Great Northern Mine (Herberton)

This remarkable piece of North Queensland's history is a must-see when visiting the Herberton area. The Great Northern Mine, discovered by prospectors in 1879, pioneered lode tin production in Australia and stimulated the development of Herberton in the Atherton Tablelands. Three hundred-weight of rich tin were identified at the mine and local legend suggests, the tin was bizarrely smelted in a tree stump with felt hats used as bellows. Mining Pioneer John Moffat saw the potential of the mine and invested in a smelter and battery which employed 70 miners by 1880. The mine yielded steady income throughout the 1880s; however it closed down in 1893 due to assay problems. Moffat was able to float the mine in 1901 but problems regarding the quality of assays and theft continued to undermine operations. Additions including a brace and numerous shafts were made over the next four decades but the mine rarely operated after 1945. Today, the mine is part of the Herberton Heritage Trail along with the Herberton School of Arts, Masonic Lodge, Royal Hotel and more. Visitors can explore the mine on the 'Great Northern Mine Walk' which offers a tour of the compound.