Excursions
PLEASE NOTE – This page is a work in progress
If you’ve chosen to visit King Island we can already assume that you’re something of an intrepid traveler so while you may enjoy guided tours you’re also very happy to plough your own furrow and explore the island at your own pace.
One of the best features of King Island is the freedom to go where you please but we do ask that you respect the privacy of others, close gates behind you and follow any instructions on the signs you might see around the island.
Below is a selection of activities, day-trips and sights to enhance your stay.
History & Culture
King Island Historical Museum
This excellent museum, staffed entirely by volunteers, features displays unique to King Island’s history such as shipwrecks, mining, sealing, lighthouses, agriculture and telecommunications.
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays – 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Closed during Winter re open mid September.
CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO WINTER RECESS
Telephone: (03) 6462 1512
Email: kimuseum7256@gmail.com
King Island Arts & Cultural Centre
You’re guaranteed a warm welcome at this thriving arts and cultural centre. Constantly busy with local arts, community projects and resident artists there is a story of King Island in every room.
1.00 pm to 4.00 pm, Daily (closed on Tuesday). Open hours are subject to volunteer availability and are likely to change.
Telephone: (03) 6462 1924
Kelp Industries
Storm cast Bull Kelp is collected from King Island’s beaches, hung from racks to dry in the open air, processed and mostly exported to Scotland. Visit the Kelp Information Room at the factory or view the harvesters at work along the foreshore near Currie and elsewhere on King Island.
Monday to Friday 8.00am to 4.00pm or by appointment.
Telephone: (03) 6462 1340
Cape Wickham Lighthouse
At 48 metres tall the Cape Wickham Lighthouse is both the tallest in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere. Made from locally quarried stone, the lighthouse celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2011 in the company of Her Excellency Quentin Bryce, the Governor-General of Australia.
Visitors are not currently permitted to enter the lighthouse.
Kelp Craft
Using a special method to transform the local Bull Kelp into a wide range of unique handcrafted gifts and souvenirs.
Tuesday 9.30 am – 2.30 pm, Saturday 11 am – 4 pm, Sunday 9.30 am – 4 pm.
May also be open other days at various times – keep an eye out for the sign on the roadside.
Telephone: 0458569591
Email: kingislandkelpcraft@gmail.com
Website: https://kingislandkelpcraft.com/
Nature
Bird Walks
If you are interested in birds, then King Island is a great place to visit. It is home and host to a wide range within a relatively small area. These include 9 King Island endemic subspecies, (live nowhere else in the world), 10 of the 12 Tasmanian endemic species, Bass Strait migrants that travel between the Australian mainland and Tasmania every, Spring and Autumn, as well as international migrants. Many other species are resident including some that are rare in other parts of Australia such as the Hooded Plover. A bird survey program “Wings on King” runs surveys in Spring and Autumn, surveying over 60 sites across the island including on private land. Registrations are open to any birder who is interested. To find out more about the birds of King Island or Wings on King visit their website.
Website: www.birdsofkingisland.com
Calcified Forest
These 7000 year old remains are of an ancient forest were revealed when the lime-laden sand which had covered and preserved the stumps was exposed.
Seal Rocks
Just a short distance from the Calcified Forest this is almost certainly the most dramatic view on King Island. Sadly you’re unlikely to see a seal as they were hunted out years ago and only occasionally visit but you will see some of the most spectacular, beautiful and dramatic views imaginable.