Our Quarry
Millions of Years in the Making. Hand-Split Today.
Welcome to Mike Howe's Marsh
Nestled 600 meters above sea level in the rugged Central Highlands of Tasmania, Mike Howe's Marsh is an operational quarry steeped in both geological majesty and local lore. Flanked by Table Mountain to the west and the striking waters of Lake Sorell and Lake Crescent to the northwest, this landscape is as dramatic as the stone it produces. Here, we extract breathtaking Triassic sandstone with a history spanning 240 million years. Named after the notorious 1800s bushranger, Mike Howe, the quarry has been crafting exquisite flagstone slabs, crazy paving, and premium hand-split products since the late 1980s.
Our commitment to the Tasmanian wilderness drives our low-impact operations, ensuring a minimal carbon footprint while delivering top-tier materials that capture the rich, earthy tones of the landscape.
Forged by the elements, our sandstone is defined by its exceptional strength. Naturally low in clay and high in silica, it is a remarkably dense and durable material. Like most porous sedimentary rocks, the stone retains a high moisture content, known as "quarry sap", upon extraction. Rather than rushing the process, we let the raw stone sit in the harsh, high-altitude elements (including winter snowfalls) for several weeks. This vital curing process allows the stone to naturally oxidize, dry, and shed any delamination. The result is a fully cured, structurally flawless stone ready for final processing.
Experience its unique character, providing the perfect foundation for any project.
