Zeehan

Zeehan is a small town of approximately 698 people situated in the West Coast Council in the west coast of Tasmania. Once Tasmania's third largest town (and called "Silver City"), Zeehan is rich in mining history. The town is hidden in a valley of rugged hills and rainforest and is well known for its heritage, including West Coast Heritage Centre and Spray Tunnel. The town covers 2.5 square kilometres and has a density of 279 residents per square kilometre (compared to Hobart which covers an area of 1,695.5 square kilometres and has a density of 130 people per square kilometre). The town has a public library, primary school, pharmacy, IGA shop, sports centre, Centrelink office and accommodation. The main industries for the town are mining and tourism.

Population

698

Zeehan has some key assets recognised by community members as supporting walkability including the natural reserves and bush tracks (Zeehan Rivulet, Mount Heemskirk and Mount Dundas).
The town is located along the Zeehan Highway with key facilities in the town (such as the supermarket and school) spread along the 2km length of road. Most of these key facilities are in walking distance for residents, however the length of the road does present challenges for some people.
Improvements to the general infrastructure (including footpath quality, seating and lighting) was discussed to support community members to walk more.