Discover Tasmania

Tasmania’s western wilderness is steeped in history ranging from the early mining days of Queenstown to the convicts who once inhabited remote Sarah Island.

Take a cruise out to Sarah Island and walk the convict trails of this desolate outpost, or hop aboard the West Coast Wilderness Railway on a 34 kilometre journey between Strahan and Queenstown.

As you pass through ancient rainforest, over gorges and across high trestle bridges, you’ll hear tales of pioneers who carved their way through this seemingly impenetrable landscape over 100 years ago. A region renowned for its rugged World Heritage Wilderness, stories of the early pioneers are heroic and spirited.

And for an authentic underground account of Queenstown’s mining heritage, join the only underground tour of a working mine in the southern hemisphere, at Mount Lyell Copper Mine.

Visit the Wall in the Wilderness at Derwent Bridge and you’ll find the rich history of the Central Highlands depicted in a sculpted Huon pine wall. Artist Greg Duncan takes you on a journey beginning with the indigenous people through to the timber harvesters, pastoralists and miners who have shaped the region.