🔍

Waratah

TAS 7321 • Tasmania

249
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
120.34 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricBushlandRemote

About Waratah

Waratah is a small historic town in north-western Tasmania, situated on the edge of the Tarkine wilderness within the Waratah-Wynyard Council area, approximately 85 kilometres south of Burnie. With a 2021 Census population of 249 residents spread across 120 square kilometres, it is one of Tasmania's smallest inhabited communities. The town holds an important place in Australian history as the site of the Mount Bischoff tin mine, where tin was discovered by prospector James Philosopher Smith in 1871 — once the richest tin mine in the Southern Hemisphere — and notably became the first town in Australia to have electric street lighting, in 1886.

Today Waratah is a quiet gateway community for visitors exploring the wild landscapes of the Tarkine region, with access to rainforest walks, waterfalls, and remote wilderness. The historic mining heritage is still visible in the town's built environment, and Philosopher's Falls — a beautiful cascade nearby — draws bushwalkers year-round. The surrounding landscape of ancient rainforests and rugged terrain makes it an appealing base for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers, while the close-knit community retains the character of a classic Tasmanian bush town.

Waratah falls under postcode 7321 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lyons (Montgomery) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Tasmania
Postcode
7321
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Braddon
State Electorate
Lyons (Montgomery)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Hobart (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-41.46°, 145.50°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
120.34 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Redline Coaches (limited) — Burnie, Launceston Approx. 1.5 hours to Burnie

Commute to Hobart CBD

Distance
130 km
By Train
No rail service in Tasmania
By Car (Peak)
2.5-3 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
2.5-3 hours

🛣️ Closest city is Burnie (~85 km north). Access via the B18 road. A car is essential; public transport is very limited.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for all daily needs; limited local services within the town

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
249
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Waratah known for? +

Waratah is best known for its rich tin-mining history, centred on the Mount Bischoff mine discovered in 1871 — once the richest tin mine in the Southern Hemisphere. The town also holds the distinction of being the first place in Australia to have electric street lighting, installed in 1886.

How far is Waratah from Hobart? +

Waratah is approximately 130 kilometres south of Burnie and around 300 kilometres north-west of Hobart, making it roughly a 3.5–4 hour drive from the state capital.

Does Waratah have public transport? +

There is no rail service in Waratah. Limited coach services via Redline Coaches connect the area to Burnie and Launceston, but a car is the most practical way to get around.

What is the population of Waratah? +

According to the 2021 Census, Waratah has a population of 249 residents across a large 120-square-kilometre area, making it one of Tasmania's smallest and most sparsely populated communities.

Is Waratah a good place to live? +

Waratah appeals to those who value isolation, natural beauty, and a strong sense of history. It is ideally suited to bushwalkers, nature enthusiasts, and people drawn to remote Tasmanian lifestyle, though all major services require a trip to Burnie.

What is the postcode for Waratah? +

The postcode for Waratah, TAS is 7321.