Old York Town – Could have been Tasmania’s Capital

February 20, 2019

The Waterwheel Cottage campground is across the road from the Old York Town reserve which was the first settlement in Northern Tasmania in 1805.  The signage tells the tale and despite the settlement not lasting long the Governor established extensive gardens and quarters etc.  Nothing remains today, but an archaeological dig unearthed various artefacts which are on display in the nearby Beaconsfield Mining museum.

A walking track covers about a 2km return and passes by a re-established heath land area and the site of the governor’s gardens; at the far end is a replica of a cottage typical of the time.