Mount Direction Historic Site

The Mount Direction Historic Site, located approximately 25 kilometers north of Launceston, offers visitors a glimpse into Tasmania's early communication history. Established in 1825, the Tamar Valley Semaphore System was one of the first of its kind in Australia, facilitating communication between Launceston and George Town. The Mount Direction station, built in 1843, was a pivotal component of this system, featuring a stone residence constructed from locally quarried dolerite rock. The site also includes cast iron gates and a dry stone wall, remnants from its pastoral period. Visitors can explore the ruins and discover features such as eye bolts used to stabilize the original semaphore mast, stone cairns, quarries, and postholes. To reach the site, a gentle 1.5-kilometer walk to the summit takes approximately 30 minutes. The area provides shade and parking facilities, making it a pleasant spot for a historical excursion. Please note that dogs are not permitted on the premises, and there are no picnic tables or barbecue facilities available.