Discover Fitzgerald: railway history and fishing in the surrounding area

Fitzgerald combines a distinctive railway history with a historic route to Adamsfield. In 1925, the railway ended at Fitzgerald. That same year, miners travelling from Fitzgerald to Adamsfield most commonly used the Great Western Track. The historic journey also included an overnight stay at the Florentine River. This names three distinct stops on the journey at the time: the railway terminus, the most frequently used track, and an overnight stop along the way. Anyone interested in the route’s history can see the railway, track, and stopover as distinct parts of the journey.

History in stages

St Boniface Anglican Church adds another timeline to the town’s history. After the former weatherboard building was destroyed by fire, the church was reconsecrated in June 1935. It remained in Fitzgerald until 1953, after which it was moved to Maydena. The period up to 1953 is part of its history in Fitzgerald; its later relocation marks its connection to Maydena. For anyone interested in local history, this move shows how the story of a building can span several places.

Another historical trace lies in Fitzgerald’s wider regional surroundings, in the context of Adamsfield Track and Florentine Crossing: Ewes Inn. The one-room hut was built in the early 1930s; restoration work was carried out in 2014. It is the only surviving hut from the Florentine Crossing era on Adamsfield Track. Unlike the railway and church history, this hut is not part of Fitzgerald itself, but of the wider regional context. This makes it possible to distinguish the town’s history from historical traces that extend beyond its surroundings.

Fishing on the Tyenna River

The area around Fitzgerald offers a different focus: the Tyenna River. It is managed as a wild trout fishery; brown trout predominate, and rainbow trout are also known to be present. As a large, fast-flowing river, it offers excellent opportunities for fishing with all methods. Information about the fish species and the character of the river gives anglers a clear picture of what makes the Tyenna River distinctive.

The stretches vary in their suitability: near Westerway, in Mount Field National Park, and near Maydena, there are sections suitable for fishing from the bank. Other stretches are heavily overgrown and are better suited to wading. This lets you choose a fishing spot based on the particular stretch of water, rather than treating the entire river as uniform. Access rules and restrictions on private land apply. Check these for your chosen section before planning your fishing day.

Local history or a day of fishing?

When looking for a hotel in Fitzgerald, it helps to distinguish between the two focuses: the railway, Great Western Track, and church history tell the story of the town; the fishing opportunities relate to the Tyenna River and nearby stretches. This keeps exploring Fitzgerald’s history and planning a day of fishing in the wider region as clearly distinct parts of your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Sandford, Burnie, Tullah, Ringarooma, Rosny Park, Ross, Lulworth, Wynyard

For the main travel overview: Tasmania.