West Coast Piners facts for kids

The West Coast Piners were groups of men who worked in the wild forests of the West Coast of Tasmania, Australia. Their job was to cut down trees, especially a very special kind called Huon pine.

Their main home base was a town called Strahan. This town was important because it was a port where they could ship the timber they cut. The Piners worked during two main periods: first, during the time of the Sarah Island convict settlement (from 1821 to 1833, and again from 1846 to 1847), and later, from the 1890s to the 1940s.

Who Were the West Coast Piners?

The West Coast Piners were tough and skilled loggers. They spent their lives in the remote and rugged wilderness of Tasmania's West Coast. Their main goal was to harvest the valuable Huon pine. This wood was highly prized for its strength and durability.

Where Did They Work?

The Piners mostly worked along the rivers that flow into Macquarie Harbour. The two biggest rivers they used were the King River and the Gordon River. These rivers and their smaller branches were like highways for moving the cut timber.

Other smaller rivers on the eastern side of Macquarie Harbour were also important. These included Pine Cove Creek, the Braddon River, the Clark River, and the Bird River. Birch's Inlet was another area where pine was collected and moved from. The rivers were essential for transporting the heavy logs to Strahan.

What Was Huon Pine?

Huon pine is a unique type of tree found only in Tasmania. It grows very slowly and can live for thousands of years. The wood from Huon pine is famous for being strong, light, and resistant to rot. This made it perfect for building boats and for other special uses. Its special qualities made it very valuable.

When Did They Work?

The story of the Piners spans different eras.

The Convict Era

The first period was linked to the Sarah Island convict settlement. Convicts were forced to cut down Huon pine. This timber was used for shipbuilding and other projects. This era lasted from 1821 to 1833, with a short return from 1846 to 1847.

The Later Years

After the convict era, the logging of Huon pine continued. The most active period for the Piners was from the 1890s to the 1940s. During these decades, independent groups of Piners worked hard to supply the demand for this special timber. They faced many challenges in the wild Tasmanian environment.

The Piners' Festival

For a few years, the town of Strahan held an annual event called the Piners' Festival. This festival celebrated the history and hard work of the West Coast Piners. It was a way to remember their important contribution to Tasmania's past.