Queenstown

Surrounded by a striking landscape of bare, rust-coloured hills, Queenstown is unlike anywhere else in Tasmania. For more than a century, gold and copper mining shaped the town, leaving behind a terrain that can appear almost otherworldly and a collection of distinctive heritage buildings.

Queenstown grew rapidly from the late 19th century when thousands of workers were drawn to the town. The Mount Lyell mining boom resulted in a lively array of hotels, shops and theatres, many of which still stand today. Historic buildings-turned-museums and attractions such as the West Coast Wilderness Railway reveal the challenges and ingenuity of those who lived and worked here.

Queenstown is a unique base for exploring Tasmania’s West Coast, with scenic drives leading through rainforest-clad mountains and to the tranquil waters of Lake Burbury. There are several lookouts nearby, such as Spion Kop and Iron Blow, that offer a closer look at the surreal terrain created by humans and nature.

Best things to do in Queenstown

  • The West Coast Wilderness Railway offers a memorable journey through the wild landscapes of western Tasmania, linking Queenstown with Strahan along a historic railway line. Built in the late 1800s, the original railway was created to carry copper from the Mount Lyell mines near Queenstown down to the port at Strahan. Today, heritage steam and diesel trains retrace parts of this historic route.

    Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular rainforest scenery while hearing fascinating insights into the railway and the mining communities that once depended on it. Several different options are available, from shorter excursions to longer experiences. Services vary by day and season, so it’s worth checking the railway’s latest timetable when planning your visit.

    Departures from Queenstown:

    • Lynchford Express (20 minutes): A short heritage railway journey from Queenstown to Lynchford, including an opportunity for gold panning and exploration of the former mining area.

    • Rinadeena, Rack and Rainforest (3 hours): A longer steam journey from Queenstown through rainforest to Rinadeena, including travel over the famous Abt rack-and-pinion section.

    Departures from Strahan:

    • The Cryptic Express (1.5 hours): Departs from Regatta Point Station, Strahan, travelling inland along Macquarie Harbour and the King River towards the rainforest.

    • Teepookana and the King (2.5 hours): A longer Strahan-based journey through rainforest and along the King River, with a stop at Teepookana.

  • Spend some time exploring Queenstown’s distinctive streetscape to discover the historic buildings connected to its prosperous mining past. Look out for the grand Empire Hotel with its National Trust-listed Tasmanian blackwood staircase, and the beautifully restored Paragon Theatre. This Art Deco gem is notable for its hand-painted floors designed to resemble marble. Depending on what’s happening during your visit, you may be able to catch a film or live performance at the Paragon.

  • The Galley Museum is an excellent introduction to Queenstown’s fascinating past, with a focus on not just mining but the hardships, ingenuity and colourful characters that shaped this remote community. Its eclectic collection brings together photographs, mining memorabilia, household objects and stories from the people who lived and worked on the West Coast. In total, there are 30 rooms to explore and the volunteers who keep the museum running are a wealth of local information.

    • Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 daily

    • Entrance fee: $10.00 for adults and $5 for concession

  • One of the most popular things to do in Queenstown is simply explore the landscape around town. The bare, rust-coloured hills and exposed rock are the result of more than a century of mining and logging, creating the famous “moonscape” for which Queenstown is known. Driving into town via the winding 99 Bends of Gormanston Hill gives you particularly impressive views of this surreal environment.

  • For one of the best views over Queenstown, make the short but steep climb to Spion Kop Lookout. The 300-metre return walk takes around 15 minutes and ends with 360-degree views across the surrounding mountains and the town’s heritage-listed gravel oval. Interpretive displays along the route explain some of Queenstown’s mining history and the landmarks that are visible from the summit.

  • Located a 10-minute drive from Queenstown, the Iron Blow Lookout offers a striking reminder of the enormous impact mining has had on the surrounding landscape. It marks the location of the first major mining venture at Mount Lyell, when gold was discovered here back in 1883. When you walk onto the cantilevered lookout platform, there are dramatic views into the former open-cut mine and across the barren landscape of the Linda Valley.

  • Near the Iron Blow Lookout, the Horsetail Falls Walk is a worthwhile stop when travelling over Gormanston Hill. The boardwalk trail follows the mountainside towards this seasonal cascade, which tumbles into Moore Creek following heavy rainfall. Along the way, there are wonderful views down the mountain towards Queenstown.

  • Rising 1,146 metres above sea level, Mount Owen towers over Queenstown and offers spectacular views across Lake Burbury and Frenchmans Cap. The Mt Owen MTB Trail Network includes around 35 kilometres of trails, ranging from easier lower-mountain routes to demanding, exposed descents on the upper slopes.

    It’s possible to pedal to the lower trails from Queenstown, while the upper trails are accessed via shuttle buses. Popular routes include Waterfall, Chamouni Traverse, Summit Loop, The Long Spur, North Owen Descent and the highly technical Natural Selection.

  • Around 30 minutes' drive south of Queenstown is Lake Burbury, a large hydro-electric reservoir on the edge of Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. The lake is popular with anglers hoping to lure wild brown and rainbow trout, as well as being an idyllic spot for kayaking and canoeing.

  • If you’re driving into Queenstown from the south, make time for Nelson Falls, an easy 1.4-kilometre return walk just off the Lyell Highway. It takes around 20 minutes and follows a boardwalk through a magnificent tract of temperate forest filled with sassafras, myrtle and ferns. Along the route are interpretation panels that highlight some of the ancient plants connected to the Gondwana supercontinent.

Best places to stay in queenstown

Luxury Accommodation

Penghana Bed & Breakfast is located on the banks of the Queen River, just a few minutes’ walk from Queenstown’s historic core. It occupies a beautifully restored National Trust property that dates from 1898, filled with period details and antique furnishings. All of the rooms and suites are uniquely designed, ranging from the budget-friendly Studio Bedsit up to the luxurious Owen Suite. Hearty cooked breakfasts are served in the formal dining room each morning.

Mid-range Accommodation

The Gold Rush Inn is located around a kilometre from the centre of Queenstown and offers comfortable ground-floor rooms with parking spaces in front of each. Aside from flat-screen TVs, microwaves and tea/coffee-making facilities, the rooms come with ensuite bathrooms and complimentary Wi-Fi. Cooked and continental breakfasts are available on request, and can be enjoyed in the restaurant or in your room.

Mt Lyell Anchorage offers cottage-style accommodation right in the heart of Queenstown and is well suited to couples, families and longer stays. Their two-bedroom cottages feature well-appointed bathrooms and kitchens for self-catering, as well as access to a garden where fresh produce can be picked. Complimentary laundry facilities are also available and breakfast provisions can be arranged on request.

Hunters Hotel is a historic property that has been recently restored and retains much of its old-world charm. It’s located in the middle of town, within walking distance of museums, cafes and restaurants. All of the comfortable double and twin rooms come with ensuite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and tea/coffee-making facilities.

The West Coaster Motel is located at the eastern entrance to Queenstown, not far from the Spion Kop Lookout. Its basic but comfortable rooms provide an affordable base for exploring Queenstown, with bedding configurations that work for couples, families and friends travelling together. Onsite is the Prospectors Restaurant, which serves dishes that highlight Tasmanian produce.

Silver Hills Motel is located a 10-minute walk from the town centre and offers picturesque views of Mount Owen. It features a range of ensuite rooms, including double and family options, and facilities that include kitchenettes, tea/coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi. At Smelters Restaurant and Bar, you can relax beside the open fireplace while taking in views of the surrounding ranges.

budget Accommodation

The Empire Hotel occupies one of Queenstown’s most historic buildings, dating all the way back to the town’s mining boom. Its grand staircase and heritage interiors provide plenty of atmosphere, while the central location makes it convenient for exploring the town's historic streets and museums. In total, there are 24 rooms with various bedding configurations, plus a restaurant set within a traditional dining room.

Queenstown Cabin and Tourist Park caters well to budget travellers, with basic cabins and facilities for caravans and camping. It’s located around 1.5 kilometres outside the town, with lovely views of the surrounding mountains. Aside from a communal laundry and complimentary Wi-Fi, there are barbecue facilities and a camp kitchen with a wood fire and a large TV screen.

The Railway Hotel is a pet-friendly property tucked away just off one of Queenstown’s main streets. It features six ensuite rooms and 10 budget-friendly rooms with access to shared bathroom facilities. The onsite laundry is an added bonus, while the bar serves pub-style meals amidst a sociable atmosphere.