Queenstown
Queenstown is a small town in western Tasmania, known for its mining history and distinctive landscape. Located on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the town sits among rugged hills and valleys. Its unique appearance, shaped by over a century of mining activity, contrasts with the lush rainforests surrounding the region.
Queenstown’s origins are deeply tied to the discovery of gold and copper in the late 19th century. The discovery of gold at Mount Lyell led to the establishment of the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company, which became one of Tasmania’s largest mining operations. By the late 1800s, Queenstown had grown into a bustling mining town, with smelters and railways driving its economy.
The mining activities transformed the landscape. Logging and smelting operations stripped the surrounding hills of vegetation, while acidic emissions from smelters contributed to soil degradation. The bare, orange-brown hills around Queenstown became a striking feature of the area. Despite these environmental changes, the mining industry supported the town for over a century.
Mining operations declined in the late 20th century, with the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company closing in the 1990s. Since then, Queenstown has shifted its focus towards tourism and preserving its industrial heritage. The town retains its character as a former mining hub, with historic buildings and relics offering a glimpse into its past.
Queenstown is also known for its artistic community. The Unconformity Festival, held every two years, celebrates the town’s unique identity through art, music and cultural events.
Queenstown offers a range of attractions that reflect its mining heritage and natural surroundings. These include the West Coast Wilderness Railway and the Galley Museum.
Visitors can also explore the Iron Blow Lookout, the site of the region’s first major open-cut mine. The lookout offers views of the scarred landscape left by mining, surrounded by the rugged terrain of Mount Lyell.
The areas around Queenstown provide access to Tasmania’s wilderness. The Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, is within driving distance. Visitors can explore short walks or embark on longer treks, such as the Frenchmans Cap hike, for an immersive wilderness experience. Queenstown is a base for other outdoor activities including mountain biking and whitewater rafting on the King River.