Several towns across Tasmania's West Coast survived after the mining boom stopped in the early 20th century but the pandemic is causing another blow to their economy.
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For some the idea of not being able to travel scratches at their travel itch and what better place to explore than your own backyard in regional Tasmania.
The West Coast region is littered with history from the region's mining past and depends on tourism, predominantly interstate or international visitors, to survive.
Statistics from Tourism Research Australia showed from the year to March the state's regional areas attracted 1.8 million people and contributed $1.4 billion to the economy.
Something that is not being matched during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said the West Coast was often a place people visited once but may not return to for years but now was the time.
"It's critical ... for some businesses it's probably the difference between survival and closure at the moment.
"It's been a bit of a sugar hit for the last few weeks with Tasmanians able to get out and school holidays.
"The West Coast is a classic, a lot of people say they've been but haven't been back for 20 years. Now's the time to make those days trips, do a weekend away and the reality is you can get some really good affordable deals at the moment," he said.
Mr Martin said there was a lot of apprehension in the industry. He acknowledged the difficult times for all but said any support would be welcomed.
"Not everyone can afford a nice weekend away at the moment," he said.
"However there is a lot of Tasmanians doing day trips, going on walks and perhaps as they're doing that they could think about refuelling their car or getting a coffee and lunch from the local takeaways."
With the state's borders reopening pushed back from July 24 to an unknown future date, intrastate travel is the tourism industry's only hope in the region.
According to Tourism Tasmania, the sector also directly and indirectly supports about 42,000 jobs or 17.2 per cent of the state's total employment.
In other news:
The West Coast region has a strong mining history yet offers vastly different environments for tourists and visitors to explore.
As many struggle financially during the pandemic, an extensive trip may not be possible but the region offers plenty of options.
One such place is Corinna, the town borders the Pieman River and is surrounded by the Tarkine Wilderness.
It's the only surviving remote area historic mining settlement in the state and claims the title for the largest nugget of gold ever discovered in Tasmania, 7.5 kg.
Its gold rush days began in the late 1800s after the mineral was found in the area, leading to a population of 2500 people, two hotels, a post office, stores and shops.
The surviving structures have been transformed into accommodation surrounded by 15 walks and kayaking options in the Tarkine.
Nearby, but offering a vastly different landscape to explore is the old mining town of Zeehan. In 1900 it was the third largest town in the state, with up to 10,000 residents in the mining boom.
During the boom it had up to 17 hotels and a newspaper. It has a historic town centre featuring the West Coast Pioneers' Memorial Museum, a 100-metre railway tunnel and old mine shafts.
West Coast Council mayor Phil Vickers said the vast majority of the region's tourism did come from mainland states.
"Roughly only 13 per cent of our visitors are Tasmanian year after year," he said.
"So even if we managed to double that we are still only at 26 per cent of our normal income, so it is quite serious.
"The West Coast is a beautiful place all together and there's so many things you can do for free.
"It would certainly be nice if Tasmanians from the bigger centres made the effort to get out to regional Tasmania, they certainly would be welcomed."
Queenstown is another West Coast mining town, which still operates as one to a capacity, and its history is unavoidable as you drive through the barren hills surrounding the town.
The barrenness acts as a reminder of the affect humans can have on the environment, as the forests were cut down to fuel the copper smelters, sprouting sulphur fumes, paired with erosion to create the landscape.
It has several lookouts, such as the Spion Kopf and Iron Blow, its infamous gravel oval and a historic railway station, with plaques to inform you about the town's past.
Another town, surrounded by Yosemite-like-rock formations and forestry, with a mining past is Tullah. It was once named Mount Farrell, after the discovery of silver lead ore, and continues to support some mining but depends on tourism.
On one side is Lake Rosebery and on the other, multiple dams for fishing and boating, including Mackintosh Dam.
The area also has walking and mountain bike trails, kayaking and the Wee Georgie Wood Railway, which is closed until October.
Strahan is renowned for attracting visitors for its West Coast Wilderness Railway, which is closed until September, its river cruises and its seafood.
The popular destination has a mining history too, it was a vital port for nearby mines in Zeehan and Queenstown.
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Isobel Cootes
Sports reporter at The Canberra Times. A Novocastrian with a passion for football (or soccer as they call it in the capital) via The Examiner and The Port Lincoln Times.
Sports reporter at The Canberra Times. A Novocastrian with a passion for football (or soccer as they call it in the capital) via The Examiner and The Port Lincoln Times.
