Things to do around Queenstown, Tasmania

Things to Do Around Queenstown, Tasmania: Adventure, History, and Art in the Heart of the Wild West

Things to do around Queenstown, Tasmania is endless. Located 260 km from Hobart or 209 km from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal in Devonport, Queenstown Tasmania is only 1 and 1/2 hrs drive from the spectacular Cradle Mountain National Park. There’s natural riches & plenty of history to explore, heart stopping mountain trails to ride, as well as a creative art and artisan cultural hub. Queenstown is a convenient base for visitors to explore all that the Western Wilds of Tasmania has to offer.

Queenstown’s fascination grew in the 1880’s when hordes of prospectors arrived in search of gold. Followed by a century of copper mining, felling of trees and erosion of soils, it left it a lunar “moonscape” drawing curious visitors from across the globe. Over time, Queenstown, Tasmania is regenerating with a fast growing influx of many new residents bringing life, new skills and entrepreneurial businesses for locals and visitors to enjoy.

Wellness & Pampering

• 4Bidden Beauty Salon: Switch the clock off – it’s chill out time! Beauty salon offering treatments; waxing , facials , brow and lash tints, acrylic/gel nails , pedicures, spray tanning , wedding makeovers and more. 63-67 Orr Street, Queenstown Tasmania. Ph 0497 468 098 
• Belladonna Hair Lounge: For hair, facial waxing and tinting. 18 Cutten Street, Queenstown, Tasmania. Ph (03) 6471 2120
• West Coast Wellness: Offers a range of holistic treatments, including massage, aromatherapy, and wellness therapies designed for relaxation and stress relief. 11 Sticht St, Queenstown, Tasmania. Ph (03) 64 714 700
• Blys has a wonderful mobile wellness and massage service in Queenstown, Tasmania delivered to your home, hotel or office. Book same-day or in advance, 7 days a week, 6am to midnight. Services include Swedish massage, remedial deep tissue massage, Thai, reflexology, physio, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, reiki, beauty, Pamper Packages for the bridal party and more. Book online.

Explore & Discover around Queenstown, Tasmania

Outdoor Adventures 

• Raft & Steam Experience: Combine the excitement of rafting on the King River with a scenic steam train journey through the rainforest. This unique experience is a must-do on any adventure itinerary. Or choose from many rafting adventures, from King River – flat-water kayaking to the thrilling King for the Day full-day rafting trip through the gorge.
• Kelly Basin Walk: 3 to 4 hour walk, sturdy footwear is a must. See website for details and bookings or Ph: 0407049612
• Mountain Biking: Get a real big mountain kind of experience, picking your way down barren ridgelines, surrounded by mountains without the trees to block the view. The West Coast of Tasmania’s former mining industry stripped the landscape, but many years later with innovation & a new perspective of land use, it brought the opportunity for mountain biking to the region. Explore with Flow Mountain Biking or West Coast Mountain Biking, with shuttle services available.
• Pieman River Experience: Explore the Tarkine wilderness on the Pieman River, a gentler rafting adventure through the remote forests of the West Coast. Available with pick-up from Queenstown, Zeehan, or Corinna.
• Gold Panning at Lynchford Station: Step back in time and try your luck, learning about the region’s mining history and perhaps striking it rich!
• West Coast Wilderness Train: Jump aboard the steam train for a spectacular journey through rainforests back to Queenstown to Dubbil Barril along the West Coast Wilderness Railway (bucket list)
• Spion Kopf Lookout: Get a bird’s eye view of the town & its barren hills. The 300m walk is steep, with handrails and textured steps to make it safer and sturdy shoes are recommended. Enjoy panoramic views of town nestled in its otherworldly surrounds.
• Horsetail Falls: These are incredible and a short drive along the A10 takes you to Nelson Falls. Both falls are easily accessible via a short boardwalk. Parking and toilets available.

Explore & Discover Queenstown, Tasmania: History, Culture & Unique Experiences

• The Galley Museum: in the 1897 Imperial Hotel, with a unique collection telling stories of West Coast survival.
• Q Bank Gallery: On Orr Street, showcases the talent and creativity of the West Coast community.
• The Unconformity Arts Festival:  biennial, that celebrates the culture, history, and future of the West Coast through innovative art and community projects. Held in Orr Street, the 2025 festival will be from Oct 1 – 31. Jump online to see many of its programs.
• Queenstown Railway Station: a historic site dating back to the late 19th century. Once a key hub for transporting copper from local mines, it now offers a glimpse into Queenstown’s rich industrial heritage.

• Roam Wild’s Industrial History Tour or Nature based tours eg Lost Mines, Ancient Pines, Lake Margaret Hydropower, No Dams: Mt McCall 4×4 or Mt Owen 4×4 Experience. They also provide shuttle buses for mountain bike trails.

• Forest Honey & Railway Tour: Taste local forest honey on a guided walk through the rainforest with the West Coast Railway.
• The Gravel: Visit Australia’s toughest football field. The legendary gravel oval where Tassie mountain men of the Queenstown Crows -Wild West team, play AFL. It’s one of the most notorious football fields in Australia and a mind blowing must-see for anyone visiting. Wilsdon St, Queenstown Tasmania

• Iron Blow Lookout; for an unforgettable view over emerald water and surrounding mountains.
• Paragon Theatre: Take a self-guided tour of the historic theatre, or better still, if you’re there in Summer, catch a classic movie over dinner. It’s a lovely, old-time venue at 11 McNamara St, Queenstown Tasmania

Good Eats

• Enjoy food pairings with a wine, beer or spirit at Moonscape Wine Bar and Cafe. Moonscape showcases high quality independent small producers – the best of the West and North-West of Tasmania, with food pairings, all homemade from local ingredients. It’s a relaxing venue too, with a great little beer garden. You’ll taste Premium Tasmanian wines, local craft beer, a range of classic and signature cocktails, plus Infuse Coffee from Burnie Roasters and delicious Tasmanian Cheese Plates if you’re peckish. Open Wed-Sat: 11:00-9pm & Sun 11:00 am – 7pm

• Have a beer and traditional pub meal at The ‘Grand Old Lady of the West’ at the The Empire Hotel with its prominent façade in the towns streetscape – 2 Orr St, Queenstown Tasmania. You can’t miss it.
• Mimso: A friendly local eatery offering the clean fragrant taste of Thai plus Chinese and Western dishes. You’ll come away full – 65 Batchelor St, Queenstown Tasmania
• Tracks Cafe: In the old Queenstown train station, Tracks Cafe is a licensed café serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal while experiencing the area’s history – 1 Driffield St, Queenstown Tasmania
• ChaNo. 9 Asian Fusion: You’ll find a fusion of Asian cuisines here, with  delicious and flavourful dishes – 54 Orr St, Queenstown TAS
• Delish Pizzeria: Delicious pizza every day, this is a casual, no-fuss spot to grab a tasty slice – 21 Orr St.
• JJ’s Coffee Lounge: A cosy spot for a coffee and a warm, comforting meal especially in Winter with their homemade vegetable soup for something extra hearty – 13 Orr St, Queenstown, Tasmania
• Broken Halo Coffee Kitchen: Serving hot Allpress Coffee, and a selection of tasty cakes and pastries, sandwiches, burgers and light bites – 7 Orr St, Queenstown Tasmania

Foodies

• The West Coast Wilderness Railway offers a Food & Wine experience. Enjoy Tasmanian wines and gourmet dishes with stunning scenery.
• Leatherwood Honey: You can find local shops in Queenstown selling small batches of this unique floral honey.
• Tasmanian Cheeses: While not a major cheese-producing area, Queenstown offers access to exceptional cheeses from nearby regions, like Bruny Island Cheese Co and Ashgrove Cheese.Look for these in local markets and eateries.

• Farm-to-Table Dining: Queenstown’s eateries focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You can expect dishes featuring wild game like venison, duck, and native herbs, highlighting Tasmania’s natural bounty.Dishes featuring wild venison, duck, and native herbs.
• The Empire Hotel: Hearty meals with a local ingredients.
• Tasmanian Gin & Whisky: Small-batch gin and whisky from local distilleries like Lark and Sullivans Cove.
• Craft Beers & Ciders: Local beers and ciders made from Tasmania’s apples and pears.
• West Coast Wilderness Railway – Food & Wine Experience – Scenic train journey with gourmet Tasmanian dishes and wine.
• Local Markets & Pop-Up Stalls – keep an eye out for local markets or pop-up stalls that feature artisanal products –  jams, chutneys, and seasonal produce from nearby farms.

Retail Escapes

• Soggy Brolly graphic design studio and shared art space – 20 0rr Street. Checkout the latest exhibition of work by local artists and maybe take an original home @soggybrolly
• Miller Opals and Artworks located at 2  Orr St, Queenstown, Tasmania
• West Coast Visitor Info Centre Gift Store located at 1 Driffield St
• Queenstown Tasmania Community Market – A monthly market in the Memorial Hall, 53 Orr St, Queenstown Tasmania. You’ll find homemade food, hand crafted timber items, fresh produce, craft items including quilts, toys, clothing, books.
• The Eric Thomas Galley Museum – 1-7 Driffield Street & housed in the 1897 Imperial Hotel. Offers a unique collection telling stories of West Coast survival, endurance & sacrifice, as well as providing a very personal record of the people themselves & their daily lives. Open 7 days a week 9.00 -5.00pm
• The museum is managed by dedicated volunteers and features 30 rooms of historical items including personal effects, documents, cameras, theatre projectors, household items, gems & minerals, military, emergency services, & mining artefacts depicting the varied aspects of West Coast heritage. (offers concession & family rates & the Galley is also a white i-visitor information centre, a Children’s University Learning Destination & a bike-friendly accredited business. Children receive a free activity pack.
• Fossick at Didley Squat New and Used located at 24 Orr St, Queenstown, Tasmania
• If you’re visiting Strahan, visit the Huon Pine Shop to admire and purchase unique pieces using Tasmania’s famous Huon Pine with the aromatic oil finish created from Tasmania’s rainforest timbers. Location 2 Esplanade, Strahan, Tasmania.

If you think Tasmania sounds like an amazing holiday destination, check out our Stays with a WOW accommodation.