Over 40% of Tasmania is protected as National Park and Tasmania’s World Heritage area is famous worldwide for ancient flora that exists nowhere else on earth. Tasmania's Western Wilds is the gateway to this special place, where you can walk for days on end and not see another human (but maybe a Tasmanian Tiger?), or you can simply scratch the surface with short walks such as Montezuma Falls, an easy 3 hour walk through ancient rain forest along an old mining tramway.
The region’s coast line offers a glimpse into our colonial and convict past, perhaps best explained with an entertaining evening watching the play, The Ship That Never Was, in Strahan. The next day, head out onto the water and cruise up the Gordon River to touch and smell Gondwanan history, millions of years old. You’ll also learn a little about the controversies of the region in the 1960’s, as it once was once infamous for the protests that eventually protected the area from development and damming.
Inland townships provide insight into the region’s mining past and present. Towns such as the historically bustling Queenstown, now a quirky village from which to explore the region’s history. After a day of exploring, catch dinner and an old movie at the lovingly restored Paragon Theatre for an experience you’ll never forget!
Other popular things to do on the west coast of Tasmania include rafting and railway journeys from Queenstown and touring mines in Zeehan and Roseberry. Further north, the Edge of the World beckons, a woolly and wild part of the world where the winding journey through ancient forests is as much a part of the experience as your destination.
Accommodation
The main centres for tourism accommodation throughout this region are Queenstown and Strahan and you will find a number of different accommodation and styles, including camp sites, hotels and self contained accommodation. Other towns, such as Zeehan, Roseberry and Tullah also offer a limited selection of accommodation.
Getting Around
Tasmania’s west has limited public transport options from Launceston or Hobart and, at during some seasons, it can take several days to access parts in this way. There are several multi day tours that operate from Hobart, should you wish to join a small group, but the best way to experience the area is to self-drive.
Contact us for assistance in booking rental cars or helping you plan your journey to this region.
Image Credits: We are Explorers (Aerial of Nelson Falls), RACT Destinations (Gordon River Cruises), Pete Harmsen (Touring Queenstown)