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WOODS’ HOSTEL

Australia’s first wilderness lodge

The Graphic, March 8, 1884

Almost fifty years before the Springs Hotel was built, visitors to the mountain could find—halfway—refreshment, a hot meal and overnight lodging as well as guidance, at Wood’s hostel at The Springs. Simple it was, but it was, perhaps the first ‘wilderness lodge’ in Australia and it operated between 1860 and 1880.

It was also the home of theOld Man of the Mountain’, Henry Woods and his family. As well as looking after tourists, Woods looked after the water supply at the Springs and cut and repaired walking tracks for the Council.

Woods was succeeded for a short time by his son (also Henry), then later by Joseph Thomson and lastly by Daniel Lucy, who had the unfortunate luck of choking to death on a sausage. After this time, a ranger was formally appointed to look after the Mountain and its many visitors.

VALUES

Historical, archaeological and social.

HERITAGE ASSESSMENT

Focus on the Fringe

HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE

In 2018 the Park’s trustees agreed that Wood’s Cottage (WPHH 0407), Woods Stables and Wood’s Hut 2 should have high priority for nomination to the Tasmanian Heritage Register.

SOURCES

A Timeline of buildings at The Springs