Beaconsfield, TAS

I don’t really think it matters what the content of a museum is, for kids, if it’s interactive, it gets the tick of approval. 

The Beaconsfield Museum and Heritage Centre, at the location of the old gold mine is not only interactive, but it’s old school, with a distinct lack of safety notices around the place – great for just letting the kids go nuts knowing they can’t really get in trouble.

We (the two of us) had come to the door of this place a few years ago, but because we were only in Tasmania for a few days we decided to give it a miss and do something else (can’t remember what – probably visit a winery/brewery/distillery). Which worked out well, as now we could all go and enjoy it together.

There was a good mix of museum-type displays and info about the mine on offer, plus an interesting section on the mine rescue that it is famous for (nearly 20 years ago now!).

The kids enjoyed using the “old” phones – those ones we had as kids where you stick your finger in the thing and dial it around. I also spotted an “old” stereo similar to one I used to have – two cassette options for high speed dubbing! It’s a little disconcerting when things from your childhood are in a museum display. I was happy however when Jim said “hey remember using these things?” about something – I was pleased to say that I most certainly was not old enough to remember that.

Anyway, we all had a great time pushing all the buttons to work the water wheel, move trolleys of rocks and set off really loud alarms. 

As usual, the kids wanted everything in the gift shop on the way out but Hamish settled on a badge of a Tasmanian Devil for his collection, and Heidi on a mood ring. I told her it wouldn’t work and felt validated when it said that she was stressed and I was relaxed.

See, told you Heidi.