Wishlist

As you browse the site, add accommodation, tours, events and attractions to your personalised trip by clicking the heart icon. When you’re done, click the heart icon in the menu at the top of the website to view your wishlist.

Review your list, remove any items you no longer need, then select “View your itinerary” to see your trip on a map, or send it to a friend.

The Shot Tower Taroona: A Must-Visit Historic Landmark in Tasmania

Perched high above the waterside suburb of Taroona, the Shot Tower stands as one of Tasmania’s most distinctive heritage landmarks. 

This towering structure, a testament to the ambition and ingenuity of its creator, Joseph Moir, has presided over the Channel Highway since 1870 and offers visitors a unique journey into Tasmania’s industrial past.

Home » Blog » The Shot Tower Taroona: A Must-Visit Historic Landmark in Tasmania

The Shot Tower Taroona. Image Credit: Darren Wright

History of the Shot Tower

Constructed in 1870, the Shot Tower was designed to produce lead shots using the innovative “long drop and water” method.

At 58 meters tall, it was Australia’s tallest building for four years and remained Tasmania’s tallest structure for over a century. 

The tower’s cylindrical sandstone form, which still holds the title of the tallest such structure in the Southern Hemisphere, was built with painstaking attention to detail by Moir, who ensured that the climb to the top was manageable for workers who ascended and descended numerous times each day.

Visitors today can experience this thoughtful design firsthand. Climbing the 259 wooden steps is less daunting than it may seem, as the steps were purposefully built with a gentle incline to accommodate the workers who once hauled heavy sacks of molten lead.

Incredibly, the oldest known person to reach the top of the tower was 97 years old!

The Shot Tower Taroona. Image Credit: Darren Wright
The Shot Tower Taroona. Image Credit: Darren Wright
The Shot Tower Taroona. Image Credit: Darren Wright

Reasons to Visit the Shot Tower

The Shot Tower is much more than a historic structure; it offers an immersive experience that transports visitors back to a time when Tasmania’s industrial might was on display. 

The tower’s museum provides a fascinating insight into the process of lead shot production, showcasing how molten lead was dropped through a colander at the top of the tower, forming perfectly spherical shot as it fell into a water-filled basin below. It’s a rare opportunity to explore one of the last remaining circular shot towers of its kind in the world.

Reaching the open gallery at the top of the tower rewards you with breathtaking, 360-degree views across Storm Bay, the South Arm, and the surrounding countryside. 

From this vantage point, you can truly appreciate the natural beauty of southern Tasmania and understand why Moir chose this spot for his ambitious project. The climb, although high, is achievable for most, and the stunning vistas are worth every step.

The Shot Tower Taroona. Image Credit: Darren Wright
The Shot Tower Taroona. Image Credit: Darren Wright

Getting There

The Shot Tower is located on the Channel Highway in Taroona, just 11 kilometers from central Hobart. It’s an easy 15-minute drive, making it an ideal day trip for visitors to the city. As you travel, keep an eye out for native wildlife, particularly if driving in the early morning or late evening.

Plan Your Visit

Open to the public, the Shot Tower is classified by the National Trust and listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register. It’s a must-see for history enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone with a sense of adventure. Whether you’re intrigued by the engineering feats of the past or simply looking for a unique way to enjoy Tasmania’s natural beauty, the Shot Tower offers an experience like no other.

Brave the Tower

Make sure to bring your camera, a sense of curiosity, and perhaps a little courage to climb those steps. The reward is not only in the view but in the journey itself—a journey through time, history, and the ingenuity of Tasmania’s early settlers.

The Shot Tower Taroona. 📷 Image Credits: Darren Wright Photography

Discover D’Entrecasteaux Channel

A picturesque stretch of water separating lunawuni / Bruny Island from the Tasmanian mainland.

Sign up for our mailing list

Subscribe for updates on what's happening in hobart and beyond