An old hut can be seen in the distacne surrounded by a mercy river
Adamsfield Conservation Area (photograph: Hayley Rayner)
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Adamsfield Conservation Area

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About

​​​​Located in Tasmania’s remote south-west, Adamsfield was once a thriving mining community with a population of over 1 000 people. They mined for osmiridium, a naturally occurring alloy that was used in the manufacturing, dental and medical industries. Much later, this corrosive-resistant​ alloy was used in electronics.

The last production recorded from Adamsfield was in 1968. Since this time the abandoned mining tools and relics of past exploration are slowly being reclaimed by the bush. Little evidence of the bustling township remains, but worker’s huts, a labo​riously cut water race and the open cut mine still tell the story of the hard working lives of Adamsfield miners. 

Today, Adamsfield is a remote destination for bushwalking, mountain biking and 4WD enthusiasts. The Adamsfield Conservation Area is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA).​​

​​​​Visitors to Adamsfield Historic Site can take their time walking along the Adamsfield Track and exploring the remaining examples of life in the remote mining settlement.  Along the track you will encounter: a number of miner's huts; infrastructure including water races and dams; the township site and the open cut mine.

Tracks in the area are suitable for walks, mountain biking and 4 wheel driving, though some tracks will require vehicles to have good clearance. Vehicles require a permit and a key, see the section below 'Know before you go'.

There is a campsite located approximately 200m past Clarks Hut. To access the campsite visitors will need to cross the Adams River. The area includes sheltered picnic and a firepit - please check whether fire restrictions​ apply before using the firepit. Visitors will need to remove their own rubbish. 

Please Leave no trace of your visit to this remote piece of Tasmania's mining history.