I Found a Ghost Town Cemetery In this Forest

In this video I head off on an adventure to visit the ghost town of Balfour in Tasmania. Balfour was a mining town which in 1910 housed over 300 people. When a typhoid outbreak hit the town many people lost their lives. Many people were buried in the cemetery but as it has been burnt from multiple bushfires only 4 graves remain, those that are left sitting in the forest tell a compelling chapter of the history of Balfour.
I set off to retrace part of the original pack track that was cut through dense forest to service the town in its early days, after visiting the town I planned to pack raft the river back to where I parked my car.
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[@samanthanorman8702]

My x2 great grandfather died in the copper mines. George Haslam d. 24 August 1911. Age 42 years. It was really good to see from your KZbin, what Balfour is like these day. Thank you for your efforts in making these great adventures.

[@tasmanndog]

To Jim good night love nay the night is ill that parts we two Alma. (As written on that urn)

[@Rob.Parsons]

WOW!

[@malcolmmcarthur5924]

Hi Rob, thanks for sharing your video of Balfour. We took our father back there only days before your video was released. Sylvia was my fathers aunt, his dad’s sister. We enjoy reading and learning about her life in Balfour, and also some of my grandfathers time there. Thanks for sharing about the mine we didn’t get there. We have a photo of Sylvia and William in the addit to the mine. Once again thanks for sharing. Cheers, Malcolm McArthur

[@jacquirawlings3979]

Hi Malcolm, our family have a shack at Sarah Anne so we have visited the Balfour cemetery countless times, Sylvia’s grave is always so sad. It’s lovely to know that she has family that still think and care about her.

[@Chattycrafter2580]

Your videos are amazing. My husband is Tasmanian, he hasn’t lived there since 1967 but we go back regularly to visit he’s family. I have one request, when finding graves could you just spend an extra few seconds identifying them, as this would be so helpful for genealogist and family historians. We appreciate your exploring, your precise explanations and your love for what I would call the most fascinating and beautiful Australian state. Thank you.

[@randalltapp8944]

You are a class story teller and cinemaphotographer Rob. Your content is so pertinent in this crazy day and age. It keeps us grounded and appreciative of the beauty around us. Thank you.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Why thank you mate I really appreciate that you feel that way!

[@officialtassieboysprospecting]

Awesome adventure again homie great coverage of the history really good

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks lad

[@Artby_Katina]

It’s truly sad to see those graves of those people that have been abandoned and forgotten for so long. But it was wonderful floating down the Frankland with you, looking up at those magnificent trees, thank you for another epic adventure.

[@wendymasters9076]

Went into Balfour in the early 80s and families were living in there. Some amazing houses they had put together, was certainly a trek in from Arthur River side but worth it! great vid as always :)

[@Rob.Parsons]

Its very sad indeed, I think Sylvias family moved away shortly after her death to the North East of Tasmania so they rarely got the chance to visit.

[@chrisflesser]

Someone must maintain the graves, to some degree. 🤔 The names look freshly painted.

[@peterbateman8018]

Another gem of a travelogue. Beautifully filmed and edited; thank you.😊

[@Rob.Parsons]

Glad you enjoyed it Peter thanks for the great comment!

[@kimdurfey2911]

Thank you for filming Balfour! It brought back many memories of our time there. I lived in the blue pyramid, circa 1977-1978. I was 11-12 years old at the time. My mother and her partner built the pyramid to live in. They had leased land to tin mine near the old mines.

[@andrewgatenbymusic6295]

Amazing. I am born and raised in TAS but have lived on the mainland since 2000. Your videos make me feel connected to my family history in TAS particularly as my father and his Dad and Grandfather had a real affinity for the West and South West and it's mining history. Take care out there tho.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks Andrew, that's epic. Most people either love it or don't give 2 craps. But I feel like more and more people are learning and loving Tasmania's history especially the Southwest

[@duffynorris-bailey854]

Once again you’ve given an insight to recent history many wouldn’t know. Keep exploring and show us the great footage and research appreciated.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks Duffy, will do!

[@Acediscoface]

Another gem of an upload. What an amazing place Tazmania is. Much kudos for taking us along with you. 🙏❤️

[@Rob.Parsons]

My pleasure anna thanks for the comment

[@debbiemingins4217]

Thank you so much for another wonderful glimpse into a Tasmania I have never seen before 😀

[@Rob.Parsons]

My pleasure Debbie thanks!

[@jeffholmes1362]

Nice job, great to see the old towns and learn some history about them too. Thanks for Sharing Rob

[@Rob.Parsons]

My pleasure Jeff thanks for tuning in

[@chrisgolfer7528]

Thanks for taking us on another great adventure Rob, look forward to the next exciting journey.

[@Rob.Parsons]

My pleasure Chris, and so am I!

[@borninthewrongera6888]

I wish I had the guts to get out and explore . Love how you showcase the beauty of our beautiful state . Well done

[@davef5916]

hard out mate your stuff just gets better and better, the trailing shots of you walking away from camera are sick. Thanks for being a great inspiration to get back out there.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks for the great comment Dave!

[@RocDoc1]

I love what you do. I lived on the West Coast for a few years in the early 80s, your videos take me back to the wonderful silence deep in the myrtle forest.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks for watching!

[@leonkahler7223]

I truly relish following you through the history of one of God's most incredible places on earth. Thank you, immensely, from Texas!

[@davidbennion876]

Growing up on the west coast and seeing you walking through the bush takes me back to happy times camping out in the bush. 83 now but the sound of a black jay is one that you can never forget. Very nostalgic. You are so so fortunate to enjoy it. Take care and stay safe.😊😊

[@traceyb3752]

Love the graves, pitty the historical society dosn't maintain and fix up such important items. Thanks for remembering and speaking there names. Great work 😀

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks Tracey

[@raybulmer5707]

Brilliant! So great to see there's a lot more to Tassie than what is usually shown. You take us to magnificent places, exceptional places. A big thanks.👍

[@Rob.Parsons]

Glad you enjoyed it Ray thanks for the comment mate!

[@DustinPaulSmith]

Love your videos,can't believe the untouched old growth forests.Just awesome,hope to see many more.Thank you.

[@adamsrcsandadventure700]

Awesome adventure thanks for sharing 👍

[@Rob.Parsons]

My pleasure mate thanks!

[@Whiterabbit42]

Thanks Rob, you are a Trooper mate. ♥️

[@caroljohnson8817]

What a super Quest to bring history to all who will never have the opportunity to know or see. Thank You!!

[@chrismuramatsu6600]

Another wonderful video. Thank you. Your jump scare at the abandoned cabin/mobile home was an uncharacteristic surprise.

[@rhondahill2530]

Stunning scenery. I thankyou for showing parts of Tasmania I will never get to see otherwise. You are doing an excellent job of promoting Tasmainia & Tasmanian Tourism should be doing everything in their power to support you. You are a fantastic naturally blessed filmaker. Really really enjoyed 2 of your videos & hope to watch more. Saw you on my ABC news app. Love the sounds of the bush birds too.

[@allanmaccaul1465]

Love your videos mate, calms my mind... Definitely one of my favourite channels, 👌

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks for the feedback man I'm super stoked to hear that, cheers

[@allanmaccaul1465]

@@Rob.Parsons actually going through a lot of mental trauma at the moment where I can't relax and forget about things.. Your videos definitely take my mind of everything, 30min video felt like 5mins.. I really need to get myself out there...

[@klim5943]

Like the video and the music. Its a great choice to appreciate the natural healthy beautiful parts of our precious world. And to have a look at history in a true and real sense. Not just int he books and the news. 😍. Thankyou for this. 🪲

[@speckledjim_]

A similar thing happened to myself and the lads on a trek in the Scottish Highlands. After walking for a few km's we came to a clearing, which had 12 gravestones, they were all from 1756 and all from the same family. After further research we discovered it was part of the Highland clearances, where whole families would lose theyre land to make way for sheep. The gravestones were for those who refused to move.

[@ianchampion1486]

I went there about 30 years ago with a mate from Couta Rocks, he knew the area fairly well. It was before the Western Explorer was build and in places it was serious 4WD territory in winter months. There was the remains of one timber building back then, maybe the bank or the post office I can't recall. The graves were fairly easy to find then. There was two families living there just out of "town", they were mining tin. They said they were making a living but were never going to get rich. Their houses were basically lean-tos that they'd built from materials they'd scavanged around the area and corrugated iron they'd brought from town. I believe it was two brothers and their respective families. As someone else has commented, it had a big Deliverance vibe about it.

[@sharoncann1055]

Would you happen to be a family from the preolenna area mate

[@Rob.Parsons]

Fascinating!

[@ianchampion1486]

Sharon Cate, no I'm from Vic but an ex in-law was fishing out of Couta Rocks.

[@davidhall158]

My grandmother was at school there in 1914. I’ve read some info that states Balfour was all over after the water contamination and typhoid outbreak in 1912 but I understand it struggled in until 1924. I went there in ‘77 when I was 13. It must have been February 19 because Doug Walters was smashing out a double century in Christchurch. There was not much remaining at that time. I remember the cemetery and the 2 local miners but I don’t recall any other structures. There was a sign pointing to the cemetery which was reached after a short walk through a copse, on a fairly clear and dry road. I remember one of the graves had a broken cover and I felt pretty spooked about being there. We had driven in to cross the Arthur near the mouth and then down the sand track to Temma. Between Temma and Balfour there was a legendary stretch of road known as the long puddle. We had a convoy of 2 SWB Nissan Patrols and an EH Holden. I don’t remember whether the EH made it but I know bets were laid. I feel like it did. Meanwhile, Dougie just kept smashing out the runs.

[@jhallack7491]

Another walk for the history scintillationists!

[@stormbird5630]

Nice work Rob, I enjoy the history you share in your videos

[@vigilante351]

Gravesites that would barely ever be seen again, and you've showcased them. Such an amazing thing! No trails, no service, and barely any trace of life! All I can think of is how the gravestones were created back then, and caryying them into this remote area! That bus was insane too, how long ago was it last used I wonder?!

[@Rob.Parsons]

I have no idea but im gonna say it has to be early 90's.. it was pretty parked!

[@JanisTilyard]

I loved this video. History and bush walking tied together. Beautiful scenery. Thanks Rob.

[@barry7608]

Awesome thanks, I'm as green with envy as your surroundings. I'm now 73 but would be happy to head out on those type of adventures. My tip drop the music, its not a bad choice but the bush sounds are better.

[@probablynathan]

Awesome work Rob. Love the research you do to make these videos.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks Nathan, I also enjoy the research part as it gives me something to study as I'm leading upto my adventure. I feel so much more excited to go visit a place when I know more about it. And makes for a fun intro with all the facts. Thanks again!

[@graceelliott1914]

Thanks for sharing Rob, I just came across this video. Sylvia was my great-grandfathers first cousin (my 1st cousin, 3x removed). I visited the grave with my parents a few years ago. Love connecting with my family history - Tasmania is a small place. Grace :)

[@deniscameron3792]

I'm just discovering your great videos. I've just come back from 9 weeks in Tas and mainland Oz, I live in the UK. Thanks for posting.

[@dcsc1]

Wow, imagine not knowing anything about the history of this place and whilst out bushwalking stumbling across pristine graves in the middle of nowhere. It would wigg me out, that's for sure. Thanks for taking us on another adventure, Rob. I so look forward to every upload! And thanks for sharing such wonderful history. I absolutely love your history lessons of our beautiful state, Tasmania! 😊

[@Rob.Parsons]

That would be the craziest thing to run into! Thanks for comment I really appreciate it!

[@chaoslab]

Some history with a nature bath, delicious.

[@AP-em4wr]

Gosh, didn't know this even existed, what an amazing place. Thankyou Rob for another great piece of Tassie history with outstanding footage...

[@Rob.Parsons]

Oh thank you for the kind comment, it's my pleasure.

[@garyburgess4464]

Like a few here I spent many a weekend in my youth in that part of the west coast. Only ever made it to the cemetery once.....a very humbling experience. Another great video Rob. Always anticipating your next your adventure. 👍👍

[@kimcooper1451]

Hey Rob. I enjoy your content. As an expat Tazwegen who grew up in Burnie I thought I knew Taz but in the past 20 years I have been visiting I have learned much more than I previously knew. Your adventures add the icing to the cake. When I visit I usually stay some time at Weegeena Levi's stomping ground. I wish I was younger and not a liability so I could go on an expedition with you both. Keep up the great work. Regarding your hiking spats. Have you been definitely saved by wearing them. I suppose there are many times you might not have known how close to danger you have come. Maybe a comment on your close calls ??. Cheers👣

[@ivonawelsh2040]

Thanks for the adventure and sharing the beauty of Tassie wilderness.

[@scottydee9767]

Awesome adventure mate💪🏽💪🏽

[@gillianshaw7944]

Wonderful Wonderful!! Thankyou for this . Physically I cannot do these walks so it's Wonderful to b taken on your journey to see lost towns of Tasmania and marvel at the history. You are a credit to Tasmania . Keep up the good work!

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks Gillian!

[@ervinslens]

Inspiring upload bud, shots are truly gorgeous.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Glad you enjoyed Ervin just been over to your channel to check out your vids they look great mate, look forward to watching them. Thanks

[@coilsandcoinsdetecting]

Once again Rob, you’ve sent it! Love your videos, and the cinematography and drone footage is always on point. Enjoyed the back story to the area, of which I knew very little. Keep up the good work! Always look forward to your next journey in the Tassie wilderness!

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks mate!

[@DoomNightAt12]

Wonderful to see how Balfour is looking after all these years. I spent plenty of time in that Pyramid shaped shack (26min in) as a kid. So much family history

[@Rob.Parsons]

Oh wow, how amazing! I wonder if it is still occupied these days?

[@DoomNightAt12]

@@Rob.Parsons The family re-roofed the Dome last dry season, it's liveable, mostly tourists or family who spend time there now. There's regulars at some of the other shacks too last I heard

[@davidblunden5369]

Great story as always Rob. Stunning capture of forests and river. A great mix of days of fortune, the hardship, the sadness and those that stayed a while longer at Balfour.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks David! You described it so well. Sounds so much like Tasmania's upbringing.

[@TheAm3313]

Amazing adventure as always Rob! I'm heading back to Tassie soon after a couple of years away and your videos always fill me with so much excitement!

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks Alex stoked to hear they get you keen to get back out there. It's a beautiful state we've got here. Thanks for the comment mate, cheers.

[@NoName-ds5uq]

That first part of your journey reminded me of a certain spot in Lower Longley where I lived in the 1970s as a little kid. It was about 550 metres above sea level. It was magical to me!

[@movierazor]

Awesome adventure Rob, I first heard about Balfour on the TAS-TV documentary Island Railways

[@Al1978Newman]

Hey Rob, I'm loving your exploration of our beautiful home state. I'm going to start showing these to my kids and see if they're interested in exploring with me!! #KeepDoingWhatYoureDoing #OnwardAndUpward Cheers, Al.

[@mikeparsons737]

Hello Rob, Thanks for transporting Rose and I into fascinating history of Balfour that we would never get to see, well done mate,love your commentary and photography and of course you too, keep up the sterling work, all the best Mike

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks Mike!

[@garyburkholder4170]

What a wild ride brother. Awesome tour Rob.

[@TheGggnome]

Young man you are truly a Wizard.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thank you mate appreciate it!

[@suerolandcox2155]

Hi Rob, we enjoyed your video as well as some others you have done. We especially watched it because we were there in 2010 but could not find the cemetery. The place was very overgrown and reminded us of “deliverance country” there were quite a few houses and shacks there then and at least one person living there, so it has changed considerable……Roland Cox

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks very cool to know, I'm sure there is plenty more to discover in the area too if one was so inclined. I'm not sure who lives up there now but there were many ruins of houses and caravans around the place which I didn't have the stones to stick my head into. At least when I am there solo anyway!

[@geraldinemoreno1486]

Thank you for your video. It was really interesting to see the graves and the area was beautiful.

[@laurafoster297]

I researched & visited balfour around a month ago, after spending most the day poking around murrays reward (never seen a historical vertical shaft yet and i have visited many so this was exciting) and the surrounding bush I intended to head off to the cemetery to visit the grave of Sylvia, however we spent so long talking history with the locals that I didn't make it before we lost daylight, we intend to head back again one day when we can... I love your adventures Rob, and the fact you don't get as easily side tracked as me and actually make it to your destinations 😅

[@Rob.Parsons]

Oh awesome! I didn't run into any locals when I was there but I'd imagine they never expected anyone to arrive without a vehicle. That's given you plenty of good reason to make another trip into the area, such a stunning part of Tasmania. I hope you enjoy! Thanks Laura.

[@andrewdean5949]

How Good! Amazing videography, nice story, bingo, 1K views within 2 hours of uploading! Winner mate, well done!

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks not too bad for my channel! Thanks Andrew :-)

[@SpOrAtiK]

Loved this!

[@garystart3421]

Great stuff. Keep it coming

[@DazGeary]

Amazing history, thanks Rob

[@tyronemcgillick]

another great one!

[@catebell374]

Thank you so much for the great vids

[@Anekrys]

This was amazing video and you are adventurous!

[@tinabenavidez1903]

I just came across your video. I like that you're reading their name. History

[@philippascoe9011]

Thanks for another awesome adventure which I followed from the comfort of a warm bed in SE Qld.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Great to hear, my pleasure mate!

[@Mack74]

Another great video! Thanks Rob. We were down tassie 2 weeks ago doing a CAN Queenslanders survive the cold of tassie for a future permeant move in a few years. Such a amazing place! And in Dec 2020 we drove the Balfour Track. LOVE LOVE LOVE The West Coast.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks awesome mate I hope it wasn't too cold for you!

[@wilfor03]

Enjoyed the video, and, thank you Rob

[@rodgeorge7244]

Thanks!

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks a lot Rod!

[@wesshirlaw8716]

Great documentary Rob always top content 👍

[@jaisrobins1545]

Man those NeveGear sleeping quilts look so good , I probably would get the same colours as you did except I’d get the inside orange incase of emergency can open it up as a signal flag . My problem with the sleeping bag is the price is probably $290 too much for my liking I’m sure it’s comfortable but anything over $500 is out of the question for me . Another great video so tempted to pack up and move to Tasmania now . Thanks Rob

[@patrickbutler1715]

Another great video Rob .... I thought the music in the first half was perfect

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks Patrick, its hard to find decent music thats not all copyright. I Appreciate the feedback mate!

[@JosesGaraje]

Great filming! The word for this video is "Epiphyte". I'm also glad to see as time goes on that you're taking personal safety to heart. We wouldn't want to lose you.😊

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thank you!

[@goldflame57]

every time I see your vids I just want to go out forest hiking myself but since I have only recently got my L1s and lack a car and someone who is willing to sit next to me to go to such places I'm stuck in Wynyard.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Nice, stick at the learning then you'll have access to go wherever you want whenever you want!

[@goldflame57]

Will do

[@Bryker58]

Great video mate. I love your content! Keep it up.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks Micheal will do, leaving tomorrow for another trip!

[@goldfeverreliever]

Another brilliant video Rob. Love it keep em coming

[@Rob.Parsons]

My pleasure Zorro will do

[@grahameroberts8109]

I admire your cinematic and bush skills and how you do these treks solo, capturing awesome scenery. You should have more subscribers than what you have Rob. Keep up the great journeys. Thanks mate. 👍🏻🙏🦘

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks Grahame I really appreciate the kind words mate.

[@robnairn6964]

Awesome channel mate. Another great vid.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Much appreciated Rob

[@bobclark4994]

Nice one again Rob. Keep up the good work!

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks Bob I certainly will!

[@mrsusan893]

Awesome adventure mate. Looking forward to the next one.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Glad you enjoyed it I better get to work on the next big trip then. Thanks

[@SmallWonda]

Very enjoyable, Rob, cheers. Shame a few volunteers couldn't go in & just tidy up the graveyard a bit, just to keep the forest at bay. The myrtles are lovely - looked like a very cool adventure.

[@Rob.Parsons]

That would be a great thing to do wouldn't it!

[@SmallWonda]

@@Rob.Parsons For sure - Wonder if you'd be 'allowed' to do it?

[@sueg8459]

Great video. Love seeing your adventures

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks for watching!

[@peterw2845]

Awesome explore again rob , thanks always 👍

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks Peter

[@420downunder7]

Another great adventure, Thank you

[@Rob.Parsons]

Glad you enjoyed it 420

[@mikeystrikes7203]

Thx love the history.

[@colinlong1669]

Rob thanks for taking with you the story and vid were great cheers

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks Colin I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it. Appreciate it cheers.

[@lubyard6057]

Thank you once again. A fabulous insight.

[@Rob.Parsons]

You're very welcome

[@vicnurse5]

Hi, another fantastic visit to a gorgeous yet sad place. So many deserted or no longer there places. The cemetery is lovely as is the trip to Balfour. I wish I knew more of these places when I lived in Tassie, mind you it was in the late 1990's....Used to hike to the South Coast Track or up into the Hartz Mountains which were close to where I lived in Glazier's Bay. I love your video's, wish I was as fit as you, but getting a bit too old now...I look forward to seeing your new videos. I also love the history you provide of these places. Cheers Vicki in Sth Australia

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks for the comment Vicki. I still haven't made it to either of those places! At least you can always visit Tassie for a holiday, Balfour is easily reached by car and 5 minute walk to the cemetery. Have a great day thanks!

[@vicnurse5]

@@Rob.Parsons oh my brother used to live at Nubeena visited him a few times, would have been a great chance to go to Balfour. I didn't know it was so accessible. I think I need to check out my Tassie maps. Just love the land, the bush, the rivers....so evocative but what a harsh life for them back in the day... take care and enjoy. Vicki

[@maxknott]

Another great video giving a great insight into a forgotten era. Thanks rob

[@Rob.Parsons]

My pleasure matt thank you!

[@sallytodd8722]

Thanks for sharing another great adventure Rob 👏👍

[@Rob.Parsons]

My pleasure Sally thanks for the great comment :-)

[@mitchs7599]

Belter Vid Mate - Keep up the good work!

[@Rob.Parsons]

Will do Mitch thanks for the comment

[@historyforatheists9363]

Another great addition to one of my favourite channels. Thanks mate.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks legend!

[@MyWildWestAUS]

Thanks Rob amazing as always, great work, look forward to your adventures.

[@Rob.Parsons]

My pleasure Paul thank you

[@jesswilson366]

Amazing footage again - another epic adventure

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thank you Jess

[@jeremybourkel6732]

Always a pleasure following you Rob! Thank you for another great video!

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks Jeremy :-)

[@headwerkn]

Another thoroughly enjoyable film mate. I remember visiting Balfour as a teenager: like most of the old West Coast mining ghost towns it’s hard to fathom how once thriving settlements literally sprang up in the middle of nowhere then practically disappeared again into the bush within such a short time frame… and not really that long ago either.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Awesome bender, yeah 100 years is nothing mate the Tassie scrub reclaims stuff so fast.