King Island Attractions

Ettrick Beach located at the delta of the Ettrick River is a vantage location for launching a small boat. Near the estuary and along the beach, cast a fishing line with an even chance of catching a meal for the day. Walking paths on gravel road or along the shoreline when possible, depending on tide and fitness, will provide plenty of exercise, exploration of the magnificent and unique rock formations surrounding the area and sheltered coves to sit and relax in, all to be enjoyed only a few minutes from your stay at Ettrick Rocks.  

A short 25 minute drive from Ettrick Rocks coastal retreats is the popular and picturesque King Island location Seal Rocks. The lookout sitting high offers photographers a panoramic view of the sea stacks that once upon a time may have offered sanctuary to Elephant Seals, which unfortunately were wiped out by seal hunters in the early 19th century. Penguins and mutton birds may occasionally be seen in the vicinity however. Walking trails in the area are accessible to explore this site in greater detail.

The surreal forest with no trees has unusual formations of 7000 year old solid calcifications protruding out or sitting on the sand dunes that will pique the visitor's curiosity. A preserved area still remains for people to visit and ponder on. The site is not far from Seal Rocks and only 27 minutes drive from Ettrick Rocks coastal retreats.

Located near the tip of the southern point of King Island, is a small lighthouse. It lights the northern side of the passage with the Tasmanian mainland.

The lighthouse can be accessed by road south from Currie Harbour. The gravel road is a little rough in spots and there are several gates to open and close. It is quite an enjoyable drive if taken slowly. The area is very isolated. The lighthouse is not open to the public.

This light was never manned.

Situated on the northern tip of King Island, Cape Wickham Lighthouse is  the tallest in Australia measuring 48 metres in height. Established in 1861 and first automated in 1918 replacing the original single wick oil burner with an acetylene flasher. The coastline at Cape Wickham is spectacular so much so that an 18 hole internationally acclaimed link golf course has been built nearby. This remarkable golf course is a main attraction to golfing enthusiasts around the world and is rated as one of the best in the world.

Naracoopa, located on the east coast of King Island about 20 minutes drive from Currie township, features a sandy white beach and a long 300 metre jetty to fish from.

Martha Lavinia located on the north east of King Island is a popular tourist destination for surfers for its renowned and near perfect "A-frame" waves. Only a short drive away have a picnic at Penny's Lagoon or enjoy the wildlife at Sea Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sitting on one of the most beautiful beaches and bays of King island are the remains of the boiler and parts of the engine and drive shaft of the paddle steamer the Shannon. The site of the Shannon lies on Yellow Rock Beach, at the north western end of King Island. The site is in the tide zone and can be accessed during low tide. Allow 37 minute drive from Ettrick Rocks coastal retreats to the Yellow Rock car park. Then take the walking path as directed but please close the gate behind you. A moderate level of fitness is required to access the beach.

King Island Dairy, makers of award winning King Island cheeses, is located a short drive from the airport and about 20 minutes from Currie. The cheese store offers a variety of cheeses to taste and purchase. Please check with the store for opening hours on 03 6462 0947.

The majority of bulk goods and livestock transportation is via ferry to and from King Island, Tasmania and Melbourne. Grassy Harbour is the main port of King Island and located in the township of Grassy. Grassy is a quiet little town with a quality restaurant, a scheelite mine and a penguin colony. A penguin parade can be best enjoyed in the evenings.

Currie is the main township, the administrative centre and shopping hub of King Island. A partly sheltered harbour is only a short drive or walking distance away. At the harbour some of the fishing and cray boats can be seen moored to the pier or unloading their catch of the day. Currie lighthouse is nearby as well as the Historical Museum. The Museum is rich with the history of King Island, providing insight with over 2000 objects and thousands of photographs on display depicting the lives of sealers, pioneers and early settlers. View the relics of numerous shipwrecks around the island and read the tragic story behind some of these. The Museum is open only at certain days and hours of the afternoon so it's best to check by calling the custodian on (03) 6462 1512.

Recognised as one of the best golf courses in Australia and ranked in the top 50 worldwide, Cape Wickham is a challenge not to be overlooked. 

Highly ranked as one of the best public golf courses in Australia, Ocean Dunes hugs the rugged King Island coastline and challenges both amateurs and professionals.