Summer | West Coast Tasmania

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.

Day one

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 way, this one is just for you.

Day two

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.

West Coast Wilderness Railway - Queenstown & Strahan

Climb aboard a steam train and journey deep into the wilderness, learning the tales of West Coast resilience and ingenuity that show the West Coast spirit and how, even today, we find a way - or make it.

Cafe Serenade

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.

Day three

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.

The Coffee Shack

Enjoy homemade breakfast with views across the waterfront, excited that your next stop will see nothing between you and South America.

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.

Heritage Miners Cottage

Arriving in Rosebery - the town with the highest postcode in Australia - wander Agnes Street to view the Heritage Miners Cottage and eat lunch in the sunshine in front of the town mural before continuing on to Tullah.

As you leave the West you wonder how long the smell of fresh air will remain with you....

Winter

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.

Saved to your trip.

Day one

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.

Spray Tunnel

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.

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.

Day two

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.

The Coffee Shack

After breakfast and a coffee head across the road to board for your cruise into the West Coast wilderness.

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.

West Coast Visitor Information Centre

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.

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.

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.

Day three

Your last day West of Centre.

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.

Tracks Cafe

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.

Cafe 5.2.0

Eat a warm lunch, sitting upstairs with the perfect view 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".

Summer

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.

Day one

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.

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”.

Tullah Village Cafe

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

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.

Hogarth Falls

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

Cruise 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 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

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.

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

The 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

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.