Williamsford, Tasmania facts for kids
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Williamsford, Tasmania was once a small town where people lived and worked in mines. It is located in a rugged area south of Rosebery, Tasmania, at the base of Mount Read. Today, Williamsford is mostly a ghost town, meaning no one lives there anymore.
Contents
A Town Built on Mining
Williamsford was important because of the mines nearby. It was a community that grew around the hard work of digging for valuable minerals.
How People and Goods Moved
Getting to Williamsford was not easy.
- North East Dundas Tramway: From 1896 to 1929, a special railway line called the North East Dundas Tramway connected Williamsford to other places. This tramway helped transport minerals and people.
- Hercules Haulage: There was also a steep track called the Hercules Haulage on the side of Mount Read. It was used to pull heavy loads up and down the mountain.
- Rosebery - Williamsford Aerial Ropeway: Later, an aerial ropeway (like a cable car system for goods) was built. It helped move materials efficiently over the difficult terrain.
Life in Williamsford
Even though it was a mining town, people in Williamsford found ways to enjoy themselves. The town had its own Australian rules football team. They played in the Rosebery Football Association until the competition ended in 1963.
In 1924, a writer named Charles Whitham described Williamsford:
Williamsford is the town connected to Mount Read. It sits right at the bottom of the steepest and longest haulage line we have. It's about 5 miles from Rosebery by road and 18 miles from Zeehan by tramway. If you enjoy wild and rugged scenery, you will find it a charming place.
By the late 1900s, most people had moved away, and Williamsford became a quiet, empty place.
A New Life for Williamsford
Even though the mining days are over, Williamsford is getting a new purpose.
Home for Rare Conifers
The old town site is becoming a special home for a collection of rare trees called conifers. These trees have been gathered over the last 15 years from countries in the Southern Hemisphere. Many of these conifer species are very old, like living examples from prehistoric times, and are close to becoming extinct in their natural homes. Experts believe this collection is "the best collection in the world." It's a way to protect these amazing trees for future generations.
