Driving through Waratah on our way to Corinna, we spied an interesting rustic cabin. We stopped to investigate and found Philosopher Smith’s hut, a replica of a typical miner’s hut from the late 1800s.

James ‘Philosopher’ Smith is credited with the discovery of tin at Mount Bischoff and the founding of Waratah in 1871.

The interior was less than comfortable and displayed the equipment a prospector would have used when searching for minerals in the 1870s.

With time to spare before lunch, we moved on to explore the adjacent museum.

The former Courthouse building is now home to a collection of local historical photographs and artefacts. The main courtroom has retained the judge’s bench and witness box among other original features.

A roll-top desk has pride of place in an adjoining room with a neatly scribed ledger showing receipts and payments.

In the music room, vintage instruments, sheet music and old vinyl records reflect a time when music was an integral part of the social scene.

As expected, mining memorabilia abounds along with specimens of gemstones and minerals.

Among all the fascinating items, my favourite is this child’s dress. Despite the pretty trimmings, it does look a might scratchy.