THE WEST COAST WILDERNESS
Tasmania’s West Coast is a rugged, untamed frontier, a place where deep history meets pristine wilderness. It’s a land of ancient rainforests, spectacular mountains, and fierce coastlines shaped by the Roaring Forties.
This dramatic region, once a hub for mining and timber, now stands as a monument to nature’s raw power. It offers unparalleled experiences, from historical railway journeys to challenging treks into remote, wild beauty.
Most Popular Attractions
Coastal Towns & Mining History:
Strahan: A historic port town and the gateway to the World Heritage Area, known for its beautiful harbour and convict history.
Queenstown: The region’s largest town, famous for its stark, moonscape hills caused by historical mining and smelting.
Zeehan: Known as the “Silver City,” featuring grand buildings and a fascinating history museum detailing its mining boom era.
Rosebery: A working mining town set beneath Mount Read, offering a glimpse into modern resource extraction.
Dundas: A ghost town near Zeehan, providing a tangible link to the area’s rich, but vanished, mining past.
Iron Blow Lookout: An impressive viewpoint over one of Queenstown’s earliest and most significant open-cut copper mines.
Wilderness & Natural Wonders:
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park (Western Edge): Access point for iconic hikes and alpine scenery, including the southern end of the famous Overland Track.
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park: A remote park protecting pristine rivers and vast temperate rainforest, famous for the Franklin Dam controversy.
Macquarie Harbour: A vast, sheltered harbour connected to the ocean by the treacherous Hell’s Gates entrance.
Henty Dunes: A stunning system of huge coastal sand dunes, perfect for sandboarding and dramatic coastal photography.
Ocean Beach: Tasmania’s longest beach, a wild and windswept stretch extending for over 40 km, facing the Great Southern Ocean.
Montezuma Falls: One of Tasmania’s highest waterfalls, accessed via a beautiful 8 km return track along an old tramway.
Historical Sites & Unique Experiences:
Sarah Island: A notorious penal settlement in Macquarie Harbour, offering dramatic ruins and a chilling history accessible by boat from Strahan.
West Coast Wilderness Railway: A restored steam train journey that traverses the steep Abt rack-and-pinion system between Queenstown and Strahan, through rainforest.
Galley Museum (Zeehan): An extensive museum housed in the old School of Mines, preserving the history and relics of the West Coast mining era.
The Ship That Never Was (Strahan): A popular and humorous live theatre performance telling the true story of the last escape from Sarah Island.
Mount Lyell Mine (Queenstown): A historic copper mine, with surface tours often available, revealing the scale of the past operations.
Lookouts & Walks:
Hogarth Falls (Strahan): A beautiful, easy walk through rainforest to a tiered waterfall, often home to platypus sightings.
Nelson Falls: An accessible waterfall just off the Lyell Highway, offering a short, boardwalk walk into dense rainforest.
Lake Burbury: A large hydro-electric storage lake offering scenic views and recreational activities like fishing.
Tarkine Drive (Southern End): While the main Tarkine area is to the north, the rainforest sections around Zeehan offer a taste of this vast, ecologically significant region.
Activities & Experiences
Cruise the Gordon River & Macquarie Harbour: Take a full-day cruise from Strahan on the “Spirit of the Wild” through the World Heritage Wilderness, gliding over mirror-like reflections and past Hells Gates.
Explore Sarah Island Penal Settlement: Disembark during your Gordon River cruise for a guided tour of this notorious former penal colony, a site of brutal history and daring convict escapes.
Ride the West Coast Wilderness Railway: Journey through ancient rainforests and steep gorges on this historic rack-and-pinion steam or diesel train, traveling between Strahan and Queenstown.
Hike to Hogarth Falls (Strahan): Enjoy an easy, beautiful 40-minute return walk through temperate rainforest starting near Strahan’s town center to reach this picturesque waterfall.
Go Sand Tobogganing at Henty Dunes: Climb and slide down the massive, soaring white sand dunes just north of Strahan, providing an unexpected desert-like experience next to the wild Ocean Beach.
White Water Raft the King or Franklin Rivers: For the ultimate adrenaline rush, join a guided rafting trip on one of the wild rivers, known for their exciting rapids and surrounding World Heritage forests. (Trips can range from a single day to multi-day expeditions).
Mountain Bike the West Coast Trails: Explore the purpose-built mountain bike networks around Queenstown (Mt Owen) and Zeehan (Silver City), which offer challenging terrain and spectacular wilderness views.
Kayak or Canoe the Pieman River at Corinna: Hire a kayak or canoe at the remote Corinna Wilderness Village and paddle the tranquil, dark-water Pieman River through pristine Tarkine rainforest.
Delve into Queenstown’s Mining History: Explore the unique, moonscape-like surrounds of this historic copper mining town, visit the local heritage streetscape, and check out the West Coast Heritage Centre.
Visit Nelson Falls or Montezuma Falls: Take a short, accessible walk to the beautiful, gushing Nelson Falls on the Lyell Highway, or tackle the longer 3-hour return walk to the majestic Montezuma Falls near Rosebery, one of Tasmania’s tallest.
Witness the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis): Due to the remote location and lack of light pollution, the West Coast is an ideal spot to potentially view the stunning natural light show of the Aurora Australis on a clear night.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Essential (Road Trip): The Western Wilds road trip is the primary way to experience this region. Distances between towns are significant, and public transport is extremely limited. Be prepared for winding, sometimes narrow roads, like the famed ’99 Bends’ near Queenstown.
Driving Times and Conditions: Always factor in more time than a map suggests. The roads are often twisty and scenic. Carry a full tank of fuel; service stations can be scarce, especially between major hubs like Queenstown and Strahan.
The Fatman Barge: To travel directly from Corinna south to Strahan, you can take the unique Fatman Barge (cable ferry) across the Pieman River. Check operating hours and vehicle size/weight limits in advance, as it may not accommodate large campervans or trailers.
Bushwalker Transport: Specialized transport services are available from Hobart and Launceston to ferry bushwalkers to and from remote trailheads for multi-day hikes like Frenchmans Cap and the Overland Track. These services often require advance booking.
Major Hubs for the Region: The two main centers are Strahan (the coastal port town for the Gordon River and Henty Dunes) and Queenstown (the historic mining town and access point for inland adventures and the West Coast Wilderness Railway).
Be Prepared for “Four Seasons in a Day”: The West Coast has a reputation for high rainfall and unpredictable weather. Pack layers, including high-quality waterproof and windproof outerwear, even in summer. The rainforests thrive on this moisture!
Book Wilderness Cruises & Railway in Advance: The Gordon River Cruises and the West Coast Wilderness Railway are the two most popular and often fully booked experiences. Secure your tickets well ahead of your travel dates, especially in the peak summer season (Dec-Feb).
Respect the Remote Nature: This is true wilderness. Phone reception is patchy or non-existent outside of major towns (Strahan, Queenstown, Zeehan). Always inform someone of your itinerary before embarking on remote hikes or kayak trips.
Embrace the Dark History: The region’s history is defined by its mining boom and the brutal convict past of Sarah Island. Look for this history not just in museums, but in the landscape itself—from the scars of the copper mining around Queenstown to the railway’s engineering marvel.
National Parks Pass: Many of the best walks and attractions (e.g., in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park) require a Tasmanian National Parks Pass. Purchase this online or at a major visitor center.
Hidden Gems:
- The Unconformity Festival (Biennial): If visiting in October of an event year, this Queenstown-based festival celebrates the town’s raw energy and unique landscape with music, art, and performance.
- Tarkine Drive: A beautiful route through part of the takayna / Tarkine rainforest, offering short walks to spots like the Julius River Rainforest Walk and Trowutta Arch.
- Ocean Beach Sunsets: Head to Ocean Beach near Strahan to experience a truly wild, vast, and windswept beach. It’s often referred to as the longest beach in Tasmania.
- Teepookana Ghost Town: One of the remote stops on the West Coast Wilderness Railway, this ghost town was once a thriving port for the mining district before the railway was extended.
Top Restaurants
Hamers Bar & Bistro (Strahan) [$20-$40] – Located within Strahan Village, this charming old pub offers a welcoming atmosphere, water views, and a menu of Australian and pub classics, including seafood and steaks.
Regatta Point Tavern (Strahan) [$15-$30] – Situated just 50m from the water’s edge, this tavern’s bistro offers panoramic harbour views and serves a wide selection of hearty, family-friendly meals.
The Empire Hotel (Queenstown) [$20-$40] – Rich in history, the restaurant in this prominent hotel is a dependable choice in Queenstown for dinner, offering traditional Australian fare.
Railway Hotel Bar & Grill (Queenstown) [$15-$30] – A classic pub atmosphere in Queenstown offering a grill menu with standard pub favourites and a friendly local vibe.
The Top Pub (Rosebery) [$15-$30] – The main dining option in Rosebery, this pub’s restaurant offers simple, satisfying, and hearty meals in a classic rural Tasmanian setting.
Tullah Tavern (Tullah) [$15-$30] – Located a short drive from Rosebery, this tavern is known for its hearty, traditional fare and is a popular spot with locals and travellers passing through.
Heemskirk Restaurant (Zeehan) [$20-$40] – Found within the Heemskirk Motor Hotel, the bistro offers a selection of hearty traditional Australian dishes as well as some chef’s specials and a few Asian-inspired dishes.
Hotel Cecil (Zeehan) [$15-$30] – A classic country pub in Zeehan offering a reliable menu of bistro meals in a historic setting.
Tullah Lakeside Bar & Grill (Tullah) [$20-$40] – Part of the Tullah Lakeside Lodge, offering a bar and grill menu, often featuring modern Australian dishes with a focus on generous portions.
Tracks Cafe (Queenstown) [$10-$20] – A licensed cafe at Queenstown Station offering light meals and snacks, perfect for a quick bite while watching the trains come and go.
Moonscape Wine Bar and Cafe (Queenstown) [$15-$35] – While focused on Tasmanian wines, this spot also serves delicious bar snacks and small meals in a relaxed setting in Queenstown.
Gold Rush Inn Restaurant (Queenstown) [$20-$35] – The restaurant within the Gold Rush Inn, offering standard Modern Australian bistro food popular with both guests and locals.
West Coaster Motel Restaurant (Queenstown) [$20-$35] – A reliable and comfortable restaurant option within the motel, serving up traditional Australian dishes in Queenstown.
The Galahs Nest (Queenstown) [$15-$30] – A casual dining option in Queenstown, likely offering standard Modern Australian or cafe-style meals.
Mountain View Motel Queenstown Restaurant (Queenstown) [$15-$30] – Offers simple, filling Modern Australian meals in the motel’s dining area.
Risby Cove Restaurant (Strahan) [$35-$60] – Strahan’s award-winning waterfront restaurant, focusing on authentic dishes crafted with the freshest locally sourced produce, especially seafood, in a casually elegant setting overlooking Macquarie Harbour.
View 42° Restaurant & Bar (Strahan) [$30-$50] – Offers stunning views over Macquarie Harbour and is known for its fresh seafood buffet (seasonal) and good company for an evening meal.
Westerly Seafoods (Strahan) [$15-$30] – A local food van/takeaway that boasts a menu featuring locally sourced seafood, including crayfish (Southern Rock Lobster) when in season, offering a more casual and authentic taste of the coast.
Tracks on Point (Strahan) [$15-$25] – A licensed café located in the heritage train station at Regatta Point, known for great coffee, brunch, and a selection of burgers, shakes, and pancakes, with a focus on Tassie producers.
Wild Rivers Dining (Strahan) [$25-$45] – Located within a popular accommodation provider, offering a dining experience that caters to the tourist market with contemporary Australian cuisine.
Strahan Central (Strahan) [$15-$30] – A general dining spot in Strahan, likely offering a mix of casual cafe food and simple meals, popular for a quick and easy option.
Strahan Retreat – View Restaurant (Strahan) [$30-$50] – Offers views and a seasonal Tasmanian gourmet buffet (check seasonal availability) with a selection of local produce.
Strahan Retreat – Bushmans Bar and Cafe (Strahan) [$15-$30] – A more casual option at the Strahan Retreat, serving cafe and bar food with an authentic West Coast feel.
Strahan Retreat – Hamers Bar and Grill (Strahan) [$20-$40] – Similar to the other Hamers listing, a reliable spot for pub classics and grills with a view of the harbour.
Twelvetrees Bar & Restaurant (Pedder Wilderness Lodge, Strathgordon) [$30-$50] – While a drive from the main West Coast towns, this is the premier dining experience for the greater wilderness area. It offers splendid views over Lake Pedder and a menu featuring Australian favourites, chef-inspired specials, and extensive Tasmanian wine and spirits. Bookings are essential for dinner.
Pedder Wilderness Lodge Lunch (Pedder Wilderness Lodge, Strathgordon) [$20-$35] – Offers a more casual lunch option with stunning views at the lodge, including light meals and cafe items.
The Bistro at Corinna Wilderness Experience (Corinna) [$20-$40] – Located in the remote Corinna settlement (if included in your definition of the West Coast Wilderness), this bistro offers meals to guests and visitors, with a focus on the remote, tranquil setting.
King River Rafting/Cruise Lunch (Strahan/Queenstown) [$20-$40] – Many of the wilderness tours (like the Gordon River Cruises) offer high-quality onboard dining or packed lunches featuring local Tasmanian produce, which is a key part of the culinary experience in the area. (Not a restaurant, but a worthy dining inclusion).
Piners Loft Cafe (Strahan) [$15-$25] – A cafe often associated with accommodation/gallery space, offering good quality coffee and light meals with a local theme.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
View 42˚ Bar: Located in Strahan Village, this elevated bar offers contemporary cocktails and a curated assortment of Tasmanian wines, perfect for watching the spectacular western sunset over Macquarie Harbour.
Hamer’s Bar & Bistro: Situated on the Strahan waterfront, this establishment provides a relaxed atmosphere and stunning water views. While specializing in pub-style cuisine and local brews, it offers a full bar for casual evening drinks.
Moonscape Wine Bar and Cafe: A welcoming spot in Queenstown known for its extensive range of Tasmanian wines, craft beers, and spirits. They offer both Classic and Signature cocktails and feature an Italian-influenced menu.
The Pig and Whistle Pub: A firm favourite in the heart of Queenstown, this casual pub offers a huge range of beers on tap and is a great spot for late-night drinks, often featuring big-screen sport and occasional live music.
Tracks on Point: Located at the heritage train station in Strahan’s Regatta Point, this licensed café is a lovely spot to watch the sun go down. It offers a great selection of Tassie wine and beer, providing a cozy atmosphere, sometimes with a fire.
Regatta Point Tavern: Found just 50m from the water’s edge in Strahan, its bistro offers 180-degree panoramic views of the harbour. It provides a quiet, relaxing atmosphere with a generous selection of Tasmanian and Australian beverages.
Risby Cove: Overlooking a private marina and Macquarie Harbour in Strahan, the restaurant and bar is fully licensed, showcasing Tasmanian wines, craft beer, cider, and popular Tasmanian spirit varieties in an elegant setting.
Gaiety Theatre and Grand Hotel: Located in Zeehan, this historic building hints at the town’s ‘Silver City’ boom days. The hotel’s pub provides a hearty and authentic local experience for a well-earned drink.
The Top Pub: A welcoming hotel pub in Rosebery on Agnes Street, offering a public bar, Australian and Tasmanian beers, bar games, and sports on the big screen. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors seeking a cozy, casual drink.
Bush Camp Bar (Zeehan): Associated with the Zeehan Bush Camp, this venue would offer a more rustic, relaxed setting, likely focusing on basic drinks and a place for campers and travellers to socialise. Please note: Exact operating details may require local verification.
The Grand Central Hotel Pub (Queenstown): As a classic West Coast hotel, its main bar is a reliable spot for a cold beer or basic mixed drink, offering a taste of historic pub life in Queenstown.
Empire Hotel (Queenstown): Known for its beautifully preserved heritage architecture in Queenstown, the hotel’s bar is an atmospheric place for a quiet drink, taking in the historical grandeur of the town.
Regent Hotel (Queenstown): Another historic accommodation in Queenstown, the bar here serves as a local watering hole, perfect for travellers seeking a simple, friendly environment and a standard range of drinks.
Heemskirk Restaurant Bar (Zeehan): While primarily a dining venue, its bar will offer a selection of wine and spirits, providing a slightly more refined environment for a drink in Zeehan.
Rosebery Hotel Bar: A classic, no-frills pub in Rosebery that caters to locals and provides a true taste of a West Coast mining town’s social life. Expect cold beer and friendly chatter.
Rosebery District Ex-Servicemen’s Club: A core part of the social fabric in Rosebery, these types of ‘Ex-Servos’ clubs are local hubs, often featuring Keno, cheap drinks, and a bar area that serves as the town’s main social venue, often with a DJ for events.
Queenstown Club: Located on Orr St in Queenstown, this social club is a key community gathering place. While not a conventional nightclub, it often hosts events, has a well-stocked bar, and functions as the main late-night spot for locals.
The Strahan Community Club: Similar to the other community clubs, this venue in Strahan is the local place for pool, darts, affordable drinks, and a relaxed environment where locals meet up—the closest thing to a social club in the village.
Mountain View Motel Bar (Rosebery): Motel bars in remote towns often act as a secondary local pub for travellers and residents. This spot in Rosebery is a reliable place for a casual evening drink.
West Coast Wilderness Railway Lounge (Strahan/Queenstown): While primarily a daytime experience, the main stations/lounges in Strahan or Queenstown (like Tracks on Point) during event evenings can transform into social gathering places, offering drinks after the train journeys.
The Coffee Shack (Strahan): A daytime venue but worth noting: a great place for an early evening coffee or hot drink, sometimes a simple wine or beer depending on licensing, located just across from the main wharf in Strahan.
Pub in Tullah: The small town of Tullah, a short drive from Rosebery and Zeehan, has a local pub/hotel that serves as the region’s main social spot for the north-western area, providing a simple, friendly bar for a local beer.
Queenstown Football Club Bar: Local sporting clubs in these communities often have a licensed bar open during functions or social evenings, serving as a key Queenstown meeting spot.
Strahan Foreshore: While not a bar itself, the foreshore area in Strahan, particularly near the main wharfs, is a popular spot for travellers to enjoy a takeaway beer or wine (purchased from a local bottle shop) at sunset, offering the best natural atmosphere.