Zeehan
Tasmania was sighted by its namesake Abel Tasman in 1642. The small brig bearing Abel and his crew was called the Zeahan after which this historic town is named.
Abel would be proud to know that Zeehan was once Tasmania's third largest town and in its glory years was known as the "Silver City" due to the silver and lead discovered by Frank Long in the late nineteenth century.
Zeehan Highlights
- Pioneer's needed entertainment and found plenty at the now beautifully restored Gaiety Theatre. (Australia's first opera star, the internationally renowned Dame Nellie Melba was rumored to have once performed on stage here.)
- The West Coast Pioneers Memorial museum holds a comprehensive record of west coast mining history. A staggering 25,000 people every year visit this wonderful collection and leave inspired by the resilience and resourcefulness of the early pioneers.
- Nowadays Zeehan is a fisherman's paradise. Here you can catch trout in Lake Pieman or crayfish at Granville Harbour and visit Zeehan's original port, Trial Harbour.
Zeehan Attractions
Gaiety Theatre
The ornate exterior gives only a hint at the size of the auditorium, now restored with original seating for 1000, that when it was built in 1899 was the cultural hub of the west coast's "Silver City". More...
West Coast Pioneer Museum
Across thirteen galleries, exhibits range from exotic mineral crystals, flora and fauna, photographic displays, and sinister-looking surgical instruments to great steam locomotives in the sheds outside. More...
Spray Tunnel
About a 10 minute drive from the main street, drive or walk through the keyhole-shaped tram tunnel, approximately 3 metres high, 2.2 metres wide and 100 metres long. More...
Zeehan Gem and Mineral Fair
Held annually - large display of crystals, minerals, opals, jewellery, beads and more. Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th November10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Zeehan Primary School. More...
Targa Tasmania
Targa races through Zeehan every April/May.
Pieman Heads/Granville Habour Adventure tour
A fully guide tour in AWD buggies along the wind swept, rugged,deserted coast line between Piemnan heads and Granville Habour,Let the roaring 40s bring you back to nature, witness aboriginal heritage,see remote fishing villages and significant landscapes. Trip includes all transferee's and a one way journey on the Arcadia 11. (approx. 5 hrs) Lunch included.
