King Island is the largest of 3 islands in the Bass Strait, known as the New Year Group. Off the northwest tip of Tasmania, King Island has long been famous for its food exports with a range of gourmet produce being sought by the world’s top chefs. Succulent beef, gourmet cheese and crayfish sourced from the Island’s crystal clear waters are just three of the delicacies you can enjoy on your visit. In 2020, Planet Golf World's Top 100 Golf Courses recognised the Cape Wickham Golf Course as number 11, beating out the Augusta and Pebble Beach Golf Courses. That is no mean feat. It has also been named by AusGolf for 2020 as the number 1 golf course in Australia, with Ocean Dunes, also on King Island in 7th spot. There is also a 3rd golf course if the first 2 are not enough for you, located in the main township of Currie on the rugged west coast of King Island, this is truly one of the world’s greatest 9 hole courses. For a small island, it sure is punching above its weight when it comes to outdoor activities and the quality of its produce.
The main access to the island is via one of the three airlines, Regional Express Airlines, Sharp Airlines and King Island Airlines that regularly fly to the island, from both Melbourne, Burnie-Wynyard or Launceston airports. If you are adventurous and love the sea life we can organise a charter sail or cruise to King island for you.
Before arriving on King Island please ensure that you have booked your hire car with King Island Car Rental to make getting about the island on your own time easier, as there is no taxi or public transport service available. Get in touch with us and we can assist you in arranging your on-island transport.
The island is not just a surfing and golfing mecca, cultural attractions on King Island include the King Island Historical Museum and the Maritime Trail which details decades of early shipwrecks that ravaged the island and surrounding waters. King Island Arts and Cultural Centre at Currie Harbour displays and retails handmade artisan products, or take in the King Island Historical Society museum, a must for any visiting history enthusiast. While you are out travelling this beautiful island call into the Wild Harvest seafood restaurant in Grassy. Their menu is dictated by the seasons and to serve dishes accented by the island's best produce; crayfish, abalone, oysters, beef, lamb, dairy and vegetables.
Natural attractions on King Island include Seal Rocks and the nearby Copperhead Walk, following the dramatic cliff line and takes in the ancient Calcified Forest. You will also want to include Disappointment Bay on your King Island itinerary, a long stretch of anything but disappointing coast accessed from Cape Wickham Road, on the way to the Cape Wickham Lighthouse, another addition to your King Island must see's.
Other King Island activities include trail riding experiences, the tasting room at the King Island Dairy Cheese Store and over 150 kilometres of walking tracks, trails and beaches to explore.
Image credits: Andrew Wilson (City of Melbourne Bay, King Island), Andrew Wilson (Cape Wickham Golf Course), Andrew Wilson (Currie)