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 Tasmania road trip adventure 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.

That ‘West Coaster‘ legacy lives on today!

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

Things to See & Do

The ’99 Bends’

Every Tasmanian road trip should include a couple of hours cruising down (or up) the ’99 Bends’ between Derwent Bridge and Queenstown.

Its sweeping curves and magnificent views are acclaimed as being some of the best in Australia. With such a smooth tarmac surface its inclusion as one of the most thrilling stages in the Targa Tasmania road race is also no surprise.

Queenstown

You’ll never forget the lunar landscape that greets you 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!

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, Empire Art Box, and the intriguing Q Bank Gallery. 

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.

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!

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 the 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? West Coast Mountain Bike Trails is the West Coast’s newest and most exciting escape for thrill-seekers. The trails of Mt Owen (Queenstown), the Silver City (Zeehan) and greater West Coast provide stunning views for experienced and beginner riders alike. Shuttles are available to get your from A to B as well – click here for more information.

To learn more about the West Coast region, including its timber pioneers and hydro heritage, consider a day-tour with RoamWild in Queenstown. Their comfortable 4WD vehicles will transport you to some of the West Coast’s most beautiful hidden secrets.

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!

Accommodation

Where to Stay

West Coast Tasmania accommodation options are both plentiful and memorable. 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!

Queenstown

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.

Queenstown Cabin & Tourist Park is the place to stay for campers and caravanners, or for something a bit quirky you could stay the night next to Queenstown’s gravel footy field at The Oval RV Parking (self-contained only).

Strahan

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!

Escape the West Coast chill in your own private spa at Wheelhouse Apartments, while families will love Castaway Holiday Apartments. 

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

Campers and caravanners don’t have a lot of great choices in Strahan unfortunately, with both main caravan parks – Big4 Strahan Holiday Retreat and Strahan Beach Tourist Park receiving mixed reviews. To be honest, the Strahan Golf Club may be your best bet (for self-contained campers).

Zeehan and Tullah

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

Where to Eat

Where to Eat

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.

Festivals & Events

Festivals & 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: Odd years (ie. 2025, ’27, ’29 etc.)
• 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

DIVERGE Skyruns

A sky and trail-running festival held in May, pushing runners to step outside their comfort zone. Epic terrain, sweeping vistas and challenging ridge-line and sky-line routes celebrating the phenomenal West Coast wilderness.

Where: Queenstown
When: May
Learn more: DIVERGE Skyrun

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 Weather

On the West Coast of Tasmania you can expect Mother Nature to throw everything at you but the kitchen sink!

Summer temperatures average between 11°C and 21°C, while in winter it isn’t as cold as you might think, with averages between 5°C and 12°C.

The West Coast gets a lot of rainfall. In summer there’s a 40% chance of daily rain, while in winter that rises to 60% – and when it rains it buckets down, so don’t forget your waterproofs!

Snow is rare at sea level on the West Coast, and is more common in the higher altitudes of Derwent Bridge, Zeehan or Tullah during winter.

Essential Information

Road Trip Essentials

Here are some local tips and advice to help with the planning process, and ensure you have a smooth, safe and fun road trip on Tasmania’s wild West Coast!