Visiting Rosebery and the West Coast of Tasmania

Bronwyn Hill, Communications Consultant, in collaboration with Tourism Tasmania

Rosebery is nestled 145 metres above sea level in Tasmania’s remote but celebrated West Coast.

Rosebery sits in a scenic valley, surrounded by rugged mountains and rainforest.

Tom McDonald discovered gold in 1893 and a village was soon built at the base of Mount Black. McDonald named the village after Lord Rosebery, the Prime Minister of England at the time.

The town is home to around 1,300 people, and plays host to many others, keen to enjoy the unique experience Tasmania’s West Coast Wilderness has to offer.

Like the other inland populations centres of Queenstown, Zeehan and Tullah, Rosebery is close to magnificent lakes, rivers, rainforests, dunes and historic sites.

One of the region’s top attractions is Montezuma Falls – at 104 metres, one of Tasmania’s highest waterfalls.

The three-hour round trip walk to Montezuma Falls begins just ten minutes south of Rosebery and is regarded as one of the easiest and most rewarding walks on the West

Coast, taking tourists through open and park-like rainforest, along the route of the historic North East Dundas Tramway, right to the base of the falls.

Along the way, tourists can enjoy beautiful flora including leatherwood, myrtle, sassafras, giant tree ferns and eye-catching fungi, and may also catch sight of native wildlife, including several species of birds.

The walk allows both young and old to take in the beauty and serenity at their own pace, but for those looking for a more comfortable journey, the falls can also be accessed by FWD and coach tours.

Bushwalkers keen to see more of the area can climb Mount Read, which offers superb views over Rosebery and, on a clear day, it’s possible to see as far as Macquarie Harbour to the south

Montezuma Falls.
Photo: Geoff Murray, Tourism Tasmania

For those hoping for a more challenging but equally visual trek, Mount Murchison and Mount Farrell offer fantastic views, albeit after a more strenuous walk.

While there’s no shortage of scenic walks in the area, there are many other activities on offer.

Keen fishers can head to Lake Pieman, a Hydro Tasmania lake, which lies to the west of Rosebery, and is stocked with plump trout.

It includes a number of boat ramps for those wanting to spend the day fishing, while others can enjoy a picnic or barbecue on the shore.

Cruises departing from the township of Corinna also allow visitors to explore the Pieman River from the shore.

Rosebery has a range of accommodations, catering to all tastes, from camping to quality motels, hotels and guest houses. Visitors can enjoy a meal or a snack at a local cafe or pub.

Slightly further afield are some of the most spectacular attractions Tasmania has to offer.

Lake Rosebery, Tasmania
Lake Rosebery
Photo: Joe Shemesh, Tourism Tasmania

The picturesque coastal town of Strahan, situated in beautiful Macquarie Harbour, provides a great base for exploring this stunning region.

The major port during the West Coast’s booming mining days, Strahan is now recognised for its thriving tourism and aquaculture industry.

From there, visitors can discover the convict history of Sarah Island, the magnificent King River, the world famous world heritage Gordon River cruise, which takes in the ancient rainforest and Tasmania’s famous fish farms, and Ocean Beach, which at more than 30 kilometres, is the longest beach in Tasmania.

Tourists can also take plane or helicopter sightseeing tours over the World Heritage Wilderness area, enjoy the charming shack sites of Granville Harbour and Trial Harbour, take a guided bike tour on the Henty Dunes, or explore the region at their leisure, on foot or by car or FWD.

A major highlight of the region is the West Coast Wilderness Railway. This original steam railway, from Strahan to the inland mining town of Queenstown, has been restored, allowing visitors to take a trip back in time, and discover Tasmania’s rail heritage.

The 35 kilometre journey winds through dense rainforest, steep gorges and across towering bridges, providing the most spectacular views of the rivers below.

The largest town on Tasmania’s West Coast, Queenstown is renowned for its mining history. It also has a number of wilderness walks in the area, along with great trout fishing in several surrounding lakes.

The other inland population centres of Zeehan and Tullah, and the small historic townships of Gormanston and Linda are also within a short distance from magnificent lakes, rivers, rainforests, dunes and historic sites.

With its clean air, mild climate, and numerous attractions, Tasmania’s West Coast is a major drawcard for the state, offering visitors a unique and memorable experience.