The main copper and gold ore bearing deposits in the West Coast Range are known to occur in the Mount Read Volcanics relating to the complex geology of the area.

The Hercules Mine on Mount Read was connected by a 1,642-foot (500 m) haulage incline to Williamsford and then to the North East Dundas Tramway.

The community, mainly known in early sources as the Mount Read township surrounding the Hercules minesite had various struggles for services and facilities.

[20][21] The hotel is mentioned as early as 1898[22] Situated at 1000 metres Mount Read (township) was the most elevated town which has existed in Tasmania[23] Despite extensive historic mining and human activity on its slopes, Mount Read has unique and significant stands of Huon pine forests on its slopes.

[24] The southern slopes of Mount Read have been identified as a special habitat[25][26] enclosed in the Lake Johnston Nature Reserve.