REGION: King Island

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Perched above the east and west of Tasmania's north coast, Flinders and King islands were once centres of the long-banned sealing industry, but now support celebrated agricultural industries of their own.

King Island lies on the western edge of Bass Strait and covers 1260km2. The mining of gold and tin were once the island's primary industries; this has shifted to dairy products of international repute, livestock farming, crayfishing, abalone harvesting and even kelp processing. With more than 145km of picturesque coastline and abundant natural attractions, King Island is an idyllic holiday destination.

History of King Island: The first European thought to have discovered this island was Capt James Black. He named it after Phillip King, the Governor of New South Wales in 1801. There were once thriving fur seal and sea-lion colonies but these have suffered from extensive sealing and hunting in the past.

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Tourist info

Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre

  • Ph: (03) 6230 8233 or Freecall: 1800 806 846
 

Parks/Reserves

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Main Attractions

Cape Wickham Lighthouse

  • Australia's tallest lighthouse was built in 1861 to guide travellers safely into the often stormy waters of Bass Strait.

King Island Dairies

  • The world famous dairy was established in 1902 because dairy products were easier to transport than livestock.

Grassy

  • Well-known for its little penguin rookery.

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