Attractions

South-west Tasmania has some of the most pristine and beautiful wilderness in the world, encapsulated in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Bushwalkers are rewarded by spectacular nature sights, and even the less energetic can enjoy the sights along the Gordon River.

The coastline of the west itself is daunting, and Strahan is the only town directly on the seaboard. Like most other towns, Arthur River and Corinna are situated slightly inland for protection. There are virtually no permanent settlements throughout the south-west region.

Economy

Tin and copper were discovered in the west in the late 1800's, and led to a ``rush'' to establish mining settlements. Activity peaked early this century, but the major west coast towns, Queenstown, Rosebery and Zeehan, are still dependent on mining. Thanks mostly to the surrounding scenery, and partly to a 1980's environmental controversy, Strahan is a tourist magnet and derives most of its income from that source.

Transportation

Coach services run to major towns on the west coast, but for the remote south-western region, visitors will either need to have a car or join an organised tour. Road access to the west coast is either from Tasmania's north-west coast, or the south.