Darwin, Tasmania facts for kids
Darwin was once a small, planned community in Tasmania, Australia. It was located on the eastern side of Mount Darwin, which is part of the West Coast Range. This community was not around for very long.
Darwin was an important stop on the North Mount Lyell Railway. This railway line connected the towns of Pillinger and Gormanston. A post office even opened in Darwin on February 21, 1900, but it closed just three years later in 1903.
This area is famous for something special: it's where Darwin Glass was first found! This unique glass was discovered while the railway was being built. Many years later, about 60 years after the glass was found, scientists worked to find and identify the Darwin Crater. This crater is believed to be the place where the glass came from.
What Was Darwin?
Darwin was a small community that was planned out, or "surveyed," before it was built. It was located in a rugged part of Tasmania, near a mountain called Mount Darwin. Even though it was short-lived, it played a role in the history of the area.
Darwin and the Railway
The community of Darwin was a stopping point along the North Mount Lyell Railway. This railway was very important for transporting goods and people in the region. It connected different towns and mining areas.
- The railway ran between Pillinger (also known as Kelly Basin) and Gormanston.
- Darwin was one of several stops along this route.
- Other stops included Linda (also called North Lyell) and Crotty.
Discovering Darwin Glass
One of the most interesting things about Darwin is its connection to Darwin Glass. This special glass was first found here during the construction of the railway.
- Darwin Glass is a type of natural glass.
- It is believed to have formed from the impact of a meteorite.
- The search for the source of this glass led to the discovery of the Darwin Crater.
- The crater was identified about 60 years after the glass was first found.
