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Western Wilderness & The Central Highlands
Discover Untamed Wilderness on Tasmania’s West Coast
Tasmania's West Coast is a vast, largely untouched, and diverse region featuring some of the world's most pristine wilderness. Western Tasmania is a nationally recognised, protected region and world heritage-listed site that remains largely free from human activity. Much of Tasmania's western wilderness is uninhabited to this day and remains largely isolated from the rest of Australia. Known for its tourism and mining history, it is a bushwalker's, naturalist's, and adventurer's paradise, with considerable wildlife, natural beauty, and intrigue into its origins and history.
West Coast Quick Facts
Tasmania's West Coast is exposed to what is known as the 'roaring forties' westerly airstream and is, therefore, one of Australia's coolest and wettest regions. Expect a dense temperate rainforest but also lakes, rivers, plains, valleys, plateaus, and a coastline that spans hundreds of kilometres.
Western Tasmania consists of the Southwest National Park (440,000 hectares), the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Claire National Park (130,000 hectares) and the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park (180,000 hectares). These national park regions have a combined mass larger than some small countries.
Historical Towns
Queenstown is a small but historically significant copper mining town surrounded by dramatic mountains.
Natural Wonders
Visit impressive Nelson Falls, nestled in a temperate rainforest with short, easy walks just 30 minutes from Queenstown.
Tasmanian Wildlife
Explore Tasmania's West Coast to see unique wildlife, including this extremely rare albino short-beaked echidna.
The West Coast by Rail
Experience Tasmania's western wilderness on rail with the renowned West Coast Wilderness Railway. Covering 35km from Queenstown to Strahan, the railway gives you exclusive access to remote, vibrant rainforests with some of the cleanest air in the world.
The newly renovated railway was established in the 19th century to transport copper through the unforgiving terrain of Tasmania's West Coast to Queenstown. It was an engineering marvel of its time, and without modern technology, it was built by hand with picks and shovels. The railway was later closed in 1963 when road transport in the region made the need for rail redundant.
Cruise the Gordon River
Relax on a serene sightseeing cruise on a catamaran along Tasmania's Gordon River, departing from Strahan. The river runs through Tasmania's picturesque Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Area of untouched wilderness.
The Gordon River flows into Macquarie Harbour, where you can catch sight of seals and dolphins from Hell's Gate, the narrow mouth of the harbour.
Visit Tasmania’s Central Highlands
Also known as 'The Lake Country' of Tasmania, the Central Highlands cover over 800,000 hectares of lakes and snow-capped mountains with small communities and wild, hilly landscapes. They boast Tasmania's first hydroelectric power station, excellent trout fishing, bush walks, and a healthy hunting community. Put simply, the Central Highlands and wild western wilderness regions of Tasmania are not to be missed.
Ancient Tasmanian Huon Pine
Discover ancient Huon pine trees, which are endemic to Tasmania. Many of these trees are over 2,000 years old and among the oldest living trees on Earth. Huon pine trees are like living fossils, growing extremely slowly. They are renowned for their fragrant, soft timber and are valuable for their natural oils, which are water-repellent and rot-resistant. This unique quality has historically made Huon pines a popular choice for shipbuilding.
Our Fun Tassie Tours to the West Coast & Central Highlands
Fun Tassie Tours will ensure you're well looked after and safe while you enjoy this fascinating region and its history. We run weekly tours to this area and offer a fully guided experience in this eye-opening, expansive, and beautiful part of Tasmania. Enjoy this lovely lake-dotted region with Fun Tassie Tours guiding you while leaving plenty of time to enjoy the natural surroundings and activities.
*last updated 12th June 2025