The Shot Tower is one of the most famous historic buildings in the state of Tasmania on the outskirts of Hobart. It is located 11 kilometres from the state capital in the town of Taroona. Built in 1870 by a Scottish immigrant, Joseph Moir, the tower reaches 48 metres in height and is 10 metres in diameter at its base. Within four years of its construction, it was the tallest building in Australia, and in Tasmania it held this honourable status for a full 100 years! The purpose of the tower is interesting: from its top, molten lead was passed through a sieve, which fell into the water at the foot and thus turned into lead shot.
The current owners of the tower are the heirs of Joseph Moir, who have have turned it into a popular tourist attraction. Many people are willing to climb the 300 steps to the top for the marvellous, yet dizzying views of the mouth of the River Derwent. There is a small museum on the ground floor of the tower, where you can learn the history of the Moir family and get information about the 19th century lead bullet manufacturing process. Next to the museum there's a souvenir shop and a café. There is a beautiful garden around the tower, where you can wander around, enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the surrounding nature.
