Queenstown
Queenstown is a classified historic town that holds the reputation of being one of the richest mining towns in the world.
The town retains the atmosphere of a "wild west" movie set, with nineteenth century pubs and a brightly painted post office. Mount Lyell and Mount Owen are the two largest mountains that surround the town. At sunset their summits blaze with orange and pink and by day they resemble a cratered moonscape.
Quintessential Queenstown experiences
- The Western Wilderness Railway terminal at the end of mail street is where the restored Abt steam locomotives leave to pull passenger carriages up the steepest tracks in Australia, into dense rainforest and cavernous gorges.
- The Empire Hotel boasts a National Trust listed staircase made from Tasmanian Blackwood.
- For a 360 degree bird's-eye view of the town take a walk up the Spion Kop hillock. From here you will see the heritage listed gravel-surface football oval.
- Go underground into one of Australia's largest underground hard-rock mines. Take a descent of 6 kilometres or choose to stay on the surface if preferred.
- The Iron Blow on Gormanston Hill was the very first local gold mine made a fortune not from gold but from the copper in the ore that continues to be Queenstown's principal product.
- The LARQ gallery displays works from artists inspired by the unique light and colours of Queenstown, a town like no other.
Queenstown Attractions
Galley Museum
The Eric Thomas Galley Museum features memorabilia and other artifacts with extensive photographic displays of West Coast history and a range of interesting literature about a bygone era. More...
West Coast Wilderness Railway
The original Mount Lyell Mine railway restored for a 35km journey to Strahan through thick rainforest, past awesome river gorges and across high trestle bridges stopping at dinky stations along the way. More...
Mt Lyell Enviro Tours
Famous Mt Lyell tours. Learn the history of the mine and the town and see the open cut. Twice daily. More...
Dougies Underground Mine Tours
Explore underground the Mt Lyell Copper Mine on a 2-3 hour tour of a working mine. Descend to 6 kms wearing full mining gear in the Mount Lyell Copper Mine to experience the day-to-day operation of a working mine. Surface tours also available. More...
Iron Blow
Where mining in Queenstown began in 1883, the Iron Blow was worked as a gold mine for 10 years before the discovery of vast deposits of copper, and offers wonderful views of surrounding mountains and down the Linda Valley. More...
Bradshaw's Sawmill/Tasmanian Special Timbers Pty Ltd
Specialising in Huon Pine, Sassafras and Blackwood. View the mill at work and feel free to purchase some of the fine timber. Open 8am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. More...
Lake Burbury
A 20 minute drive out of Queenstown, take in the sights or fish for trout. More...
Mt Jukes Scenic Drive
Visit Lake Burbury and Bird River south of Queenstown, walk along a railway embankment to the ghost town of Pillinger at Kelly's Basin. More...
Queenstown Golf Course
Nine hole course best played in summer as wet conditions can make ground heavy in winter. Play a round and then relax with a drink in the bar. Mixed competitions are held every weekend. Lynchford Road, Queenstown. Tel: (03) 6471 1164. More...
Spion Kop
Named by soldiers returning from the Boer War. Enjoy fantastic views of Queenstown when you complete the steep short walk passing mining heritage exhibits along the way. Overlooks the famous Queenstown gravel football oval. More...
Miners Siding
In the bronze sculptures depicting 21 facets of the evolution of the Mt Lyell Mines and surounding areas, sculptor Stephen Walker has depicted significant and traditional events in the 100-year history of the Lyell District. More...
Queenstown Football Oval
Queenstown's "Gravel" Football Ground has been described by some as "The Most InFamous " football field in Australia. Now heritage listed, it certainly is one that has struck fear into visiting football sides for over one hundred years. More...
Old Evans Store Market
Held every third Sunday of every month. Produce, home baked cooking, Bric a Brac and plants. 10am - 1pm. More...
Paragon Theatre
Built in 1932, the once dilapidated Paragon Theatre has undergone a major referbishement, including opulent seating , state of the art laser lighting and a digital projector. A sixty minute film called "A Brief history of thie Spot" features regular ly, along with other mainstream favourites.
Queenstown Heritage and Arts Festival 14 - 16 May 2010
A richly diverse festival featuring art, craft workshops, exhibitions, live music, films, book readings, oral histories, circus entertainment, heritage tours and train rides - all with a unique Queenstown flavour. This much anticipated festival promises to be the highlight of Queenstown's autumn season.
Targa Tasmania
Targa races through Queenstown Each every April/May.
