Currie, King Island – Where the Roar of the Southern Ocean Meets Untamed Beauty

Perched on the rugged west coast of King Island, Currie is a place where the world feels wonderfully far away. Here, the vast Southern Ocean stretches unbroken to Africa, the wind carries the scent of salt and kelp, and the island’s wild spirit is unmistakable. With a population of just under 800, Currie is the beating heart of King Island—its commercial centre, cultural hub and gateway to unforgettable natural experiences.

King Island’s dramatic 200‑kilometre coastline wraps around Currie like a sculpted frame: towering cliffs, sweeping dunes and secluded white‑sand beaches that seem to belong to another world. This is a place shaped by the elements, by stories of shipwrecks and survival, and by the islanders who have built a thriving community from fishing, farming and the harvesting of bull kelp—used today in gourmet foods and natural cosmetics.

A Landscape Carved by Time and Tide

The island’s maritime history is as compelling as its scenery. More than 60 ships have met their fate along these unforgiving shores, and today a dedicated Shipwreck Trail leads visitors to interpretive plaques that recount tales of tragedy, courage and discovery. For those who want to go deeper—literally—scuba diving the wrecks offers an extraordinary window into the past.

Nature lovers will find Currie a treasure trove. Wander along deserted beaches and you may stumble upon a rare, spiralled nautilus shell washed ashore. Explore the island’s 7,000‑year‑old Calcified Forest, where ancient tree roots have turned to stone, creating a surreal limestone landscape found nowhere else in Australia. Wildlife thrives here too—keep an eye out for wallabies, echidnas, penguins, seals and even wild turkeys roaming freely.

A Taste of King Island’s Finest

King Island is renowned worldwide for its exceptional produce, and Currie is the perfect place to indulge. The island’s lush pastures and pristine air create ideal conditions for premium beef, artisanal cheeses and gourmet dairy products. Add to that the island’s legendary crayfish—sweet, delicate and freshly caught—and you have a culinary experience that borders on royal treatment.

Things to Do in Currie

• Visit Currie Lighthouse
  Standing sentinel since 1879, this iconic lighthouse offers sweeping views of the coastline and a glimpse into the island’s maritime heritage.
• Explore the Shipwreck Trail
  Follow the interpretive signs around the island to uncover stories of the Cataraqui and other ill‑fated vessels.
• Surf, Swim or Paddle
  King Island is home to world‑class surf breaks and tranquil lagoons perfect for swimming or kayaking.
• Discover the Calcified Forest
  A short walk leads you to one of the island’s most extraordinary natural wonders.
• Taste Local Produce
  Visit farm gates, local cafés and artisan producers to sample the island’s famed cheeses, beef and seafood.
• Spot Wildlife
  From penguin colonies to seal haul‑outs, the island is alive with native animals.

How to Get There

Currie is located 80 kilometres north‑east of mainland Tasmania and is easily accessible by air. Regular flights operate from Melbourne, Launceston and Burnie, landing at King Island Airport, just a short drive from Currie township. Cargo vessels also service the island, transporting goods and supplies.

Best Time to Visit

Currie enjoys a mild maritime climate year‑round.

• Summer (Dec–Feb): Average highs around 20.5°C—ideal for beach days, diving and outdoor adventures.
• Winter (Jun–Aug): Cooler at around 13.5°C, perfect for coastal walks, wildlife spotting and cosy dining experiences.

Each season reveals a different side of the island, from wild winter swells to calm summer sunsets.

A Place That Stays With You

Currie is more than a destination—it’s a feeling. Remote yet welcoming, rugged yet refined, it invites travellers to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect with nature. Whether you come for the food, the history, the wilderness or the solitude, King Island’s west‑coast gem will leave you with memories as enduring as its windswept shores.