Currie Harbour lies at the heart of King Island’s main settlement. Fishing, boating and waterside walks shape the harbour; the lighthouse, museum and arts offerings provide further perspectives on Currie and the island.
Currie Harbour at the heart of the main settlement
Currie Harbour is used for fishing, boating and waterside walks. The harbour area has public toilets, picnic areas and a children’s playground. The King Island Arts & Cultural Centre is also located at Currie Harbour. This brings together waterside activities, practical facilities and a cultural destination. If Currie’s maritime character is a particular consideration when choosing where to stay, the harbour offers concrete points to consider in your planning.
Lighthouse and coastal views
Currie Harbour Lighthouse is a rare example of a prefabricated wrought-iron lattice tower from the late 19th century. It stands on screw piles and has external bracing. There are only two known examples of this design type in Australia; the tower in Currie is one of them. What makes it special is not only its age, but also its particular construction. Currie Lighthouse offers visitors spectacular coastal views.
A tour of Currie Lighthouse includes exclusive access to climb 93 spiral steps to the top. If you would like to plan this visit, check tour availability before your trip. This allows you to combine the viewing experience with a closer look at the lighthouse’s distinctive construction.
Museum, island history and art
King Island Museum is housed in Currie’s historic lighthouse keeper’s cottage. Its exhibitions cover maritime heritage, early settlement, shipwreck history, agricultural traditions and the island’s community life. The topics range from seafaring history to everyday life and work on King Island.
The King Island Gallery in the Currie Wharf precinct offers a different focus: its exhibition program changes, and it sells artworks by local artists and artists with ties to the island. While the museum explores several chapters of the island’s history, the gallery focuses on changing exhibitions and art. The King Island Arts & Cultural Centre at Currie Harbour complements these cultural destinations.
Trails, wildlife and views
The Kelp Track is an easy, approximately three-kilometre gravel trail one way. It passes managed beaches and spots where native wildlife can be seen. It also offers insight into King Island’s kelp harvesting industry. The one-way description is important for planning: the approximate length refers to a single direction, not the stated length of a return walk.
Bicentennial Lookout offers a different focus. It lies between Currie and the harbour and provides elevated views over Currie Harbour, the fishing harbour and Currie Lighthouse. On site, there is an elevated lookout, open picnic areas and walking paths. The Kelp Track’s surface and approximate one-way length are specified; at the lookout, the emphasis is on views and places to spend time. This makes it possible to weigh up two different ways to enjoy the outdoors based on specific features.
Getting there and choosing where to stay
Currie is about ten minutes from King Island Airport. This approximate travel time provides a useful guide for planning your arrival. When choosing a hotel in Currie, you can also consider whether harbour activities, island history, art, or the trails and views mentioned above are particularly important to your stay. This keeps your decision focused on Currie’s own mix of harbour, culture and nature.
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For the main travel overview: Tasmania.
