What to do in Beaconsfield Tasmania
Located in the Tamar Valley just north of Launceston, Beaconsfield is a former gold mining town on the West Tamar highway. Settled in the 1850s it was originally mined for limestone until this lead to the discovery of gold in the late 1860s. The town was renamed from Brandy Creek to Beaconsfield in 1879 in honour of the Earl of Beaconsfield (Benjamin Disraeli) who was, at the time, the prime minister of the United Kingdom.
Beaconsfield is a great place to stop on a drive up the Tamar River from Launceston.
Beaconsfield had the global spotlight put firmly on it in 2006 when a small earthquake in the region resulted in an underground rock fall that killed one miner and left Todd Russell and Brant Webb trapped underground for nearly 2 weeks. In 2012 the mine became economically unviable and was closed.
Featured at the Mine & Heritage Centre is a simulation of the cage the miners were trapped in for nearly 2 weeks
Beaconsfield is a popular destination for tourists and its rich history of mining is carried on through the immersive and interactive Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre. Also of interest is the historic timber Holy Trinity Church located in Margaret St.
Beaconsfield is a great place to stop on a drive up the Tamar River from Launceston. It is just a 40 minute drive from the city and stands close to other interesting towns such as Beauty Point and Greens Beach.
Things to do around Beaconsfield Tasmania
Beaconsfield Mine & Exhibition Centre
Explore the mining history of Beaconsfield with hands-on, interactive displays. Fun for all the family. Featured at the exhibition centre are displays of mining equipment up to 100 years old in the large brick mine buildings, as well as many other mining and heritage displays, including an interactive exhibit of the 2006 mine rock fall, with a simulation of the cage the miners were trapped in for nearly 2 weeks.
Beaconsfield Tasmania Campervan & Motorhome Parks
Please note there are no campervan parks located in Beaconsfield however Beauty Point and Greens Beach are not far away.
Beauty Point Tourist Park
There are powered sites available for your rental campervan or motorhome with free hot showers and an excellent range of amenities. Cottages and cabins are also available if you’re renting a car from AutoRent.
Greens Beach Caravan & Holiday Park
Powered and un-powered sites are available as well as a range of amenities. There’s also self-contained cabins and children’s playground not far away.
Travel Times & Distances to Beaconsfield Tasmania
From Devonport: app. 1 hour – 70kms
From Hobart: app. 3 hours – 245kms