10 Awesome Things to do at Strahan & West Coast Tasmania

Explore Strahan and the Wild West Coast, an incredible off-the-beaten-path slice of Tassie!

Tasmania’s West Coast is isolated, rugged and historically rich. It’s also one of those destinations that really left a mark on me.

Strahan serves as one of the best places to base yourself when exploring the West Coast. It’s considered the tourism hub of the region, with several highlights including the Gordon River Cruises and the Wilderness Railway departing from here.

From exploring pristine temperate rainforest waterfalls to riding on a heritage steam train through iconic west coast wilderness, here are some up-to-date travel tips and advice for what to do in Strahan and the West Coast based on my experience traveling around the region by van.

2. Jump On Board the West Coast Wilderness Railway

The West Coast Wilderness railway is a West Coast attraction that is well-known as one of Tasmania's icons. This historic rail line journeys through deep Tasmanian wilderness and allows visitors to experience the rugged, yet undeniably beautiful terrain on board a historic steam train.

There are several options for to take, but I highly recommend taking the "Rack and Gorge" line departing from Queenstown and running through to the incredible King River Gorge and the isolated station in Dubbil Barril. This is one of the most scenic trips and takes roughly 4 hours.

3. Visit Hogarth Falls

For those staying in Strahan and looking for what to do, then make sure to add Hogarth Falls to your list. This rainforest waterfall is conveniently located within walking distance of Strahan Harbour. The walk is also incredibly scenic and rated as very easy.

It's not very often you find such an awesome natural attraction so close to a major tourist town, so make sure to check it out.

4. Drive the 99-Bends to Queenstown

Personally, one of my favourite things to do at Strahan and the West Coast is to take a day trip to Queenstown to drive the scenic 99-bends road. Honestly, I was blown away by just how incredibly beautiful this wild rugged drive is!

This particular stretch of curving tarmac road snakes its way over the mountains offering breathtaking backdrops and exhilarating, hairpin turns. What's great about this drive is that you don't need a 4WD or a supercar to enjoy it. Any car or camper will manage in good conditions, just make sure to drive safely!

If you're looking for inspiration from this epic drive, I've included a video below with some quick footage from my trip.

5. See the Iron Blow Lookout

If you've decided to check out the 99-bends drive from Queenstown, then make sure to add the Iron Blow Lookout to your things to do on the West Coast too! This spot is just around the corner from the famous road, and offers a historic snapshot into Tasmania’s mining past.

This lookout features an epic cantilever viewing platform over an aqua blue open water-filled aperture. The site is the earliest major mining venture on Mount Lyell, a reminder of the major impact mining has had on Tasmania's history.

6. Road Trip to Nelson Falls

Another attraction worth visiting on Tasmania's West Coast is the incredible Nelson Falls. Visitors will find this remarkable waterfall in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, just a few kilometres out from Queenstown.

The short rainforest trail to Nelson Falls is one of the most beautiful in the state and is a quick and easy return trip. For those road tripping in Tasmania's West from Strahan, I'd suggest adding this one to your Lyell Highway itinerary on the way back through to Derwent Bridge.

There are many other worthwhile stops on this scenic road including the Frenchman's Cap hike, and a stop by the Franklin River, but Nelson Falls was a standout for me.

7. Whitewater Rafting on the King River

One of the best adrenaline-pumping activities to consider on the West Coast is an epic whitewater rafting trip down the King River.

This Grade-4 run is an excellent place as it caters for beginners but is also guaranteed to get your heart racing.

This particular trip is actually one of the best bang-for-buck things to do on the West Coast as it combines a white water rafting trip down the King River Gorge with the spectacular steam train journey on the West Coast Wilderness Railway in a single day!

8. Pillinger Explorer Cruise

The Pillinger Explorer is perfect for history enthusiasts and nature lovers eager to delve into Tasmania's past and pristine landscapes.

You'll explore the haunting ruins of the historic Pillinger township and witness the breathtaking beauty of Macquarie Harbour and Bonnet Island. This boat experience offers a deep dive into the stories and sights of Tasmania's wild west coast, making it an enriching experience for those passionate about uncovering hidden gems and untold tales in the wilderness.

Overall this is a much more intimate and personal experience than than the larger and more popular cruises departing Strahan.

9. Check Out Henty Dunes

Finishing up this epic list for what to do in Strahan and the West Coast of Tasmania is a day-trip to Henty Dunes. The dunes are found approximately 14 kilometres north of Strahan on the way to Zeehan.

These dunes are quite impressive, with some reaching heights of around 30 metres. Like much of Tasmania, this landscape is quite unique, almost a desert on the edge of dense temperate rainforest.

Henty Dunes were formed by the Roaring Forties, a powerful wind blowing uninterrupted from South America. Visitors can take an easy 1.5 hour return walk through the dunes to Ocean Beach, which is the longest stretch of sand in the state. Otherwise, try tobogganing (rent them from Strahan) down the dunes or book a quad bike (ATV) tour.

More Info: Henty Dunes ATV

10. The Ship That Never Was

For a unique experience, especially those fans of history and drama, "The Ship That Never Was" is a great live theatre experience in Strahan.

This engaging play recounts the incredible true story of ten convict shipwrights' daring escape from Sarah Island in 1834. With a mix of humor and suspense, the performance brings to life Tasmania's convict past in a way that's both entertaining and enlightening.

Ideal for families and history buffs, this dynamic production has been a staple in Strahan since 1994, so make sure to check it out!

Keep Exploring The West Coast: Beyond Strahan

I hope this quick travel guide has given you some inspiration for epic things to do at Strahan and around the West Coast. But, the adventures don't end there. While this guide focused primarily on the region around Strahan and Queenstown, the truth is that there is so much more to explore in the Wild West!

I've written loads of travel guides to the region, especially further north in and around The Tarkine. Three of my best recommendations include:

• Self-driving the Tarkine Drive
• Exploring the Trowutta Arch
• Standing at the Edge of the World
• Climbing the Nut in Stanley
• Checking out Dip Falls and the wild Philosopher Falls

Where to Stay Near Strahan

Staying in Strahan puts you close to top attractions like the Gordon River Cruises and West Coast Wilderness Railway, making it convenient for sightseeing. Consider staying in Queenstown, just a 40-minute drive away, for a wider range of accommodation options and additional attractions like the historic mining sites and scenic railway.

More Photos From My Trip to Strahan & The West Coast

That wraps up this awesome attraction list for things to do at Strahan!.If you found it useful, or if you have some further suggestions for this resource, make sure to leave a comment below.

Otherwise, before you go, why not check out some of my other blog posts? I've spent a great deal of time exploring, documenting and photographing Tassie's best highlights, check them out below.

• 65 Epic Things to Do in Tasmania - My ultimate guide to exploring Tassie, complete with must-visit icons & hidden gems.
• Hikes in Tasmania - Discover 40+ of Tassie's best hiking trails, including short walks and long overnight treks!
• Waterfalls in Tasmania - A guide to 25+ of Tasmania's best waterfalls!
• Where to Stay in Tasmania - The ultimate accommodation guide to help your stops and places to stay.
• Best Tours & Experiences in Tasmania - This years' roundup of my favourite bookable tours & experiences across Tassie!