Summer | West Coast Tasmania

Immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful and remote places in the world.

Take a journey just outside of your comfort zone - be open to new experiences, go slow, stop often.

Here's a small sample of what your West Coast experience could be - but we recommend building your own adventure, using our Plan a Trip function to create your own itinerary.

3 Days
Good 5 Days
Better 7 Days
Best

Summer

The West Coast is the Gateway to Tasmania’s World Heritage area situated amongst pristine temperate rainforest, mountains and spectacular coastal beaches.

Saved to your trip.

Day one

Depart Devonport (3hrs) or Launceston (3hrs 40 minute drive) - via the A1 to Burnie and then south on the B18 through to your first stop Tullah - a peaceful former Hydro Town on the shores of Lake Rosebery.

Wee Georgie Wood Railway

In the summer months (weekends) take a short steam train journey on the restored Wee Georgie Wood Stream Train.

Montezuma Falls

For the keen bushwalkers turn off the highway to the Montezuma Falls. A 3 hours return walk to Tasmania’s highest waterfall 104 metres high.

West Coast Heritage Centre

Continue on to Zeehan, once Tasmania’s third-largest town. Visit the West Coast Heritage Centre housing one of the finest collections of minerals

Spray Tunnel

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

Ocean Beach

Continue onto Strahan to your overnight destination stopping halfway along at the lookout to view the longest beach in Tasmania – Ocean Beach.

West Coast Visitor Information Centre

Stay overnight in Strahan. Call into the West Coast Visitor Centre for maps, information and book your activities or accommodation.

Day two

Spend the day exploring Strahan before departing in the late afternoon for the 41.6km, 45 minute drive to Queenstown, where you'll also stay overnight.

Cruise the Wilderness World Heritage Area

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

Hogarth Falls

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

West Coast Reflections Exhibition

West Coast Reflections Exhibition at the Visitor Centre an award winning display depicting Tasmanian’s wilderness battles.

The Ship that Never Was

In the evening take in a live theatre performance “’The Ship That Never Was” a story from Sarah Island of an amazing convict escape.

Day three

Depart Queenstown early afternoon on the Anthony Road to Tullah and then onto Devonport or Launceston.

West Coast Wilderness Railway - Queenstown

Take a ride through a unique Tasmanian heritage and wilderness railway experience. This journey can be incorporated with white water rafting.

RoamWild Tasmania

Take a personalised tour with a passionate local guide to the old mines, lake Margaret or the Dam Blockade site.

Spion Kop Lookout

Take a short walk up to the Spion Kop lookout (10 mins) and take in the fantastic views over Queenstown and the iconic heritage listed gravel oval.

Eric Thomas Galley Museum

Visit the Galley Museum with its extensive photographic collection and local memorabilia. Leaving Queenstown drive North via the Anthony Road.

Winter

The West Coast is a unique area surrounded by a stunning landscape of lakes, river and mountain ranges with remote beaches and coastlines. Bring your coat and beanie to explore the wild West Coast.

Saved to your trip.

Day one

Depart Devonport (3hrs) or Launceston (3hrs 40 minute drive) to Strahan. Heading south from Devonport or south-west from Launceston via Cradle link Road C132 stop at Tullah a peaceful former Hydro Town on the shores of Lake Rosebery.

Heritage Miners Cottage

A short drive over Mt Black to Rosebery. Stop at the Heritage Miners Hut at the entrance to the main Street and see how the miners of the past lived.

Montezuma Falls

For the keen bushwalkers turn off the highway to the Montezuma Falls. A 3 hours return walk to Tasmanian’s highest waterfall 104 metres high.

Stitt Falls

Visit the short waterfall walk to Stitt Falls located just a few minute drive from the main street.

West Coast Heritage Centre

Visit the West Coast Heritage Museum housing one of the finest collections of minerals in the world.

Day two

Depart Strahan late afternoon - 41.6km, 45 minute drive - to Queenstown.

Cruise the Wilderness World Heritage Area

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

Hogarth Falls

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

West Coast Reflections Exhibition

West Coast Reflections Exhibition at the Visitor Centre an award winning display depicting Tasmanian’s wilderness battles.

The Ship that Never Was

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

Day three

Depart Queenstown early afternoon for Devonport or Launceston.

West Coast Wilderness Railway - Queenstown

Take a ride through a unique Tasmanian heritage and wilderness railway experience. This journey can be incorporated with white water rafting.

RoamWild Tasmania

Take a personalised tour with a passionate local guide to the old mines, lake Margaret or the Dam Blockade site.

Spion Kop Lookout

Take a short walk up to the Spion Kof lookout (10 mins) and take in the fantastic views over Queenstown and the iconic heritage listed gravel oval.

Eric Thomas Galley Museum

Visit the Galley Museum with its extensive photographic collection and local memorabilia. Leaving Queenstown drive North via the Anthony Road.

Paragon Theatre

Take a short tour of the beautifully restored historic art deco Paragon Theatre. Leaving Queenstown drive North via the Anthony Road, Cradle Mountain

Summer

The drive links the Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park in the North to the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park in the south all part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area. Experience this unique wilderness area along with post-settlement history of the convicts, miners and railway men and their families.

Saved to your trip.

Day one

Depart Devonport or Launceston to Zeehan via Cradle Mountain stopping at Tullah, a former Hydro Town. Tullah is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of lakes, river and mountain ranges.

Wee Georgie Wood Railway

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

Lake Rosebery

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

Heritage Miners Cottage

The mining town of Rosebery is a short drive further south over Mount Black. Stop at the Heritage Miners Hut at the entrance to the town.

Stitt Falls

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.

Montezuma Falls

Montezuma Falls is Tasmania’s highest waterfall and is an easy 7km return walk along an old mining tram line through temperate rainforest.

West Coast Heritage Centre

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

Spray Tunnel

or 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.

Day two

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.

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.

Strahan ATV Adventures

Take a walk up the Henty Sands or take an exhilarating tour on an ATV. Sand boards are also available for hire in Strahan.

Hogarth Falls

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

Risby Cove Accommodation & Restaurant

Hire a bike or kayak to explore the scenic foreshore or waters of Risby Cove.

Cruise the Wilderness World Heritage Area

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.

Day three

Experience Strahan

West Coast Wilderness Railway - Strahan

Take a full day or half day return ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railway from Strahan to Queenstown across bridges and river gorges

Gordon River Cruises

Take a cruise up the Gordon River into the Franklin-Gordon Wild River National Park

West Coast Reflections Exhibition

Architects, writers, woodturners, gardeners and historians contributed their talents to the acclaimed exhibition West Coast Reflections at the West Coast Visitor Information and Booking Centre.

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.

The Ship that Never Was

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

Day four

Depart Strahan to Queenstown

West Coast Wilderness Railway - Queenstown

Take a journey onTake a half day ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railway a unique Tasmanian heritage and wilderne the West Coast Wilderness Railway.

RoamWild Tasmania

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.

Eric Thomas Galley Museum

Housed in the 1897 Imperial Hotel offering a unique collection telling stories of survival, endurance and sacrifice, as well as providing a very personal record of the people themselves and their daily lives.

Paragon Theatre

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

Kelly Basin Walk

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, 10.8km.

Day five

Morning in Queenstown – depart for Hobart

Eric Thomas Galley Museum

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

Empire Hotel

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

Spion Kop Lookout

Take a short steep walk up to the Spion Kof lookout and take in the fantastic views over Queenstown and the iconic heritage listed gravel oval.

Horsetail Falls

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

Iron Blow Lookout

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

Lake Burbury

Across Lake BurburyTasmania’s last built hydro dam. Stop at Nelson Falls, a delightful horizontal fall - 20 minute return walk.

Nelson Falls

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

Donaghys Hill Lookout

Keep an eye out for Donaghy’s Lookout, a 40 minute return walk from the Lyell Highway with stunning views of the mountain ranges of western wilderness

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.

Summer

The West Coast is a place of spectacular beauty with its jagged mountains, wild rivers and ancient forests. The drive from Hobart via the Lyell Highway takes you through the pristine wilderness through sixty kilometres of the Tasmanian World Heritage area to Queenstown. Wander through temperate rainforest, explore the sand dunes and rugged beaches kilometres in length while breathing in the cleanest air in the world.

Saved to your trip.

Day one

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

Franklin River Nature Trail

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 Lookout

Keep an eye out for Donaghy’s Lookout a 40 minute return walk from the Lyell Highway with stunning views of the mountain ranges of the west.

Nelson Falls

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

Iron Blow Lookout

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

Horsetail Falls

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

Eric Thomas Galley Museum

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

Day two

Queenstown

West Coast Wilderness Railway - Queenstown

Take a drive to the Take a half day ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railway a unique Tasmansmall coastal settlements of Trial Harbour and Granville.

King River Rafting

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

RoamWild Tasmania

Take a guided tour departing from Queenstown up Mt Owen for a Queenstown sunset.

Day three

Queenstown (then drive to Strahan)

RoamWild Tasmania

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

Paragon Theatre

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

Empire Hotel

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

Spion Kop Lookout

Take a short steep walk up to the Spion Kof lookout and take in the fantastic views over Queenstown and the iconic heritage listed gravel oval.

Ocean Beach

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.

Day four

Strahan

West Coast Wilderness Railway - Queenstown

Take a full day or half day return ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railway from Strahan to Queenstown across bridges, river gorges.

RoamWild Tasmania

RoamWild Tasmania Tours to Lake Margaret Power Station, Lost Mines and Ancient Pines or Dam Blockade Tour.

Cruise the Wilderness World Heritage Area

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

Morrison's Huon Pine Sawmill

Watch the free demonstration of old style saw milling held each afternoon at 3pm at Morrisons Sawmill on the Esplanade.

West Coast Reflections Exhibition

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

The Ship that Never Was

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

Day five

Strahan to Zeehan

West Coast Wilderness Railway - Queenstown

Take a half day ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railway a unique Tasmanian heritage and wilderness railway experience.

Hogarth Falls

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

Risby Cove Accommodation & Restaurant

Hire a bike or kayak to explore the scenic foreshore or waters of Risby Cove.

Strahan ATV Adventures

Heading north from Strahan take a walk up the Henty Sand Dunes or take an exhilarating tour on an ATV. Sand boards are also available for hire.

Ocean Beach

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

Day six

Zeehan

West Coast Heritage Centre

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

Spray Tunnel

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

Trial Harbour

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