The Blue Tier is a mountain plateau, northwest of St Helens that once swarmed with tin miners. To the early pioneers it was known as the ' mountain of tin '. It is largely because of their efforts that it is now a walkers paradise.

Old pack trails through regenerating and remnant patches of rainforest cover the plateau. You can follow one of the pack trails to and from along abandoned workings or walk along one of the more recently made tracks. The variety of tracks have something in store for walkers of all ages and all levels of fitness.

The Blue Tier and some of the surrounding areas are State Forests which is managed by Forestry Tasmania.

History Of The Blue Tier

Mining began in 1880 when early pioneers discovered cassiterite, the ore of tin behind rocks in the creeks and river beds. The news of discovery spread and a number of open cut and underground mines began operating. The now abandoned towns of Poimena and Lottah thrived at the turn of the century supporting schools, churches and hotels.

Mining continued until the 1930s when low tin prices and depression caused the mining activities to peter out. Some of the miners stayed on, camping on the Blue Tier and making their living from the remains of the once rich ore body. Farmers moved in and grazed the grasses that had grown since the temperate rainforest was burnt.

How To Get There

It takes approximately 45 minutes to get there from St Helens to the Blue Tier. Most of the walks begin from the abandoned township of Poimena or 2 kilometres past Poimena on the Sun Flats Road.

To get to Poimena, follow the Tasman Highway ( A 3 ) until you reach the turn off to Goulds Country. Follow the road through Goulds Country, past Lottah and the take the Poimena Road until you reach the abandoned township of Poimena.

Walking In The Blue Tier

There are a variety of varying standards within the Blue Tier. To make it easier for you, all the walks have been signed with different colours markers to help you find your way. Use the descriptions on this site to help you choose your walk or ask one of our staff at the St Helens History Room.

Remember to take warm and waterproof clothing, water sturdy boots and a first aid kit. Most of the walks are well signposted but it may be useful to purchase the 1:25,000 Blue Tier and Spurs Rivulet map sheets. Walking on the Blue Tier can become all the richer when accompanied by a local guide. Ask at the St Helens History Room for details.

A few of the walks take you past remnants of the mining era. Please leave these pieces of history in their place for others to enjoy. These sites are highly significant for their cultural heritage values and are protected under the Forest Practices Act.

Easy Walks

The Goblin Forest Walk is an easy 20 minute loop walk. Interpretation signs along the walk explore the history of the Blue Tier. This walk is great for those who do not have much time but want to stretch their legs and learn about the mountain of tin. The walk is of wheelchair standard.

If you do not have much time and want to get a good view of the area, try the 30 minute walk to the top of Mt Poimena. It is a short and steady climb to the summit. Walkers are rewarded with spectacular views over St Helens and the coastline beyond so remember to bring your camera. ( Follow the Blue Markers To The Trig Point )

Moderate walks

The Moon Valley Rim Loop Walk take two hours. The walk takes you to the summit of Mt Poimena the along Moon Valley Rim and Blue Tier Battery before returning via Sun Flats Road. ( Follow the Blue Markers )

The Australia Hill Loop Walk takes two hours. This walk passes through open country and stands off regenerating rainforest and is great for visitors who want to see some remnants of the mining era. Look for the abandoned machinery at Summit Mine and Harry Moses' ( the last Blue Tier Miner ) sluice box at the Compere Mine. ( Follow The Orange Markers )

The Wellington Loop Walk take three hours and begins at the halfway mark on the Goblin Forest Walk. The walk is great for those interested in the history of the Blue Tier because it takes you past interesting remnants of the mining days. The walk passes through a diversity of vegetation types including regenerating rainforest, patches of remnant rainforest and sphagnum bogs.
( Follow The Red Markers )

The Mount Michael Loop Track is a two hour walk which begins from the Sun Flats Road. The walk passes through rainforest before climbing up to the summit of Mt Michael. Walkers are rewarded with fantastic views. On the way down stop and look at the Mt Michael Mine which was one of the largest mines in the era.( Follow The Yellow Markers )

Follow The Yellow & Red Markers

There are other walks that can be undertaken on the Blue Tier. If you would like to do these walks we suggest you talk to the staff at the St Helens History Room.

More Information

For more information contact the staff at the St Helens History Room Ph ( 61 03 6376 1744 ) or the Forestry Tasmania office at Scottsdale Ph ( 61 03 6352 2466 ).