Queenstown Tasmania

Wander * Explore * Discover
Nov 23, 2021
3 min read

Updated: Jan 8

Queenstown - Tasmania

Queenstown is the largest town in the west of Tasmania. It is a rugged and unforgettable mining town tucked deep into Tasmania’s wild West Coast, surrounded by bare mountains, dense rainforest, and winding rivers.

Once driven by copper mining, the town’s dramatic landscape and rich history now make it a fascinating stop for travellers chasing unique scenery and stories of the past. With heritage buildings, scenic railway journeys, and easy access to waterfalls, river cruises, and mountain walks, Queenstown feels raw, real, and beautifully different from anywhere else in Tasmania.

This unique town has a rich mining history and was once the world's richest mining town. Queenstown is 260 kilometres from Hobart and approximately 200 kilometres from Devonport.

We enjoyed wandering around town, admiring Queenstown’s grand 19th-century architecture. Queenstown’s heritage buildings tell the story of a tough mining past and a town that once thrived on copper and ambition.

Along Orr Street, beautifully preserved structures like the Empire Hotel, the Post Office, and other historic shopfronts showcase classic Federation and Victorian-era architecture. These buildings add charm and character to the rugged landscape, offering visitors a glimpse into daily life during Queenstown’s boom years. Built in 1933, the fabulous Art Deco Paragon Theatre offers self-guided tours.

One of Queenstown’s most memorable experiences is riding the West Coast Wilderness Railway, a historic steam train journey that winds through rainforest, gorges, and remote river valleys.

Departing from Queenstown Station, the train follows the original mining route toward Strahan, climbing steep gradients using its unique rack-and-pinion system. Along the way, passengers step off to explore rainforest boardwalks and river viewpoints while learning about the railway’s vital role in Tasmania’s mining history.

It’s a beautifully slow, scenic way to experience the wild heart of the West Coast and one of Queenstown’s true highlights.

You can also see The Gravel, Australia’s only gravel footy field, where they still play Australian Rules Football today.

A short walk up to the Spion Kop Lookout will reward you with 360-degree panoramic views over the town and the surrounding landscape.

The Miners Siding in the centre of town is an interesting pictorial timeline of Queenstown's mining history. On the outskirts of town, you can explore the Iron Blow and learn more mining history.

The Iron Blow is Queenstown’s most iconic landmark — a towering, rust-coloured cliff that marks the site of the original copper discovery that gave birth to the town. Easily reached from the main road, this dramatic rock face glows in shades of red, orange and gold, especially in late afternoon light.

A short walk to the lookout reveals sweeping views over Queenstown and the surrounding mountains, making it a quick stop for visitors wanting to connect with the town’s mining roots.