🔍

Queenstown

TAS 7467 • Rest of TAS

1,808
Population (2021)
$26,468
Median Income
132.09 km²
Area
$150/wk
Median Rent
HistoricMining TownRemoteHeritageTourist Hub

About Queenstown

Queenstown is a historic mining town in Tasmania's remote West Coast Municipality, situated approximately 250 kilometres west of Hobart at an elevation of 279 metres in the rugged mountains of western Tasmania. Covering 132 square kilometres, the town had a population of 1,808 at the 2021 Census, reflecting a gentle recovery from decades of decline following the closure of the Mount Lyell copper mine. With a median age of 47 and a very low median household income of $851 per week, Queenstown carries the economic legacy of its mining past but has gained growing recognition as a heritage tourism and arts destination in one of Australia's most dramatic natural landscapes.

Queenstown is famous for its extraordinary multicoloured, barren hills — a striking landscape created by over a century of copper smelting and acidic rain that stripped vegetation from the surrounding slopes, leaving an eerie palette of red, orange, yellow, and grey rock that has become the town's defining visual identity and tourist attraction. The town features beautiful Federation-era architecture along Orr Street, the Empire Hotel, the historic Imperial Hotel, and the Galley Museum. The reopening of the Mount Lyell Mine in recent years has provided economic stimulus, and the West Coast Wilderness Railway — connecting Queenstown to Strahan through dramatic rainforest and gorge country — is one of Tasmania's most celebrated heritage tourism experiences.

Queenstown falls under postcode 7467 and is governed by West Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Braddon (Murchison) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Tasmania
Postcode
7467
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
West Coast
Federal Electorate
Braddon
State Electorate
Braddon (Murchison)
Type
Rural
Timezone
Hobart (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-42.09°, 145.54°
Statistical Area
Rest of TAS
Area
132.09 km²
Elevation
279m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • TassieLink coach — Hobart / Strahan / Burnie 3.5 hr to Hobart, 1 hr to Strahan

Commute to Hobart CBD

Distance
250 km
By Train
No commuter rail; West Coast Wilderness Railway is heritage/tourist only
By Car (Peak)
3 hr - 3 hr 30 min via Lyell Hwy
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hr - 3 hr 15 min

🛣️ Queenstown is a self-contained regional town; the Lyell Highway (A10) is the only road access east. Strahan (44 km west) provides seaplane access. A car is essential.

Walkability Car-Dependent

The compact town centre is walkable for local shops and services, but most trips beyond the centre require a vehicle

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$150
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$574
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
47 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,790
Census 2021
1,808
▲ 1.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$22,776
Income 2021
$26,468
▲ 16.2% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,457
Born Overseas 169

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 45
  • 2. New Zealand 27
  • 3. Philippines 11
  • 4. Germany 9
  • 5. Scotland 9
  • 6. South Africa 9
  • 7. Chile 6
  • 8. India 6
  • 9. Italy 4
  • 10. Nepal 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 810
English 801
Irish 187
Australian Aboriginal 121
Scottish 94
German 79
Dutch 46
Italian 25
Polish 18
Filipino 13

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,307
Both parents born in Australia
200
Both parents born overseas
136
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
47.6%
No Religion
40.6%
Buddhism
0.6%
Hinduism
0.6%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
105 (5.8%)
5-14 years
192 (10.6%)
15-19 years
80 (4.4%)
20-24 years
97 (5.4%)
25-34 years
192 (10.6%)
35-44 years
178 (9.8%)
45-54 years
284 (15.7%)
55-64 years
282 (15.6%)
65-74 years
258 (14.3%)
75-84 years
115 (6.4%)
85+ years
28 (1.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Queenstown Tasmania known for? +

Queenstown is famous for its dramatic, multicoloured barren hills — a landscape created by over a century of copper smelting that stripped vegetation from the surrounding slopes. The town is also known for its beautiful Federation-era architecture, the heritage West Coast Wilderness Railway connecting it to Strahan, and as the service centre for Tasmania's remote West Coast region.

How far is Queenstown from Hobart? +

Queenstown is approximately 250 kilometres west of Hobart, typically a 3–3.5 hour drive via the Lyell Highway through the rugged Tasmanian Highlands.

Does Queenstown Tasmania have public transport? +

TassieLink coach services connect Queenstown to Hobart, Strahan, and Burnie. The heritage West Coast Wilderness Railway operates between Queenstown and Strahan as a tourist experience. There is no passenger rail to Hobart or other major centres; a car is the most practical way to get around.

What is the population of Queenstown Tasmania? +

According to the 2021 Census, Queenstown has a population of 1,808 residents. The town's median age is 47, reflecting an older community that has weathered decades of economic challenges tied to the mining industry.

Is Queenstown Tasmania a good place to live? +

Queenstown suits those seeking an affordable, characterful life in a remote wilderness setting. The town offers low housing costs, a tight-knit community, and extraordinary natural surroundings including world heritage rainforest and dramatic mountain landscapes. The revived Mount Lyell Mine and growing tourism economy are gradually improving local employment prospects.

What is the postcode for Queenstown Tasmania? +

The postcode for Queenstown, Tasmania is 7467.