Rossarden

Rossarden between Ben Lomond and mining history

Rossarden lies in the foothills of Ben Lomond and brings together a striking landscape and a history closely tied to tin mining. The town was founded in 1930 to serve the Aberfoyle tin mine. Today, Rossarden is also known for the wild lupins that grow in the surrounding area. Fallow deer roam the town’s streets. Nature and local history give Rossarden its own character, which you can take into account when choosing your destination.

There are also specific places to visit in town. Rossarden Park has play equipment, barbecue facilities and toilets. For families, the play equipment offers a practical way to take a break; barbecue facilities and toilets are also part of the park’s amenities. Rossarden also has a nine-hole golf course, overlooked by Ben Lomond. If you would like to include golf in your trip, it offers a distinct activity in town, alongside nature and mining history.

Traces of tin mining

The former Aberfoyle Mine near Rossarden operated from 1931 to 1982. The town’s founding year, 1930, and the mine’s operating period mark different stages in this mining history: Rossarden was established to serve the mine, which began operating the following year and closed in 1982.

The Rossarden & Storys Creek Museum is being established by local volunteers in the former primary school. It is intended to showcase mining history, oral accounts and photographs from the Aberfoyle era; it was scheduled to open in 2026. For visitors interested in mining history and local stories, the planned museum offers another connection to Rossarden. The photographs from the Aberfoyle era and oral accounts add different forms of remembrance to the story of the town.

Trails and activities at Ben Lomond

Storys Falls is signposted from Rossarden and can be reached on a 45-minute return walk. This makes it easy to factor the outing into your itinerary. Another option is the southern approach to Ben Lomond: from Storys Creek, it leads on foot through snow gums to Tranquil Tarn and Stacks Bluff. The route connects several named destinations along the way. When planning your day, you can consider whether to take the timed walk to Storys Falls or the southern approach and its destinations.

The journey there also offers a scenic option. From Avoca, you can take an alternative route to Fingal via Rossarden on the southern side of Ben Lomond. The road to Rossarden is sealed throughout. There is no fuel in Rossarden; Avoca or Fingal are the named places to refuel. Keep this in mind when planning your drive and check your fuel needs before you arrive.

When choosing a holiday rental in Rossarden, you can consider what you would like to focus on during your stay: mining history, nature, golf or one of the routes described here may suit different travel interests. More destinations to discover: Strahan, George Town, Rocky Cape, Chudleigh, Conara, Lalla, Rosny Park and Ouse.

For the main travel overview: Tasmania.