Tourism > Australia > Tasmania > King Island

King Island Tourism

About the King Island Region

King Island is one of the islands included in the State of Tasmania. It is located in Bass Strait, off the north-western tip of the main island of Tasmania, about half way between Tasmania and Victoria. It is about 58 km from its northernmost point to the southernmost, and around 21 km from west to east. The island was named for the third Governor of New South Wales (which, at that time incorporated Tasmania).

The island is a safe harbour for passing yachts and hosts a wind farm site for Hydro Tasmania, but its major claim to fame is the array of fine foods locally produced, imported to the mainland and stocked in delicatessens, butcheries and seafood emporia around the country. King Island beef, lamb, dairy produce, lobsters, crabs, crayfish and oysters are some of the exports popular with gourmets all over Australia.

The largest town on King Island is Currie, situated on the western side of the island. The second largest town, Grassy, on the east, was formerly a mining settlement, where scheelite was mined in an open cut mine. After the mine closed, Grassy virtually became a ghost town. It has since recovered, with an increased population and improved services. The penguin rookeries near the port are popular with visitors to the island.

The southernmost point is Stokes Point and the northernmost, Cape Wickham.

The island is believed to have been first seen by Europeans in 1800. Shortly thereafter, it was found to abound in both fur seals and elephant seals which were soon being exploited to the edge of extinction. The surrounding seas could be said to have demanded a high price for this, since more than 60 ships have been wrecked in the area. The most disastrous of these was the 1845 wreck of the Cataraqui in which 400 lives were lost.

King Island is a popular destination among those who enjoy quiet and solitude. It can be reached by medium-size aircraft and car rental is available on the island.

List of Towns in the King Island Region

Click on any town name in the following list to display historical, geographical and tourism related information for the town selected.

CURRIE | EGG LAGOON | GRASSY | LOORANA | LYMWOOD | REEKARA | YARRA CREEK

Last Minute Accommodation in the King Island Region

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