The Tasmanian Aborigines were the first inhabitants of Tasmania before the British established a settlement there in 1803. The first European to spot Tasmania was a Dutch explorer called Abel Tasman, who made the discovery in November 1642. The former territory has a rich history that you can learn from different sites.
Highfield – This is the starting point of European settlement in the north-west of Tasmania.
Coal Mines – The first operational mine where convicts worked provides a special look at the Tasmanian history among its sparse ruins.
Adamsfield – Although Adamsfield currently lies in ruins, it used to be a thriving township with over 1000 inhabitants. It resulted from the goldrush to Adams Valley in 1925. Reaching the valley was a difficult process because of its isolation and weather conditions. Huts were erected along the way to aid in restocking supplies. The bush and bushfires have destroyed most of the ancient buildings but the area still provides a feeling of its past glory.
Low Head Light Station & Low Head Pilot Station -
The head light station was built in 1833, making it the third in Australia. The pilot station is made up of the earliest pilot buildings in the whole of the country.
Shot Tower – Constructed in 1870 and standing at a height of forty-eight meters, this is the only circular shot tower made of sandstone that remains in the world.
Richmond Gaol – This is the oldest goal in Australia that still remains intact.
Ross Female Factory – Constructed in the 1940s, this is where incarcerated female convicts were held between 1847 and 1854.
Sarah Island – This is the oldest convict settlement in Tasmania, which operated between 1822 and 1833.
Other special historical sites include The Steppes, Toll House, Mt. Nelson Signal Station, Mt. Field, Mt. Direction Historic Site, Maria Island and Lyons Cottage.