Discover seven wonders in world heritage wilderness
Seven wonders of Tasmania’s West Coast
A tragic history, world heritage wilderness, scenic coastal walks and unique wild lands await you.
See a special part of Tasmanian history
Originally part of the 140,000 hectares allotted to the Van Diemen’s Land Company in the early 19th century, Woolnorth’s approximately 9,000 hectares of private property are now home to around 40 wind turbines, each 60 meters high, Cape Grim (the site of the horrific 1828 massacre that devastated the local indigenous population) and the company’s heritage outbuildings. A two-hour tour with Woolnorth Tours is led by the outgoing and lively Laura Dabner and includes a hike to the northernmost tip of Tasmania and homemade morning tea in the old wool shed where currawongs now nest. To see woolnorthtours.com.au
Wander through the skeleton of a volcano in Stanley
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Rising above the historic town of Stanley, The Nut is a 143-metre-tall plug of a once active volcano. Millions of years of erosion have left behind this unique coastal plateau, which traces a three-kilometer circle around its summit. Enjoy the ascent by cable car stopping at a platform leading to the circuit walk, numerous breathtaking views overlooking the Bass Strait and many important Tasmanian Aboriginal cultural sites. To see parks.tas.gov.au
Skip to history lesson
Copper was once transported by rail up the steep hills and cliffs of Queenstown; this includes a seven-kilometer section that is the steepest “steam haul” in the southern hemisphere. Board the train (once the only way to reach the city) for a journey through rugged rainforest and unforgiving wilderness along the banks of the Queen River. The railway recently announced a collaboration with Tasmanian chef Rodney Dunn of New Norfolk’s Agrarian Kitchen to revamp the menu on board. To see westcoastwildernessrailway.com.au
See world heritage wilderness from land and sea
Strahan’s Macquarie Harbor is one of Australia’s deepest harbours, but a half-day Gordon River Cruise also covers the narrow, shallow entrance to the Southern Ocean known as the Gates of Hell. The electric hybrid ship Spirit of the Wild then takes guests to the Tasmanian Wildlife World Heritage Area, including visits to the ruins of the former penal colony on Sarah Island, the rainforest, and the Huon Pines of Heritage Landing. To see gordonrivercruises.com.au
Watch a performance from Australia’s longest-running play
Head to Strahan’s Davey Theater to learn the rest of the Sarah Island story. Australia’s longest running game, The Ship That Never WasIt was written by Richard Davey and made its debut at Strahan’s in 1994. It has continued ever since, with daily shows from September to May and selected winter shows. Davey’s daughter Kiah directs, with local and mainland actors as well as the audience performing a comedic retelling of the ill-fated (and borderline unbelievable) voyage of the last ship built on Sarah Island. To see roundearth.com.au
Discover a slice of art deco in the wild
Queenstown’s Paragon Theatre, which opened with “talkies” in 1933 and was once an indoor cricket stadium, has been restored by passionate locals (including born-and-raised Anthony Coulson, who now runs RoamWild Tours) to offer dinner and movie events. The art deco theater features a luxurious mezzanine, a floor painted to resemble marble, and original projectors that can be accessed via a self-guided tour. Coulson’s Boom & Bust Tour is the best way to experience the impact of theater in a town ebb and flow with mining. To see roamwild.com.au
Challenge Australia’s toughest sporting arena
The local team has good home advantage at the all-gravel Queenstown Oval (Go Crows!), the only one of its kind in Australia. Built in 1895, it still hosts Australian rules games with its skinned knees and dusty feathers. See it from above at Spion Kop Lookout, which has panoramic views of the entire city. Self-contained RVs can camp under the pines in the oval’s parking lot for $5 at the honesty box.
The author visited parts of the West Coast as a guest of Outback Spirit as part of the Tasmanian Wildlife Explorer tour. To see outbackspirittours.com.au
Riley Wilson is a freelance journalist and editor specializing in travel, food, architecture and agriculture. He is the former desk editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age and creator of the Greater Good newsletter.Connect via email.
