Queenstown

All aboard! This is the station for a unique train ride through rare rainforest and the gateway to Tasmania’s rugged west coast.

First-time visitors are often struck by the brutal beauty of Queenstown’s “moonscape” and the orange waters of the Queen River, a legacy of more than a century of mining. Looks can be deceiving – it doesn’t take much digging (pun intended) to unearth Queenstown’s cultural and natural riches. 

Head to the Empire Hotel to admire the burnished tones of the National Trust-listed Tasmanian blackwood staircase (the hotel also serves excellent steaks). Its grand facade is a reminder of the town’s rich and heady days at the turn of last century, when the hills were mined for copper, silver and gold. 

Across the road is the Paragon Theatre, a restored Art Deco beauty with floors handpainted to resemble marble. Check the schedule for screenings of classic movies and live-music performances, or head inside to sign up for one of Roam Wild's industrial history or nature-based tours.  

For uncommon adventures, board the West Coast Wilderness Railway through rainforest between Queenstown and Strahan, ride the river with King River Rafting, or head just out of town to Iron Blow Lookout and Horsetail Falls.

Need to refuel? Moonscape Wine Bar and Cafe is a cafe by day and wine bar by night, serving up a selection of local food, wines, beers and spirits.

Where

Queenstown is a 2hr 30min drive (197km) from Devonport and a 3hr 30min hour drive (260km) from Hobart.

Insider tips

• Gaze over the town’s gravel oval (yep, that’s right) from the Spion Kop lookout.
• Spot dozens of fascinating murals around town created during an artists-in-residence program.