The substantial customs house was built in 1885. Its size is indicative of Launceston’s importance as a port at the time. The ore from the rich tin mine at Mt Bischoff was processed in the town, plus Launceston supplied the mine fields on the west coast. Trade flourished, and the customs duties contributed to a booming Tasmanian economy.
Customs House is listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register. Sadly, today the wharves which were contiguous with this building are gone and a very necessary levee bank visually divorces the building from its immediate riverside setting. This building once housed what was thought to be the most important of government functions and currently contains the offices for Customs and Border Protection in Launceston. The building has a large collection of objects of note, including 19th century furniture and other objects that can be traced to the operations of customs in Launceston.
Location: Seaport Boulevard, Launceston
Place Categories: Activities, Attractions and Historic Buildings.
