Tasmania West Coast
Australia
The wild side of Australia's island state, from Hobart west through Queenstown's moonscape to Strahan, the fishing town once described as "the best little town in the world", then north past the Henty Dunes, Cradle Mountain, and Mt Roland to Launceston. Tasmania's west coast keeps giving long after you think it's done.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Hobart
Australia's second-oldest city at the foot of Mount Wellington. Salamanca Place's sandstone warehouses, MONA, and the waterfront market define a city of real sophistication.
- Queenstown
A century of copper mining stripped the surrounding hills bare, leaving vivid orange, red, and purple mineral terrain unlike anywhere else in Australia. Startlingly beautiful.
- Strahan
A tiny fishing port on Macquarie Harbour where Gordon River cruises push deep into the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park wilderness. One of Australia's great small towns.
- Henty Dunes
Giant coastal sand dunes rising directly from the highway 24 km north of Strahan. Visitors can walk or sandboard down the faces straight to the Southern Ocean shore.
- Cradle Mountain
Tasmania's most iconic peak, its jagged dolerite summit reflected in Dove Lake. The Enchanted Walk through ancient pencil pines is among Australia's finest short forest walks.
- Launceston
Tasmania's second city in the Tamar Valley. Cataract Gorge, a dramatic riverside gorge with a chairlift, sits 15 minutes from a city renowned for food and Tamar Valley wine.
Where to Eat
- The Agrarian Kitchen EateryFarm-to-Table
Located in New Norfolk, this eatery offers seasonal dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients in a rustic setting.
- Stillwater RestaurantModern Australian
Situated in a historic flour mill in Launceston, Stillwater serves contemporary Australian cuisine with river views.
- Franklin RestaurantContemporary
In Hobart, Franklin offers innovative dishes cooked over a wood-fired oven in a minimalist, industrial-chic space.
- The Black Cow BistroSteakhouse
A Launceston favorite, this bistro specializes in premium Tasmanian beef, served in a cozy, art deco-inspired setting.
Things to Do
- MONA - Museum of Old and New ArtMuseum
Located in Hobart, MONA features provocative contemporary art exhibitions in an architecturally stunning underground space.
- Gordon River CruiseScenic Cruise
Departing from Strahan, this cruise offers serene views of the Gordon River's pristine wilderness and reflections.
- Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National ParkNational Park
Home to the iconic Cradle Mountain, this park offers hiking trails through diverse landscapes and wildlife encounters.
- Bonorong Wildlife SanctuaryWildlife Sanctuary
Near Hobart, Bonorong provides close encounters with Tasmanian devils, wombats, and other native wildlife.