Must Do Things on King Island, Tasmania.

King Island, situated between Melbourne and Tasmania, is a true hidden gem in the centre of the unpredictable Bass Strait. Famous for many things, you may have heard of its incredible local produce, stunning golf courses or amazing beaches. Surrounded by the rugged coastline and lush green farmland, it is the perfect place to enjoy the quiet life at its best. Only a 45-minute flight from Melbourne, it isn’t very far from the mainland, but you will feel worlds away. If the opportunity ever arises for you to visit, here are my must-do things on King Island, Tasmania.

1. King Island Dairy

The cheese shop, only a 10-minute drive from town, is a must-do stop for everyone coming to the Island. Cheese tasting, generous wine and hot beverage selections can make the perfect afternoon trip for anyone! It’s also the cheapest place you will ever be able to buy the King Island Dairy cheese, which is award-winning and some of the best you will find in Australia.

2. Pot and Parma night at the Local Pub

Parma night is held every Thursday from 5-8 pm at the King Island Hotel. Many locals frequent this, so if you want to mingle a little more, this is the perfect night to do it! It’s also the ideal place for any traveller, as $25 will get you a Parma with chips and salad and a drink. If dining in is not for you, they also do take away. If a parma doesn’t take your fancy, the usual menu is still open for orders.

3. POKI Market

The Product of King Island Market, affectionately known to the locals as POKI (not to be confused with FOKI), is the local must-attend market. Held around every three months, this community market showcases some of the best homegrown talents on the island. From natural soaps to candles, ceramics to plants and some of the best hot cinnamon doughnuts around, this is the place to be. Starting at 10 am and finishing at 12:30, it gives you time to grab a coffee before strolling to find the perfect mid-morning snack!

4. Head to the local sports

The locals love their sports here. They play AFL and netball during the winter and horse racing during the summer. AFL, or “The Footy”, is held on most Saturdays, starting at noon for Juniors and 2 pm for Seniors. Depending on who’s home game, the games are held at either the Currie football oval or the Grassy football oval. The netball competition is played on Thursday nights, starting around 6 pm at the school gym. From December, horse racing starts almost every Saturday from 1 pm. With both gallops and harness racing held on the same day, plenty of entertainment can be had! Held at the impossible-to-miss racecourse, bring a windbreaker, as it gets windy on the hill!

5. Explore penguin paradise in Grassy

Just a 20-minute drive from Currie, Grassy harbour is the perfect place to see penguins at night! If you drive to the Penguin Rookery in the dark, you will almost always see these beautiful animals running around! Please remember to use a red light, as the white light is harmful to their eyes. Moreover, look under and behind your car before leaving. You do not want to run them over.

6. Grab a pie from the infamous local bakery

Situated in the middle of the main street, the King Island Bakery is well known for its amazing pies. Produced with local meat, cheese and seafood, these pies satisfy even the pickiest eaters. And if a pie is not for you, they have plenty of other fantastic food to enjoy! Be sure to check it out at least once on your trip.

7. Explore the beaches

The beaches on this Bass Strait island are utterly unique. Depending on what time you go, you most likely will be the only person on the beach! They are also fantastic for surfing, especially Martha Lavinia, which is popular with Pro surfers, including Kelly Slater. But if surfing isn’t for you, the beaches are perfect for walking, swimming or fishing.

8. Get wild and go camping

Travelling on this island is fantastic if you get the chance and have the equipment. Driving only 20 minutes from town, you will feel a world away. To find some of the best spots, keep up to date with my posts!

9. Grab a beer at the King Island Brewhouse

This brand-new brewery is just what the island needed. About 20 minutes from Currie, it takes you out into the middle of the island in between farmland, making you feel a world away from the rest of the island! It is the perfect way to spend an afternoon with a refreshing menu of beers or ciders, a new ginger beer, and a small food selection! Friday night is the big night here, with homemade pizzas available! Be sure to get in quick before they run out. Check out their website for more details Home | King Island Brewhouse (kibrew.house)

10. Play the 3 amazing golf courses

The fantastic produce isn’t the only famous thing about this island – the golf courses here are spectacular! There are three courses to choose from, Cape Wickham, Ocean Dunes and the local Golf Club. Cape Wickham is currently ranked #10 globally and has outstanding views across Victoria Cove and the magnificent lighthouse – the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere. Ocean Dunes is also very highly rated in Australia and has glorious views of the West Coast of the Island. It is also closer to Currie, so easier to get to. Right in the centre of Currie, the local course is also a must-do. One of the better nine courses in Australia, so they say!

11. Catch your dinner – head out for a fish

While being on an island, surrounded by the great ocean, you have to go for a fish! Make sure you check the current restrictions and seasons, though, as some fish have a period you cannot catch them as it is their breeding season. Furthermore, if you are looking for any equipment, check out Terry Perry’s next to Foodworks on Main Street.

12. Festival of King Island (FOKI)

If you happen to be on the island at the end of January, you must head down to the annual Festival of King Island. The festival is always great, with plenty for everyone – it even has a water slide! The weekend usually kicks off with a Friday night at the King Island Club and continues on Sunday afternoon. However, depending on the lineup, that can change. The festival always puts together an excellent and diverse musical lineup from all over Australia and includes many local performers. You cannot miss it! An absolute must-do on King Island in January!

13. Enjoy the amazing food and atmosphere at Oleada Restaurant

An absolutely must do! This family-owned and operated restaurant serves divine food and has an extensive list of exquisite Tasmanian Gins. Trying to use as much locally sourced produce as possible, this restaurant brings some of the best the island offers to the table. Open Wednesday through to Saturday, you will need to book to secure your seat. However, if they are booked out, do not fear. Take-away is available too! To learn more, visit their website here

14. King Island Show

On the first Tuesday of March every year, the King Island Show is the perfect entertainment. The show has everything you could want! You will not be disappointed with their array of activities, from show bags to watching the horses to a selection of vintage cars. Furthermore, if horse shows are something you are interested in, you may be able to catch them over the weekend before! Usually, to enable enough time to include all the events, dressage and show jumping are held either the weekend before or the weekend after. Be sure to check out times and dates closer to March!

15. Relax at the Grassy Club

Are you feeling like a cold one? But you are down south of the Island? Do not fear; the Grassy Club is here! With a great selection of drinks, two pool tables and a large TV, it’s the perfect place for a pit stop on your travels. The kitchen is also open, so stop in for a feed, a great weekend adventure! Opening hours differ, so please get in touch with Ernie for the most up-to-date information Grassy Club – KIRDO (kingisland.net.au).

16. Play a game of bowls at the King Island Golf and Bowls Club

From September to March, lawn bowls is back on at the local golf. Thursday at 4 pm is for the social event of barefoot bowls. Saturday from 1 pm is the competition. Moreover, if you would like to hire the facilities for your own use at a different time, this can be arranged too! To find out more, visit their website here.

17. Run the Imperial 20

Over the long weekend in March, this coast-coast race is the perfect reason to come to the island! With plenty of walking and running events to choose from (not just the 32km), you can either compete individually or in teams. Further, there is even a beach run, which may or may not include clothing. To enter, or to find out more, visit their website here.

18. Try out the brand new coffee bar and Restaurant, Leggs

This brand new restaurant has just opened on Main Street, and boy o boy, it will be something special. A few more weeks and this restaurant will be bubbling with life! With three different seating areas – the main restaurant, a private meeting room and an outdoor setting – this space can facilitate any occasion. Moreover, they are still expanding! Keep an eye out in summer 2023/24 for the pizza bar opening on the corner next to Leggs!

19. Did you want to keep fit and fabulous while you stay here?

Then Finn is the place for you. This home-based fitness and beauty salon is located in Currie and offers both group sessions (which you can check out the weekly timetable on the Instagram page here) and small group and one-on-one personal training sessions. In addition, if you are looking for some extra love, the salon is the place to be. With all things from waxing, tinting and tanning to nails and makeup, Finn has got you covered. To see more, or make a booking, click on either of the links above!

20. King Island Distillery

Located on Race Course Road, the King Island Distillery is the perfect spot to begin your afternoon. Open from 1 pm to 4 pm, the “try before you buy” cellar door offers tastings and tours of the small unique distillery. With both a gin and vodka at the forefront, the distillery also produces a Limoncello lemon liqueur. If you can’t make it to the distillery itself, check it out online here!

21. Have dinner overlooking the glorious Grassy Harbor

Wild Harvest Restaurant brings the “Ocean to Table and the Paddock to Plate” in a delightful culinary experience. Located in Grassy, the restaurant focuses on bringing the best of the island together into one stunning place – food, wine and good company. However, this is not all they do! The team behind the restaurant also operates a 4×4 tour company – getting you to more places than a hire car will allow that’s for sure. To check them out, visit their website by following the link above.

22. Enjoy the slow life at the new cafe, Island Larder

Island Larder is a fresh new cafe on Edwards Street that is definitely a must-visit. This cafe is the perfect spot for a morning coffee to start your day or to unwind in the afternoon with a yummy cake! Opening on weekdays from 6:30 am, it’s the perfect grab-and-go for workers coming to the island, with the added extra of takeaway bacon and egg rolls available! Be sure to check them out on Facebook for up-to-date opening hours and daily specials!

23. The Nursery and Florist & Island Sisters

Both band new businesses, this is the perfect morning getaway for the whole family. Located just out of town on Racecourse Road, you not only walk away with a beautiful arrangement of flowers or plants but also a handful of coffees and treats! Opening hours differ, with the nursery open from 10 am till 3 pm Wednesday-Friday and 9 am till 2 pm on Saturday. Flower orders and outside hours can be arranged by calling or texting Millie on 0458 139 121. Island Sisters are open 7 am to 2 pm Wednesday through Friday and 8 am to 2 pm on Saturdays. For more information, please visit their respective social media pages or drop a comment below!

Check out my other King Island posts:

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