Holiday information for Queenstown, Tasmania

Queenstown is one of Tasmania's most historic towns. It lies on the wild and windswept west coast of the state in one of Australia's wettest climates. Queenstown’s origins date back the first exploration in 1862. The discovery of gold and copper at Mt Lyell was the start of an enormous mining boom that commenced in 1892. At one time during its history, Queenstown was the wealthiest mining town in the world. Emissions from the smelters denuded the surrounding landscape and it is only now after decades, that vegetation is starting to return to the region. Mining in Queenstown still continues today and there have even been some new mines opening up over the last decade.

The seaside town of Strahan lies nearby on the shores of Macquarie Harbour which serves as the port for the mining industry. The two towns are joined by the West Coast Wilderness railway and this can be travelled on today. You can also take guided tours into the underground mines. Strahan has become the departure point for thousands of tourists who take cruises into the nearby wilderness areas along the Gordon and Franklin river systems that flow into Macquarie Harbour. This is one of the most untouched world heritage listed wilderness regions left anywhere in the world. Apart from the river cruises it can only be accessed by bushwalking.

Queenstown today, has a population of around 2500 people who predominantly work in the mining industry. The region has an annual rainfall of between two and three metres each year and during the winter, snow falls are common to low levels. Like its namesake, Queenstown NZ, tourism is becoming the mostly important industry in the region with thousands of international tourists visiting the region to enjoy the spectacular local scenery.

There is lots of accommodation in Queenstown and Strachan to cater for the tourist industry and the large number of organised tours that come through the region. Most of the accommodation is in motels and hotels. Be sure to book early because the tour operators can book out all availability very quickly.

Queenstown is a unique destination with many interesting and diverse attractions to see.