Waratah lies at the edge of the Tarkine Wilderness/takaya and features a breathtaking waterfall right in the heart of the township.
The charming town offers a unique lakeside setting and was once home to the richest tin mine in the southern hemisphere.
Sitting on the edge of Lake Waratah, the region features a variety of scenic bush walks including Hellyer Gorge, Philosopher Falls and Whyte Hill Lookout which offers a panoramic view of the North-West corner of the Tarkine Wilderness.
The Waratah Courthouse Museum is a natural starting point to explore the town and features an eclectic collection of local artifacts, photos and stories. Right next door is ‘Philosopher’ Smith’s Hut which reveals what life was like for the pioneers during the mining boom.
The Tarkine Interpretation Centre, housed in a historical building built in 1886, offers displays and information on the Tarkine rainforest including access tips for the walking trails and lookouts.
To learn more about Waratah’s iconic pioneering past, Kenworthy’s Stamper Mill hosts an impressive display of working machinery. And if you’re wondering about the name, Dudley Kenworthy was a local character who continued prospecting for tin near Mount Bischoff mine after it closed in the 1940s.
Waratah Falls is a peaceful natural highlight in the heart of the historic town of Waratah. Cascading over basalt rock into a lush fern-lined gorge, the falls are easily accessible, with a viewing platform that allows visitors to walk right up and experience the falls up close—perfect for a short stroll, a picnic, or a quiet moment surrounded by nature.
The Waratah Railway Bridge is a striking reminder of the town’s rich industrial history, spanning the Waratah River with impressive steelwork and scale. Once a vital link for transporting tin and timber, the bridge now offers visitors a unique vantage point to appreciate the surrounding landscape and the engineering achievement that helped shape Waratah’s past.
