King Island (Tasmania)

King Island is a Tasmanian island in Bass Strait northwest of mainland Tasmania, known for its agricultural production and rugged coastal scenery. The island has a small permanent population concentrated in a few settlements and farms.

Visitors come for coastal walks, birdwatching, fishing and the island’s food products, notably dairy and beef specialties. There are accessible beaches, cliffs and roadside viewpoints rather than large built attractions.

The island’s settlement pattern and economy developed around farming, fishing and lighthouse services; Currie is the main town and service centre. Maritime navigation around Bass Strait historically required prominent lighthouses such as the one at Cape Wickham.

King Island lies in Bass Strait off northwestern Tasmania and is reached by short flights from Tasmania and occasional shipping services to mainland Australia.

• Food and farming: The island is noted for its agricultural produce, especially dairy and beef, and for local food products that include a recognised cheese industry.
• Access: Regular scheduled flights connect the island's airstrip with mainland Tasmania and occasional services to Melbourne, and vehicle access is by sea freight rather than large passenger ferries.

What to See #

• Currie: The main township and port on the island, located on the west coast and serving as the island's commercial and transport centre.
• Cape Wickham Lighthouse: A prominent lighthouse at the northern tip of the island that marks a hazardous stretch of Bass Strait and is a local landmark for visitors.