Heading for the West Coast
On Tasmania’s west coast you’ll find world-famous wilderness rich in convict heritage, stunning national parks and historic mining towns.
Gateway to Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area, its rugged mountains, ancient rain forests and heath make Tasmania’s west one of Australia’s last true wilderness frontiers. Yet, despite its remoteness, it’s easy and safe to visit and travellers can still enjoy the best of Tasmania’s quality accommodation and fine dining.
Tasmania’s west is often remembered for the conflict between forestry workers and environmentalists to save the flooding of Lake Pedder, and once you visit you’ll get an idea of what the protest was all about.
The largest coastal town is Strahan, situated on Macquarie Harbour and close to Sarah Island – one of the harshest penal colony settlements in Australia.
The inland population centres of Queenstown and the smaller towns of Zeehan, Tullah and Rosebery are rich in mining history and are all within a short distance of magnificent lakes, rivers, rainforests, giant sand dunes and historic sites.
There are so many ways to experience Tasmania’s west, from wild forest adventures to luxury cruises on crystal clear waterways or simply by car.
Visitors can experience this world heritage wilderness by driving for around 60 km along the Lyell Highway between Derwent Bridge and Lake Burbury. Bordering the highway are a series of stunning short walks through rainforest with views into the rugged mountain ranges of Tasmania’s west. Keep an eye out for signs to Donaghys Lookout, the Franklin River Nature Trail and the Nelson Falls Nature Trail – all highly recommended.
Here is our checklist. Let us know if you think we missed anything.
Depart Hobart for the 4-hour drive to Queenstown, stop at Lake St Clair part of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
Donaghys Hill Lookout
Keep an eye out for Donaghy’s Lookout a 40-minute return walk from the Lyell Highway with stunning views of the mountain ranges of the west.
Nelson Falls
Stop at Nelson Falls, a delightful horizontal fall – 20-minute return walk.
Horsetail Falls
The entrance car park for the Horsetail Falls walk – a 30-minute return walk – a large seasonal 50-metre waterfall.
Iron Blow Lookout
Iron Blow Lookout with views over the old Mt Lyell open cut mine and down to Lake Roseberry.
The Galley Museum
Visit the Galley Museum with its extensive historic photographic collection and local memorabilia.
Queenstown
King River Rafting (For the more adventurous, take a full or half-day rafting experience down the King River. A white water raft and steam train option are also available.)
Kelly Basin Walk
The Kelly Basin Walk. A 3-4 hour return walk 10.8km.
Queenstown
RoamWild Tasmania. In Queenstown take a personalised tour with a passionate local guide to the old mines, Lake Margaret Power Station, Franklin Dam Blockade site.
Paragon Theatre
Take a short tour of the beautifully restored art deco Paragon Theatre. In the summer months view a film, with refreshments available.
Empire Hotel
Take a stroll around the streets of Queenstown viewing the Galleries, the historic National Trust listed staircase at the Empire Hotel.
Spion Kop Lookout
Take a short steep walk up to the Spion Kof lookout and take in the fantastic views over Queenstown and the iconic heritage-listed gravel oval.
Ocean Beach
Take in a sunset or stroll along Tasmania’s longest beach.
Strahan
In Strahan take a cruise and experience the breathtaking beauty of Macquarie Harbour, the Gordon River and the World Heritage area.
Morrison’s Huon Pine Sawmill
Watch the free demonstration of old style saw milling held each afternoon at 3pm at Morrisons Sawmill on the Esplanade.
West Coast Reflections Exhibition
View the West Coast Reflections Exhibition at the Visitor Centre, an award winning display depicting Tasmanian’s heritage.
The Ship that Never Was
Watch a performance of ‘The Ship That Never Was’ the longest running play in Australia.
Hogarth Falls
Enjoy a walk through the temperate rainforest to Hogarth Falls or a leisurely stroll around the historic foreshore walk taking in the Galleries.
Zeehan
The Spray Tunnel an old abandoned railway tunnel 100 metres long.
Trial Harbour
Explore the harbour settlement of Trial Harbour, a coastal hamlet with magnificent beaches and views.
Rosebery Bakehouse
Rosebery a zinc and gold mining town situated in a beautiful natural setting.
Montezuma Falls
Tasmania’s highest waterfall and is an easy 7km return walk along an old mining tram line through temperate rainforest. (3 hours return)
Stitt Falls
Visit the Stitt Falls a short 5 minute drive from the main street.
Tullah Village Cafe
View the historical display of this mining/hydro town.
Wee Georgie Wood Railway
In the summer months (weekends) take a short 20 minute heritage steam train journey through the rainforest on the “Wee Georgie Wood”.
Lake Rosebery
Explore the beauty of Lake Rosebery by hiring a kayak or take the short walk around part of the Lake.
[Photo credit Tim Guard]
