King Island (Tasmania)About 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.
Best Time to Visit King Island (Tasmania)
Summer offers the most reliable sea conditions and warmest weather for boat-based activities; spring is great for flora.
Weather & Climate near King Island (Tasmania)
King Island (Tasmania)'s climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 8°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1025 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 13° - 20° | 17° | 41 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 13° - 21° | 17° | 38 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 13° - 20° | 16° | 64 mm | - | - | 6.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 11° - 18° | 14° | 74 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 10° - 15° | 13° | 108 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 8° - 13° | 11° | 113 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 8° - 13° | 10° | 136 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 8° - 13° | 11° | 131 mm | - | - | 6.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 8° - 14° | 11° | 103 mm | - | - | 6.1 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 9° - 16° | 12° | 89 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 10° - 17° | 14° | 68 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 11° - 19° | 15° | 60 mm | - | - | 5.9 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to King Island (Tasmania)
Ferries connect King Island with mainland Tasmania (departures from Devonport) and there are scheduled flights to King Island Airport (near Currie) from Tasmania mainland airports-book seasonal services in advance.
Tips for Visiting King Island (Tasmania)
- Boat charters are the most practical way to explore offshore reefs and seabird colonies-book with licensed operators from Grassy or Currie.
- If attempting the Mount Currie walk, check tides and weather-conditions are changeable and descent routes can be steep.
- Respect local pastoral lands and seasonal closures; wildflower displays appear after rain.