Mathinna
Mathinna takes its name from that of an aboriginal girl befriended by Governor and Lady Franklin. The town is 26 kms north of Fingal, adjacent to the upper reaches of the South Esk River. It can also be reached from Avoca by taking a scenic drive through Rossarden, Mangana and Tower Hill.
Mathinna became established soon after gold was discovered at Mangana, and for a time was the third largest town in Tasmania. The Mathinna goldfields were very productive and supported a large population including many Chinese. The new Golden Gate mine employed 300 men per shift and became the State's second highest producer of gold after the Tasmania mine at Beaconsfield. Even today, renewed interest in gold is causing some activity in the district.
Although Mathinna reached its zenith in the late 1800's, many original buildings still stand. Dowsett's Drapers, the old Post Office, Hart & Co. and the Golden Gate manager's residence, all built in the 19th century, are being renovated by their present owners. Two early churches, one of them still in regular use, are on the hill overlooking the town. An old cemetery (turn right at the store) is an interesting place to visit; the graves of the many young men buried there bear mute testimony to the hazards of their former occupation.
There are several fine parks and reserves close to Mathinna. The Mathinna Falls Reserve, 7 kms from the town, offers a pleasant walk through rain forest to a spectacular waterfall. Evercreech Forest Reserve features the famous 'White Knights', the tallest white gums in the world. The Griffin Forest Reserve, 5 kms from Mathinna, provides excellent camping facilities surrounded by radiata pine plantations, near the beautiful South Esk River.
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