4 Things To Do & See In the Wild West Coast of Tasmania

The Tasmanian West Coast is pretty much isolated and rugged and is far less travelled compared to other parts of the island state. But it is also one of those destinations that leaves a mark on you.

From hiking the mountain tops and rainforests to discovering breathtaking waterfalls, and cruising on the pitch black Gordon River on a scenic cruise, there are just so many unbeatable attractions waiting for you to be discovered! Here are some of the must-do attractions to inspire your next visit!

Exploring with Strahan Cruises

Perhaps the best way to experience the sheer tranquillity and remoteness of western Tas is through the iconic Macquarie Harbour. There are several cruises on offer, but the most impressive and cost-effective one is aboard the iconic red boat of World Heritage Cruises. This 6-hour cruise takes you to the parts of the region inaccessible by any other means!

You’ll see a surplus of natural attractions including the mountain ranges and rainforests that dot the riverside – the crystal clear reflections of them on the water gives the area a sense of surrealness. A stop at Sarah Island lets you in on the region’s convict history, its undeniably fascinating yet dark past, and the triumphant tale of humanity against adversity, brought to life by your expert guides! Your experience will be complete with a deliciously packed lunch, curated specially to showcase the best of the Tassie culinary scene.

Unzoo experience

The Thylacine may be extinct, but the little Tassie devils are still roaming the island state of Tasmania, and you get to meet them in this unique wildlife experience. Sure, you would have visited the zoo at some point in life, but what about a reverse zoo or an ‘unzoo’ ?

The epitome of zoo evolution, the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo experience in Taranna, lets you enjoy the native wildlife just the way it originally existed. No animals will be captive and you get to interact with them through unique guided walks and other engaging experiences.

Come face to face with the special Tasmanian Devils and learn how the team is helping save the natural population of the species left in the world. You’ll also meet, greet and hand feed other animals including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and a whole lot of birdlife!

The magic of waterfalls

The Tasmanian state and waterfalls go hand in hand and you don’t need to venture deep into the state to find one. There’s one near Strahan, and a short walk is all you need to get there! The hike to the waterfall is an enchanting and peaceful experience, where you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery and the enticing sounds of nature. As you approach the waterfall, the sound of the cascading water will get louder, and you'll be able to see the mist from the falls in the distance.

Driving the 99-Bends Road

One of our favourite things to do in the West Coast of Tasmania is taking a day trip to Queenstown along the breathtaking 99-bends road! Just as it sounds, this road is famous for its 99 sharp turns, which give you a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.

As you navigate the many twists and turns, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery, and you'll see panoramic views of the rainforest and mountain ranges that are truly unforgettable. You’ll be blown away by just how spectacular this wild drive is! The best part is that you don’t need a strong 4WD or a supercar, any car or camper would do just fine – just be sure to drive safely and under good weather conditions.