Kelly Basin facts for kids
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Kelly Basin is a beautiful bay located on the southeastern side of Macquarie Harbour in Tasmania, Australia. It's a place with a rich history, especially linked to early mining and railways in the region. The bay was named after James Kelly, an explorer who mapped parts of Tasmania's coastline a long time ago. It was once a busy hub, serving as the end point for the North Mount Lyell Railway and home to the town of Pillinger.
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Exploring Kelly Basin's Location
Kelly Basin is found on the West Coast of Tasmania. It sits on the lower part of Macquarie Harbour, which is a large natural harbor. This area is known for its rugged wilderness and important historical sites.
How Kelly Basin Got Its Name
The bay was named after James Kelly. He was an early explorer who sailed around and mapped parts of Tasmania's coastline in the early 1800s. Naming the bay after him honored his important work in exploring the region.
Kelly Basin's Railway History
Kelly Basin became very important in the late 1800s because it was the end point, or "terminus," for the North Mount Lyell Railway. This railway was built to transport copper ore from the mines at Mount Lyell to the coast. From Kelly Basin, the ore could then be shipped out by sea.
The Town of Pillinger
Right next to Kelly Basin, a town called Pillinger grew up. It was a busy settlement that supported the railway and mining operations. People lived and worked there, making it a lively place during the mining boom.
When the Railway Closed
The North Mount Lyell Railway stopped running in the 1920s. After the railway closed, the area became much quieter. The old railway line is now known as 'Kelly Basin Road', and it's still the main way to get to the bay by land.
Kelly Basin and Wilderness Protection
In the 1990s, Kelly Basin and the nearby Bird River area became part of a special protected zone. This happened after a plan to build a dam on the Franklin River was stopped. These areas are now part of the western edge of the South West World Heritage Wilderness area. This means they are protected for their natural beauty and importance.
Distinguishing Kelly Basin from Other Places
It's easy to confuse Kelly Basin with another similarly named place. The James Kelly Basin is located much further south. It's found at Port Davey within the Southwest National Park. Both are named after James Kelly, but they are in different parts of Tasmania.
