Itineraries Home » Tasmania » Queenstown and Strahan: A Day of Scenic Beauty and Historic Charm in Tasmania's Wild West
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Nestled on Tasmania's wild West Coast, Queenstown and Strahan offer a unique blend of scenic beauty and historic charm. These twin towns are steeped in a rich history of mining and maritime adventures, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes that captivate visitors from around the world. This one-day itinerary takes you through the rugged beauty and rich history of the region, starting with a morning exploration of Queenstown's dramatic landscapes, followed by an unforgettable journey on the West Coast Wilderness Railway, and concluding with a relaxing evening on the shores of Strahan’s Ocean Beach.
This itinerary only gives a taste of what Queenstown and Strahan have to offer their visitors. Beyond these highlights, there are countless other experiences to enjoy, from exploring more hidden waterfalls and lush rainforests to delving deeper into the local culture and history. Whether you're an avid nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, this day trip promises an enriching and memorable experience, leaving you eager to discover more of Tasmania’s enchanting West Coast.
Getting there
Queenstown is accessible by road and offers a scenic drive no matter your starting point. From Hobart, take the Lyell Highway (A10), a journey that takes about 4.5 hours, winding through the stunning Derwent Valley and rugged wilderness. If you're travelling from Launceston, we recommend taking B51 via Cressy to visit The Big Trout, which will add a fun detour to your trip and takes approximately 3.5 hours. We do recommend that you reach Queenstown the previous night, so you can spend the entire next day exploring Queenstown and Strahan without feeling rushed. While public transport options are limited, hiring a car is the best way to explore this remote and beautiful part of Tasmania.
As you may have gathered from our previous itineraries, we're huge fans of the iconic Big Things found throughout Australia. These oversized landmarks, like The Big Trout in Cressy, offer not just a quirky photo opportunity but also serve as great rest stops during long drives. The Big Trout, located in Bartholemew Park at the intersection of Main St & Church St, is a tribute to Cressy’s reputation as the "Gateway to Trout Fishing Paradise," and is worth a quick visit as you make your way to Queenstown.
Stop #1 - Horsetail Falls
Our first stop for the day is the stunning Horsetail Falls, a beautiful natural attraction just a 10-min drive from the town centre.
From the car park, a boardwalk offers an easy and scenic route to the falls, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the area. The walk to Horsetail Falls is relatively short, around 1.5 kilometres return, and is suitable for most fitness levels. The boardwalk meanders through the striking landscape, providing views of the surrounding hills and valleys. On the day of our visit, the waterfall was quite thin, and there was heavy fog; however, despite the modest flow and the intermittent blocked views due to the fog, the serene and picturesque setting made it a worthwhile stop, perfect for photography and relaxation. The waterfall is expected to be spectacular after wet weather, so if you can time your visit accordingly, you'll be in for a treat!
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Stop #2 - Iron Blow Lookout
From the Horsetail Falls car park, take the opposite Iron Blow Road for about a kilometre to reach Iron Blow Lookout. The car park at Iron Blow Lookout is well-signposted and offers ample parking, making it easy to access this historic site.
Iron Blow Lookout offers a dramatic vantage point over one of Tasmania’s most significant historical mining sites. The lookout provides sweeping views of the old open-cut mine, which was the first major copper mine in Australia. Unfortunately, on the day of our visit, heavy mist and fog enveloped the area, obscuring the views entirely. Despite the lack of visibility, the sheer scale and historical significance of the site were palpable. Informational plaques at the site detail the mining history and geological importance of the area, making it a fascinating stop for those interested in Tasmania’s industrial heritage. The elevated position usually offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, adding to its appeal as a must-visit spot under clearer skies.
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Stop #3 - West Coast Wilderness Railway
Our next stop is the West Coast Wilderness Railway, but first, we'll make a quick pitstop at the iconic "Welcome to Queenstown" steel sign. Take a few minutes for a photo session to capture this unique landmark before heading into the town centre.
Our next stop is the Queenstown Station, to embark on a journey through time aboard the West Coast Wilderness Railway. Before heading into the station, visit the Geological Time Walk at the entrance of the Queenstown station. The Time Walk displays the geology of 10 iconic rocks, which laid the foundation of this region's landscapes. Each rock display has a sign describing the rock's age and origin as well as additional details including recommended sites with views of landforms composed of that rock. The fascinating display includes rocks dating back to 1.4 billion years!
Embarking on the Lynchford Express with the West Coast Wilderness Railway was an unforgettable journey through Tasmania’s rich history and stunning landscapes. It's advisable to pre-book your experience online at WCWR's website to avoid missing out, particularly during peak season. Starting from Queenstown, we travelled aboard a meticulously restored heritage train, weaving through temperate rainforests and rugged terrain. The train journey to Lynchford Station, approximately 20 minutes from Queenstown station, was enhanced by engaging stories from the knowledgeable guide, who shared insights into the region’s mining heritage and the challenges faced by early pioneers. At Lynchford, we visited the Lynchford Museum and also had the opportunity to try our hand at panning for gold, adding a hands-on historical experience to our adventure!
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At Lynchford, one of the highlights was the breathtaking view of the Queen River. The river, with its striking orange colour, is a distinctive and memorable sight. This unusual hue is due to the high levels of iron oxide from historical mining activities in the region and the contrast of the orange river against the lush green rainforest creates a unique and picturesque scene. This scenic spot provided a peaceful respite and a perfect opportunity for photography, allowing us to capture the natural splendour of Tasmania’s wilderness.
Note: The West Coast Wilderness Railway can be experienced from Strahan as well. The "Teepookana and The King" journey from Regatta Point Station in Strahan takes you over the Iron Bridge at Teepookana and through lush rainforests to Lower Landing. This route offers breathtaking views and rich historical context about the region’s development. At Lower Landing Station, passengers can enjoy a short nature walk and sample honey derived from local endemic species before returning to Strahan. For more details on these experiences, visit the West Coast Wilderness Railway website.
Upon arriving at Queenstown station, take some time to browse for souvenirs at the Gift Shop. Next, enjoy lunch at the Tracks Café inside the station, or explore the town for other dining options. After a satisfying meal, spend some time discovering this unique town. Wander through its historic streets, where charming heritage buildings blend with contemporary art. Queenstown’s quirky shops and friendly locals make it a delightful place to round off your afternoon.
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Last Stop - Ocean Beach, Strahan
After exploring Queenstown, make your way to the picturesque village of Strahan, located on the edge of Macquarie Harbour. Strahan is a charming coastal town that serves as the gateway to some of Tasmania’s most stunning natural attractions. Before heading to Ocean Beach, spend some time strolling along the quaint streets of Strahan, visiting local shops and cafes. The town’s waterfront is particularly lovely, offering views of the harbour and the distant mountains. As the day winds down, head to Ocean Beach to witness one of the most breathtaking sunsets in Tasmania.
Ocean Beach is known for its vast expanse of sand and powerful surf, making it a perfect spot for an evening stroll. The dramatic coastline and the roar of the waves provide a serene and awe-inspiring backdrop for reflection. Take a leisurely walk along the shore, collect some unique shells, or simply sit and watch as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink. This is a perfect way to end your day, leaving you with lasting memories of Tasmania’s wild and beautiful West Coast.
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Pro Tip: If you find yourself with some spare time while in Strahan, a visit to Macquarie Harbour and Sarah Island is a must. Macquarie Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the Southern Hemisphere, offers stunning views and a chance to explore its rich maritime history. From here, you can take a boat tour to Sarah Island, a former penal settlement known for its rugged beauty and haunting past. The island’s well-preserved ruins and scenic landscapes provide a fascinating glimpse into Tasmania’s convict era, making it an unforgettable addition to your Strahan experience.
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