Branxholm, Tasmania facts for kids
Branxholm is a scenic rural town on the banks of the Ringarooma River in north east Tasmania located 93 km north east of Launceston on the Tasman Highway. It is notable for its saw mill, hop fields and tourism. It has a sprawling street pattern which makes the small town spread across the valley floor.
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History
The area was first settled by James Reid Scott who named it after a small village in his native Scotland. By 1870 there were only three buildings in the valley but three years later, with the discovery of tin, a shanty town had grown up. By 1877 the population was around 300. By 1883 the town had been proclaimed. Branxholm Post Office opened on 1 August 1876.
Tin mining gradually declined to be replaced by timber cutting and in 1970 the first hop fields were planted.
For visitors
Close to the town is Mount Horror, known for excellent scenic views is surrounded by extensive pine and gum plantations. The Forestry Commission’s fire tower is open to the public when attended in the summer.
This town offers the visitor good fishing in the Ringarooma River. Of historical interest is the disused Mount Paris Dam, located on C425 road and the Imperial Hotel built circa 1909.
Sport
The town used to have a football team in the NEFU (North Eastern Football Union).
Images for kids
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Scott Street is the main road through Branxholm. The local IGA supermarket is in the background.
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Branxholm community riverwalk
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The red bridge in Branxholm commemorates the town's rich Chinese tin-mining history
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Mount Paris Dam near Branxholm in North East Tasmania
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Briseis Water Race walking track
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The old Branxholm railway station (now a hay barn) sits in a paddock on the outskirts of the town.
