Branxholm, Tasmania

Branxholm Tasmania
Branxholm
Coordinates	41°15′S 147°34′E / 41.250°S 147.567°E / -41.250; 147.567Coordinates: 41°15′S 147°34′E / 41.250°S 147.567°E / -41.250; 147.567
Population	242 (2006 census)[1]
Established	1870
Postcode(s)	7261
Location	93 km (58 mi) NE of Launceston 70 km (43 mi) W of St Helens 25 km (16 mi) E of Scottsdale
LGA(s)	Dorset Council
State electorate(s)	Bass
Federal Division(s)	Bass

Branxholm is a small town in northeastern Tasmania. Located 93 km north east of Launceston on the Tasman Highway.

Branxholm is a typical north-east Tasmania timber town nestled into the rolling hills. It is notable for its saw mills and its hop fields. It has a sprawling street pattern which makes the small town spread across the valley floor.

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.^[2]

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 has a football team in the NEFU (North Eastern Football Union).

Railway

Branxholm was served by a branch railway line which extended from Launceston to Herrick, 4 km short of Moorina. The State rail connected Branxholm to its system in 1911.^[3] The railway closed in April, 1992.^[4]

References