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10+ things you MUST KNOW before going to Remote KING ISLAND in Tasmania!
Growing up on remote and picturesque King Island in Tasmania was extraordinary. It wasn’t until I left this beautiful place that I realised just how special it was. It has so many little niches that no other place I know has. The Island does have some obstacles, but all in all, there is no place like King Island. For many tourists coming, it can be a real surprise, so here are some of my tips and tricks you must know about King Island before visiting.
1. The locals always wave.
When driving on King Island for the first time, it is funny when you pass a car and the other driver is doing a little 1-finger wave at you. Every driver, sometimes even the passenger, will do a slight wave to the next driver! Most travellers and visitors usually put it down to them, thinking it’s someone else, but really, it is just a little thing they do here. The locals can generally set the tourists apart by not getting a 1-finger wave back.
2. There are snakes on King island.
King Island, during summer, especially in February, is very prone to snakes. That said, I have not heard of anyone that got bitten! The local species are Tiger, Copperhead and White-lip, all of which are highly venomous. So, if you are playing golf, or just going for a nice walk, make sure to look down when stepping through long grass! If you hit your golf ball into the scrub, don’t wander to find it.
3. The weather is unpredictable.
Even if you check the weather 100 times a day, even if it says sunny or clear sky, this Island’s weather will change without notice. So be prepared for a beautiful sunny day to turn into 100km/h winds, heavy rain and 8 degrees. It’s normal; it’s King Island.
4. Wildlife on the roads.
Every remote Aussie town has them, but wallabies and possums are very keen road ramblers at night on King Island. Make sure you drive extra carefully, as they are everywhere! If you go and see the penguins in Grassy, I recommend checking underneath the car even before starting it.
5. The wind is constant.
During the winter months, you should be prepared for almost every day to be windy! Wind on King Island makes any windy day anywhere else in the world feel like a nice sea breeze. You get used to it, but if you are visiting, know it can be windy over here.
6. There is a small selection of restaurants.
Due to the Island’s small population (approx..1,500 people), the selection of restaurants here is pretty limited relative to where you come from. Additionally, most restaurants are closed on Monday and Tuesday nights. Check which restaurants are open and when so you don’t get stuck! Most also close their kitchen around 8 pm, so avoid getting stuck by coming in late!
7. The shop times are different!
There are only two groceries shops in the main town of Currie, both of which are open from 7 am-6 pm. If you plan to be out most of the day, ensure you get your shopping beforehand! Don’t get surprised by the prices. Because everything has to be imported, it’s slightly more expensive than in the cities.
8. There is no public transport.
The only form of transport for visitors here is hiring a car from the local King Island Car Rentals, contacting the local Community Car to see if they can pick you up, or asking a local for a lift. There are no taxis or buses (besides school or tour buses), so avoid getting caught at the airport expecting a taxi rank!
9. Telstra is the only network provider.
If you have Optus or another network service provider, you cannot get service here. Although, an old local myth says if you hang off the Cape Wickham Lighthouse on a windy day, you may get a bar of signal!
10. There is limited accommodation.
This one is easy to solve; if you know your dates soon enough, make sure you book early, as if you are going in the summer, accommodation can fill up quickly! If you consider going to the Festival of King Island, the earlier you book, the better. The festival is popular with both locals and tourists.
11. King Island Community Radio.
Despite having a small population, King Islanders own the privilege of having a local radio station. The station is run entirely by locals, including its playlists, promoting new Australian music and artists. There are programs, including “Grandstand with Tam and Craig” and” ‘Wots on the Rock”, to keep the locals up with sports and news. It is an excellent way for the locals to stay connected and a great marketing tool for local businesses to employ. Look out for the local saying, “Let’s make waves together”, next time you listen to 100.5 FM!
12. Ask the locals!
The locals on King Island are super friendly! If you need information or help with something, reach out. Everybody will be more than happy to help you. The picture underneath is some shameless self-promotion for Yentl As Anything.
13. Look out for cows on the road!
Give way to cows on the road! As the Island is primarily a farming community, and farmers own land over roads and just down the road, be aware that sometimes farmers will move cows along the road! Don’t be alarmed; the farmers know what they are doing, but you should listen to any instructions they give you; don’t just drive through the herd, try and stay out of the way or wait for them to pass!
Read more about King Island:
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Yentl and Avalon, your description of King Island is so on point! I really like reading it. It makes me smile because of all the little and special things this island offers.
Thank you so much, Jorg, for the comment and the kind words 🙂 Your website looks amazing!
The CD across bass strait with willpower
The stories of the jewels of Bass Strsit
Written and produced by a blowin who became locally loved .
Thanks, Will, for your comment!
Love the Island, but you did not mention another thing that people should know.
NO BUNNINGS ON THE ISLAND
Hi Max, thank you for your comment! There are indeed no Bunnings on the island! All your goods need to be imported!
I was a ‘blow-in’ myself for about 4 years and loved every minute. Hubby had a full-time contract there for 10 years and after several months in the KI cheese factory plus some time away for studies, I came back to nurse. A delightful little hospital and one of the most professional yet caring healthcare communities I’ve ever encountered.
My hot tip for those who love to regularly walk, is to get familiar with the Currie kelp track stretched alongside the marvellous Southern Ocean. There’s a great wander from Little Beach, past the Boat House, up around the bend under the Lighthouse hill, and then a picturesque trudge along the stony track beside the waves – with the golf course on your left – all the way to Netherby Rd. Follow that road back to Currie township and home again. I would do this regularly on a good day.
Hi Josephine, thank you for your comment! Yes, I did that same walk multiple times; it’s great! I might put it somewhere in a future list! 🙂
I was brought up on a soldier settlers farm on K.I. and lived there from 54/82.Couldn’t have wished to grow up anywhere else.Where did you take the photo of the coast,was it on the east coast?Your comments are spot on.
Hi Rick, thank you for your comment! Yes, the picture of the coast was definitely somewhere on the east coast!
I own King Island Green Ponds Guest House and Cottage and welcome anyone wanting to see our most beautiful island we call paradise. Please call me on mobile 0429831047 if your comming for work I also have TRADIES Accommodation so looking out for your trip of your life Cheers Sonia
Hey loved your spool. Been to KI twice magnificent spectacular amazing- A photographer paradise/golf cape wickham golf links No 1 public course in Australian with a surf beach in front top 25 in world & no 2 in Australia public/private! Have to mention Turkeys they are everywhere & this trip went to the King Island Brew house what a beautiful place with lovely young owners. Well done – A bucket list a must to Visit King Island
Thank you, Eileen, for your reaction. Happy to hear you enjoyed the island so much.
Thank you for every other informative blog. Where else could I
am getting that kind of info written in such a perfect approach?
I’ve a venture that I am simply now working on, and I have been on the
glance out for such info.
Welcome as always! Thank you for reading and reaching out 🙂
Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News.
Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
Appreciate it!
Thank you for the kind words. Unfortunately, I can’t give any advice on how to get into the Yahoo Newsfeed. I don’t know how my post made it there. Good luck! 🙂
Lived on King 1972 thru 1975, my father worked for the Pmg as it was known then. My mother worked at the hospital with a wonderful woman named Audrey Graham amongst others. Loved my time there and hope to return at some point, and yes as kids we would ride horses to a lot of secluded beach’s rock pools etc. A absolute wonderland of a place.
Thank you for reaching out, Anthony! It seems that it is time for a re-visit indeed. 🙂
Very neat article. Really looking forward to reading more. I will read on…
Happy to read that! 🙂