Waratah combines a waterfall in the centre of town with a rich mining history. Visitors choosing the town for a stay will find two interconnected themes: water shapes the landscape and also features in the history of hydroelectric power; historic buildings, a museum and exhibitions illuminate different aspects of the former mining town. You can focus on the waterfall and lake, the history of technology, or the social and personal stories of the past.
Waterfall, platform and pontoon bridge
Waratah Falls lie in the middle of the township. A path leads to a viewing platform at the foot of the waterfall. The pontoon bridge provides people with different abilities with safe, low-barrier access to Waratah’s attractions. The bridge was completed on 7 August 2024. The two features complement each other: the platform puts the waterfall itself centre stage, while the bridge provides access to the town’s attractions.
Water and Waratah’s industrial history
More than 100 years ago, streams and tunnels carried water to Waratah Falls and then diverted it to a nearby power station, where hydroelectricity was generated. This sequence links the waterfall to the technical use of water: it was first carried to the falls and then channelled onward to generate energy. For anyone seeking to understand Waratah’s mining past, this offers a tangible connection between the landscape, water engineering and hydroelectric power.
Buildings, museum and everyday life in the mining town
The original Athenaeum Hall was built in 1886 and once served as a social and educational hub for the emerging mining town of Waratah. The Waratah Museum is housed in the historic former courthouse and features a varied exhibition of local historical artefacts, photographs and personal stories. Beside the museum is a replica of “Philosopher” Smith’s hut, illustrating the living conditions of miners in the early days. Together, these places offer different perspectives on the past: the Hall represents the town’s former social and educational life, the museum its local objects and stories, and the hut the living conditions of its miners.
Rainforest, pioneer history and machinery
The Tarkine Interpretation Centre features exhibitions about the Tarkine rainforest and Waratah’s mining and pioneer history. Access to the Centre is seasonal. Kenworthy’s Stamper Mill offers a different focus: it houses an impressive exhibition of working machinery associated with Waratah’s pioneering past. The two sites thus present distinct interpretations: the Centre connects the Tarkine rainforest with the town’s history, while the Mill places working machinery centre stage.
A walk around Lake Waratah
A walk around Lake Waratah offers a different focus from the historical exhibitions. If you would rather spend time on a walk than visit another exhibition, this is a separate activity by the lake. There is a unique iron bridge, and the lake is stocked with trout. Fishing conditions may vary. The lake therefore offers a choice of walking, seeing the bridge or fishing, alongside the town’s cultural and historical attractions.
Discover more destinations: Wattle Hill, Lewisham, Port Latta, Devonport, Cygnet, Campbell Town, Latrobe, Weegena
For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.
