Things to Do

The island’s natural environment is the main attraction. Much of it is free, easy to reach and still wonderfully unspoilt. Wildlife roams where it likes, the coastline is largely empty, and the air is about as clean as it gets.

The surf is serious, and fishing is part of island life. Both reward people who make the effort, watch the weather and know when to head out.

King Island’s coastline has claimed hundreds of ships, and the lighthouse at the northern tip is the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere. The stories that go with both are well worth seeking out.

The island has an arts scene too, just not the kind you might expect. Galleries open by appointment, artists also happen to be farmers, and the creative community thrives precisely because it’s so far from anywhere. If you find one open, go in. You might find a cuppa on or someone up for a chat.

King Island has walks for every pace. The Calcified Forest is a real drawcard, a short, accessible loop through one of the island’s strangest landscapes. Coastal tracks wind along clifftops and beaches you’ll likely have to yourself.

The weather can change quickly, so check conditions before you head out. And if a track looks a bit rough, it probably is but that’s not a reason to avoid it, just a reason to be prepared.