Zeehan Travel Guide
Discover and explore Zeehan with our comprehensive travel guide. From its natural wonders to its rich cultural heritage, this article will help you plan your Zeehan adventure.
- Introduction to Zeehan
- List of Places to Visit in Zeehan
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Zeehan
- Best Things to Do in Zeehan: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Zeehan
- Food and Drink Scene of Zeehan
- Where to Stay in Zeehan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Zeehan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Zeehan
- Best Time to Visit Zeehan
- Do’s and Don’ts of Zeehan
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Zeehan: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Zeehan
- Where to Go Next from Zeehan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Zeehan
Zeehan, located on the west coast of Tasmania in Australia, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The small town has a population of approximately 800 people and a fascinating history that stems from its mining industry. Zeehan was once a booming mining town, and its history is still evident in the remnants of its industrial infrastructure. Today, it is a charming town that provides access to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Australia.
List of Places to Visit in Zeehan
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Zeehan Museum: This museum is a fantastic resource that explores the history of Zeehan’s mining industry and the town’s cultural heritage. Exhibitions include historical photographs, old machinery, archives, minerals, and artifacts.
- Spray Tunnel: This tunnel, located on the eastern edge of the town, is a historic industrial site that was once used to transport minerals from the mines to the railway.
- Gaiety Theatre: The theatre is a grand building that harkens back to Zeehan’s past when the town was a bustling center of entertainment for miners and their families.
Natural Attractions of Zeehan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Reece Dam: Constructed in 1911, this dam is a landmark of the town’s mining history. It’s surrounded by stunning scenery and is an excellent spot for fishing and picnicking.
- Henty Dunes: These stunning white sand dunes are unique to the area and offer excellent opportunities for sandboarding and exploring.
- Mount Zeehan: This mountain overlooks the town and provides incredible views of the area. It’s also a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Zeehan
Zeehan has an extensive network of trails and tracks that offer excellent opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. Some of the popular routes include the Spray Tunnel Track, the Zeehan Mineral Trail, and the Henty Dunes Track.
Best Things to Do in Zeehan: Activities and Tours
- Guided tours of the Zeehan Museum
- Sandboarding at Henty Dunes
- Hiking or mountain biking Mount Zeehan
- Fishing at Reece Dam
- Visiting the Gaiety Theatre
Week-Long Itinerary for Zeehan
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Zeehan, explore the town, and visit the Zeehan Museum |
| 2 | Take a guided tour of the historic Spray Tunnel |
| 3 | Go sandboarding at the Henty Dunes |
| 4 | Hike or mountain bike Mount Zeehan |
| 5 | Visit the Reece Dam and go fishing |
| 6 | Take a guided tour of the Gaiety Theatre |
| 7 | Depart Zeehan |
Food and Drink Scene of Zeehan
Must-Try Dishes
- Tasmanian Scallops: These locally sourced scallops are often served with a side of chips and salad.
- Wallaby Steak: A unique local delicacy that is lean, tender, and incredibly flavorful.
- Tasmanian Oysters: These oysters are considered some of the best in the world for their sweet and briny flavor.
Local Beverages
- Tasmanian Beer: The state has a thriving microbrewery scene, and visitors can sample a range of locally made craft beers.
- Tasmanian Whiskey: Tasmania’s whiskey has won multiple awards for its exceptional quality, and visitors can take tours of distilleries in the area.
Where to Stay in Zeehan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Zeehan Bush Camp: This campsite is located just outside of Zeehan and offers a range of camping and cabin options.
- Heemskirk Motor Hotel: This hotel is located in the heart of Zeehan and offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant.
- Zeehan Motel: This motel is located on the outskirts of the town and offers affordable rooms and friendly service.
What to Buy in Zeehan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Minerals and gemstones: Zeehan has a long history of mining, and visitors can purchase locally sourced minerals and gemstones as souvenirs.
- Local art and crafts: Zeehan has a thriving arts community, and visitors can purchase locally made art and crafts.
- Tasmanian Whiskey: Visitors can purchase a bottle of Tasmania’s award-winning whiskey to take home with them.
Local Culture and Customs of Zeehan
Zeehan has a rich culture and history, stemming from its mining industry and the local Tasmanian Aboriginal community. Visitors should show respect for local customs and traditions and take the time to learn about Zeehan’s history and cultural heritage.
Best Time to Visit Zeehan
The best time to visit Zeehan is during the summer months from December to February when the weather is warm and dry. However, visitors can explore the town and its natural attractions year-round.
Do’s and Don’ts of Zeehan
Do:
- Take the time to learn about Zeehan’s history and cultural heritage.
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Explore the town and its natural attractions.
Don’t:
- Damage or remove any historical artifacts or natural resources.
- Trespass on private property.
Safety and Health
Safety in Zeehan
Zeehan is a safe town, but visitors should take precautions when exploring the natural attractions and trails. Always carry plenty of water and warm clothing, as the weather can change rapidly in the area.
Health in Zeehan
Zeehan has a health center that visitors can use for any non-emergency medical needs. However, visitors should bring any necessary medications with them, as the nearest pharmacy is located in the town of Queenstown, approximately 44 km away.
Getting to Zeehan: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Zeehan
The closest major airport to Zeehan is Hobart International Airport, which is approximately 290 km away. Visitors can rent a car or catch a connecting flight to Wynyard Airport, which is approximately 135 km away.
Bus Stations Near Zeehan
Tassielink Transit operates bus services to and from Zeehan, with services to Devonport, Hobart, and Launceston.
Other Options
Visitors can also drive to Zeehan, with the town located approximately 297 km west of Hobart on the A10 and 139 km south of Burnie.
How to Get Around in Zeehan
The best way to get around Zeehan is by car, as many of the natural attractions are located outside of the town center. Visitors can rent a car from Wynyard Airport or Hobart International Airport.
Where to Go Next from Zeehan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Queenstown: A town located approximately 44 km south of Zeehan that is known for its mining history and stunning natural scenery.
- Strahan: A town located approximately 66 km southwest of Zeehan that offers access to the world-famous Gordon River and Cradle Mountain.
Conclusion
Zeehan is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Tasmania. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and outdoor recreation opportunities, there’s something for everyone in this charming town. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your Zeehan adventure and explore all that this unique corner of Tasmania has to offer.
