Regatta Point, Tasmania

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Regatta Point from the north - West Coast Wilderness Railway train in steam

Regatta Point is the location of a port and rail terminus in West Coast Tasmania, Australia

Port

Regatta Point is often assumed into the name of the locality across the bay in Macquarie Harbour, Strahan, Tasmania. The other ports in Macquarie Harbour were Strahan, and Pillinger at the southern end of the harbour.

Most shipping through the notorious Hells Gates is now the fishing fleet. The last sea-based delivery of explosives for the Mount Lyell company occurred as late as 1976.

Railway Terminus

It was the port and terminus of the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company railway line from Queenstown. When fully operational prior to closure in the 1960s, it was the location of the transfer of Mount Lyell materials to ships.

Regatta Point was the location of the connection between the Mount Lyell private railway and the government railway line which passed through Strahan on the way to Zeehan, when that line was operational. It was possible to utilise passenger services from Queenstown to Burnie, using the Mount Lyell Line, the government line to Zeehan, and the Emu Bay Railway line to Burnie. It currently the terminus for the rebuilt railway known as the West Coast Wilderness Railway. The remaining station building at Regatta Point has been restored for the new service, having lain at risk from the 1960s to 2003.

Nearest ports

Outside of Macquarie Harbour - on the north coast of Tasmania - Burnie or the south east Hobart - smaller anchorages exist in between - but are either facility free Port Davey or dangerous Trial Harbour.

References

  • Blainey, Geoffrey (2000). The Peaks of Lyell (6th ed. ed.). Hobart: St. David's Park Publishing. ISBN 0-7246-2265-9. 
  • Rae, Lou (2001). The Abt Railway and Railways of the Lyell region. Sandy Bay: Lou Rae. ISBN 0-9592098-7-5. 
  • Whitham, Charles (2003). Western Tasmania - A land of riches and beauty (Reprint 2003 ed.). Queenstown: Municipality of Queenstown. 
2003 edition - Queenstown: Municipality of Queenstown.
1949 edition - Hobart: Davies Brothers. OCLC 48825404; ASIN B000FMPZ80
1924 edition - Queenstown: Mount Lyell Tourist Association. OCLC 35070001; ASIN B0008BM4XC

See also

Coordinates: 42°09′38″S 145°19′35″E / 42.1605°S 145.3264°E / -42.1605; 145.3264

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