QUEENSTOWN - TASMANIA - 7467

Main street of Queenstown		 Population: 2,352
Elevation: 145m
Latitude: -42.0449
Longitude:145.3325
Location:258km north west of Hobart
Highway: Lyell Hwy
Nearest Major Town: Queenstown
Nearest Airport: Queenstown
Touring Area: West Coast
The Classified Historic Town of Queenstown has seen over 100 years of mining of the Mt Lyell copper deposits. The bare hills of Queenstown have remained that way since 1900 when they were stripped by elements and sulphur.

Regrowth is beginning to reclaim the 'moonscape' hills around Queenstown that resulted from the combination of rain, mining, timber cutting and bushfires. Nevertheless, Queenstown - the 'capital' of the west, still has a distinctive character.
Mining has been the mainstay for more than a century, with displays from the past and tours of present mine operations being essential for visitors wanting to gain an appreciation of the colourful, historical town.

What to see and Do:
Tours of Mt Lyell Company surface mine operations and the company's museum, Queenstown photographic collection in the Old Imperial Hotel, Miners Siding and, farther afield, the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, which is part of the World Heritage Area and can be accessed from the Lyell Highway about 50km east of Queenstown. Gallery Museum, Lake Burbury and Nelson Falls.
The West Coast abt railway runs between Strahan and Queenstown and is a wonderful journey on an unique trafin through the rainforest.

  • Nelson Falls
    East of Queenstown a short walk leads to these falls through temperate rainforest.
  • Donaghy's Hill Wilderness Lookout
    A 40 minute walk from the carpark gives spectacular views over the Franklin River Valley and Frenchman's Cap.
  • Franklin River Rest Area
    A small rest area with information bay and toilets and an easy 30 minute walk through the surrounding rainforest.
  • Lake Burbury - King River Power Station
    Completed in 1992, this hydro-electric facility and dam created Lake Burbury which offers fishing, and cruises on the lake. (License required for fishing). Picnic areas.
  • Galley Museum
    Located in the old Imperial Hotel this museum houses a display of old photographs of the area and household items and memorabilia of the early days. It is open weekdays and at afternoons on weekends.
  • Skion Kop Lookout
    At the end of Latrobe St, offers views over Queenstown and of the mountains.
  • Iron Blow
    Deserted Open Cut mine where gold was first discovered in 1883, leading to the development of the Mount Lyell Mining & Railway Company, still operating in Queenstown today.
  • Gormanston & Linda
    Small, once thriving towns east of Queenstown along the Lyell Hwy. These towns once had a population of over 2,000, but are now only a shell of their heyday.
  • Russell's Woodworking
    Woodworking shop in the old Royal Hotel at Linda, worth a visit.
  • Lake Margaret
    Hydro electric site developed in 1914 by the Mt Lyell Mining & Railway co. was at that time the largest in the southern hemisphere.
    • ACCOMMODATION & SERVICES:
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    INFORMATION CENTRE:
    Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania Office
    Orr St. Queenstown. 7467. Tasmania
    Ph: 03 5465 3767
    HOW TO GET THERE:
  • By car along the Lyell or Murchison Hwy.
  • Light Plane
  • Coach
    Coach Operators
    Redline: Ph: 1300 360 000
    Greyhound Pioneer: 132 030

  • Mt Lyell Mine Tours
    90 minute tours available daily from the Lyell Tours at 1 Driffield St. Enquiries 03 6471 2222
  • Redundancy Trout Tours
    Organising boating and fishing tours on Lake Burbury. Ph 03 6471 1888
  • Lyell Tours - 4WD
    4WD Tours to various destinations including Mt McCall, Pieman River, Montezuma Falls, Lake Margaret and many more. Ph 03 6471 2222 for information.
    •   © Copyright Peter W. Wilkins