The southwest and west areas of Tasmania are known for their wilderness and mineral value. Tin, gold and  copper were discovered in this area in the late 1800's, and many of the major west coast towns are still dependent on mining. 

Looking towards Queenstown.  The land is barren because of the mining that has taken place here since the 1800's.

Zeehan was once a booming silver town but now is a town of 900 people. 

Downtown Queenstown.

You can take a ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railroad out of Queenstown.

You can cruise the Gordon River on the Lady Jane Franklin.

Above, a picture taken during the performance of "The Ship That Never Was" performed by the Round Earth Company in Strahan.  The play tells the story of an escape from Sarah Island.   It is the longest running theatre production in Tasmania and makes for a fun evening when you are visiting Strahan.

Strahan (left) is located on the Macquarie Harbour and is the home to the Gordon River Cruises.  It is a stepping stone away from Sarah Island, one of Australia's penal settlements.   

Photos courtesy of West Coast Wilderness Railroad.

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