Tasmania's west coast is one of the most spectacular drives in Australia — raw, remote, and unlike anything else in the country. Twisting mountain roads, ancient rainforest, former mining ghost towns, deserted beaches and some of the purest wilderness on earth. If you're coming over on the Spirit of Tasmania and want to see the real Tasmania, this is the road trip to do.
This guide covers the classic west coast route from Devonport south through Rosebery and Queenstown to Strahan — with key stops, driving times, and the best places to eat and stay along the way.
Starting Point: Devonport and the Spirit of Tasmania
Most west coast road trips begin in Devonport, where the Spirit of Tasmania ferry docks after the overnight crossing from Melbourne. If you're bringing your own vehicle — which we strongly recommend for the west coast — the Spirit of Tasmania is the easiest way to arrive with wheels ready to go.
From Devonport, head south through the Kentish Hills and down onto the north-west coast. Pick up the Bass Highway west toward Burnie, then turn south onto the Murchison Highway — the main artery of Tasmania's west coast. From this point south, the landscape changes dramatically and rapidly.
Key Stops on the Route
Burnie
The largest town on the north-west coast and a good place to fuel up, stock up on supplies and have breakfast before heading south. Burnie has a surprisingly good arts scene and a pleasant waterfront, but most west coast travellers push on quickly — the best is ahead.
Rosebery
One of Tasmania's great underrated towns, sitting in a dramatic bowl of mountains at the northern end of the West Coast Range. Rosebery is the gateway to Montezuma Falls — Tasmania's highest waterfall at 104 metres — and the base for some exceptional mountain biking, fishing and wilderness walking. The town has a fascinating mining history dating back to 1893 and the MMG mine is still one of Australia's longest-running operations today. Stay the night at The Top Pub — cold beer, a proper dinner and a comfortable bed before the mountain passes the next day.
Zeehan
The Silver City — once one of the largest towns in Tasmania during the silver mining boom of the 1880s. At its peak Zeehan had a population of over 8,000 and the Grand Hotel hosted international opera singers. Today it's a quiet historic town with a fascinating mining museum and some extraordinarily well-preserved Victorian architecture. The West Coast Pioneers Memorial Museum is well worth an hour of your time.
Queenstown
One of the most visually arresting towns in Australia — the surrounding hills stripped of vegetation by a century of sulphur emissions from copper smelting, leaving bare, brightly coloured rock scarps that look almost Martian. The town sits in a deep gorge and the drive down the Murchison Highway into Queenstown — with its hairpin bends and extraordinary mountain scenery — is one of the great drives in Tasmania. The Empire Hotel is worth a look for its heritage-listed Tasmanian Blackwood staircase.
Strahan
The only town on Tasmania's wild west coast proper, sitting on the vast Macquarie Harbour — twice the size of Sydney Harbour. Strahan is the departure point for Gordon River cruises deep into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, and the western terminus of the famous West Coast Wilderness Railway. The town itself is charming — a compact collection of heritage buildings, good seafood restaurants and a working fishing fleet. Allow at least a full day here.
Practical Driving Notes
- Fuel up whenever you can — petrol stations are scarce and expensive on the west coast. Fill the tank in Burnie, Rosebery, Queenstown and Strahan
- The roads are narrow and winding — take your time, especially on the Murchison Highway mountain sections. Logging trucks use these roads
- Weather changes fast — the west coast is one of the wettest places in Australia. Carry rain gear, even in summer
- Mobile coverage is extremely limited — download offline maps before you leave. Google Maps works offline if downloaded in advance
- Wildlife at dawn and dusk — wombats, wallabies and possums are everywhere on roads at night. Drive carefully after dark
- A standard 2WD car is fine for the main route. Only venture onto unsealed forest roads with a 4WD
Extending the Trip: The Tarkine Wilderness
If you have extra time, the Tarkine — Australia's largest temperate rainforest, stretching north of Rosebery toward the Arthur River — is one of the most extraordinary natural environments in the southern hemisphere. A network of gravel roads and walking tracks provide access to ancient Huon pines, deserted wild beaches and stands of myrtle rainforest that have never been logged. The Arthur River boat cruises are particularly special. Allow at least two extra days.
Stay in Rosebery — The Heart of the West Coast
The Top Pub is the ideal overnight stop on your west coast road trip. Right on the Murchison Highway, 2km from Montezuma Falls, 45 min from Queenstown. Hot meals, cold drinks and a proper bed from $60 a night. Breakfast included.
View Rooms 📞 (03) 6473 1351