Rosebery is one of Tasmania's best-kept secrets. A small mining town of around 750 people nestled in a dramatic bowl of mountains at the northern end of the West Coast Range, it sits at the centre of some of the most spectacular and least-visited wilderness in Australia. Most tourists drive straight through on the Murchison Highway — and miss everything.
If you stop here — and you should — here's what to do.
Walks & Waterfalls
Montezuma Falls
Tasmania's highest waterfall at 104 metres, reached via an easy 7.6km return walk through ancient cool temperate rainforest following an old mining tramway. The forest is extraordinary — giant tree ferns, leatherwood, myrtle beech and Huon pine. The falls themselves are thunderous after rain. One of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks. The trailhead at Williamsford is 2km south of Rosebery.
Stitt Falls
A shorter, quieter waterfall walk accessible directly from Rosebery township. Less visited than Montezuma but beautiful in its own right — a lovely half-day option if you want a taste of west coast rainforest without the longer commitment of Montezuma Falls.
Mount Murchison & Mount Black
For experienced walkers, the summits of the mountains that frame Rosebery offer extraordinary panoramic views across the west coast wilderness. These are serious bushwalks requiring good fitness, navigation skills and appropriate gear — not day-tripper territory. Reward is magnificent. Check conditions and let someone know your plans before heading up.
Mountain Biking
Sterling Valley Mountain Bike Track
One of Tasmania's most celebrated mountain bike descents — a technical, rooty, muddy single track that winds down the flanks of Mount Murchison into Rosebery. It's fast, physical and demands skill. The descent drops through dense rainforest and is renowned in the Tasmanian mountain bike community for its raw character. Riders typically shuttle to the top and ride down. Ask at The Top Pub for local knowledge on conditions.
Montezuma Falls Trail by Bike
The Montezuma Falls walking track is also open to mountain bikes — a far more adventurous way to reach the falls than walking. The old tramway corridor makes for an atmospheric ride through rainforest to one of Tasmania's most dramatic waterfalls. Suitable for intermediate riders comfortable on natural surfaces.
Fishing
Lake Pieman — Trout Fishing
A large Hydro Tasmania reservoir to the west of Rosebery, renowned among Tasmanian anglers for its healthy population of brown and rainbow trout. Multiple boat ramps give access to the lake, with picnic areas on the shore. The fishing is best in spring and autumn. A Tasmanian inland fishing licence is required — available online through the Inland Fisheries Service.
Heritage & History
Rosebery Heritage Centre & Man Cars
Located on the Murchison Highway at the edge of town, the Heritage Centre tells the story of Rosebery's extraordinary mining history through artefacts, photographs and signage. The highlight is the Man Cars — underground transport vehicles used by miners at the Rosebery Mine — which have been placed on public display overlooking the mountains. A remarkable and moving tribute to generations of west coast miners.
Hercules Aerial Ore Ropeway Remnants
The ruins of one of Tasmania's most unusual pieces of industrial infrastructure — an elaborate aerial ropeway that carried ore from the Hercules Mine near Williamsford to the Rosebery processing plant from 1931 until 1986. The ropeway towers and sections of cable can still be seen crossing over the road on the southern outskirts of town. A remarkable relic of the mining era.
Wee Georgie Wood Steam Railway — Tullah
A beloved heritage tourist attraction just 18km north of Rosebery at the lakeside town of Tullah. The Wee Georgie Wood is a narrow-gauge steam locomotive that once served the mining operations of the area — today it runs tourist trips on weekends during the season. Tullah itself sits on the shore of Lake Mackintosh and is well worth the short drive for its scenery alone.
Events
Rosebery Festival
An annual four-day celebration of everything that makes the west coast unique — live music, theatre, poetry, art, markets, children's activities and the famous Colour Run. The festival brings the community together and draws visitors from across Tasmania. Free entry for all events. Held annually — check with the West Coast Council for dates.
Day Trips from Rosebery
Rosebery's central position on the Murchison Highway makes it an ideal base for exploring the wider west coast. These destinations are all within easy day-trip range:
- Queenstown (45 min south) — the most visually striking town in Tasmania, with its bare, colourfully eroded mountains and deep gorge setting
- Strahan (1hr 15min via Queenstown) — the gateway to Macquarie Harbour, Gordon River cruises and the West Coast Wilderness Railway
- Zeehan (25 min south-west) — the former Silver City, with extraordinary heritage architecture and the West Coast Pioneers Memorial Museum
- Tullah (18 min north) — the Wee Georgie Wood steam railway and beautiful Lakes Mackintosh and Rosebery
- Cradle Mountain (1hr 50min north-east) — one of Australia's most iconic national parks
Base Yourself at The Top Pub
Everything in this guide is within easy reach of The Top Pub on Agnes Street. Rooms from $60 a night, breakfast included, and proper pub meals waiting for you every evening after your adventures.
View Rooms 📞 (03) 6473 1351