King Island

King Island is an island in Bass Strait, part of the state of Tasmania, located approximately 80 km north-west of the Tasmanian mainland. It has a population of around 1,600. King Island is world-famous for its high-quality dairy products, particularly King Island Dairy cheeses and cream. The island also has a strong reputation for its beef, seafood, and kelp. The coastline features spectacular surf beaches, shipwrecks, and rugged cliffs. The climate is cool temperate with strong winds year-round.

By Plane

King Island Airport (KNS) has regular flights from Melbourne (MEL) and Burnie (BWT) operated by Rex Airlines and Sharp Airlines.

By Car / Road

There is a vehicle ferry service from the Tasmanian mainland at Stanley to King Island.

By Train

There is no railway on King Island.

A car is essential on King Island. The main road is sealed, but many beaches and attractions require driving on gravel roads. Car hire is available at the airport.

• King Island Dairy — The famous dairy factory with a shop selling cheeses, creams, and other dairy products.

• Cape Wickham Lighthouse — Australia's tallest lighthouse (48 m), built in 1861 at the northern tip of the island.

• Currie Harbour — The island's main town, with a museum, shops, and the fishing port.

• Calcified Forest — Ancient tree stumps turned to limestone on the beach at Grimes Point.

• Shipwreck sites — Over 60 shipwrecks lie off the King Island coast, including the Netherby and Cataraqui.

• King Island Museum — Located in Currie, showcasing maritime and local history.

• Surfing — King Island has legendary surf breaks including Martha Lavinia, known for long right-hand waves.

• Fishing — The waters around King Island are rich with rock lobster, abalone, and game fish.

• Golf at King Island Golf Club — A 9-hole course at Currie.

• Cheese tasting — Visit the King Island Dairy shop in Currie.

• Kelp harvesting tours — Learn about the island's bull kelp industry.

• Beachcombing — The beaches are known for sea glass and washed-up treasures.

• King Island Hotel — Pub bistro serving local beef, cheese, and seafood.
• Martha's Pantry — Cafe and gallery serving light meals and local produce.
• King Island Bakery — Locally-made pies and pastries.
• Currie Fisherman's Co-op — Fresh local seafood.
• Kensington Hotel — Pub meals in the northern part of the island.

King Island Hotel and the Kensington Hotel are the main pubs. Currie has a couple of cafes.

• Budget — King Island Caravan Park, cabins from $80 per night.
• Mid-range — King Island Hotel Motel, rooms from $130 per night.
• Upscale — Killiecrankie Cottages, self-contained beachfront accommodation from $180 per night.

Currie has supermarkets, a bakery, and the King Island Dairy shop. Local produce includes cheese, crayfish, abalone, and kelp products.

• Cape Wickham (30 km north of Currie) — Lighthouse and spectacular coastal scenery.
• Grimes Point (15 km east) — Calcified Forest and shipwreck memorial.
• Killiecrankie Bay (40 km north) — Known for its "diamond" topaz gemstones.
• Naracoopa (20 km east) — Small settlement with a jetty and beach.
• Sea Elephant (25 km north) — Surf beach and holiday area.