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These are the Must-See Things on King Island | Tasmania
With the Australian borders about to open, I am sure many of you are itching to travel again. The stunning King Island has to be one of your must-visit places in Tasmania. Having grown up here, I may be biased. But if you ask anyone who has been here, I am sure they loved it. With a diverse range of places to explore, you do not want to miss it. It goes from award-winning cheese, beef and seafood to beaches frequented by surfing pros. I am sure you will enjoy every minute of this place. While there are many more places to see, here are my 21 must-see things on King Island, Tasmania!
1. Check out the tallest lighthouse in the Southern Hemisphere.
Cape Wickham lighthouse is now the backdrop to Australia‘s #2 Golf Course and the tallest lighthouse in the Southern Hemisphere. Opened in 1861 and 48 meters tall, this lighthouse is incredible to see and will be the perfect place to take family photos on your trip. It’s also next to the golf course, so it’s an excellent place for a quick stop before a hit. It should be on everyone’s must-see list for King Island!
2. Seal Rocks State Reserve.
The boardwalk along the front of this intimidating rock face is a sight to be seen on a rough, windy day! If you feel energetic, there is a 1.5-hour return walk called the copperhead track, which is beautiful. Following the name, snakes frequent here during summer, so always stick to the track! Overlooking the rugged Indian Ocean, the seal rocks reserve is a must-do stop, so ensure you have your cameras ready.
3. Spend the afternoon at Pennys Lagoon.
As the locals affectionately know, Pennys is one of the world’s only perched freshwater lakes! It is only 5 minutes from the famous surf beach Martha Lavinia, and it is the perfect spot to take your family swimming or even kayaking. A toilet and BBQ area are available, so bring a few snags from the butcher shop!
4. Relax in the Boat House.
Overlooking the Currie Harbor, the Boat House is packed with art from local artist Caroline. This ‘restaurant with no food‘ is the perfect place to have lunch. A wood fire is inside during the cold winter, making it even more comfortable.
5. Watch the Blowhole erupt.
Ten minutes from the Naracoopa Esplanade, the Blowhole in Sea Elephant Bay will excite kids and adults alike. Go during high tide to watch water erupt through the rocks. It is also an excellent beach for fishing or even camping. With numerous different tracks to great campsites, it gives you a great selection to choose from!
6. Be mesmerised by the Currie Lighthouse.
While the lighthouse in Currie is not as tall as Wickham, it is still a must-see. My favourite time to go up there is around dusk; you will have an incredible sunset over the ocean and harbour from here. Truly spectacular and a great way to unwind and reflect on the day. To get an even better view of the harbour and lighthouse, head to Bell Hill Lookout! This platform gives you an unrivalled seat to watch the sunset. Access to it is off Huxley Street through Bicentennial Park.
Interesting fact: King Island became so famous for all the shipwrecks that it became known as ‘Shipwreck Island’.
7. See the remains of the Shannon.
As mentioned above, this Island became the final resting place for many ships. Over a hundred, to be more accurate. The most visible evidence of these wrecks on the Island is the boiler of the Shannon. A 25-minute drive from Currie, the impact site is easy to find using the Island’s tourist map. The map includes many other places, so grab a copy at the airport. The best time to see it is when the tide is out. I even have a photo of my sister and myself as toddlers sitting on it! A must-see.
8. You won’t be disappointed by Disappointment Bay.
Despite the name, this bay is truly a spectacular place to explore. It is located right up the top of the Island and not 10 minutes from Cape Wickham. I recommend it as the perfect picnic spot, or if you have the gear, to camp here! Spooky Lane, a short 4×4 track that leads out of the central car park, is the perfect spot to camp. A large enclosed clearing will protect you from most of the weather! It even has a direct track leading to the beach!
9. Learn the history of King Island at the Historical Museum.
The historical museum, run by volunteers, explores the history of this rugged tassie island, with details of the shipwrecks, the original settlers and even the race club. It is located next to the Currie Lighthouse and not 2 minutes from the Currie centre. If you want to know the Island, this is the place to go.
10. Be amazed by the Calcified Forest.
This forest is over 7,000 years old and a fascinating sight to see! It is located on the way to Seal Rocks, about a 40-minute drive from Currie. With a short walk from the car park, make sure you wear suitable shoes as it is a ‘bush’ track. A viewing deck with information awaits you, so be sure to have your camera ready! With picnic seats and toilet facilities, it is an excellent stop on your tour of the south.
11. Travel South to see Sealers Wall.
Exploring the Southernmost part of the Island is to step back in history. You will glimpse this beautiful place’s stunning and morbid past along the southwest coast. Almost at the very end of the Island, you will find Sealers Wall. Sealers Wall was built as a barricade to trap seals so hunters could kill them for their skin and make oil. A pretty morbid place if you know the history, but still worth the visit.
12. Be sure to stop at Settler’s Graves.
Across the Island, you will see Settler’s Graves and information about our first settlers. The most notable ones include Elizabeth Bowling (Sea Rocks Road), the Cataraqui Mass Grave, Cape Wickham (just 150m South of the lighthouse) and Currie Harbour. Around the graves, you will read some minor information about their lives, how they got here and sometimes even how they died.
13. Reekara School.
One of three schools on the Island, the Reekara School is worthy of a quick detour on your way to or from the north. Now recently renovated and used for Playgroup and the occasional pop-up market, it’s definitely worth your visit! It also includes the Top Shop for local art and crafts, including the fabulous King Island Kelp Craft.
14. Naracoopa Lookout and jetty.
Naracoopa Jetty has re-opened, so what better to do than check it out? Head to the lookout while you’re down there, just up the hill on Millwoods road. Best views over the jetty and Naracoopa! After extensive storm damage, the jetty has to be shut for repairs, but it is back open just in time for summer—the perfect place for a relaxing fish or just for a quick walk out over the ocean.
15. Walk along British Admiral to the monument.
As a result of so many shipwrecks, many beaches on the Island are named after them. British Admiral beach is no exception. The British Admiral monument sits halfway along the beach, just a 15-minute walk from the car park. The monument is much simpler than the Cataraqui monument, but still worth seeing! Even visit for a beautiful walk along the beach or a quick swim.
16. Cataraqui monument and mass graves.
The Cataraqui shipwreck is the worst civil maritime disaster – 399 casualties and nine survivors. Wrecked on King Island’s west coast on the 4th of August 1845, the Cataraqui monument reminds us of all lives lost. The memorial lists the name and ages of all persons on board the ship. It also marks the place of the four mass graves where the survivors buried the casualties. A stunning site to visit – be sure to pack a picnic and spend a few hours down here if the weather is nice!
17. Walk around to the site of the Netherby Shipwreck.
There is no better way to unwind on holiday than by going for a walk, especially if that walk is next to the ocean! Take a walk around the Kelp Track from Currie Harbor down to the site of the Netherby shipwreck. A stunning walk at either sunrise or sunset.
18. Check out the Grand Designs house.
If you are an Architecture or Grand Designs Australia fan, check out the stunning Whale Tail House. You can book tours through either Di or Andrew Blake, the two passionate minds behind this build. Both artists share their home, work and studio and even provide a cheese board and cake! If art takes your fancy, this is to be noticed.
19. The Old Butter Factory.
It’s not much, but it’s a piece of King Island History. The Old Butter Factory – or the original King Island Dairy Factory, is just past Yambacoona corner on your way to Wickham. Surrounded by lush farmland, it is a lovely sight to see! Also perfect for a great photo background 🙂
20. The King Island Cultural Center and the Nomadic coffee van.
Located at the Currie Harbor, the Cultural Centre has something for everyone! With local and national (and sometimes international) artists working on the display, it is a beautiful spot to enjoy fabulous art. On Saturday and Sunday, you can also enjoy a lovely hot drink and food from the Nomadic Food van, which is usually open 8 am-1 pm.
21. Explore Grassy and the Grassy Mine.
Be sure to head down to the other town, Grassy, to look around! About a 25-minute drive from Currie, Grassy has much to offer. Have a drink at the Grassy Club, stop at the Op-Shop on a Saturday or Sunday for a great steal, let your kids explore the playground (next to the football oval), or take a look at the little grocery shop. While here, head to the mine lookout to have a fantastic view of the mine. Besides, the views over Grassy Harbor and the rest of the unpredictable Bass Strait are also impressive.
King Island has a bit of everything. To find out more about the Island, keep a lookout for more guides! It has to be on your travel list from history to stunning scenery and many different events.
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Check out my other King Island posts:
King Island has been high on my list since coming to TAS in 2006.
Thanks for the suggestions!
You are very welcome, Karen! Reach out if you have questions about travelling to King Island, as we are always happy to help 🙂