories of the mines, including the 2006 Beaconsfield Mine tragedy and rescue.
The Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre taught me a lot. I now know a little bit about how to mine gold and I can tell you now that I won’t be quitting my day job because mining is tough work! Seeing the inventiveness of the miners, particularly in the desperate days of the rescue at Beaconsfield Mine, was astounding. Simple objects become game-changers in the hands of people who need a solution, fast.
The buildings that house the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre are gorgeous. The newer building, while essentially a block, is well-landscaped and the historic shell is very photogenic. You’ll enjoy viewing the historic machinery, telephones and house-hold goods. These have been donated by the local community. Who knew that industrial objects could be beautiful too? You’ll find something fascinating around every corner.
Interactive
The absolute icing on the cake for me was that I was able to interact with most exhibits. From the red phone box, I called Mr Traversing Tasmania on the wall phone. I crawled through a tunnel, played an old piano and tried my hand at moving some of the mining equipment. It turns out that I might need to buff up a bit. Mr Traversing Tasmania also got me with the water wheel. Luckily, I was wearing my raincoat!
Family-Friendly
The great thing for families is that you’re allowed to touch almost everything that you can touch. Phew! The precious (or dangerous) items are stored behind barriers or glass. The Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre has clearly been planned with kids in mind. There’s a sandpit complete with a family of diggers outside under a veranda. Alternatively, your kids might want to explore an old miners hut. Look for the yellow hand symbols for interactive exhibits.
What to Bring
One of the wonderful things about visiting the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre is that you are able to walk through the yard, around the A-frame mineshaft. This does mean, however, that you’re out in the weather. Wear sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothes for comfort. I also recommend bringing a picnic lunch to eat in the park opposite. It is a beautifully kept park with play equipment and even a few miners’ huts to look at.
Getting There
Beaconsfield is approximately a 40-minute drive north of Launceston. You can either travel up the East Tamar Highway, crossing the Batman Bridge, or you can travel up the West Tamar Highway. In summer, pick your own berries at Hillwood Berry Farm on the eastern shore or, year-round, stop for a walk at either Tamar Island or Notley Fern Gorge on the eastern shore. Once you reach Beaconsfield, just drive towards the mine shaft. You can’t miss it! You’ll find plenty of parking at the Heritage Centre.
Cost
At $15 per adult, $12 per concession and $5 per child (children under 5 are free), visiting the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre is a bargain. Put it this way: You could pay (more) to sit through a movie, which you might or might not like and probably wouldn’t bother watching again, or you could race around like an excited kid, pressing buttons, exploring a historic site and learning more about Tassie’s history. I’d visit again in a heartbeat!
There’s lots more to see (or read about) in Tasmania’s north, north west, west coast, south, east coast, midlands or central highlands. Happy exploring!