What comes to mind when you think of King Island? Perhaps its famous cheese and beef?
While these are well-known, the island offers much more: pristine beaches, rugged coastlines, and a peaceful atmosphere. With a 4-day itinerary, you can explore King Island’s highlights and uncover its hidden gems.
My four days on King Island were more than a getaway. It was a personal journey to the site where my ancestors were shipwrecked along its wild shores. That trip connected me to the island’s history and revealed unspoiled landscapes and a fascinating maritime heritage.
If you want a destination to immerse in nature and explore at your own pace, this itinerary is for you. From sweeping beaches to shipwreck stories and the warmth of its locals, King Island offers a break from crowds and a chance to embrace a slower, authentic way of life.
This guide will help you make the most of your visit. Let’s explore what makes King Island unforgettable.
Where is King Island?
King Island sits in the Bass Strait, roughly halfway between Tasmania and Victoria, off Tasmania’s north-western coast.
The island stretches 64 kilometres long and 26 kilometres wide, making it easy to explore without feeling rushed.
Around 1,600 people call King Island home, with half the population living in the main township of Currie.
Arrival on King Island
Getting to King Island
We flew into Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport, then connected on a Regional Express (REX) flight to King Island.
The 33-seat REX plane was scheduled for a quick 35-minute flight, but we faced some windy conditions. The first ten minutes were bumpy, but the flight smoothed out, and we landed successfully on our second attempt.
We chatted with the pilot right after stepping off the plane—setting the tone for the down to earth approach on King Island.
Tip: Flights to King Island often pass through windy areas, so expect turbulence.
Car Pickup
When we arrived, we headed straight to the lone car rental desk. We booked through King Island Car Rentals, which offers various options, including a budget-friendly ‘banger.’
I chose a standard car, but my Corolla had its share of bumps and scratches. It made me wonder just how rugged the ‘banger’ really is! The casual approach felt very different from typical rentals, adding to the island’s character.
Dinner
After checking in, we went to the King Island Hotel for dinner. At the bistro entrance, a tank of massive live rock lobsters greeted us. You can order them 24 hours in advance for $140 per kg. But after seeing them crawl around, I couldn’t do it.
I went for the lamb shank which was an excellent choice! Thankfully, there weren’t any lambs grazing outside to put me off!
Top Tip: Many businesses close on Monday, Tuesday, and sometimes Wednesday. Plan ahead and check local Facebook posts for the latest updates.
Day 1 Monday – East Coast Exploration
Shipwreck Sites: A Glimpse into King Island’s Maritime History
The day began with a visit to three historic shipwreck sites along the Maritime Trail. Each location features a cairn, a stone memorial, and an information plaque that shares fascinating details about the wrecks and the human stories behind them.
First, we stopped at the Blencathra site near Currie Lighthouse. The cargo ship was wrecked in 1875 on its maiden voyage. The plaque details the crew’s efforts to avoid collision and the dramatic rescue. The cargo, mostly whisky, was salvaged, though some mysteriously vanished after washing ashore.
Next, we visited the Netherby site off Netherby Road. This ship carried my great-great-grandparents to Queensland in 1866. Remarkably, all 413 passengers and 49 crew of the Netherby made it to shore. Stranded on a small beach in freezing conditions, they had little food or shelter.
The story of heroism continued with John Parry, the second mate. He led a five-day trek to Cape Wickham Lighthouse, then risked crossing Bass Strait in a whale boat. Once on the mainland, he borrowed horses to reach Melbourne and arrange the rescue ship. His journey was nothing short of epic.
My great-great-grandparents arrived destitute but eventually became farmers in Queensland, raising 15 children despite their hardships.
The final stop was the British Admiral site, where 79 lives were lost. The ship struck a reef and broke apart in less than 30 minutes. Only 9 survivors clung to debris, drifting ashore. It’s a sobering reminder of the island’s perilous waters.
Bull Kelp Museum: A Glimpse into Local Industry
On Netherby Road, you’ll find the Bull Kelp processing facility and a small museum dedicated to kelp harvesting. Though unmanned, the museum offers interesting insights into the industry.
You’ll see massive racks where harvested kelp dries in the sun for two weeks. After that, it’s moved to sheds for further drying and milling. Most of the processed kelp is shipped to Scotland, where it’s used to make alginate, a vegetable gum used in everyday products such as food, cosmetics, and toothpaste.
It’s a simple yet interesting stop, showcasing a unique local industry. Not something I expected to find on King Island!
A Visit to Grassy: King Island’s Port and Penguin Spot
Our next stop was Grassy, a small township on King Island’s eastern coast, centered around tungsten mining. The town has a slightly run-down vibe, likely due to the mine’s closure for several years. Grassy is home to the island’s major port, where we saw a barge and semi-trailers filled with cattle waiting to board.
Tourists visit Grassy for two main reasons: penguins and food. Wild Harvest, a renowned restaurant and cooking school, sits high on a hill with stunning ocean views.
Grassy is also home to a colony of little penguins, or fairy penguins. They spend their nights on the breakwater. To see them, arrive just before dusk. Reverse your car into a parking spot, sit quietly, and wear dark clothing to avoid disturbing them.
As much as I wanted to see the penguins, the thought of a 30-minute nighttime drive back to Currie kept us from staying. The risk of hitting a wallaby on the drive back (there’s a lot of roadkill), put us off the idea.
Top Tip: If penguins and gourmet food are high on your agenda, consider spending at least 1 night at Grassy. Something I plan for a return trip!
Exploring Naracoopa
Next, we headed to Naracoopa, a small township further north on King Island’s East Coast. Naracoopa boasts a beautiful sandy beach and a long wooden pier, popular with locals who catch squid. A walk to the pier’s end offers a picturesque view of the coastline, looking back toward the shore.
Lunch at King Island Bakehouse
As it was Monday, the options for finding lunch on the East Coast seemed very limited. So we returned to Currie for lunch at the King Island Bakehouse to try one of their famous crayfish pies. The bakery offers a wide variety of pies, including unique options you won’t find on the mainland, like wallaby pie and King Island camembert & asparagus.
Be prepared for a short wait—around 10 minutes—for the crayfish pie, which is a bit pricier than your typical bakery fare. But it is worth the wait. For dessert, we sampled the Cheesecake, which had a light, creamy texture and highly recommended.
Dinner at Home
After a relaxing afternoon enjoying the view and watching fishing boats drift into the harbor, we decided on dinner by the fireplace.
A quick trip to the local IGA did the trick. Currie has two grocery stores—IGA and Foodworks—right next to each other on the main street. Incidentally, the main street is called Main Street. No pretension on King Island!
For those feeling adventurous with their cooking and keen to work with the famous King Island beef, the butcher, King Island Providore is right across the street.
Day 2 Tuesday: Golf and History
Exploring Currie Harbour
Tuesday began with a rainy walk along the Currie foreshore, past the Currie lighthouse and harbor.
Built in 1879, the Currie lighthouse offers tours and a climb up its 93 steps on weekends. Book in advance with King Island Walks. I wasn’t there on the weekend, but I imagine the view from the top makes the climb worthwhile.
Currie harbor hosts several working fishing boats and a processing shed for rock lobsters, prepared for live export. King Island lobsters are known for being the biggest and best in the country. The season is closed from mid-September to November, so plan your visit if fresh lobster is on your bucket list.
Ocean Dunes Golf Course
As keen golfers, we spent the morning at Ocean Dunes Golf Course, ranked fourth among Australia’s best public courses. Just a short drive north of Currie, the course is easy to miss—only a modest sign marks the turnoff to a long gravel driveway leading to the clubhouse. The clubhouse is surprisingly modest for such a highly regarded course, but the stunning views make up for it. Standing there, overlooking the fairways, I was itching for a set of clubs. Considering the course’s challenges, though, I’d need a suitcase full of spare balls! And make that a check-in sized suitcase, rather than the carry-on size.
Lunch at King Island Bakehouse
After our golf course visit, we headed back to the King Island Bakehouse to try some more of their famous pies. This time, we had the KI Camembert & Asparagus pie and a classic KI Beef pie—both delicious.
King Island Historical Society Museum
Located next to the Currie Lighthouse in the former lighthouse keeper’s house is the King Island Historical Society Museum. It’s open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 2 to 4 pm, with a $10 entry fee.
Inside, you’ll find pioneering artifacts like early agricultural tools and kitchenware, common in small-town museums across Australia. But what sets this one apart is its focus on the shipwrecks that have claimed so many lives along King Island’s rugged coast.
The stories are harrowing. Imagine waking to your ship breaking apart in the dead of night, with too few lifeboats. The rocks also claimed many lives, and if you were lucky enough to survive and reach shore, you could be stranded for weeks, awaiting a rescue that might never come.
If you want to explore further, the library room is filled with fascinating information. We even found my great-great-great-grandparents’ embarkation card in the Netherby folder!
Another highlight was John Parry’s account of leading an expedition to Cape Wickham. He described how cold and hungry they were after the first night and how they stole a half-eaten wallaby from a ‘native cat’. It wasn’t exactly gourmet!
A visit to the museum really puts our modern-day hardships into perspective.
Pioneer Graves
After the museum closed, we headed over to Currie Harbour to visit the Pioneer Graves. The short trail from the road leads to a peaceful spot, offering a quiet reminder of the hardships our ancestors faced.
Back for Dinner at the King Island Hotel
With limited dinner options on a Tuesday, we returned to the King Island Hotel for dinner. This time, we tried the King Island Steak Sandwich, served with a side of dangerously good chips. I always aim to leave most of the chips untouched—but not this time. They were impossible to resist!
Day 3 Wednesday: Exploring the North
Martha Lavinia Lake
We kicked off our northern adventure at Martha Lavinia Lake, part of the Lavinia State Reserve, designated an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area by BirdLife International.
The Lake is reached by following a well-marked gravel road off North Road. It is approximately 46km or a 40 minute drive from Currie. The road is in good condition and easy to navigate.
The freshwater lake is home to the rare Orange Bellied Parrot. With barbeque and toilet facilities on-site, it’s a great spot for a picnic or a refreshing swim.
Martha Lavinia Beach
Next, we headed to Martha Lavinia Beach. This sandy stretch, scattered with broken seashells, was incredibly quiet—we only passed one other couple. This lovely sandy beach, covered with broken seashells, was incredibly quiet—only one other couple crossed our path. It’s an ideal spot to do some beachcombing or sit and watch the waves roll in. Surfers also love this beach.
Disappointment Bay
About 20 minutes further north, we arrived at Disappointment Bay. A gravel road off the main highway led us to this stunning spot, which is anything but disappointing. The name comes from the tragic loss of lives when the Neva shipwrecked off the coast in 1835.
Here you will find beautiful views of crystal-clear ocean, white sand, and scattered boulders. Bring a towel and swimwear—this near-deserted beach is perfect for a quiet escape.
Neva Cairn
On our way to Cape Wickham, we stopped at the cairn and plaque honoring the Neva shipwreck. The story behind it is heartbreaking.
In 1835, the Neva set sail from Ireland carrying 150 female convicts, nine free women, and 55 children. After veering off course, it struck a reef and broke apart. With too few lifeboats, the captain and officers abandoned the ship, leaving the passengers behind. Only 15 survivors reached the shore and waited six weeks for rescue.
Cape Wickham
A short drive from Disappointment Bay took us to the Cape Wickham Lighthouse and the nearby Cape Wickham Golf Course. At 48 meters, the Cape Wickham Lighthouse stands as Australia’s tallest. Built in 1861 from locally quarried stone after the Cataraqui disaster of 1845, it’s a striking sight on the headland.
Near the lighthouse is several gravestones, including one marking the captain of the Loch Leven, who drowned while attempting to retrieve items from his stranded ship. Life for the lighthouse keepers was challenging. Supply ships visited only once every three months and they often played a crucial role in rescuing shipwreck survivors.
A short drive from Disappointment Bay brought us to the Cape Wickham Lighthouse and Cape Wickham Golf Links. At 48 meters tall, the lighthouse is Australia’s tallest, built in 1861 using locally quarried stone after the Cataraqui disaster in 1845. It’s a striking sight on the rugged headland.
Near the lighthouse, gravestones mark the resting places of shipwreck victims, including the captain of the Loch Leven. He drowned while attempting to salvage items from his stranded ship. Life for lighthouse keepers was tough, with supply ships visiting only every three months. They often played vital roles in rescuing shipwreck survivors.
Cape Wickham Golf Links
Just up the road is Cape Wickham Golf Links, one of the most scenic courses we’ve ever seen. Every hole boasts a spectacular ocean view. While we didn’t play this time, it’s definitely on our list for next time!
The clubhouse makes the most of the breathtaking views. We enjoyed a burger and a glass of King Island Brew Pale Ale for lunch. The golf merchandise was reasonably priced, so we picked up a few souvenirs.
If you’re visiting during the low season (June to September), call ahead to check if the clubhouse is open for lunch.
King Island Dairy Cheese Store
After lunch, we drove south to visit one of King Island’s highlights: the King Island Dairy Cheese Store. The store offers a selection of locally crafted cheeses for purchase and features informative displays about the cheese-making process. These boards explain how the island’s unique environment shapes the rich, distinctive flavours.
Approximately 7,500 dairy cows graze in this pristine landscape, making these exceptional cheeses possible.
We enjoyed a free tasting board with six cheeses, each named after a local landmark—camembert, brie, blue, and cheddar. The store provided an information leaflet about each variety, and we could also buy beer or wine to pair with the cheeses.
We left with seven cheeses, thinking the prices seemed reasonable. Later, we realized they were about 40% cheaper than on the mainland! For those taking cheese home, the shop sells cooler bags with a small ice pack. If you’re traveling far, you can grab extra ice bricks at the IGA in Currie.
The store also stocks affordable souvenirs, including cheeseboards, cheese knives, and aprons, making it a great stop for gifts.
TRADING HOURS:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday
10:30am – 4:30pm
CLOSED: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
Address: 869 North Road, Loorana
Dinner at the King Island Club
The King Island Club reminded us not to judge a book by its cover. The exterior looked tired, and we almost skipped it.
Thankfully, we gave it a chance and were pleasantly surprised by the food. The service, like much of King Island, was warm and welcoming, making for a great dining experience.
TRADING HOURS:
Check their Facebook page for updates. During our visit, the Club was closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Address: 8 Netherby Road, Currie, Tasmania
Day 4. Final Day – Exploring the South
On our last day on King Island, we drove south, heading first to Grassy before continuing along South Road to Pearsons Lane. The lane was clearly signposted, so finding it was easy. At the entrance, it’s necessary to open a gate and close it behind to keep livestock safely inside.
Cataraqui Cairn
Up until Pearsons Lane, the gravel roads were smooth and easy to navigate in our little Corolla hatchback. However, the road to the Cataraqui cairn was a different story! Heavy rain had carved deep ruts, making the surface rough and uneven. Both driver and passenger had to focus carefully to find a passable route.
After what felt like ages—though likely only ten minutes—we reached the Cataraqui cairn. This somber site marks Australia’s worst peacetime maritime disaster, where 400 lives were lost, including 186 children. Only nine people survived.
The area’s dramatic beauty contrasts sharply with the tragedy that unfolded there. Jagged rocks and pounding waves made survival almost impossible, even for the strongest swimmers.
The Cataraqui set sail from Liverpool and enjoyed good weather until its final night. At 4:30 am, the ship struck a reef and began breaking apart over the next 36 hours. The crew’s desperate efforts to save lives were heartbreaking.
The nine survivors waited five weeks for rescue. During that time, they buried victims along the beach. A separate memorial marks the gravesite further up the road, but given the rough conditions, I chose to stop at the cairn instead.
On our way back, my Corolla got stuck on a steep, rutted section of road. The wheels spun as I tried to climb it. On the third attempt, my 85-year-old mother stepped out to guide me to a better path. I floored the accelerator, and she had to jump sideways to avoid a spray of stones. But it worked—we made it out. An unforgettable end to this part of our journey!
Seal Rocks
We made our way to Seal Rocks, spotting an echidna burrowing by the roadside on the way. Only my third sighting ever!
Seal Rocks Reserve is home to King Island’s tallest cliffs. A boardwalk leads to a viewing platform where you can watch the ocean churning below. Just when I thought Cape Wickham held the title for the island’s best view, Seal Rocks delivered even more jaw-dropping beauty. The beautiful blues of the ocean and dramatic cliffs left me mesmerized.
Two hiking trails start from this area, both promising stunning views and well worth exploring. Also on my list for a return visit.
Calcified Forest
On the drive back, we considered stopping at the Calcified Forest. Formed around 7,000 years ago, this fascinating site features hundreds of unusual limestone formations. These were created when coastal plants had their roots coated in calcium carbonate. Over time, shifting sands exposed these unique shapes.
Reaching the site from the parking area involves an easy 1.3km return walk, which takes about 30 minutes. There is a viewing platform halfway along the trail.
Unfortunately, with lunch to fit in and a plane to catch, we had to skip it. The Calcified Forest is another item added to my list for next time!
Lunch at Legs
For lunch, we went to Legs, a cozy bar and café on Currie’s main street. The friendly owners welcomed us warmly. We ordered their croissants, which were perfect—soft, slightly crispy, and filled with flavors that truly hit the spot.
TRADING HOURS:
During our visit, it was closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Address: 9 Main St, Currie, Tasmania
The Boathouse
After lunch, we stopped at the KI Bakehouse for a sweet treat and decided to enjoy it at The Boathouse. Known as the “restaurant with no food,” it is tucked away at the end of a single-lane gravel road near Currie Lighthouse.
A local artist has transformed the 1915 boatshed into a relaxing retreat for visitors. The Boathouse’s vibrant yellow exterior and colourful artwork immediately catch your eye. Inside, you are greeted by the bold, flamboyant decor which will instantly buoy your spirits.
The space includes plates, cutlery, and running water, along with quirky additions like an old piano and vinyl records. There’s even an honesty system for buying artwork.
Across from the wharf and fishing fleet, The Boathouse offers both indoor and outdoor seating. I’m glad we made the detour, and next time, I’ll be staying longer.
Address: 38 Lighthouse St, Currie.
Homeward Bound
Our homeward flight with REX included a brief stop in Burnie, Tasmania, before continuing on to Melbourne.
FAQs
When Is the Best Time to Visit King Island?
The best time to visit King Island is during summer, from December to February, when warm weather makes hiking and beach days ideal. Temperatures typically range from 11°C to 22°C.
March, April, and November also offer mild conditions, with temperatures between 10°C and 21°C, though rainfall starts to increase. From May to October, expect more rain, with July and August bringing the wettest and windiest weather.
How Do I Get to King Island?
You can fly to King Island from Melbourne, Launceston, or Burnie, with several airlines offering regular flights. The airport sits close to Currie, the island’s main town.
If departing from Melbourne, confirm which airport your airline uses. For example, REX Airlines flies from Tullamarine, which suited us since our Brisbane flight also landed there.
Pack light, as smaller planes typically allow only 15kg of luggage. Leave space for souvenirs like King Island’s famous cheese or beverages.
Follow Tasmania’s strict biosecurity rules when packing. Avoid bringing fruit, vegetables, or any other plant materials to the island.
How to Get Around King Island?
Will you need a car? Yes, you’ll absolutely need one. With no public transport or taxis, driving is your only option. A car lets you explore at your own pace and adapt to the island’s ever-changing weather.
When you book a rental, the company will match pick-up and drop-off times to your flight details. This makes the process seamless.
Two rental companies are available: King Island Car Rental and Island Car Hire. I chose King Island Car Rental and found the experience smooth and friendly. I rented a Budget Range Sedan, but I’d recommend a Mid-Size SUV for extra under-body clearance. It would have saved me some stress on the track to the Cataraqui cairn.
I also paid the premium to reduce the insurance excess. With wildlife around and the possibility of a wallaby hopping across the road, it gave me peace of mind.
Before you know it, you’ll be on your way, using the King Island two-fingered salute.
What Are the Road Conditions Like?
The main roads on King Island are bitumen and well maintained, so they’re easy to drive. However, many of the island’s best beaches and attractions are only accessible via gravel roads. I found most of these roads manageable, but the track to the Cataraqui cairn was an exception—be prepared for a bumpier ride!
You won’t find a single traffic light on King Island.
Are There Organised Tours on King Island?
There are two companies advertise their services, I only saw one tour bus during my visit.
King Island Tours runs small group experiences in a 4WD bus with the tagline, “We take you where others can’t.” Their packages sound amazing and include gourmet food tours, photography trips, art workshops, and visits to off-the-beaten-path spots.
Where Should I Stay on King Island? Which Coast Is Best?
King Island offers various accommodation options, from boutique hotels and bed-and-breakfasts to self-contained cottages and farm stays.
For total seclusion, choose one of the boutique options with stunning ocean views that are scattered around the island. However, if you want proximity to grocery stores, cafes, and the island’s main hub, stay in Currie on the West Coast.
The East Coast is sheltered from the Roaring Forties—the strong westerly winds that sweep the region. Naracoopa offers a beautiful sandy beach. This makes it an appealing choice for beach lovers, especially families with young children.
What Wildlife Can You See on King Island?
King Island is teeming with native wildlife, bird species, and a few surprising introduced animals.
During my visit, I saw wallabies grazing along the roadside, an echidna burrowing near the road, and native birds like the Fairy Wren. For an up-close experience, join a tour to see Fairy Penguins or search for platypus in their natural habitat.
Birdwatchers should not miss Lavinia State Reserve. Designated an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area by BirdLife International, it’s perfect for nature lovers.
I was also surprised to spot feral turkeys, pheasants, and peacocks. My first turkey sighting made me do a double-take, but a local assured me they were real.
These turkeys, introduced from the U.S. in the early 1900s, roam freely. The pheasants and peacocks, also introduced, thrive without predators. Good luck getting a clear shot—they vanish quickly if you get too close!
How’s the Food Scene on King Island?
King Island is known for its exceptional local produce, especially artisan cheeses from King Island Dairy and King Island Beef. You’ll also find fresh seafood, including rock lobsters. Many cafés and restaurants serve food made with locally sourced ingredients.
Foodies can enjoy experiences like cooking schools, where you can learn to master cooking crayfish.
Just note that many places close on Mondays and Tuesdays. Check Facebook for the latest opening details before you go.
What’s the mobile phone coverage like on King Island?
Telstra is the only mobile network available on King Island. If you’re not with Telstra, you won’t have signal.
You can buy prepaid Telstra SIM cards at the Currie Newsagency inside the Currie Post Office. Pick one up if you need to stay connected!
Can I find any walking or hiking trails on King Island?
King Island offers walking trails ranging from short strolls to challenging hikes. The Walks of King Island guidebook helps plan your adventure.
Pick up the guide at the Post Office in Currie or the King Island Visitor Information Centre.
On my next visit, weather permitting, I’ll tackle the Caves Creek Track. This 4km (2-hour) return trail starts near Seal Rocks and would be spectacular on a sunny day.
I also plan to do the Clifftop-Copperhead Walk, a 1.5-hour return trail. This trail is recommended for ‘adventurous hikers’ (not recommended for children or the elderly) due to uneven paths and unprotected cliffs.
Pack food and water if you’re heading to the south coast, as there are no shops in the area.
What should I Pack for King Island?
- Raincoat – Be ready for unpredictable weather.
- Sim Card – if you’re not with Telstra
- Quality walking shoes – Essential for exploring rugged trails.
- Insect repellent – Keep the bugs at bay during hikes.
- Lip balm – Protect your lips from the salty sea breeze.
- Rainy Day Activities – Have a backup plan for those wetter days.
- Cooler block – Perfect for bringing home King Island’s famous cheese.
Final Thoughts
Four days on King Island felt like so much more than a getaway. It’s the kind of place that sticks with you—those rugged coastlines, the hidden beaches, and the stories of shipwrecks that make the history come alive. And don’t get me started on the cheese!
The slower pace and welcoming locals make it easy to settle in and just be. Whether you’re wandering a windswept trail, exploring quirky spots like The Boathouse, or enjoying the views, there’s a sense of peace that’s hard to find elsewhere.
If you’re craving a mix of adventure, history, and time to reconnect with nature, you’re going to love King Island. I hope this itinerary inspires you to discover the magic of King Island for yourself!