The History of Waratah

On December 4, 1871, a prospector, James ‘Philosopher’ Smith, discovered tin at Mount Bischoff. His discovery triggered a mining boom and the birth of Tasmanian mining. This came at a time when Tasmania's economy was in the doldrums. Convict transportation had ceased in the 1850's and the colony was facing financial difficulties due in part to not having viable industries. The Mount Bischoff Tin Mining Co. was formed in August 1873 and mining began on December 14 1873. When the mine finally closed, in 1947, it had produced 81,000 tonnes of tin and provided a dividend equal to £200 for every £1 initially invested. At its peak the town, which now has only a few hundred residents, had a population in excess of 5,000. The first rail line on the West coast opened in July of 1884, which connected Waratah to Emu Bay now known as Burnie. One of the earliest known hydro-electric power stations was opened in 1907. It supplied power to the crushing mills and electric tram and cable cars that brought ore from the mine to the mills. Most Waratah homes were wired for electricity in the 1930's and for two shillings rental could use as much power as they liked as there were no meters!

Possibly the first air-land rescue in Tasmania took place at Waratah on February 3,1937. R.A.A.F. Hawker Demon fighters A1-3 and A1-8 left Laverton Air Base for Hobart, went off course and emerged from fog over Waratah. Both circled then disappeared over Mt. Bischoff. A1-3 returned and crash landed on Camp Road. The actual propeller of this plane is mounted in the foyer of the Bischoff Hotel with it's crash damage evident.
Waratah remained isolated by road from the rest of Tasmania until 1963 when a connecting road was finally completed.

The Bischoff Hotel opened in 1881 on Main Street. The current building was built in 1909 and still reflects it's old world charm. With 16 ft high ceilings of pressed tin, open log fire, Huon pine mantles, King Billy pine solid doors, Blackwood banisters, it is easy to see how elaborately made this Queen Anne style building is. Come take a look at a piece of history or even have a drink over the Blackheart Sassafras bar.