At the beginning of 2025, my wife and I journeyed over to the west coast of Tasmania to spend 3 nights in Strahan. Located a 5-hour drive from Hobart, we left early, around 7 am, and headed for our first stop, New Norfolk, home to some great antique shops and great viewpoints such as the Pulpit Rock Lookout. While we didn't stop off at any of the distilleries or breweries, as it was a little too early in the morning, there’s a few that are open for tastings.
Next stop was the hydro town of Tarraleah, home to the Tarraleah Estate, which is a fantastic accommodation provider and has some lovely options for people looking at staying somewhere between Hobart and Strahan. Then onto Derwent Bridge, home to The Wall in the Wilderness (open only September to May), one of Tasmania's unique attractions, offering a one-of-a-kind experience to see a wall made out of the unique Tasmanian Timber Huon Pine. Into the wall, super-detailed artwork carved by the artist Greg Duncan. While no photos or videos are allowed, the artwork will stay in your mind for a lifetime!
Also, if you are feeling like a bite to eat, I had a great value meal at the Hungry Wombat Cafe and found the staff to be friendly. A few kilometres down the road from Derwent Bridge, stop at Lake St Clair National Park, which is home to some fantastic walks and even a ferry ride across the lake, operated by the Lake St Clair Lodge.
From Lake St Clair, Journey along the Lyell Highway to the Franklin Nature Trail, which is an amazing short 25-minute grade 1 walk through the mossy rainforest. One of my favourite waterfalls in Tasmania, Nelson Falls, is a super easy 20-minute return walk and one of Tasmania's 60 great short walks and offers an insight into some of the ancient plants you see along the way with many interpretation panels.
Next up is the Iron Blow Lookout, and although I am afraid of heights, I always make the effort to see the amazing view from the cantilevered lookout offering fantastic views over the former open cut mine and the Linda Valley. Once arriving in Queenstown stop into the train station to view the train museum and grab a bite to eat at the Tracks Cafe.
I also discovered the Galley Museum, which was incredible (and managed by volunteers).A great insight into the history of the area and offering visitor information services. The small entry fee was well worth it with 30 rooms of historical items including personal effects, documents, cameras, theatre projectors, household items, gems and minerals, military, emergency services, and mining artifacts depicting the varied aspects of West Coast heritage.
Also, while in Queenstown, a short but steep walk the Spion Kop Lookout gets the blood pumping but rewards you with incredible views over Queenstown and the Queenstown Oval. Built in 1895, it is infamous for its gravel playing surface, and is used primarily for Australian rules football, while also hosting cricket and athletics. Be aware that there is not much parking.
Now we get to the good stuff! A cruise on the iconic Gordon river and historic railway journey. These spectacular tours are popular and for good reason...... both showcase some of Tasmania's most pristine and beautiful landscapes with options to suit your needs.
We are able to help you with booking these 2 incredible experiences you will want to book to avoid disappointment. Contact one of our trusted travel advisors to learn more about these must-do tours, and we can help narrow down the best option for you.
Finally, no trip to the West Coast is complete without seeing the famous and Australia's longest-running play, The Ship That Never Was. Held every night in the Richard Davey Amphitheatre, this family-friendly play tells the story of a real event in 1834. The last ship built at the convict settlement in Macquarie Harbour was about to sail for the new prison at Port Arthur but was hijacked by ten convict shipwrights.
Brad Hudson - Senior Travel Advisor
Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre
