Shot Tower, Taroona

The Shot Tower at Taroona is a heritage listed historic building between Hobart and Kingston, Tasmania. It was designed and built by Joseph Moir in 1870 in only eight months. It is one of only three remaining shot towers in Australia.[1][2] It is the sole claimant for the tallest[3] and first circular sandstone shot tower in the Southern Hemisphere and the only one still open for visitors to enter and climb.[4] For four years it was the tallest building in Australia, and for one hundred years the tallest in Tasmania until it was superseded by the Mount Wellington broadcast tower.[4] It is also believed to be the tallest circular sandstone tower in the world. The building is listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register[5] and was listed on the now defunct Register of the National Estate.[6]

The Shot Tower
The Shot Tower at Taroona
General information
TypeShot tower
LocationTaroona, Tasmania.
CountryAustralia
Construction started1870
Inaugurated8 September 1870
OwnerTasmanian government
Height192.6 feet (58.7 m)
Dimensions
Diameter10-3.9 metres
Technical details
MaterialSandstone
Design and construction
ArchitectJoseph Moir
EngineerJoseph Moir

It is attached to a historic house known as Queensborough Glen Estate, which was the Residence of Joseph Moir and his family for many years.

The site now operates as a tourist attraction.

Height

The tower has a height of 192.6 feet (58.7 m)[2] with a diameter of either 10m[3] or 6.37m at the base[7] with either 258[2][7] or 318 steps.[1]

References
  1. Smith, drawings by Max Angus ; text by Patsy Adam (1982). Hobart sketchbook (Rev. ed.). Adelaide: Rigby. p. 36. ISBN 0727000284.
  2. Norris, Keith (1980). Australia's heritage sketchbook (New ed.). Sydney: Weldon Pub. pp. 30–31. ISBN 1863022988.
  3. "Parks & Wildlife Service - History". www.parks.tas.gov.au. Parks & Wildlife Service. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  4. "Joseph Moir's Shot Tower". Atlas Obscura. Atlas Obscura.
  5. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 March 2016. Retrieved 9 June 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. "Shot Tower Historic Site, 318 Channel Hwy, Taroona, TAS, Australia (Place ID 11467)". Australian Heritage Database. Australian Government. 21 March 1978. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
  7. "Australian Heritage Database". www.environment.gov.au.

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