tourist attractions west coast tasmania

Tasmania Explorer

Tasmania West Coast: Things To Do And Accommodation

Tasmania’s West region is a great area to explore. It’s not like anywhere else in Australia with seemingly endless rainforest, rugged coastline, long beaches, convict heritage and abandoned towns. It’s both a story of what can go right – with the world heritage protected rainforest – and what can go wrong – with the moon like landscape of mining town, Queenstown.

There are some amazing west coast Tasmania attractions from the West Coast Wilderness Railway to exploring the Gordon River and the old penal colony of Sarah Island to the West Coast Heritage Centre. Just the drive in to this part of Tasmania through kilometres of old rainforest helps to add to the feeling you have been transported somewhere else and this area is perfect for a west coast Tasmania road trip.

Add in the fact that the main roads are in good condition, it’s easy to escape other tourists and there are some great west coast accommodation Tasmania options and you should be excited to head off on your trip!

Below, we give you full information about everything the west coast of Tasmania has to offer including the top west coast Tasmania things to do,  west coast Tasmania accommodation, west coast Tasmania camping, a Tasmania west coast map and more.

Let’s start!

Click here to download your free Tasmania Road Trip Planner checklist . We’ll help you get ready for your trip!

An Introduction To West Coast Tasmania

The wild West Coast of Tasmania is where you’ll find famous wilderness, stunning national parks, historic mining towns and rich convict heritage.  Remote, yet easy and safe to visit, this is one of Australia’s true wilderness frontiers.  The gateway to Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area, ancient rainforests and picturesque mountains that draw visitors from all corners of the globe.

Less than one hundred years ago the only way in or out to this isolated west coast was by sea, with many a sailor having lost his life on the rough waves. It’s left a coastline littered with wrecks.  However, the introduction of the mining industry in the 1800’s soon changed the lay of the land with roads and a railway quickly established.  

The region became the focus of explorers and prospectors, with the mining of gold, silver, zinc and copper.  And by 1823 the Sarah Island Penal Settlement in Macquarie Harbour was completed, where convicts worked in chains providing Huon Pine logs for whale ships.

Forests were cleared for agriculture, larger settlements, and demand for the timber grew with shipments to the United Kingdom and other colonies.  Some control was introduced by the 1920 Forestry Act that brought regulation to the exploited Tasmanian forests, but even today the landscape around Queenstown still bears the scars.

These days visitors enjoy twisty roads that connect the old mining settlements – now modern-day rural towns – such as Queenstown with its unique gravel football oval, the coastal town of Strahan on the iconic banks of the Macquarie Harbour and Zeehan full of heritage charm.

Yet this is outdoors country…  Sail beautiful harbours, kayak on lakes, cruise the majestic Gordon or Arthur Rivers, ride the West Coast Railway steam-powered locomotive, camp in remote wilderness regions, hike through age-old rainforest – with 1,000 year old Huon Pines – or toboggan massive sand dunes!

Immerse yourselves in one of the most beautiful and remote places on earth…

West Coast Tasmania Map

The west coast region of Tasmania on this site covers the mining towns of Strahan, Queenstown, Zeehan, Roseberry and Tullah as well as areas that are also generally covered by the north west region with the Arthur River area. Below is our map of Tasmania west coast which shows everything covered in this guide.

Top West Coast Towns To Visit

There are some great places to visit on the west coast. Here are full guides to the top options.

Queenstown, Tasmania: Best Things To Do In Queenstown

Strahan, Tasmania: Things To Do

Zeehan, Tasmania: Things To Do

Top things to do on the west coast of tasmania.

There are some great things to do in west coast Tasmania while visiting this region. Below, we describe our top picks of the west coast Tasmania tourist attractions.

The Edge of the World

Gardiner Point, on the banks of the Arthur River, is aptly named as this is the starting point of the longest uninterrupted stretch of ocean in the world. ‘The Edge of the World’ sums up the feeling as you stand looking out across wild seas towards the faraway shores of Patagonia, the south east coast of Argentina over 15,000km away. A truly unfathomable journey!

Around 3-hours from Tullah, the scenery is well worth the long drive. Rugged and beautiful, this is mother nature showing off. Endless waves explode against the jagged rocks, and the ‘Roaring Forties’ winds batter the area almost without a pause. Wild, often wet, it’s a coastline that’s littered with salt-bleached trunks of massive trees, tossed onto the sandy shore to lay half buried for hundreds of years.

From the car park, follow the boardwalk that brings you towards Gardiner Point. At the split, walk straight on to find a rocky outcrop that overlooks where the stormy seas meet the surprisingly calm Arthur River. Alternatively, take the left fork in the boardwalk to reach a lookout point that offers panoramic views over the mouth of the Arthur River and on down the western coast of Tasmania.

You’ll find some information boards at the lookout with facts about the Tasmanian Aboriginal people who first inhabited the area, along with details of the region’s history.

A long journey but this is definitely a Tasmania bucket-list adventure!

Open 24 hours, there is no entrance fee.  Wrap up warm as weather can be rough and windy!

Take An Arthur River Cruise

Sure to be one of the standout tours of your vacation, a cruise along the Arthur River takes you on an iconic Tassie wilderness adventure.

Considered as perhaps the last truly wild river of Australia – which has never been logged or dammed – it winds its way through the Tarkine Wilderness rainforest. Centuries-old forest giants such as tree ferns, blackwoods, laurels and myrtles cover the densely forested river banks which are reflected in the calm waters. This is epic scenery!

Just over 30 years ago a local bushman – Turk Porteus – realised the uniqueness of the river and built a boat from scratch creating the first Arthur River Cruise.

Today, visitors enjoy the serenity of the river and the unhurried pace of the cruise. Taking approximately 6 hours for a roundtrip from the small settlement of Arthur River, there’s a stretch of legs at an idyllic lunch spot deep inside the Tarkine Wilderness.

Guests have the chance to explore the rainforest and nearby Warra Waterfall, keeping an eye out for platypus, white-bellied sea eagles, orange-bellied parrots, kingfishers, the Tasmanian devil and more!

With a BBQ lunch, the stillness of the rainforest, magical river views and a boat with a full flybridge giving 360-degree viewing, it’s no wonder this is one of the top west Tasmania attractions.

Remember to pack some warm clothing and suitable footwear. Bookings are essential and more details can be found here

Ride Wee Georgie Wood Steam Railway

Once the only lifeline to the outside world for Tullah, a small settlement located in the mountainous temperate rainforests of Tasmania’s west coast, the historic 2ft narrow-gauge railway of the North Mount Farrell Tramway opened in 1902. Built to transport high grade lead silver ore from a mine to Rosebery and Mole Creek, the Wee Georgie Wood was one of only two steam locomotives that operated for the tramway from 1924-1962.

Originally built in Leeds, England, the locomotive was named after a popular actor and comedian of the time, George Wood. Today, fully restored to its former glory, the locomotive takes visitors along 1.6km of the former Tramway route from Tullah towards Lake Rosebery. Operating only on scheduled weekends over the summer season, enjoy a twenty minute ride that takes you through breathtaking scenery.

This heritage steam railway has been maintained by volunteers since it reopened in 1987, ensuring that this nostalgic experience survives and reminds people what it was like to live in this isolated region of the West Coast back in the early 20th century.

Found on the Murchison Highway in Tullah, the train operates on selected Saturdays and Sundays from October to April. Outside of these months visitors can drop by to view Wee Georgie and a further collection that includes a Fowler loco, a partly restored Krauss locomotive and a Lake Margaret tramway carriage. Check here for details.

Visit Lake Roseberry

This man-made reservoir – which plays an important role in Tasmania’s hydro-electric system – is found in the northern part of Tasmania’s West Coast range, fed by the dammed Mackintosh and Murchison rivers. The Bastyan Dam constructed across the Pieman River was built by the Hydro-Electric Commission back in 1983, creating Lake Rosebery near to the village of Tullah.

A peaceful former mining town, Tullah is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of rivers and mountain ranges. Extended in the 1970s to house workers from the Hydro Electric Power Scheme, today it’s a quiet lakeside village full of quirky attractions such as the Wee Georgie Wood Steam Railway.

A picturesque setting, Rosebery Lake’s reflections will astound you as eucalypt, myrtle and sassafras forests stretch down to the shores. The peaceful silent atmosphere can leave you feeling as though there’s no one else in the world but you!

Hike the walking tracks along one side of the lake or rent a kayak to get out on the water, where you might spot playful platypus. Boating and fishing are popular pastimes with the lake managed as a wild trout fishery and being one of Tasmania’s premier water-skiing locations. Or, perhaps, just relax by the shore with a picnic and enjoy the views.

Explore The West Coast Heritage Centre

Located in the “silver city” mining town of Zeehan – which thrived in the early 1800’s after silver and lead were discovered – The West Coast Heritage Centre is your one-stop location to discover the history of this mining region.

Marketed as a “museum”, it is much more – combining a mixture of indoor displays with a sprawling outdoors area that has buildings set up as a freemasons lodge, police station, courthouse, a blacksmith shop, wheelwright workshop, powerhouse and more! You’ll also find old mining machinery, locomotives and carriages, and a machinery shed.

This large centre was, back in 1894, the School of Mines and Metallurgy. Over the years it has spilled into the neighbouring buildings and now offers a real insight into the life of Zeehan, the miners and townsfolk.

Within the main museum you’ll find a large display of minerals, alongside lots of photographs and documents that take you through the highs and lows of Zeehan, a community relying on the mining industry.

Adjacent and part of the complex is the old Gaiety Theatre, built in 1898, that was once the largest concert hall in Australia. Explore this glorious building and catch a silent movie,

This is one of the top west coast Tasmania tourism attractions and you can easily spend a half day exploring the site. The West Coast Heritage Centre is open daily except Christmas and Good Friday, and there is an admission fee which includes entry to everything.

Walk Through The Spray Tunnel

After learning about the mining history of the town at the West Coast Heritage Centre of Zeehan, travel just outside of town to the Spray Tunnel. Definitely a more unusual attraction, this 100 metre long key-shaped tunnel is part of an abandoned railway that was used in the 1900s to transport silver from a Zeehan mine.

These days visitors come to see the thousands of glow worms that have made themselves at home in the dark corners and ceiling of the tunnel. Small pin-pricks of light glitter throughout the tunnel as you make your way along a well maintained boardwalk. Short enough that light filters through at each end to sufficiently light your way, the tunnel has a rocky interior that glows a rainbow of colours when illuminated by your camera’s flashlight. Some top Insta chances here!

A torch can come in handy though as the tunnel is home to a few other critters aside from the glow worms including the Tasmanian cave spider. With a leg span of up to 18 centimetres, you won’t find it too hard to spot!

Making your way to the tunnel is half the adventure, as (leading up from the rear of the town’s golf course) there’s only a single-lane gravel road. Passing cars heading in the opposite direction is rather tricky and don’t consider taking this road in a caravan or similar sized vehicle.

For those who have the time, there’s a lovely hike – also from the rear of the golf course – that follows the old tramway route. Noted as one of the more easy west coast Tasmania walks, it’s approximately 6 kilometres.

A highly photogenic area, the Spray Tunnel is well worth a visit during your Zeehan exploration.

Click here to read our full review of visiting the Spray Tunnel.

Go Sandboarding In Henty Dunes

Only ten minutes north of Strahan, the Henty Dunes – one of the most fun west coast of Tasmania attractions – are a sight to behold! Stretching 15 kilometres up the coast – linking with the longest beach in Tasmania, Ocean Beach – the dunes can reach up to 30 metres in height.

This strange desert landscape set in the middle of rainforests is just another example of how west coast Tasmania can take you by surprise. Formed over decades by the constant winds that blow in across from South America, the Roaring Forties, the dunes rise up with pine plantations on one side and the ocean of the remote west coast on the other.

And how best to enjoy the dunes than by tobogganing down them! You’ll find operators in Strahan renting out toboggans, and we recommend packing a picnic (don’t forget water as there are no vendors at the dunes) and making an afternoon of it.

Grab sunglasses – to protect both from the sun and the sand blown on the wind – and sun protection. Climb to the top of a dune to chill or enjoy the exhilaration of the toboggan ride down!

Enjoy A Scenic Gordon River Cruise

Another of Tasmania’s famous wilderness cruises and an iconic must-do adventure is the Gordon River Cruise.

Departing from the beautiful Macquarie Harbour in Strahan, this standout of west coast Tasmania tours takes you deep into the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Glide quietly past ancient rainforests whilst listening to historical stories and fables, filled with colourful characters and convicts who once called this part of the world home.

Stop off to explore Sarah Island, established in 1821 as a penal settlement where convicts worked under harsh conditions cutting down Huon Pines for what was one of the largest ship building yards in Australia. Windswept, barren, the island is covered with impenetrable rainforest that today is a beautiful yet chilling reminder of the past.

The highlight of the cruise is the stopover at Heritage Landing, with a boardwalk stroll through ancient forests. With rolling mountains, pristine waters and native wildlife, plus a delicious buffet lunch, it’s no wonder these cruises sell out fast!

Book in advance here and enjoy a journey into the heart of the Tasmanian wilderness. Relax in comfort aboard a specially-designed vessel with a spacious viewing deck, allowing you the best possible views of the Gordon River and Macquarie Harbour.

Read our full guide to Gordon River cruises here.

Wander Pretty Strahan

Only 700 people call Strahan home, yet this picturesque town is slowly growing as tourism increases to this remote part of the world. The gateway to many Tassie tourist attractions, ensure to incorporate a day or two in your schedule to explore Strahan and the nearby attractions.

Established around Macquarie Harbour, there was once a time when this was a major port for mining settlements and the logging industry. But these days you’ll find a scenic town with a buzzy tourist vibe and a few local fishermen working on their boats.

The starting point for the popular Gordon River cruise – one of the best Tasmania West Coast tours – in recent years an eclectic mix of shops has sprung up in Strahan. Artisan wares and trinkets are sold, alongside cafes specialising in deliciously fresh local produce.

After exploring the harbour area, dive into the West Coast Reflections Exhibition. Locals such as architects, writers, gardeners and historians have come together to tell the story of the people of the West Coast.

Stretching back to Aboriginal times, 35,000 years ago, the exhibit walks you through the years covering the convict era, mining and forestry industries. There’s also a focus on the importance of the rainforest, an exploration of local caves, and interesting oral histories that bring to life what it was like to live through the last decade.

You’ll also find Australia’s longest running play, ‘The Ship That Never Was’, that relates the dramatic and rather hilarious story of the last Great Escape from Sarah Island.

Head back into nature by exploring the local waterfall, taking what is noted as one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks, from the People’s Park in Strahan to Hogarth Falls. Alternatively, drop by Cove Gallery which focuses on contemporary art, or simply people-watch at any one of the cafes enjoying the scenic harbour views.

Click here to read our full guide to visiting Strahan.

Explore On The West Coast Wilderness Railway

In 1893 someone came up with the crazy idea of cutting a railtrack through thick rainforest along rugged terrain that drops and climbs at ridiculously steep inclines… and so the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company came to be!

Built to drag heavy mining loads down to the coast at Strahan, the track was especially engineered to manage the steep inclines with a cog-and-teeth rack design that is still in operation today.

Refurbished in 2002, with nothing short of a $20 million overhaul, the West Coast Wilderness Railway is now a top-draw attraction, with steam trains running a couple of routes departing from Queenstown.

Carriages are uniquely designed to maximise viewing and photo opportunities, such as the Wilderness Carriage (definitely worth the upgrade cost!) with its open-air section that seems to transport you right into the centre of the rainforest.

Interesting stopovers along the route include rainforest walks and panhandling gold. But perhaps the most unusual is at the turnaround point where the steam locomotive is manually turned on a swivel 180 degrees ready for the return journey.

Back at Queenstown Station take time to checkout the West Coast Wilderness Railway Museum filled with many artefacts and displays from this historic mining track.

Regularly voted one of the best Tasmania West Coast tours, booking ahead is essential.

Take A Second Look At Queenstown

A great location to base yourself for West Coast Tasmania tours, being only 30 minutes from Zeehan and less than an hour’s drive from Strahan, Queenstown is famed for its damaged landscape. Sitting on the western slopes of Mount Owen, part of the West Coast Range, lunar-like hills surround the town that were left almost for dead by the brutal mining and logging industries of the early 1900s.

As you arrive into the town, along a spiraling road with more than 90 bends, the stark hills are a strong contrast to the lush rainforest vegetation of the rest of the West Coast. Mother nature is working her magic and slowly vegetation is returning, but the damage was so brutal that it will still take decades to recover.

Europeans first arrived in 1860 and discovered gold, silver and copper, causing Queenstown to spring up, quickly home to over 5000 residents. Over the decades the town prospered but by 1969 most the mines closed and many departed.

Today, Queenstown is a tourist town full of historic buildings from the mining era, an eclectic community of artists, and a rather unusual football pitch!

The Gravel Football Oval was, in the mining heydays, home to 12 burly Aussie-rules teams. Due to the heavy rainfall in the region a grass oval was out of the question, thus someone had the crazy idea of creating a gravel pitch. Ripping to shreds anyone who dares to play on it, the pitch has become one of the most legendary and infamous sporting grounds in Australia!

Within the town, the Paragon Theatre is one of the stand-out buildings. Built in 1933, this fabulous art-deco theatre was originally one of the first “talkie theatres” in Tasmania, with crowds flocking to see old classics.

Today visitors can still enjoy the theatre, with classic movies such as Breakfast At Tiffany’s shown on special date-nights that include a drink at the bar and a delicious meal. But, if you’re only passing through in the daytime, still take the time to visit as there’s a self-guided tour behind the scenes that showcases the history of this classic theatre.

Found inside what was Queenstown’s first brick hotel, the Eric Thomas Galley Museum is another noteworthy attraction. More than 1000 photographs take you through the history of the West Coast, alongside artefacts and personal effects from the mining era.

The famed West Coast Wilderness Railway departs from Queenstown and is perhaps the primary attraction in the town, with rides down to the coast through thick rainforest along tracks that once pulled mining trains.

There are a couple of splendid lookout points around the town – the Iron Blow Lookout and Spion Kop Lookout. Both give splendid views and have information boards that highlight the mining activities of the region. And from Iron Blow Lookout, you’ll find a trail to Horsetail Falls which is well worth the effort. Spectacular scenery surrounds you on this short 1-kilometre walk, and takes you around the side of the bare hills of Queenstown.

Close to Tasmania’s World Heritage Wilderness Area, Queenstown is the starting point for walks to disused mines, tunnels and scenic lookouts. Plenty here to keep you busy!

Click here to read our full guide to visiting Queenstown.

Read our full guides to the west coast attractions below.

Strahan Cruises Gordon River: Everything You Need To Know

Spray Tunnel Zeehan: Glow Worms And More

Tasmania west coast road trip.

The main roads are in good condition but it can take longer to drive around than you may think thanks to some very curvy roads. The mining towns, Queenstown, Strahan, Zeehan, Roseberry and Tullah are all relatively close together, however.

Getting between these towns and up to Arthur River does take longer – it’s about 3 hours drive from Zeehan to Arthur River.

I recommend you at least spend a few days in this region, based in Strahan. In this time you can:

• Take a Gordan River cruise. In the afternoon you can explore the waterfront including West Coast Reflection. In the evening, watch The Ship That Never Was .
• Head to Queenstown and take the West Coast Wilderness Railway. Explore Queenstown in the afternoon.
• Head to Zeehan and visit the Spray Tunnel and West Coast Heritage Centre. Visit Henty Dunes on the way back.

You can find a 7 day itinerary visiting the west coast here .

West Coast Tasmania Accommodation

There are some great accommodation west coast Tasmania options from west coast Tasmania luxury accommodation to caravan parks west coast Tasmania.

Big4 Strahan Holiday Retreat Review – Caravan Park

The Big4 Strahan Holiday Retreat is the perfect place to head for families or people who want to camp with facilities close by.

With a range of cabins and cottages from one to four bedrooms, you can chose to stay in self contained accommodation or on a site with your own set up. The cabins are well equipped, comfortable, clean and quiet.

There are a range of facilities at this Big4 including a games room, coin-operated laundries, BBQ and picnic facilities and amenity blocks. The park is set on 5 hectares with bush and a creek complete with a platypus. For something a bit different, there is also a hut with the Alexander Pearce Story where you can learn the infamous history of this escape convict gone cannibal.

With a shop/café and bottle shop on site, the Big4 Strahan Holiday Retreat has everything you need.

Click here for the latest prices.

Wheelhouse Apartments, Strahan – Luxury Accommodation

Looking for somewhere unique to stay? Check out these two fully self-contained apartments, with cantilevered lounge rooms that have huge ceiling to floor windows overlooking the gorgeous Macquarie Harbour of Strahan.

Perched on the cliff’s edge, both apartments have an upstairs master-bedroom with spas and separate ensuite, whilst one has a second bedroom downstairs. They come with a fully equipped kitchen, with stainless steel appliances and granite bench tops. Flat screen TV, Blu-ray player, washing machine and air-con are also included along with free WiFi and a double carport for off-street parking.

But the pièce-de-résistance are the french doors from the lounge that open onto your own private deck, complete with BBQ. Light the grill, pour a glass of wine and sit back to enjoy the ever-changing harbour views. This is modern architecture that showcases rare Tasmanian timbers. Splurge a little, as you won’t regret it!

Penghana Bed and Breakfast, Queenstown – Heritage Accommodation

Penghana is a homey bed & breakfast accommodation, set in a stunning National Trust property that is centrally located in Queenstown.

Guests have the option of staying in one of the four ensuite queen rooms or in a two-bedroom self-contained apartment which has two guest lounges.

You’ll find outdoor dining and a picnic area, BBQ facilities, a terrace and garden area. There’s free onsite parking, and the included breakfast is delicious!

Near the start of the West Coast Wilderness Railway, and with terrific hilltop views of the town, this is easily our top recommendation for staying in Queenstown.

Read more about some the best options below.

Strahan Accommodation: Best Places to Stay

Best Queenstown Tasmania Accommodation

Big4 Strahan Holiday Retreat Review

West coast tasmania camping.

Luckily camping is a favourite activity of Tassie locals, so you’ll find plenty of commercial camping grounds to choose from. Mostly very affordable and in good condition, campsites are friendly places that offer lots of space for you to pitch your tent.

An affordable way to explore the region, overloaded with natural beauty at almost every turn, you’ll find free camping west coast Tasmania sites and motels that will let you pitch your tent in their grounds.

The north west region of Tasmania is dominated by the Arthur Pieman Conservation Area which is managed by the Parks and Wildlife service. Gain a permit to access this region and a camping permit. Rangers will provide information on the track conditions and about the campsites in the area.

Also check out the awesome location of Sandy Cape, with its two main camping areas of Sandy Cape and Pedder River. Corinna, on the Pieman River, also has a nice camping ground and is a particularly picturesque town.

Lake Rosebery campground, with no facilities, is another option for those looking for a peaceful lake-side stay.

If camping West Coast Tasmania don’t forget to take along sufficient food, waterproofing canvas tents, drinking water and basic supplies. And remember that mobile phone coverage is sparse once you’re away from the major towns.

West Coast Tasmania Weather

Tasmania experiences four distinct seasons, with the summer months of December to February/March being the ideal time to visit. West Coast weather Tasmania remains rather cool though even during summer, hitting highs of only 17-23 degrees celsius. But January and February are the driest months and therefore ideal for exploring the region.

Temperatures in winter will leave you shivering on the West Coast, with coastal Strahan recording figures of 5 or 6 degrees celsius. Being exposed to the west wind brings frequent rains and unstable weather patterns, but a healthy rainforest doesn’t come without a heavy annual rainfall!

Regardless of the time of year, weather West Coast Tasmania will often leave you ducking under umbrellas or into the nearest cafe to avoid a shower. But it’s all part of the adventure! Just always be prepared for sudden temporary weather changes by carrying additional warm clothing and a waterproof outer layer.

West Tasmania With Kids

The western part of Tasmania is perfect for families and we explored everywhere with our three kids. Our kids particularly like the West Coast Wilderness Railway, the Henty Dunes and spotting glow worms in the Spray Tunnel. They also enjoyed the whole concept of being at the edge of the world 🙂

There is some great family friendly accommodation in this region. We particularly enjoyed the Strahan Big4 and staying in a four bedroom cottage there.

We hope you love exploring the western wilderness Tasmania as much as we did. Find more places to discover and explore in Tasmania here.

The ultimate guide to Tasmania's West Coast

• eat & drink
• Getting there
• destinations

Welcome to the wild west coast of Tasmania . Home to ancient rainforests, towering mountains and raging rivers, its natural expanse is broken up only by outpost towns (and the coastal town of Strahan), dotted around in a testament to the area’s mining and logging past.

Feel the thrum of life around you as you cruise up the Gordon River to walk among thousand-year Huon pines. Inland on the serene Lake Rosebery, kayak across still waters. Return only when your stomach begins growling in anticipation of freshly-barbecued trout back at camp.

Feel your heart race on a rafting expedition in the tumbling waters of the Franklin River, gaze up at the state’s tallest waterfall, and skim down towering dunes of bone-dry coastal sand.

The mighty Frenchmans Cap track is not for the faint-hearted, but it’s definitely rewarding. Winding its way through the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, we promise an unforgettable sight at the top. ​​

Best towns to visit in West Coast Tasmania

Start at the old mining centre of Queenstown. Demarcated by devastating, brightly-coloured scars on the land, this mining hub at the edge of the World Heritage Wilderness Area has a captivating frontier history.

The coastal town of Strahan is another remote destination. Surrounded by national parks, a must-do here is a cruise up the Gordon River and a stop at sinister Sarah Island – one of the most severe of Australia’s former penal colonies.

There are plenty of other mining towns to explore. Check out Zeehan’s abandoned Spray Tunnel, go boating on Lake Rosebery at Tullah and take a day trip to Montezuma Falls – Tasmania’s highest waterfall – from Rosebery.

Top things to do in West Coast Tasmania

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Nature & outdoors

Head up to the Iron Blow Lookout near Queenstown to see the stark work of an open-cut mine. Have a chaser shot of pure green at Donaghy’s lookout , an easy walk overlooking Frenchmans Cap and the Franklin River valley. If you’re after something trickier, take on the three to five day Frenchmans Cap walk in the Gordon-Franklin Wild Rivers National Park.

Tasmania’s westernmost settlement of Marrawah is where surfers will catch the best waves. Comprising the beaches of Ann Bay, Mawson Bay, and Green Point, expect big surf.

Cruise through the dense temperate rainforest on the Gordon River from Strahan with Gordon River Cruises . On their Spirit of the Wild craft, you’ll delve deep into the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, up through the Franklin – Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. You’ll exit through the ominously-named Hell’s Gates and cruise onto the eerie Sarah Island penal colony, before walking among ancient Huon pines at Heritage Landing. The boat operates in ‘whisper mode’, taking you quietly upriver for walking tours in a natural paradise.

Want to literally gear up? There are mountain bike trails galore here, including the challenging Stirling Valley track near Rosebery or the beginner-friendly Montezuma Falls track. Another exhilarating ride down raging rapids awaits with King River Rafting at Queenstown.

Formed by the Roaring Forties winds, the giant Henty Sand Dunes north of Strahan are a sight to behold. But we promise they’re even more impressive when you’re tobogganing down one that’s up to 30m tall!

Heritage & arts

At Queenstown, book a blast from the past at the West Coast Wilderness Railway . Travelling through rainforest accessible only by steam train, you can hear stories about its construction on your way to Strahan.

At the art-deco Paragon Theatre in town, you’ll discover retro tales of a different era: those of the talkies in the golden era of cinema.

Accommodation in West Coast Tasmania

Camping & caravan parks.

Just a short walk from the old mining town, the pet and family-friendly Queenstown Cabin and Tourist Park overlooking Mount Owen is a fabulous choice for travellers on a budget.

There is also the low-cost (around $6) Lake Burbury Camping area around a 15-minute drive from town or the Thureau Hills Campground , which has free camping, but limited facilities.

Out Strahan way, the Macquarie Heads Camping Ground has unpowered bush camping sites for around $15 a day, with areas for tents, caravans and motorhomes. The Strahan Beach Tourist Park has economical cabins, powered and unpowered sites, a playground and a games room.

For a spot of glamping in the warmer months, head to Zeehan Bush Camp for their ready-set up tents. In colder seasons, you can book their cabins.

Hotels & motels

Sleep next to the waters of Lake Rosebery at Tullah Lakeside Lodge . Close to kayaking, hiking and Montezuma Falls, this charming three-star hotel has a variety of rooms and powered camping sites.

A National Trust mansion that dates back to 1898, the Penghana Bed and Breakfast , overlooks Queenstown and was originally built for the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company.

Self-contained & luxury accommodation

Originally built for the Harbour Master at the end of the 19th century, Franklin Manor in Strahan is today a boutique property with plenty of old-world elegant touches.

Follow up a chilly day exploring mining history with an art-deco stay in the toasty Peppermint Cottage , in the centre of Queenstown. Bookable on Airbnb, this self-contained house is mega-cosy, with a wood fireplace to boot.

Where to eat in West Coast Tasmania

Before you hop on the West Coast Wilderness Railway, fortify yourself with a coffee and a stack of lemon curd pancakes or a vegan superfood bowl at the Tracks Cafe , situated within the Queenstown Railway Station.

At Strahan, the View 42º Restaurant & Bar overlooks Macquarie Harbour from the hilltop. Help yourself to the extensive seafood buffet, or opt for the à la carte menu. For relaxed pub fare, Hamer’s Bar and Grill has casual bistro meals like pizza, pasta and steaks.

A few minutes from the centre of town, the Risby Cove Restaurant dishes up local produce on the site of an old Huon pine sawmill. At this hotel restaurant you can dine on mouthwatering wallaby skewers, baked Tasmanian scallops in tomato sugo, and kingfish sashimi with pickled ginger … all while overlooking the private marina and Macquarie Harbour below.

Getting to West Coast Tasmania

The west coast can be reached by road trip, and is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Hobart and just over three hours from Launceston .

Interstate visitors can reach here by flying to Hobart or Launceston or taking the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Geelong to the coastal town of Devonport.

Summertime is the most popular time of year to visit Tasmania, with warm, dry days. Want to avoid crowds? Spring and autumn are less busy times for a Tasmania road trip , and you may catch some snow when winter comes.

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West coast, Tasmania © Tourism Tasmania

Guide to Tasmania's wild west coast

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• Getting to Tasmania’s wild west coast
• When to visit

White-water raft untamed rivers, sail beautiful harbours and hike through age-old rainforest on Tasmania’s wild west coast.

Home to untamed rivers, ancient pine trees and giant sand dunes, the west coast is at the heart of Tasmania's wilderness. Challenge the infamous Franklin River on a white-water rafting expedition, cruise down the majestic Gordon River and hike past 1,000-year-old Huon pines in one of the world's last temperate rainforests for a true taste of this rugged corner of Australia.

The best way to get to Tasmania’s wild west coast is to fly into either Launceston Airport (LST) or Hobart Airport (HOB) and drive to Strahan, known as ‘the gateway to the west coast’.

• Launceston Airport is 275km (171mi) from Strahan 
• Hobart Airport is 302km (188mi) from Strahan
• Car hire options are available from both

Tassielink can connect you from Burnie to Strahan with scenic stops in between, giving you a chance to soak in the wild west’s scenic views on your journey.

Get around Tasmania’s west coast by car, bike or public transport or join a tour to experience the best of the region.

Due to the cooler climate, the best time to visit Tasmania’s west coast is during the summer and spring time where the weather is a little warmer than other months.

• High season: Summer (December to February)
• Low season: Winter (June to August)

West Coast trip ideas

Circle Tasmania road trip

6-day journey through Tasmania's western wilds

5 days of Instagram worthy sights in Tasmania

Destinations near tasmania's wild west coast.

Launceston and surrounds

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West Coast Tasmania

Highlights | accommodation | road trip essentials.

Tasmania’s own heart of darkness – brooding and utterly unforgiving – Tasmania’s West Coast is a place like no other, teetering on the edge of the known world. 

Include the Western Wilds in your self-drive road trip itinerary and uncover its secrets!

This page contains affiliate links. If you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). Read my full disclosure policy  here .

On the West Coast of Tasmania the indigenous  palawa established an easy balance over tens of thousands of years. 

But in the eyes of early colonists it was a brutal, inhospitable wilderness suited only to the Empire’s most hardened criminals.

And yet beneath that beautifully harsh exterior they found a land of riches. Tin and timber proving an irresistible lure despite the grim lifestyle – fostering a resilient, fiercely independent community whose ‘ West Coaster ‘ legacy lives on today.

1. Highlights

2. Where to Eat

4. Accommodation

6. Road Trip Essentials

Mining and logging once fueled the West Coast, but its natural wonders are now the star attraction.

Untouched rainforests of Huon pine and sassafras , serpentine rivers with tannin-stained banks of gold and burnt caramel, and some of the world’s best seafood , plucked from the icy, surging waters of the Indian Ocean.

This is Tasmania at its most raw, bringing a sense of adventure and exhilaration to every road trip.

Highlights of West Coast Tasmania

The '99 bends'.

Read More : 12 Must-Pack Items for Your Tasmania Holiday

You’ll never forget the lunar landscape greeting your eyes as your road trip descends into Queenstown. Bare hills slashed with pink, red, and gold – the unfortunate yet highly  photogenic results of its mining heritage.

Regeneration is important to this resilient town. Not only is the landscape recovering, but the community is reinventing its image through its unique heritage and unusual arts scene .

After years of neglect the iconic art deco Paragon Theatre has been lovingly restored to its former glory. Whether it’s dinner and a classic movie, or just a taste of their homemade choc-tops, it’s a surprising gem in the heart of Queenstown that is always hosting new and exciting events. Check their calendar to see what is coming up!

Did you know…?

The Queenstown football field is the most intimidating in Australia – covered with gravel instead of grass!

It has been very exciting to see Queenstown embrace the arts in recent years, evidence of which can be seen in the many murals dotted about town and tiny galleries like the Soggy Brolly shared art space, and the artist-run Landscape Art Research Queenstown ( LARQ ). 

Missing Tiger bookshop is also worth a stop on your walk around town. This fantastic little bookshop specialises in books all about Tasmania and the fascinating history of the West Coast region. Why not pick up something quintessentially Tasmanian to read on your travels?

West Coast Wilderness Railway

To ride one of the majestic steam trains on the West Coast Wilderness Railway is to take a journey back in time – to the days of tenacious fettlers and tough-as-nails prospectors.

The terrain is stunning, and with tours departing departing from both Queenstown and Strahan you’ll be amazed and inspired by the ingenuity of the early West Coasters.

Strahan and Macquarie Harbour

Perched on the shores of Macquarie Harbour, Strahan is a picture-perfect seaside village full of history.

A Macquarie Harbour Cruise is a must, crossing the mirror-like waters to the fury of Hell’s Gates , before gliding up the Gordon River to stillness and serenity. Ancient temperate rainforests line the banks, silent witness to one of Tasmania’s most merciless penal settlements – Sarah Island .

⚓ Special Offer!

Use my  LAPOFTAS code and receive 10% OFF  all tours with World Heritage Cruises!

Choose ‘the red boat’ and support this fantastic, locally owned company for the best day out on the Gordon River.

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Once back ashore, settle in at the Richard Davey Amphitheatre to watch Australia’s longest running play – The Ship That Never Was . A rollicking adventure of canny convicts, hijack hijinks, and their quest for freedom!

Macquarie Harbour is 6x larger than Sydney Harbour, and its cold waters are like a layer-cake, with fresh water from the Gordon River sitting above a layer of salty sea water.

It doesn’t taste as good though 🤣

West Coast Adventure Activities

With its rugged coastline, soaring sand dunes, and deep chasms, the West Coast Wilds are irresistible for adrenaline junkies!

White water rafting is a blast on both the Franklin and King rivers. Surrounded by World Heritage forests and with pure Tasmanian waters rushing beneath your feet – this adventure is sure to float your boat!

Closer to Strahan are the soaring, toboggan-friendly  Henty Dunes  and the endless expanses and crashing waves of  Ocean Beach .

Keen to see the west coast from the skies? A tour with Par Avion Wilderness Tours ( 10% OFF  with my LAPOFTAS code) is a great day trip from Hobart, and it also includes a cruise up the Gordon River!

Looking for fun on two-wheels? Mountain biking is the West Coast’s newest and most exciting escape for thrill-seekers. The trails of Mt Owen (Queenstown) are now open and feature a range of trails with stunning views for experienced and beginner riders alike, with additional trails set to open soon near Zeehan and beyond.

To learn more about the West Coast region, including its timber pioneers and hydro heritage, have a look at the many tours provided by RoamWild in Queenstown. Their comfortable 4WD vehicles will transport you to some of the West Coast’s most beautiful hidden secrets.

West Coast Tasmania Waterfalls and Rainforest Nature Trails

Can you believe that some towns on Tasmania’s West Coast receive nearly 3,000 mm of rain every year?!

The rainforests are sublime, full of primordial lichens, mosses and fast-flowing streams. And many are accessible by short walks taking no more than 30 minutes.

The Franklin River Nature Trail , and trails to Nelson Falls and Hogarth Falls are all suited to any age or level of ability. While Tasmania’s highest waterfall – Montezuma Falls – is also worth a visit.  Close to Queenstown is the short and rewarding walk to views of Horsetail Falls .

 Pencil in your favourite West Coast walk today!

Read More : Best Short Walks in Tasmania

Where to Eat on the West Coast

For thousands of years the West Coast of Tasmania provided an abundance of food for the palawa –  and it continues to do so today. The cold, clear waters of the Indian Ocean surging against the rugged coastline produce Tasmania’s finest crayfish , abalone and scallops – and the inland freshwater fishing is second to none.

Tracks on Point has all your traditional breakfast favourites from 9am, but if it was me I’d be tucking into a plate of their fluffy buttermilk pancakes with lemon curd and mixed berry compote! If you’re up early for the Gordon River cruise then duck into T he Coffee Shack Strahan from 6am for quality coffee and light meals. 

Looking for lunch? For hearty pub fare with friendly ‘West Coaster’ service and some of the best views in Tasmania, drop by the Regatta Point Tavern .

Hamer’s Bar and Bistro is a solid dinner option that will leave you satisfied, but for me, I really like the meals – and views – on offer at Risby Cove .

In Queenstown you’ll find Tracks Cafe is the perfect place for coffee and a light meal or lunch. 

The Empire Hotel is a solid option for hearty pub tucker, and in nearby Gormanston are the baked delights of the Linda Cafe , nestled beneath the imposing concrete walls of the historic Royal Hotel – you can’t miss it on your drive in to Queenie!

For a light meal during the day or classy cocktail after dark, Moonscape Wine Bar and Cafe is the place to be, where you will enjoy dishes created from the region’s best independent producers. 

For dinner, why not drop by Mimso Kitchen  for touch of Thai?  

In the ’70s Queenstown’s Memorial Hall was a popular destination for Aussie bands such as AC/DC, Sherbet, and Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs.

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West Coast Events

Unconformity festival.

A contemporary arts festival exploring what it means to be a West Coaster, and what the future folds for this evolving region. It’s a little bit quirky and a whole lot of fun!

• Where : Queenstown
• When : TBA (every two years)
• Find out more : The Unconformity

Rosebery Festival

For a fun weekend with the whole family, book in the Rosebery Festival. Held across 4 days every February, this celebration of West Coast life is full of music and arts for the oldies, while the kids will enjoy the billy cart races, teddy bear picnics, and colour run!

• Where : Rosebery
• When : February
• Find out more : Rosebery Festival

Ten Days on the Island

A truly epic arts festival, with performances and exhibitions held across Tasmania over three weekends. Opera, dance, theatre, performance art…it’s got the lot!

• Where : Statewide
• When : March 2023 (every two years)
• Find out more : Ten Days on the Island

West Coast Tasmania Accommodation

On the West Coast Tasmania accommodation options are plentiful. The weather is unpredictably exhilarating and those old-timers really knew how to use the local timber in crafting some wonderfully cosy cottages and sprawling manors!

In Queenstown I thoroughly recommend staying at Penghana B&B .  Not only is this unique National trust heritage property simply stunning, but it is steeped in local history. 

Your hosts, Karen and Stephen, put their heart and soul into the most delicious cooked breakfasts and they love sharing their extensive knowledge of the local area with their guests.

🥂 Special Offer!

Mention the Lap of Tasmania when booking your relaxing getaway at the gorgeous Penghana Bed and Breakfast  and receive your choice of either:

• a FREE silver service Devonshire tea served between 3-4 pm. (min. 48hrs notice required); or

Valid for direct bookings only, and not available in combination with other offers.

The harbour town of Strahan is a huge favourite with visitors to Tassie’s wild west coast.

A few nights is ideal for indulging in a comfortable B&B from yesteryear, or a little luxury by the water!

My favourite B&B in Strahan would have to be Harrison House B&B . 

Perfectly positioned in the hills overlooking Strahan, your friendly hosts Ken and Jo-Ann have put their heart and soul into restoring this heritage property to its former glory, and  everyone I speak to who has had the pleasure of a night or two at Harrison House B&B can’t help but rave about the scrumptious, home cooked breakfasts that greet you every morning!

Book the ‘Bed, Breakfast & Boat’ package with Harrison House B&B, and when you mention the Lap of Tasmania you will also receive your choice of either:

Valid for direct bookings only.

For other options in town, you can escape the West Coast chill in your own private spa at Wheelhouse Apartments , and f amilies will love Castaway Holiday Apartments .  

Another really popular option is   Strahan Village and its pretty views through the treetops and across the harbour.

Zeehan and Tullah

The Heemskirk Motor Hotel is the best option in Zeehan, and at Tullah TimeOut you’ll be torn between exploring the shores of Lake Rosebery and curling up with a book in front of your roaring log fire!

West Coast Weather

Read More : The Best Time to Visit Tasmania

West Coast Road Trip Essentials

What to pack, drive times, fuel + ev charging, national parks, driving tips.

Wondering what to pack for Tasmania’s cool climate?

To help you out we’ve created a handy Tasmanian road trip packing list.

It lists all the most important things you need to take on your road trip, making your road trip planning a breeze.

Get it Here : Tasmania Road Trip Packing List

Read More : Driving Times and Distances in Tasmania

Hobart ⇌ Strahan:  300km / 4hr 30mins (6hrs or more for campervans)

Derwent Bridge ⇌ Strahan : 130km / 2hrs (3hrs for campervans)

Strahan ⇌ Cradle Mountain Village : 140km / 2hrs (2hrs 30mins for campervans)

Devonport ⇌ Strahan (via Queenstown) : 220km / 3hr 15mins (5hr for campervans)

Strahan  ⇌  Queenstown : 42km / 45mins (1hr for campervans)

Petrol Stations : Queenstown (24hr), Strahan, Zeehan (24hrs), Rosebery

EV Battery Charging Stations : Check PlugShare for all your EV charging options on the West Coast of Tasmania

A list of Tasmania’s national parks can be found here: Parks and Wildlife

A valid permit is needed before you can drive into these parks. For more information on the which pass you should buy, click here .

Permits can be purchased online here , from National Park Visitor Centres, Accredited Tasmanian Travel Information Centres, the Spirit of Tasmania, Service Tasmania shops, or by mail/email following these instructions .

Discounts are available for Seniors.

For Tasmania Police emergency road closure alerts click here .

Watch out for ice on the roads in the early morning

High rainfall and dense vegetation on the West Coast means some road sections receive little sunlight. This can cause moss to grow on the verges and can be very slippery.

For those in large campervans or towing heavy vehicles, use low gear instead of your brakes on steep, downhill sections.

Snow is rare on Tasmanian roads, generally only occurring in winter at high altitudes. When it does fall it doesn’t normally settle.

However, be aware that while uncommon, snow has occasionally blocked the road between Derwent Bridge and Queenstown. Check the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecast here  for the latest updates.

Some rental companies prohibit driving above the snow line. If driving above the snow line is permitted, ask for advice before setting out on your road trip.

Next destination?

If you’re travelling clockwise, your next destination is Devonport and the Cradle Coast. Can you hear Cradle Mountain calling?

Travelling anti-clockwise, your next destination is the Derwent Valley – Tasmania’s ‘Valley of Love’.

The Derwent Valley

Devonport and the cradle coast.

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community as the traditional owners  and continuing custodians  of  this island lutruwita (Tasmania).

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The best things to see, do and eat on the West Coast of Tasmania

Nicola Dowse

Posted May 30, 2023

Tasmania’s wild and wonderful West Coast is one of Australia’s most underappreciated travel destinations. Here’s your guide to the best things to see and do. 

The world has well and truly woken up to the beauty of Tasmania , with domestic and international tourists flocking to the Apple Isle to visit attractions like MONA, Bruny Island , Cataract Gorge and Wineglass Bay . 

While the delights of the state’s east coast are well-known, Tasmania’s west coast has remained relatively underappreciated – until recently. 

"The West Coast of Tassie is unlike anywhere else in the world,” says Skye Thompson-James, Growth and Change Team Leader at West Coast Council. She notes the region is well worth visiting for its World Heritage Wilderness areas, adventure activities, arts scene and bars, with the west offering far more freedom and wide-open spaces than in the east. 

Thompson-James says the West Coast of Tasmania can be reached either by driving four hours northwest from Hobart or 3.5 hours southwest from Launceston, with SIXT car hire in both cities offering discounted daily rates to RACV Members.     She also recommends allowing at least five to seven days for your holiday, factoring in stops along the way such as Cradle Mountain and The Wall in Derwent Bridge..

Before or after your West Coast Adventure take the time to check out the highlights of Tasmania’s eclectic capital, Hobart, and relax at RACV Hobart Hotel where RACV Members receive discounted rates. 

The Spray Tunnel is an abandoned railway tunnel now home to a colony of glow worms. Photo: Jess Bonde / Tourism Tasmania.

Things to see on Tasmania’s West Coast

Spray tunnel, zeehan .

The keyhole-shaped Spray Tunnel makes for a magical walk. Beware the tunnel is dark inside, which makes it all the easier to marvel at the resident glow worms. The 6km walk takes about an hour to complete and can be found by following Fowler Street, Zeehan, out past the golf club. 

Iron Blow Lookout, Gormanston 

Iron Blow Lookout is the site of an old open-cut copper mine that opened in the late 1800s and was overworked to the point of ravaging the surrounding environment. The result is a copper-stained moonscape that is a strangely beautiful but poignant reminder of the human impact on nature. 

Ocean Beach, Strahan 

Welcome to Tasmania’s longest beach and the last stop between the island and South America (over 10,000km away). Located outside of Strahan, the 40km-long beach is great for walking at sunset. Access is via an unsealed road. 

Montezuma Falls, Rosebery 

Montezuma Falls is Tasmania’s largest single-drop waterfall, clocking in at 104 metres. The falls are close to Rosebery and are accessed via a 8km round-trip hike along a well-formed, signposted track. Other waterfalls worth visiting in the West include Nelson Falls, Stitt Falls and Hogarth Falls. 

The Confluence, Queenstown 

The Confluence is another cautionary, yet otherworldly, example of human impact on nature. The site is the location of where the deep green waters of the King River meet the polluted, orange-stained waters of the Queen River – the legacy of roughly a century of copper mining. 

A hike to The Confluence reveals Tasmania's contrast between industry and nature. Photo: We Are Explorers.

What to do on Tasmania’s West Coast

Gordon river cruise, strahan .

Venture deep into the heart of Tasmania’s pristine wilderness on a Gordon River Cruise . The purpose-built Spirit of the Wild vessel offers six-hour cruises departing daily from Strahan and includes walking tours of both Heritage Landing and Sarah Island. You won’t go hungry either, with a chef-prepared buffet lunch provided. 

West Coast Wilderness Railway, Strahan and Queenstown 

Hop aboard a beautifully restored heritage train with West Coast Wilderness Railway . The company conducts rail tours between Strahan and Queenstown that travel through 35km of ancient, cool-temperate rainforest. Keep in mind the track does close periodically during the off-season for maintenance, though some stationary experiences such as Christmas in July and Tour and Taste still run during this time – visit the website for availability. 

Henty Dunes, Strahan  

When you think of Tasmania, you probably don’t think of giant sand dunes. But the Henty Dunes are a spectacular natural attraction near Strahan that have been created by the notorious Roaring 40s winds that whip the coast. You can climb the 30-metre-tall dunes as well as surf down the dunes on a sandboard (available for hire from stores in Strahan).

King River Rafting, Queenstown 

If river cruising is too tame for you, try river rafting. King River Rafting offers full-day white water rafting experiences which are as exhilarating as they are scenic. Rapids are graded up to level three with the experience open to reasonably fit individuals aged 11 and over. The company also runs calmer flat water kayaking tours through King River Gorge.

Queenstown Community Market, Queenstown 

The Queenstown Community Market has been a regular fixture on Tassie’s West Coast for almost 40 years, featuring artisan products from makers across the region and beyond. Held at the Queenstown Memorial Hall, the markets stock everything from homemade food, fresh local produce and plants, to handcrafted timber items, textiles, new and used books and bric-a-brac. The market runs from 11am to 1pm on the second Sunday of every month. 

If rafting is too intense, King River Rafting also offers gentle kayaking tours. Photo: Tourism Australia.

Where to eat and drink on Tasmania’s West Coast 

Moonscape wine bar, queenstown .

This Queenstown bar and beer garden is all about showcasing the best Tasmanian wines and beers. Tasmanian spirits are also on offer either neat or in cocktails, plus the space is family friendly.  

Risby Cove Restaurant, Strahan 

Enjoy waterfront dining and fresh produce at Risby Cove. The restaurant focuses on local ingredients wherever possible, including on its drinks list where Tassie beers, wines and spirits reign supreme. 

Rusty Iron Thai Restaurant, Wynyard and Queenstown

If you’re travelling to the West from Launceston, make a detour for Rusty Iron in Wynyard. This restaurant serves fresh, authentic Thai and Asian dishes like panang curry, tom yum soup, pad see ew and larb gai with friendly service to boot.  If you're driving up from Hobart, you can also visit the Rusty Iron in Queenstown.

Tracks Café, Queenstown 

Tracks serves breakfast through to dinner most nights of the week out of the old Queenstown train station that they share with the West Coast Wilderness Railway. The café-style fare goes toe-to-toe with Melbourne’s inner city coffee shops, with a mix of classic brunch dishes, noodles, pasta, burgers and vegan options available. 

The Coffee Shack, Strahan 

Don’t be fooled by this unassuming blue shed. The Coffee Shack is one of the West’s top locations for coffee as well as for generous homestyle muffins, cakes and slices. A rotating selection of light meals are also available for lunch, including curries, frittatas, soups, pastas and toasties.  

The Empire Hotel, Queenstown 

Dining at the Empire Hotel means dining amongst history, with the grand old hotel dating back to the turn of the 20th century (its staircase is even listed on the National Trust). Expect hearty pub fare with vegetarian and vegan options available.   

RACV Members save more on amazing travel experiences. Discover more →

Related reading

What to see and do on a trip to Tasmania

Why Tasmania makes for an electrifying road trip

The ultimate guide to Launceston

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16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Tasmania

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

For those who haven't visited Australia's smallest state, Tasmania or "Tassie," seems shrouded in mystique. Perhaps it's the state's far-flung location, some 300 kilometers south of the Australian mainland across stormy Bass Strait. Maybe it's the vast expanses of windswept wilderness. Almost half of Tasmania's land mass lies in national parks and World Heritage Areas, with sparkling alpine lakes, wild rivers, and mist-cloaked peaks.

Perhaps it's the bizarre wildlife – from real life Tasmanian devils to the extinct thylacine, the Tasmanian tiger. Or is it the haunting convict history and beautifully preserved heritage towns, which seem frozen in time? Today, this mystique lures more and more tourists who are discovering the island's many jewels.

Shaped appropriately like a heart, Tasmania is also a foodie's delight. Gloriously creamy cheeses, crisp fruits, and succulent seafood are just some of the mouthwatering local treats on offer, and hanging out at a waterfront café or restaurant is one of the top things to do in the port city of Hobart.

If you're looking for a unique way to arrive on the island, you can travel from Melbourne to Devonport by sea on the Spirit of Tasmania . Best of all, you can bring your car with you. If you choose this option, check out a Tasmania attractions map, and plot a scenic road-trip.

Explore this enchanting state with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Tasmania.

See also: Where to Stay in Tasmania

1. Explore Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park

2. get a culture fix in hobart, 3. port arthur historic site, 4. hike through freycinet national park, 5. see the views from kunanyi/mount wellington, 6. tasman national park, 7. walk the three capes track, 8. cataract gorge, launceston, 9. stroll around salamanca place, 10. visit bruny island, 11. mona museum and art gallery, 12. mount field national park, 13. franklin-gordon wild rivers national park, 14. marvel at the scenery on maria island, 15. richmond, 16. climb the nut, where to stay in tasmania for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in tasmania.

In the north of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park is the jewel in the crown of the state's many natural wonders. Glacier-carved crags; glittering lakes; beech forests; alpine heathland; and jagged dolerite peaks, including 1,616-meter-high Mount Ossa (the highest point on the island), are some of its most breathtaking features.

Hiking in Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park is legendary. Favorite day walks include the Lake Dove Walk , with magnificent views of Cradle Mountain (1,545 meters), and the Weindorfer Walk , a six-kilometer circuit through dense forests. If you're wondering what to do in Tasmania for a week, a hiking trip here could more than fill your days.

The northern part of Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, is particularly beautiful. From the summit of Cradle Mountain, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the central highlands. The famous 80-kilometer Overland Track runs south from Cradle Valley to stunning Lake St. Clair , the deepest lake in Australia .

Official site: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3297

Tasmania's capital has transformed itself from a sleepy backwater with a turbulent convict history to a hub of cutting-edge culture. Its beautiful setting between the sea and the soaring peak of kunanyi/Mount Wellington has, no doubt, inspired many of its talented artists in all genres.

Opened in 2011, MONA: Museum of Old and New Art pushes the art world envelope with its provocative and confronting exhibits, while the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery takes a more traditional look at the country's art, as well as its natural history.

Foodies will also find plenty to smile about. The city's waterfront precinct buzzes with hip cafés and restaurants, and you can eat around the world on the restaurant strip in North Hobart.

Delving into the city's rich convict history is another one of the top things to do in Hobart. Visit the Hobart Convict Penitentiary, and explore the historic sandstone warehouses at Salamanca Place , now filled with shops, cafés, and antique dealers. From here, you can also follow the Battery Point Sculpture Trail to see elegant convict-built architecture.

Natural attractions are also never far away from the city buzz. Climb kunanyi/Mount Wellington to really appreciate Hobart's picturesque setting, and gaze out at the World Heritage wilderness in the distance.

Read More: Best Tourist Attractions in Hobart

The old convict settlement of Port Arthur offers a sobering look at Tasmania's turbulent past. About an hour's drive southeast of Hobart, the ruins are part of the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property . Here, in 1830, Governor Sir George Arthur established a brutal penal settlement where convicts were forced to hew coal in the mines and fell timber.

In spite of a devastating fire in 1897, the remains of many buildings still stand, including the guard tower, church, model prison, and hospital. You can also browse fascinating documents and relics of the penal settlement in the museum, or visit the nearby Coal Mines Historic Site. Admission tickets give you two days to explore all the attractions here, and they also include an introductory walking tour and 25-minute harbor cruise.

Looking for unique things to do in Tasmania? Consider joining an evening lantern-lit "ghost tour" of the ruins .

After touring Port Arthur, take a drive along the coast to explore the soaring sea cliffs and sheltered coves of the spectacular Tasman peninsula.

Address: 6973 Arthur Hwy, Port Arthur, Tasmania

Official site: http://portarthur.org.au/

World Heritage-listed Freycinet National Park, on Tasmania's relatively sunny east coast, is one of Australia's oldest nature reserves and one of its most beautiful. Hiking the many scenic trails here is the best way to explore the park.

The star of this picturesque peninsula is the perfect curve of powder-white sand and azure sea at Wineglass Bay – one of the top beaches in Australia . Wander through pristine bushland to secluded bays and lookouts, or tackle the Wineglass Bay Circuit, one of Australia's top hikes . Along the way, keep a look out for some of the many birds in the park. Black cockatoos, kookaburras, and sea birds are just some of the resident species.

Take the 20-minute walk from the lookout to the southern end of Wineglass Bay to admire beautiful views of the Hazards , three striking pink granite crags rising out of the sea. The peaks are best photographed at sunrise and sunset when their color deepens in the golden light.

At the entrance to Freycinet National Park, the little beach resort of Coles Bay is a good base for walks and climbs in the surrounding hills, and you can also explore the entire region on the East Coast Escape scenic drive.

Official site: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3363

Undulating to the west of Hobart, the comforting presence of 1,270-meter-high kunanyi/Mount Wellington is a constant reminder of the unspoiled wilderness that lies on the doorstep of this waterfront capital.

Follow a winding 21-kilometer mountain road to the Pinnacle, often sprinkled with snow, for breathtaking views over Hobart, the Derwent Valley, and the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. At the summit, boardwalks lead to panoramic viewpoints, and a pavilion displays old photographs of Hobart and Mount Wellington.

The mountain is a popular spot for biking and hiking through the temperate rain forests, and the distinctive Organ Pipes , a dolerite cliff, is renowned for its excellent rock climbing. Standing atop the summit and admiring the sweeping views is one of the best free things to do in Tasmania, but dress warmly as the weather here is notoriously fickle.

Official site: http://www.wellingtonpark.org.au/

On the wind-lashed Tasman Peninsula, 56 kilometers east of Hobart, Tasman National Park protects some of Australia's most spectacular coastal scenery. If you look at a map of Tasmania, this park cloaks the far southeast tip of the state, with nothing but ocean between here and Antarctica.

It's a place of raw beauty. Towering dolerite cliffs plunge 300 meters to the sea, islands shimmer just offshore, waterfalls tumble to the sea, and contorted rock formations wear the relentless forces of wind and water.

The Blowhole and Tasman Arch are two of the park's most famous features. Other top sites include Remarkable Cave , Waterfall Bay , and the Devil's Kitchen – a collapsed rock arch.

Wildlife also scores top billing here. Apart from many species of rare birds, the area plays host to Australian fur seals, dolphins, whales, fairy penguins, and possums. A popular way to explore this stunning national park is by hiking the Three Capes Track (see below).

You can also explore some of the top attractions by car, or hop aboard a boat to glimpse the soaring cliffs from sea level, or cast a line – fishing can be excellent here. In the southern end of the park, climbers scale the dolerite cliffs, and Pirate's Bay is popular with hang-gliders.

Nearby lies the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur , one of Australia's most poignant historic sites.

Official site: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3868

Starting and ending in World Heritage-listed Port Arthur, the stunningly scenic Three Capes Track slices through more than 48 kilometers of awe-inspiring wilderness in Tasman National Park . A boat delivers you to the trailhead from Port Arthur, where you'll walk along the edge of the continent, with breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea from the cliff-top trail.

Along the way, you'll walk through pristine eucalyptus forests and windswept heathland; see spectacular dolerite columns rising from the sea; encounter wildlife like wombats, wallabies, and echidnas; and stay in comfy eco-friendly cabins.

Every hiker receives a guidebook with maps and notes about the journey, as well as stories to read as they sit on strategically placed benches along the track. This four-day, three-night hike is suitable for all levels of hikers – even children. It's one of the best things to do in Tasmania in spring, fall, or summer, although hardy hikers could also tackle it in winter if they dress appropriately.

Official site: https://www.threecapestrack.com.au/experience.html

A mere 15-minute stroll along the river from Launceston's city center, the wild and romantic Cataract Gorge is a deep chasm carved over many centuries by the South Esk River. Offering striking scenery, the gorge is one of the top attractions in Launceston .

Precipitous walking paths, first built in the 1890s, cut into the cliff face on both sides of the gorge, offering heart-stopping views of the river far below.

The less adventurous can hop aboard the world's longest single-span chairlift, and the Kings Bridge and Gorge Restaurant also afford fine views. On the south side, you can relax at a café and paddle in the bush-fringed swimming pool.

At Cliff Grounds on the northern side, lies a beautiful Victorian garden replete with ferns, strutting peacocks, and wallabies. River cruises offer another perspective of this popular attraction.

If you're looking for things to do in Northern Tasmania, Cataract Gorge deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.

Official site: http://www.launcestoncataractgorge.com.au/

Salamanca Place, with its lovingly restored sandstone buildings, is a tourist hub in the heart of Hobart's historic waterfront. Built by convicts between 1835 and 1860, these beautiful Georgian buildings were once warehouses along the commercial center of old Hobart. Today, they house art galleries, cafés, restaurants, and shops.

You can dine alfresco along this cobblestone strip; shop for antiques and souvenirs; or visit the galleries, performing arts venues, and ateliers of the Salamanca Arts Centre . Every Saturday, tourists and locals alike flock to the Salamanca Markets , where more than 300 vendors sell everything from handcrafted jewelry and woodwork to fresh produce.

Nearby Constitution Dock is a favorite spot to buy fresh seafood, and one of the most popular things to do in December here is watch the yachts cruise in after the iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

From Salamanca Place, you can also descend Kelly Steps to Battery Point , a picturesque seaside suburb with heritage houses.

About 55 minutes from Hobart by car and ferry, Bruny Island is a popular day trip from the city for foodies and nature buffs. The island lies across the D'Entrecasteaux Channel from the seaside town of Kettering. It's famous for its delectable gastronomic treats, such as handmade chocolates, local berries, artisan cheeses, and succulent seafood, which you can sample on island tasting tours.

South Bruny National Park, on the island's southern tip, offers beautiful coastal scenery, with soaring green sea cliffs, sheltered beaches, and challenging surf breaks.

You can explore the park on an eco-cruise or hike the many nature trails. Keep an eye out for wildlife. Fur seals and fairy penguins swim offshore, and wombats, wallabies, and echidnas are often spotted on land. Built by convicts between 1836 and 1838, Cape Bruny Lighthouse offers beautiful views of the surging Southern Ocean.

Cutting edge and controversial, the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) in Hobart made a splash on the Aussie art scene when it opened in 2011. Its Tasmanian owner, David Walsh, described the thought-provoking collection of art and antiquities as a "subversive adult Disneyland."

After entering the museum's foyer at ground level, art lovers descend a spiral staircase to a subterranean gallery, where exhibits range from Sidney Nolan's Snake to an Egyptian sarcophagus and a machine that turns food into brown sludge. Portable touch screen devices provide commentary on the works.

Also on-site are entertainment venues, a trendy restaurant, library, cinema, and accommodation pavilions. The most popular way to travel to MONA is a 30-minute ferry ride along the Derwent River, which drops you off directly at the museum's steps.

Note that you need to buy tickets in advance. Check the website for details and opening hours.

Address: 655 Main Road, Berriedale, Hobart, Tasmania

Official site: http://www.mona.net.au/

About 80 kilometers from Hobart, Mount Field is one of Australia's oldest national parks. Here, you can explore magnificent rainforests, tall swamp gums, alpine moorland, and stunning waterfalls.

Beautiful walking trails wind throughout the park, which is often dusted with snow in the high moorlands until summer. The short Russell Falls Nature Walk to these triple-tiered cascades is suitable even for wheelchair-users. You can also hike around Lake Dobson , and experienced bushwalkers have a choice of more challenging routes.

One of the popular things to do in Tasmania in winter is cross-country skiing, and this is an ideal place to indulge, only a 90-minute drive from Hobart. In the fall, the park ignites with yellow, orange, and red-leafed trees. This is also the site where the last Tasmanian tiger was captured in 1930.

Official site: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3589

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the spectacular Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park has become a symbol of one of Australia's most famous conservation victories. In the 1970s and 80s, this majestic mountain region of primeval rainforest, steep gorges, and wild rivers was the subject of bitter controversy over a proposal to dam the Franklin River. The opponents of the scheme, with their battle cry "No dams!" were victorious, and the wild beauty of the Franklin River and its surrounding wilderness remains.

Today, the national park is the nucleus of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area , which also includes the rocky 1,443-meter peak of Frenchman's Cap . Its Aboriginal sites are evidence of a rich Indigenous heritage stretching back more than 36,000 years.

White-water rafting enthusiasts come here to tackle the tumultuous Franklin River, one of the top outdoor adventures in Australia , and hikers enjoy the short walks. A highlight is Donaghys Lookout Walk . You can also explore the park by car on the Lyell Highway. Better still, hop aboard a river cruise from the west coast village of Strahan .

Official site: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3937

In a land of wilderness escapes, Maria Island truly stands out. Sitting off the east coast of Tasmania, this pristine, car-free island is a nature-lover's Eden. Among the top tourist attractions are the island's Painted Cliffs . Etched with russet-hued swirls of sediment, the Painted cliffs are a favorite subject for photographers. But you can also explore rugged mountains; wild, windswept beaches; fossil-flecked limestone cliffs; and dense forests.

Are you an animal lover? You'll find plenty of wildlife to ogle here, too, from wombats and wallabies to Tasmanian devils, ringtail possums, pademelons, and potoroos (small marsupials). Maria Island is also one of the top places to visit in Tasmania for bird-watching .

Other popular things to do on Maria Island include hiking the scenic trails, biking around the island, snorkeling and diving (if you can brave the cold waters), and exploring the area's rich history. While you're here, you can visit World Heritage-listed convict sites and learn about the Indigenous Puthikwilayti people, custodians of the land and surrounding waters for more than 40,000 years.

Want to stay overnight? Maria Island accommodation is limited. You can stay in basic bunks at the Penitentiary in Darlington, or pitch your tent in a campsite. But most visitors come here on day trips from Hobart.

If you're traveling here on your own, the ferry ride from Triabunna to Darlington, the island's main settlement, takes about 45 minutes. You won't find any shops here, so you'll need to bring everything you need with you, and pack it all out.

About 25 kilometers northeast of Hobart, Richmond is a kind of living open-air museum. Of all the early settlements in Tasmania, it presents the most complete and homogeneous picture of a Georgian colonial town. It was founded soon after the landing of the first settlers in Risdon Cove in 1803 and soon developed into the commercial center of a very fertile grain-growing district.

Richmond was also an important military post. Inmates from the town's penal colony constructed many of the buildings, as well as the Richmond Bridge , which dates from 1825 and is the oldest bridge in Australia.

Often seen in the background of bridge photos is the timber-topped St. Luke's Church , with beautiful stained-glass windows. It was so well constructed that the convict carpenter responsible was pardoned. A short distance to the north, the neo-Gothic St. John's Church , dating from 1837-59 is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Australia.

Other historic highlights include Richmond Gaol and the well-preserved heritage buildings of Bridge Street. Traveling with kids? One of the top Tasmania attractions for families, the Old Hobart Town model village recreates life in the 1820s.

Many day trips to Richmond from Hobart also include a visit to Bonorong Wildlife Park in Brighton, where you can get up close to favorite Aussie animals like kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and Tasmanian devils.

On Tasmania's northwest coast, the Nut is a 143-meter-high volcanic plug, which looms over the picturesque heritage town of Stanley . Matthew Flinders, who viewed it in 1798, thought it was reminiscent of a Christmas cake with its steep, rounded sides and flat top.

You can climb the steep path to the Pinnacle, which takes about 15 minutes, or hop aboard a chairlift for fantastic photo opportunities. At the top, trails of varying lengths lead visitors through fern-fringed forests and to scenic lookouts with 360-degree views of the curving coastline, the quaint hamlet of Stanley, and surrounding farmland. Look for pademelons and wallabies along the trails, and take a jacket, as the top can be quite windy.

We recommend these wonderful hotels in Tasmania's top tourist spots:

• Saffire Freycinet is a luxury eco-hotel on the Freycinet Peninsula, with spectacular views and floor-to-ceiling glass-encased rooms.
• The mid-range Grand Chancellor Hotel Hobart is in a great location, with harbor views, a pillow menu, and a fantastic restaurant.
• Salamanca Inn is a family-friendly all-suite hotel on Hobart's waterfront, steps from Salamanca Place. Choose from one- or two-bedroom suites with full kitchens.
• About a 10-minute walk from Cataract Gorge and Launceston's CBD, The Mews Motel is a budget hotel in a heritage building. Chat with the friendly management, cook your own meals in the well-equipped outdoor kitchen, then snuggle into a comfy bed at this home away from home.

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West Coast Visitor Centre

The Visitor Information Centre is OPEN Mon-Fri 10.30am-5.30pm. CLOSED - Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. CLOSED ANZAC DAY 25th April, reopening Friday April 26th at 10-30am-5-30pm

The Esplanade, Strahan

[email protected]

T. 03 6472 6800

Int. +613 6472 6800

Don't be fooled by the fact we're surround by temperate rainforests. Yes it rains on the West Coast, but our summers are consistently 20 to 25 degrees.

We have stunningly warm days that are perfect for walks along the beach, lake swims, mountain walks and BBQs.

Bring your hat and sunscreen. But also bring a raincoat. Just in case.

Saved to your trip .

Depart the North West of Tasmania via the A1 to Burnie and then south on the B18.

You'll know when you've hit the West Coast....beyond the range of mobile signal.

Lake Rosebery

Tullah is your first taste of the West.  You'll see the lakes first. The glass-like reflections will take your breath away.  Pull over in a safe area and capture those stunning views - you'll want to remember the first time you realised the West Coast was special.

Don't be tempted to drive through Tullah - the town with a history of mining and being a key in the hydroelectric scheme development - the West Coast is all about small towns with big stories.

Wee Georgie Wood Railway

During weekends in the summer months take a short steam train journey on the restored Wee Georgie Wood Stream Train.

Have lunch in Tullah, heading into the village to visit the Tullah Café and view the model display depicting Tullah's history.

Depart Tullah, turning left onto the Lake Plimsoll/Anthony Road to make your way to Queenstown.

The Galley Museum

Arriving in Queenstown, spend an hour or so exploring "The Galley" - an eclectic, unique collection of West Coast history, telling stories of survival, endurance and sacrifice.

After learning the story of the Museum in a Pub - and much, much more - wander Orr Street and surrounds, visiting galleries and talking with local artists.

Set yourself a challenge - how much street art can you find?

Spion Kop Lookout

Make your way to Spion Kop - a short, 10 minute walk up to a lookout that lets you take in the fantastic views over Queenstown and the iconic heritage listed gravel oval.

Check into your accommodation and grab an early dinner at one of Queenstown's restaurants.  Why early?

There's more important things to do this evening.

RoamWild Tasmania

Take a personalised tour with a passionate local guide to the summit of Mount Owen.

Watch the sun set over Queenstown. The orange glow on the raw hills surrounding the town will have you turning in circles for the best view.

Put the camera away, this one is just for you.

Wake up to the sounds of birds and train whistles.

This afternoon you'll drive approximately 40 minutes to spend the night in Strahan. Take note - this section of road has corners.

Tracks Cafe

Enjoy breakfast at Tracks Cafe, watching the heritage train warm up its engines and the town slowly come to life.

Moonscape Wine Bar

Enjoy lunch and a chat with locals, learning more stories whilst you try and work out the quirky West Coast humour.

As you drive out of Queenstown, you know you'll be back.

West Coast Visitor Information Centre

When arriving in Strahan, call into the West Coast Visitor Information Centre on the waterfront to get local tips and the latest information on what's happening.  Bookings for accommodation, tours and activities can also be made.

Purchase tickets to The Ship That Never Was that you'll see later today, before wandering through the Reflections Exhibition.

West Coast Reflections Exhibition

Discover the stories of convicts and brave piners exploring the waters around Strahan, through to the infamous battle to save the Franklin River – all captured in the Reflections Exhibition.  

Travelling with children? Reflections is also a Learning Destination for the Children’s University of Tasmania. 

The Ship that Never Was

Who's up for some skullduggery?

Australia's longest running play is performed at 5.30pm - a live, interactive theatre performance telling the story of an amazing convict escape from nearby Sarah Island.

After the play have dinner with waterfront views before relaxing in your accommodation - ready to explore more of Strahan tomorrow.

Your last day West of Centre.

This afternoon you'll drive to Zeehan before grabbing a coffee for the road in Tullah and catching a last glimpse of those lake reflections.

It's farewell, not goodbye. You'll spend the drive back to the world already planning your next visit.

Ocean Beach Trail

Take the 4km return trail, finishing up on Ocean Beach where you stand mesmerised by the sound and size of the wild waves. 

Pack your bike? The trail is perfect for cycling, as well as walking.

Drive back into Strahan, where you'll drive along the Henty Road to Zeehan.

Carols on Wheels

Zeehan has one of the oldest histories in Tasmania and was once Tasmania's third-largest town.

Surrounded by mountains and button grass plains, you can stand at one end of the main street (appropriately called....Main Street) and not see the other end.

Carol's is located on the site of the Heritage Centre, perfect for lunch before heading inside for a history lesson.

West Coast Heritage Centre

A visit through the West Coast Heritage Centre will have you viewing an extensive collection of minerals, historic buildings and gaining an insight into our dramatic history.

Spray Tunnel

After learning of the past at the Heritage Centre it's time to take a first hand look.

Take a 10 minute drive down Fowler Street to the Spray Tunnel - an easy one-hour walk where you'll pass relics of buildings and abandoned boilers, and walk thorugh the abandoned railway tunnel.

After the walk, travel to Rosebery, approximately 30 minutes drive.

Winter is the perfect time to experience the area.

Wander through the pristine wilderness (with sturdy boots), smell the fresh air and listen to the sound of waterfalls.

Or head indoors and immerse yourself in our museums and galleries, warming up in our cafes and restaurants whilst enjoying snow-capped mountain views.

Amongst all this wild, you’ll still find a sense of calm.

Depart the North West of Tasmania via the A1 to Burnie, or via Cradle Mountain Link Road C132, and then south on the B18.

You’ll know when you’ve hit the West Coast....beyond the range of mobile signal.

West Coast roads are not for the faint hearted - especially in winter. Days are shorter and roads are subject to snow and ice - the kind you can't easily see.

It's recommended you drive during daylight hours only and check road and weather updates regularly.

Tullah Cottage Coffee Shop

Tullah is your first taste of the West.  You’ll see the lakes first. The glass-like reflections and misty moods will take your breath away.  Pull over in a safe area and capture those stunning views - you’ll want to remember the first time you realised the West Coast was special.

Don’t be tempted to drive through Tullah - the town with a history of mining and being a key in the hydroelectric scheme development - the West Coast is all about small towns with big stories.

Grab a coffee and snack and head into the village to visit the Tullah Café and view the model display depicting Tullah’s history.

Stitt Falls

Depart Tullah, driving along the Murchison Highway and over Mount Black towards Rosebery - the town with the highest postcode in Australia.

Located just a few minute drive from the Agnes Street, this 30m walk from the road will take you to a purpose-built lookout where you can witness Stitt Falls flowing.

After the walk, continue on to Zeehan, approximately 30 minutes drive.

Zeehan has one of the oldest histories in Tasmania and was once Tasmania’s third-largest town.

The Spray Tunnel is an easy one-hour walk where you’ll pass relics of buildings and abandoned boilers, and walk through an abandoned railway tunnel.

Pitstop Cafe

The Pitstop is a quirky cafe serving wholesome, homemade meals and warm drinks.  Just what you'll need after the Spray Tunnel.

Grab lunch and travel the Zeehan Highway to Strahan, approximately 30 minutes drive, where you’ll stay the night.

Check into your Strahan accommodation and enjoy dinner with waterfront views.

After spending the day immersed in nature this afternoon you’ll drive approximately 40 minutes to spend the night in Queenstown.

Take note - this section of road has corners.

Cruise Wilderness World Heritage Area

Spend the day in comfort on board world-class cruise boats whilst exploring Macquarie Harbour and the Gordon River.

Learn about the fight to save the wilderness, convict life at Sarah Island, see lighthouses and marvel at Hell’s Gates.

The breathtaking beauty will leave you speechless.

After your cruise call into the West Coast Visitor Information Centre on the waterfront to get local tips and the latest information on what’s happening.  Bookings for accommodation, tours and activities can also be made.

Grab some gifts to remember your West Coast visit before wandering through the Reflections Exhibition.

Hogarth Falls

Allow up to 50 minutes to amble along the easy walk to Hogarth Falls - keeping an eye out for platypus in the creek. 

Dry off (it's a waterfall, in winter - be prepared) before travelling to Queenstown and checking into your accommodation.

Warm up with an early dinner in one of Queenstown's restaurants (some featuring woodfires for that extra atmosphere), comparing waterfall photos and West Coast history lessons.

This afternoon you’ll drive through the Anthony Road, grabbing a coffee for the road in Tullah and catching a last glimpse of those lake reflections.

It’s farewell, not goodbye. You’ll spend the drive back to the world already planning your next visit.

Enjoy breakfast at Tracks Cafe, warming up in front of the fire and chatting with locals about the rain.

After breakfast wander Orr Street and surrounds, visiting galleries, talking with local artists.  Set yourself a challenge - how much street art can you find?

Horsetail Falls

Take a scenic drive up the Gormanston Hill - the famous "99 Bends" to the last watefall of your visit - Horestail Falls.

An easy 30 minutes return walk along the side of a mountain.  A beanie and warm jacket is a must.

Iron Blow Lookout

Across the highway from Horestail Falls, this lookout gives a vertigo-inducing view of the stunning landscape.

Looking down into the former open cut mine, you can almost picture the old miners battling to bring up the ore.

Drive back down the "Gormy Hill", keeping an eye out for a special message on one of the hills.

Empire Hotel

Eat a warm lunch, before capturing a photo of Mt Owen.  She may even have a sprinkle of snow.

As you drive out of Queenstown, you know it's "see you next time".

Don’t be fooled by the fact we’re surround by temperate rainforests. Yes it rains on the West Coast, but our summers are consistently 20 to 25 degrees.

In the summer months (weekends) take a short 20 minute heritage steam train journey through the rainforest on the ‘’ Wee Georgie Wood”.

Tullah Village Cafe

Turning off the highway to the Tullah Café, view the historical display of this mining/hydro town - a must see.

Explore the beauty of Lake Rosebery by hiring a kayak or take the short walk around part of the Lake

Visit the Stitt Falls a short 5 minute drive from the main street. Driving south from Rosebery, keep an eye out for the aerial ore bucket ropeway.

Continue to Zeehan, once Tasmania’s third-largest town and visit the West Coast Heritage Museum for a comprehensive display of West Coast history.

For the real West Coast experience, take a short drive down Fowler Street and walk to the Spray Tunnel an old abandoned railway tunnel 100 metres long.

Depart Zeehan to Strahan

Trial Harbour

Take a drive to the coastal hamlet with magnificent beaches and spectacular views. A hidden gem is the Trial Harbour History Museum.

Granville Harbour

A further drive from Trial Harbour on the C429 is Granville Harbour, a small fishing and holiday community boasting great fishing and rugged coastline

Ocean Beach

Heading back through Zeehan, take a 40 minute drive to Strahan stopping at the scenic lookout to view Ocean Beach the longest in Tasmania.

In Strahan enjoy a walk through the temperate rainforest to Hogarth Falls or a leisurely stroll around the historic foreshore walk.

In Strahan take a cruise and experience the breath taking beauty of Macquarie Harbour, the Gordon River and the World Heritage area. Cruises depart each morning, and some afternoons in the summer.

Experience Strahan

Architects, writers, woodturners, gardeners and historians contributed their talents to this acclaimed exhibition.

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.

Australia’s longest running play tells the dramatic and hilarious true story about the last Great Escape from Sarah Island.

Depart Strahan to Queenstown

Take a personalised tour with a passionate local guide to the old mines, Lake Margaret Power Station, Franklin Dam Blockade site or Queenstown

King River Rafting

For the more adventurous, take a full or half day rafting experience down the King River.

Paragon Theatre

Take a short tour of the beautifully restored art deco Paragon Theatre. In the summer months view a film, with refreshments available.

Morning in Queenstown – depart for Hobart

Visit the Galley Museum with its extensive historic photographic collection and local memorabilia.

Take a stroll around the streets of Queenstown viewing the galleries, the historic National Trust listed staircase at the Empire Hotel.

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.

Depart Queenstown and drive up the 99 bends of Gormanston Hill to the Horsetail Falls Walk, a 30 minute return walk to the seasonal 50m waterfall

Opposite is the road to the Iron Blow Lookout with views over the old Mt Lyell open cut mine, down the Linda Valley to Lake Burbury

Nelson Falls

Stop at Nelson Falls, a delightful horizontal fall - 20 minute return walk.

Franklin River Nature Trail

Stop another 9km along the highway at the” Franklin River Nature Trail.” This short, easy walk along the banks of the Franklin River.

Depart Hobart for the 4 hour drive to Queenstown, stop at Lake St Clair part of the Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park.

Returning to the highway A10 you enter the World Heritage area, stop at the Franklin River Nature Trail. A short, easy walk through wilderness

Donaghys Hill

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.

Back to the highway and opposite is the entrance car park for the Horsetail Falls walk – a 30 minute return walk – a large seasonal 50 metre waterfall

Continue the drive up through the Linda Valley to the Iron Blow Lookout with views over the old Mt Lyell open cut mine and down to Lake Roseberry

Continue down the 99 bends to Queenstown and visit the Galley Museum with its extensive historic photographic collection and local memorabilia.

For the more adventurous, take a full or half day rafting experience down the King River.A white water raft and steam train option is also available.

Kelly Basin Walk

A 45 minute scenic drive south on Driffield and Conlan Street will lead to the Kelly Basin Walk. A 3-4 hour return walk 10.8km.

Queenstown (then drive to Strahan)

In Queenstown take a personalised tour with a passionate local guide to the old mines, Lake Margaret Power Station, Franklin Dam Blockade site.

Take a stroll around the streets of Queenstown viewing the Galleries, the historic National Trust listed staircase at the Empire Hotel.

Arriving in Strahan take a short ten minute driver west of Strahan to Ocean Beach, take in a sunset or stroll along Tasmania’s longest beach.

In Strahan take a cruise and experience the breath taking beauty of Macquarie Harbour, the Gordon River and the World Heritage area.

View the West Coast Reflections Exhibition at the Visitor Centre, an award winning display depicting Tasmanian’s heritage.

Watch a performance of ‘The Ship That Never Was’ the longest running play in Australia.

Strahan to Zeehan

Enjoy a walk through the temperate rainforest to Hogarth Falls or a leisurely stroll around the historic foreshore walk taking in the Galleries.

Stop off at the scenic lookout to view Ocean Beach the longest beach in Tasmania. Overnight at Zeehan

A comprehensive display of West Coast history. It houses one of the finest collections of minerals in the world

For the real West Coast experience, take a short 10 minute drive and walk to the Spray Tunnel an old abandoned railway tunnel 100 metres long

Take a 40 minute drive west of Zeehan and explore the harbour settlement of Trial Harbour, a coastal hamlet with magnificent beaches and views.

From Granville, travel back to Zeehan (refueling the car and yourselves if needed)  and head North to Rosebery, a zinc and gold mining town situated in a beautiful natural setting.  

Visit Stitt Falls, a short 5 minute drive from the main street.

Turn off the highway to the Tullah Café, view the historical display of this mining/hydro town.

In the summer months (weekends) take a short 20 minute heritage steam train journey through the rainforest on the “Wee Georgie Wood”

Explore the beauty of Lake Rosebery by hiring a kayak or take the short walk around part of the Lake.

Depart Hobart for the 4 hour drive to Queenstown where you'll see Tasmania's Central Highlands, lakes and historic towns.

You're surroundings will change as you head further West, into rainforests and world heritage wilderness.

You've now entered the World Heritage area and this trail is the perfect introduction to what you'll see as you venture further West.

Enjoy a picnic lunch and short walk before continuing along highway A10. 

Your first West Coast waterfall, and it's a beauty. Stop at Nelson Falls, a delightful horizontal fall - 20 minute return walk.

After driving through the once-thriving towns of Linda and Gormanston, and before making the descent into Queenstown, it's time to stretch the legs again.

An easy 30 minutes return walk along the side of a mountain (yes, the boardwalk is on the mountain edge).  A beanie and warm jacket is a must.

Now for the drive down the 99 bends of the “Gormy Hill” into Queenstown where you'll stay the night.  Keep an eye out for a special message on one of the hills.

Check into your accommodation and dine at a local restaurant.

Today will be spent delving into history - learning how locals lived and the events that shaped the region - before putting on the raincoat and boots and taking in the fresh air for one of Tasmania's best short walks.

Enjoy breakfast at Tracks, warming up in front of the fire and chatting with locals about the rain.

Afterwards, walk the short distance (200m) along Miners Siding to the Galley Museum - 

Spend an hour or so exploring “The Galley” - an eclectic, unique collection of West Coast history, telling stories of survival, endurance and sacrifice.

This Museum will surprise you - be prepared to spend a few hours.

After learning the story of the Museum in a Pub - and much, much more - enjoy lunch at a local cafe.

A 45 minute scenic drive south on Driffield and Conlan Street will lead to the Kelly Basin Walk.

Return to your accommodation to dry off and warm up (this will happen, you're walking through a rainforest in winter) before dining at a local restaurant for dinner.

Spend the morning discovering Queenstown's artistic side before driving approximately 40 minutes to spend the night in Strahan.

After breakfast make your eay to Spion Kop - a short (but steep), 10 minute walk up to a lookout that lets you take in the fantastic views over Queenstown and the iconic heritage-listed gravel oval.

After your walk wander Orr Street and surrounds, visiting galleries and talking with local artists.

Enjoy a good pub lunch - not forgetting to view the historic National Trust historic staircase - before starting the drive to Strahan.

After checking into your accommodation, take a short ten minute drive to Ocean Beach.

With nothing between you and South America, take in a sunset or stroll along Tasmania’s longest beach.

Enjoy dinner tonight with waterfront views.

Today will be spent in the breathtaking beauty of Tasmania's wilderness world heritage area and learning of Strahan history.

After dinner, watch the film version of '"The Ship That Never Was'" at the Risby Cove Theatrette, a story of an amazing convict escape from Sarah Island.

This afternoon you'll drive approximately 30 minutes to Zeehan - a small town with a big story.

Grab a warm drink and snack before starting the drive to Zeehan.

The Pitstop is a quirky cafe serving wholesome, homemade meals and warm drinks - a great lunch after the drive from Strahan.

Check into your Zeehan accommodation where you can warm up after the Spray Tunnel walk before enjoying dinner.

Today will bring another spectacular waterfall before travelling to Tullah where you'll spend your last evening on the West Coast.

After breakfast visit the Heritage Centre where you can view an extensive collection of minerals, historic buildings and gaining an insight into our dramatic history.

Carol’s is located on the site of the Heritage Centre, perfect for lunch before heading to Tasmania's highest waterfall.

This afternoon you'll catch a last glimpse of stunning lake reflections in Tullah before continuing north.

it's farewell, not goodbye. You'll spend the drive back to the world already planning your next visit.

You caught a glimpse of Lake Rosebery when arriving in Tullah late yesterday.  Today you get to stand in awe, looking at the glass-like reflections and misty moods that will take your breath away.

Spend the morning explore the beauty of Lake Rosebery by hiring a kayak or take the short walk around part of the Lake.

After lunch view the model display depicting Tullah's history - and the many lakes surrounding the town.

As you drive out of Tullah, you know you'll be back.  

West Coast roads are not for the faint hearted - especially in winter. Days are shorter and roads are subject to snow and ice - the kind you can’t easily see.

It’s recommended you drive during daylight hours only and check road and weather updates regularly.

Check into your Zeehan accommodation and enjoy dinner.

Today you will explore the coastal community of Trial Harbour before travelling to Strahan where you’ll stay the night.

After breakfast take a 40-minute drive to Trial Harbour wher you'll be spoilt with magnificent beaches and spectacular views. 

After leaving Trial Harbour, drive back towards Zeehan and complete an easy one-hour walk at the Spray Tunnel, where you’ll pass relics of buildings and abandoned boilers, and walk through an abandoned railway tunnel.

The Pitstop is a quirky cafe serving wholesome, homemade meals and warm drinks.  Just what you’ll need after the Spray Tunnel.

Allow up to 50 minutes to amble along the easy walk to Hogarth Falls - keeping an eye out for platypus in the creek as you walk through the temperate rainforest to Hogarth Fall.

Strahan Historic Foreshore Walk

Take a leisurely stroll around the historic foreshore walk, taking in the Galleries and historic information pillars along the way. The walk commences at West Strahan Beach and finishes at Regatta Point Station.

Today you will immerse yourself in nature, enjoying the tranquility of the Wilderness World Heritage Area

Watch the free demonstration of old-style saw milling held each afternoon at 3 pm at Morrisons Sawmill on the Esplanade. Check availability in the winter months.

After your cruise learn more about the West Coast - stories of convicts and brave piners exploring the waters around Strahan, through to the infamous battle to save the Franklin River – all captured in the Reflections Exhibition.  

In the evening take in the film version of “The Ship That Never Was” at the Risby Cove Theatrette, a story of an amazing convict escape from Sarah Island. Overnight Strahan

Arriving in Queenstown, spend an hour or so exploring “The Galley” - an eclectic, unique collection of West Coast history, telling stories of survival, endurance and sacrifice.

After learning the story of the Museum in a Pub - and much, much more - take the drive south of Queenstown where you can walk along an old railway track beside the Bird River to the ruins of the former mining town of East Pillinger. A 3-4 hour return walk.

Warm up after your rainforest walk with a hearty pub meal at the Empire, be sure to take a photo of the historic staircase.

Breakfast in front of a warm fire at Tracks before wandering Orr Street and surrounds, visiting galleries and talking with local artists.

It's time to farewell Queenstown - for now.

Take a scenic drive up the Gormanston Hill - the famous “99 Bends” to Horestail Falls.

Stretch the legs at the last watefall of your visit - Nelson Falls - a delightful horizontal fall, an easy 20 minute return walk.

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 western wilderness

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A Rugged, Wilderness Road Trip Through Tasmania's West Coast to Embrace the Off Season

Hogarth Falls Walk

West Coast Gateway Cafe

Salt Box Hideaway

One of the best and only ways to explore Tasmania’s stunning west coast is to hit the road. With ancient forests and unique experiences, a road trip through this region is an Off Season dream. Here’s a sample itinerary of what’s best in the west.

Eat: West Coast Gateway Cafe

Tucked away in the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town of Tullah, West Coast Gateway Cafe serves up some of the best coffee and food in the area. An ideal spot to start your day or to fuel up for the adventures ahead – choose from the main cabinet or full menu, with highlights including the steak sandwich, lamb souvlaki, spinach fettuccine with roasted tomato or a mean potato cake.

The bright space, complete with a roaring log fire when the mercury drops, features historical images of the area’s gold mining past. You can also map where you’ve explored on their 3D model of the west coast.

Do: Hogarth Falls

This delightful bushwalk, which commences from People’s Park in Strahan, is nestled around a working harbour. Expect to be dwarfed by tall trees and pristine rainforest while you make your way along the easy creek-side track, which is 2.4 kilometres return. The cascading falls peak in winter after decent rainfall, with their presence heard before being seen. A mesmerising display of water, sound and light awaits (keep your eyes peeled for platypus along the way).

Do: Gordon River Cruises

Alternatively, rest your feet with a six-hour cruise. On the water, the west coast of Tasmania can be wildly different depending on the climate - from crisp, blue skies to moody clouds and mist. Gordon River Cruises departs from Strahan and takes you through the majestic Macquarie Harbour and onto several landmarks throughout the day. Guides share character-based interpretations throughout the trip, giving you an insight into the history of the area, as well as what it’s like now. There are two opportunities to explore the spectacular area on foot – one highlight is walking through the ancient Huon Pine forests at Heritage Landing, which are only accessible by boat. Guests can also get off at Sarah Island, a beautiful location with a dark and violent convict history. And on the boat you won’t go hungry. You’ll enjoy feasting on an extensive buffet menu plus a range of wines, juices and espresso.

On Saturday May 27, you can enjoy wine tastings, canapes, and wine of your choice, while hearing the stories of Ghost Rock Wines in a collaboration between Gordon River Cruises and Ghost Rock Wines, as part of the Off Season.

Eat: Risby Cove

After a long day of sightseeing, it’s time for dinner. On the site of a former Huon Pine sawmill sits Risby Cove, a boutique hotel and restaurant on the waterfront, just moments from the heart of Strahan. Views across the harbour are dotted with recreational yachts and commercial fishing vessels. The restaurant is open for meals from Tuesday to Sunday; a “feed me” option on those nights allows for either a two or three-course meal, showcasing local produce such as Little Swanport oysters, fresh caught fish, and wild mushroom risotto. An a la carte menu is offered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, and lunch is served from Friday to Sunday. The drinks list has a healthy selection of local wines, beers, ciders and spirits. Continental breakfast hampers packed with fresh bread, orange juice, cereal and fruit yoghurt are offered year-round to fuel you up for your next adventure.

If you’re too tired to get back in the car after dinner, you can also take advantage of Risby Cove’s Off Season offer, which includes a two-night stay in either the studio or balcony suites and 10 per cent off the restaurant’s a la carte menu.

Stay: Salt Box Hideaway

Your last stop is where you’ll retire for the night. The picturesque Lettes Bay is dotted with lakeside shacks, built from 1921 onwards, as a place of respite for local mining and railway workers to escape grim manual labour. These days, it’s a quiet place to watch the weather ebb and flow, and to make friends with resident ducks. Salt Box Hideaway is an ideal spot to spend a night (or several) in the romantic surrounds of this sheltered bay. With the freedom to do as much or as little as you like, you can swim, fish or just enjoy the vista. There’s a nod to the area’s maritime history in the shack’s interior design, and an outdoor fire pit is the perfect spot to share stories, toast marshmallows and enjoy a glass of something from your travels.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Tourism Tasmania. Explore more wild, weird and wonderful experiences during Tasmania’s Off Season .

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The 23 Must-See Tourist Attractions in Tasmania

Planning a holiday to Tasmania? The island is a paradise for tourists. Here’s a curated list of the must-see tourist attractions in Tasmania.

Updated: July 3, 2023

Taylor Content creator for hospitality & tourism. I was born and raised in Tasmania.

Tourist Attractions in the North

Cradle mountain, lake st clair national park.

Cradle Mountain is Tasmania’s most famous peak. It is the fifth highest in the state and stands above the tranquil Dove Lake. You can tackle a visit to Cradle Mountain in a day or stretch it out over a week.

Arrive at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, and book the shuttle bus; cars aren’t allowed into the grounds.

Dove Lake is the most accessible walk; this 6km trek around the lake will take 2-3 hours to complete.

Cradle Mountain is also a great place to enjoy the snow. There is a substantial amount of snowfall during Winter, and with the great selection of walks, it’s accessible to most.

Cataract Gorge

74-90 basin rd, west launceston.

Highly reccommended

The  Cataract Gorge  is a gorgeous basin located fifteen minutes from  Launceston , featuring the world’s longest single-span chairlift. There are walking tracks, a cafe, swimming pool and toilet facilities.

Settler William Collins first discovered the Cataract Gorge in 1804. He wrote, “The beauty of the scene is probably not surpassed in the world”. The  Cataract Gorge  is easily accessible via car.

Derby’s Floating Sauna

99 main st, derby.

Derby  is home to Australia’s first (and currently only) floating sauna.  Derby  is an old tin mining town  once the richest of its kind.  Today, it’s loved for  Blue Derby , a world-class hub of mountain bike trails.

On the edge of  Briseis Waterhole is the traditional Finnish wood-fired sauna. Detox the body and plunge into the frigid lake, like the Scandanavians.

The floating sauna can be shared with others or booked privately.

Bridestowe Lavender Estate

296 gillespies rd, nabowla.

Tasmania’s passion for lavender began at Bridestowe Lavender Estate.

In 1921 London perfumer CK Denny migrated to Tasmania with his family, bringing a packet of lavender seeds from the southern French Alps.

Tasmania had a similar climate to Provence, making it ideal conditions to grow lavender. Today, the Bridestowe Lavender Estate welcomes over 50,000 people a year.

Bridestowe Lavender Estate is a fourty-five minute drive from Launceston and covers 260 acres; it is the world’s largest privately-owned lavender farm. The iconic curved rows are unique to Bridstowe, the were implemented to better capture and manage rainfall.

They are open to the public to wander through the fields, take photos, and even enjoy a picnic. There is also a cafe on-site that serves signature lavender-infused ice cream.

The Nut  was a volcano about 25-70 million years ago; now, it’s a tourist destination. Climbing  The Nut takes twenty minutes as you ascend 152 metres to the summit.

Alternatively, you can buy a ticket to the chairlift and relax as you float to the top.

Low Head Penguin Tours

485 low head rd, low head.

Low Head Penguin Tours offers an intimate penguin experience. On this paid tour, you will have access to a beach generally closed to the public. Over an hour, you’ll watch the little penguins pluck up the courage to leave the ocean and return to shore.

There’s a good chance you’ll come within metres of the little guys. Low Head is located along the  Tamar River  and is home to several  other historic attractions.

James Boag Brewery

39 william st, launceston.

In 1853 James Boag arrived in Australia from Scotland with his wife and four kids in tow. Three months later, they moved to Tasmania. In 1883 James Boag took over the  Esk Brewery,  and it became known as Boags Brewery .

You can visit the J ames Boag Brewery Experience  in Launceston, enjoy a guided tour of the brewery and finish with a tasting paddle.

Tasmanian Arboretum

46 old tramway rd, eugenana.

The  Tasmanian Arboretum  is a 66-hectare botanic garden and the best location in Australia to see a wild platypus; platypus appearances are reliably witnessed in the  Founder’s Lake . There are also eighty different bird species. You can spend several hours wandering the grounds, even longer, if you utilise their barbeques for lunch. The  Tasmanian Arboretum  is a not-for-profit and relies heavily on the help of volunteers.

500 Staverton Rd, Promised Land

Tazmazia and the Village of Lower Crackpot is one of the largest maze complexes in the world; it is a fantastic experience for children and adults alike.

Tazmazia  features four botanical mazes planted in viburnum and Chinese honeysuckle. The other mazes include the balancing maze and the yellow brick maz e. The Village of Lower Crackpot  is a quirky model village built to 1/5 scale.

Tazmazia also has a working lavender farm, with the beautiful Mt Roland as a backdrop.

Beaconsfield Mining & Heritage Centre

West st, beaconsfield.

Beaconsfield is most known for the mine rescue of 2006. A minor earthquake triggered rockfall, killing one miner and trapping two others, Brant Webb and Todd Russell. The whole world watched on as a dangerous rescue mission commenced. Both miners emerged six days later.

The  Beaconsfield Mining & Heritage Centre   tells the story of the mine rescue and several other exhibitions.

Tourist Attractions near Hobart

Three capes track, cape pillar, tasman peninsula.

The  Three Capes Track  is a four-day coastal hike spanning 48kms. You’ll start at the  Port Arthur Historic Site  before catching a ferry to the start of the trek – you may need to wade onto the shore during high tide.

Cabins are provided along the way and are architecturally designed to showcase your natural surroundings. Four days might seem intimidating; however, the  Three Capes Track  is intended to be accessible for most ages and abilities.

655 Main Rd, Berriedale

MONA , where do I start? Maybe Tasmania’s most well known attraction. David Walsh, a multi-millionaire gambler, created the Museum of Old and New Art  to (in his words)  ‘bang above [his] weight’.  MONA showcases Walsh’s $100 million private art collection and hosts some quirky events.

The building design is incredible; it is etched into the side of a cliff on the  River Derwent .

MONA  has several restaurants, a bar and a hotel. It is a wacky experience. Entry is free to Tasmanian residents, and there is a small cost for inter-staters/foreigners.

Cascade Brewery

140 cascade rd, south hobart.

Cascade is the oldest operating brewery in Australia and produces Tasmania’s most popular beer, Cascade Draught. Just a ten-minute drive out of Hobart, Cascade Brewery offers several experiences for beer lovers.

Take a guided tour, learn about their brewing process, visit previously unseen areas, and then finish with a beer paddle. You can also stroll the lush gardens and settle in at Cascade Brewery Bar.

Cascade is easily accessible by bus from the city centre. Take the 446 from near the waterfront, and there’s a stop at the brewery.

Mount Wellington

Wellington park, hobart.

Mount Wellington  looms 1,271 metres (4169 feet) above  Hobart . The mountain provides a jaw-dropping lookout accessible by car and several bushwalks, including  The Organ Pipes .

These column-shaped cliffs were formed in the Jurassic period when Tasmania was separating from Antarctica.   Mount Wellington is also one of the best (and easiest) places to enjoy the snow.

Mount Wellington is only a half-hour drive from Hobart, and you can often see the snow-capped peaks from within the city. You can also check the snow-cam for a better idea of the conditions. Or take the dedicated bus that takes you straight there.

Pinnacle Road will take you to the peak; it is a windy but safe overall, and it’s accessible by caravans and motorhomes.

There is no need for a Parks Pass, and entry is always free.

Salamanca Market

Salamanca pl, hobart.

Salamanca Market  is Tasmania’s most well-known marketplace, operating for over fifty years. You’ll find local produce, coffee and artisan products at over two hundred stalls. Held every Saturday morning, it’s a bustling atmosphere.

Salamanca is near Princes Wharf and easily accessible from the city centre on foot. It’s also close to Battery Point.

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery

Dunn pl, hobart.

The  Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery  (TMAG) is the second oldest museum in Australia.  TMAG aims to preserve Tasmanian culture as a combined museum, art gallery, and herbarium.

One exhibition showcases a stuffed Thylacine – the now extinct marsupial, the Tasmanian Tiger.  TMAG  is accessible to all ages and offers free guided tours.

Iron Pot Lighthouse Cruise

Iron pot state reserve.

Likely to sell out

The  Iron Pot Lighthouse  is the oldest original lighthouse in Australia. It sits alone on  Betsy island , its sharp corners contrasting the surrounding rocks.

The Iron Pot Lighthouse Cruise  will take you to  Betsy Island  and then along the isolated coast. Over the two-and-a-half-hour cruise, you’ll see hundreds of seabirds and maybe even a dolphin.

The cruise departs from Constitution Dock on Hobart’s waterfront. Along the way, you’ll pass the historic Battery Point and the Shot Tower.

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Lower domain rd, hobart.

The  Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens  are the second oldest botanical gardens – the  Sydney Botanic Gardens were founded two years earlier.

Popular features are the conservatory (built with sandstone walls), the Lily Pond and the Anniversary Arch .

Access to the gardens is free; however, you can book a fifty-minute guided tour. There’s also the Succulent Restaurant , showcasing Tasmanian wine.

Port Arthur Historical Site

Historic site, port arthur.

Port Arthur  is a town and former convict settlement on the  Tasman Peninsula . The settlement began in 1830 and was the destination for convicts deemed the most hardened of British criminals. The remnants of the prison are a popular tourist attraction.

An entry ticket includes a guided tour as well as a harbour cruise. Additional tours include a lantern-lit ghost tour and the  Isle of the Dead Cemetery Tour , showcasing the final resting place for over 1000 convicts.

Bruny Island

The Neck  is a narrow strip of land connecting north and south  Bruny Island . Climb the 279 steps to the  Neck Lookout  and witness the two bodies of water kept apart. Boardwalks and viewing platforms allow you to observe the wildlife, including penguins who return to their burrows at dusk.

Tessellated Pavement

380 pirates bay dr, eaglehawk neck.

This tiled rock formation is a peculiar natural phenomenon. On the journey to  Port Arthur , the Tessellated Pavement is a flat bed of stone engraved with straight intersecting lines. It has formed organically over time through a process called ‘jointing.’

Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum

Morrison st & argyle st, hobart.

Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum is a replica of the wooden huts built in Cape Denison, East Antarctica. These huts were used from 1911 to 1914 by the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, led by Douglas Mawson.

Heritage carpenters took hundreds of photos of the original hut. It was reconstructed faithfully and erected in Hobart, just 200 metres from the water where Mawson’s original expedition departed.

The replica museum is open to the public. It is near the waterfront, a five-minute walk from the CBD and close to Salamanca Market.

Tourist Attractions in the West

Gordon river cruise, 24 esplanade, strahan.

The  Gordon River Cruise  departs from  Strahan  and takes you to  Hell’s Gates  – the narrow entrance into the Southern Ocean – and  Sarah Island – a nineteenth-century penal colony.

You’ll learn the area’s history while enjoying drinks and food from the bar. It’s a six-hour cruise and one of the most popular ways to take in the west coast’s raw beauty.

Wall in the Wilderness

15352 lyell hwy, derwent bridge.

The  Wall in the Wilderness is an art project to commemorate those who shaped Tasmania’s central highlands. The huon pine slab stands three metres high and one hundred metres long, carved by sculptor Greg Duncan.

Engraved into the wood are timber harvesters, miners and hydro workers. The wall is open to tourists but take note! Photos are not allowed.

Taylor was born and raised in Tasmania. He moved to Melbourne to study Film & television, and went on to start a marketing agency for hospitality.

He has a love for rock ‘n’ roll bars & New York-style pizza. In 2020 he was amongst the top 1% of Frank Sinatra listeners on Spotify.

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Attractions & Tours - West Coast & Central Tasmania

Let us take the hassle out of planning your Tasmanian holiday. Browse our list of the west coast and central Tasmania’s tours and attractions, choose what interests you and we will include it in your customised Tasmanian holiday.

Cradle Mountain Canyons

Cradle Mountain - Lake St. Clair National Park

Launch yourself off waterfalls, abseil down cliffs and shoot through nature’s waterslides. Or take an easier option and float along seeing the world from the point of view of a platypus. Canyoning is the most exciting way to experience the World Heritage wilderness at Cradle Mountain.

Devils @ Cradle - Tasmanian Devil Sanctuary

3950 Cradle Mountain Road, Cradle Mountain

A world class wildlife conservation facility at Tasmania’s premier wilderness destination. The spectacular and pristine wilderness of Cradle Mountain is home to the mysterious and secretive Tasmanian Devil. Devils @ Cradle is a unique Tasmanian conservation sanctuary located at the entrance to the spectacular World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park.

Gordon River Cruises

The Esplanade, Strahan

Be first on the water and witness the magical reflections as you cruise quietly on the Gordon River aboard the award-winning Spirit of the Wild, a unique custom-built vessel with a hybrid propulsion system, designed to have minimal impact on the environment. Enjoy dedicated on-board guides and step ashore in the rainforest at Heritage Landing and again at Sarah Island as well as visiting salmon farms and Hells Gates at the mouth of Macquarie Harbour.

Pieman River Cruise

1 Corinna Road, Corinna

The Pieman River Cruise is a unique experience at Corinna Wilderness. Enjoy an intimate tour aboard the famous Arcadia II; the only Huon Pine river cruiser in the world! The cruise offers a prime opportunity to explore the rugged nature of the Pieman Heads, admire the pristine and ancient Tarkine rainforest and observe the flora and fauna known to the area.

The Ship That Never Was

12 The Esplanade, Strahan

Australia’s longest running play, The Ship That Never Was tells the dramatic and hilarious true story about the last Great Escape from Sarah Island. In January 1834, ten convicts steal a ship from Macquarie Harbour and sail to Chile! Fun, interactive, family entertainment for all ages!

West Coast Wilderness Railway

1 Driffield Street, Queenstown

In the late 1800s, hundreds of men and women were employed to build the impossible; a railway through the remote western wilderness to transport copper from Queenstown to the now-forgotten port of Teepookana – and later, through to Strahan. These days, visitors to the region can choose between several half and full-day rail journeys through ancient rainforest, stopping at stations along the line where short walks and other activities help to tell the story of this incredible place.

World Heritage Cruises

Cruising down the iconic Gordon River is a must do when visiting Tasmania. You will experience one of the most scenic and sought after cruises with one of Tasmania’s largest eco-tourism cruise operators, local family owned and operated World Heritage Cruises. Located in Strahan, Tasmania, we offer cruises along the majestic Gordon River on our Heritage Morning Cruise. Enjoy the experience delivered by our brand new, 2020 first-class, purpose-built boat and our friendly, professional team on a Gordon River cruise.

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