The Best Things to Do in Queenstown, Tasmania

Not to be confused with the adventure capital of New Zealand, Tasmania's Queenstown - 3.5 hours north of Hobart - boasts its share of rugged wilderness, a fascinating moonscape and picturesque mountain ranges, plus a rich mining history. 

Starting your adventure in the charming town centre, you will soon find yourself exploring the winding roads, rivers and walking trails, gazing from lookouts and perhaps even jumping on an old-fashioned steam train.

All aboard as we explore the best things to do in Queenstown, Tasmania for the ultimate weekend escape. 

Empire Hotel

One of the most historic buildings in Queenstown, The Empire Hotel is the grand old lady in the West of Tasmania. Be greeted on entry by the National Trust-listed Tasmanian Blackwood staircase, before settling in for a beer and a bite.

Dinner is what you would expect from a cosy country pub, with the likes of salads, parmy's and steaks from the grill. 

2 Orr Street, Queenstown

Moonscape Wine Bar and Cafe

When hunger strikes, Moonscape Wine Bar and Cafe is open for lunch from Thursday to Saturday, so you can grab a toastie and a great coffee to fuel your adventures.

After a day of exploring the surrounding region, wind down at the wine bar, with premium wines, craft beer and cocktails accompanied by a menu of small bites inspired by the flavours of Europe. 

40-42 Orr Street, Queenstown

Ride the West Coast Wilderness Railway

The West Coast Wilderness Railway is a unique way to experience the area and learn more about Tasmania's history. Board the heritage diesel or steam trains at Queenstown for a 1.5-hour journey, taking you to Lynchford station where you will stop to pan for gold.

Onboard tour operators elevate this train journey with fun facts about the surrounding wilderness, so sit back with a glass of Tassie sparkling and enjoy the ride.

Discover the Rivers of Western Tasmania

The Queen River that runs through Queenstown is a sight to behold, notable for its orange tinge from extraordinary pollution caused by mining - the same pollution has made this river uninhabitable for wildlife.

If you're looking for a full day of fun on the water that isn't so... orange, white water rafting with King River Rafting is for you! A thrilling, adrenaline-packed experience sees you exploring at full speed, with bumps and splashes along the way.

Spend a Day in the Town Centre

It may be small, but the town centre of Queenstown is worth some of your time - particularly if you consider yourself an art or history buff. Explore the local galleries and street art and make sure you check out the Gravel, the most notorious sports ground in Australia being made out of gravel rather than grass.

Check out the Eric Thomas Galley Museum in the original Imperial Hotel and browse photographs, minerals and memorabilia showcasing Queenstowns past. 

Around the corner, you cannot miss the Art Deco building of Paragon Theatre, open since 1933. Following a difficult history and multiple closures, the Paragon remains open today as an entertainment venue for the people of Queenstown, with guided tours, live music, movie screenings and open mic nights.

Take a Hike to the Lookouts

Queenstown may be best known for its rocks, hills and barren appearance, but take a short drive in any direction, and lush wilderness can be found, and hiking is one of the best ways to see it all.

Take the Lyell Highway east and make your first stop at Horsetail Falls, taking the easy 1.6km walk to take in the narrow waterfall with Mount Owen visible in the background. From there, it's only a 2-minute drive to the Iron Blow Lookout. It's a spot most visitors to Queenstown are sure to factor in, with the old mine pit showing off different rock formations and colours and the aqua lake - so coloured due to high copper exposure.

Fancy a spooky break? Gormanston and Linda - home to the infamous Royal Hotel - are abandoned towns nearby, with run-down buildings and an eerie feeling. 

Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

No trip to the West of Tassie would be complete without exploring the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, named after the two main rivers within.

The highway from Queenstown will take you to the centre of the park, where you can take short (or long) walks to discover the deep gorges, river valleys, Nelson Falls, creeks and lush greenery. 

The Galahs Nest

A renovated 1940s hall centrally located in this historic mining town on Tasmania's rugged West Coast...what more can you ask for really, if you're eager to spend the night in beautiful Queenstown, Tasmania?! 

Evocatively restored, The Galahs Nest is the perfect retreat, a hall that's been brought back to life by its owner, Lucy, and now offers guests a unique place to call home while they explore the Western Wilds.

From the bespoke copper pipe light fitting to the solid stone outdoor bath on the deck, as you walk through the concrete block facade prepare to be amazed.

The Galahs Nest caters for up to six guests with two spacious bedrooms and additional sleeping in the living area. There's a fully functioning kitchen, a beautiful new bathroom, and a large open-plan living area that opens out onto the deck. Get cosy around the roaring firepit and listen to the sounds of the rivulet on the back boundary. It's the most serene soundtrack for you to unwind in this private sanctuary. 

19 Bowes Street, Queenstown 

Has our guide to the best things to do in Queenstown Tasmania inspired you to explore more of our beautiful country? Our guides have you covered from Margaret River in WA to Noosa on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.