King Island - Currie, Naracoopa, Grassy, Egg Lagoon
Forming part of the Hunter Group of Islands on the western fringes of Bass Strait, King Island remains as one of Australia's most remote tourist destinations. Accessible only by air, this picturesque island is blessed with a superb, unspoilt coastline, boasting pristine sandy beaches to the north and east, and spectacular rugged cliffs in the more uninhabited south. Inland, much of the countryside consists of undulating pastoral lands, famous for their high quality beef and dairy products. Other industries equally important to the island's livelihood include lobster fishing, and the unique pursuit of kelp farming.
Once on the island, besides from lazing about and swimming at the numerous deserted beaches, the most popular activities on the coast are fishing and surfing, along with scuba diving among the area's many shipwrecks and colourful marine life. For those that would prefer to stay dry, bush walking is a rewarding option, especially within the wildlife filled Lavinia Nature Reserve.
Considering that most of King Island's roads are unpaved and there's no public transport, the ideal way to fully appreciate the island is by jumping on one or more of the various tours on offer. The only other option is to hire a car, and although there a several rental companies, demand can be high so book ahead. (For more information see Tours & Trips under Things To Do)
King Island Towns
Situated on the western coast, Currie is the main town on King Island, lying close to the airport and providing the widest selection of places to stay and eat. Currie is also home to the island's main museum, which allows visitors to investigate the area's interesting and at times shocking maritime and local history. On the outskirts of town near the airport, the King Island Dairy Factory is another of the island's notable attractions, open for tours and sales Sundays to Fridays.
On the eastern coast of King Island, the seaside hamlet of Naracoopa is a slowly developing tourist resort, offering a couple of nice places to stay and dine on the waterfront. Directly south of Naracoopa, Grassy is best known for its colony of fairy penguins, which can be seen surfing ashore at dusk as they return from their daily fishing trips. Just beyond the tiny settlement of Egg Lagoon at the uppermost tip of the island, the Cape Wickham lighthouse is not only the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere, but is perched apon some of the most rugged and scenically stunning coastline anywhere in Tasmania. Egg Lagoon also provides access to the bush walking trails in the Lavinia Nature Reserve, as well as the beautiful freshwater lakes unique to the northern stretches of the island.
