Towns
PATHS ARE MADE NOT FOLLOWED
Queenstown
People of the valley
Nestled in a valley between Mount Lyell and Mount Owen, Queenstown is the largest town on the West Coast.
Surrounded by dramatic hills that provide stark evidence of a history that once made it one of the richest mining towns in the world.
Today, Queenstown is experiencing a rebirth with a growing tourism and arts culture.
Population
1804
Not for the faint hearted
West Coast Wilderness Railway, Lynchford Station
Like the look of Queenstown ?
Plan your trip around this place
The drive into Queenstown from the South is nothing short of spectacular - if not a little stomach churning as you wind your way down the 99-bends of the Gormanston Hill.
Mount Sedgewick and Mount Owen are the two largest mountains that surround the town. At sunset their summits blaze with orange and pink and by day they resemble a cratered moonscape - created by a brutal mining past.
Queenstown is the home of the ABT Railway - opened in 1897 to transport copper to Strahan - the only way to get the ore to market. This railway was the only access through to Queenstown until 1932 when the road to Hobart was opened. Visitors can now journey along the same tracks on board the West Coast Wilderness Railway.
Spend your time visiting art galleries, museums, lookouts and surrounding Lake Burbury (created in in the 1980s after the flooding of the King River) whilst taking the time to delve a little deeper to learn it's history - there's always a local keen to share a story.
Suggested Itineraries:
Popular in and around Queenstown
Nelson Falls
Break up the long drive and stretch your legs - you won't be disappointed. Nelson Falls are reached after an easy 20 minute return (1.4km) boardwalk stroll beside a river through a forest of sassafras, myrtle and ferns. The falls are especially spectacular after heavy rain.
from Queenstown
Lake Burbury
Lake Burbury is a popular fishing lake on the edge of Tasmania's World Heritage Wilderness Area. A 20-minute drive east of Queenstown. Facilities include toilets, picnic, barbecue facilities, along with boat launching facilities. A caretaker lives on site.
from Queenstown
Spion Kop Lookout
Enjoy fantastic views of Queenstown after a steep, short walk - with mining heritage exhibits along the way.
Places to stay near Queenstown
Silver Hills Motel & Restaurant
Silver Hills is located on the main road into Queenstown, affording a peaceful and private motel environment. All guests enjoy free wireless internet, iPod docking stations and a great restaurant. Silver Hills offers modern motel multi-storey accommodation.
Queenstown Motor Lodge
Experience Tasmania's traditional West Coast hospitality at the Queenstown Motor lodge – a comfortable hotel conveniently located in the centre of Queenstown. Enjoy friendly service and delicious meals at the licensed, à la carte, Maloneys Restaurant, featuring fresh Tasmanian produce and wines.
West Coaster Motel
West Coaster Motel has a friendly atmosphere with affordable rates. Enjoy our warm hospitality in one of our 60 newly refurbished accommodation rooms. These spacious guest rooms are comprehensively and comfortably equipped with all modern conveniences.