Currie: Lighthouse, Harbour Views and Island History

A prefabricated iron lattice lighthouse, walks offering glimpses of the kelp-harvesting industry and stories of island life give Currie a distinctive character. Currie Harbour lies at the heart of King Island’s main settlement. When choosing a holiday rental in Currie, you can consider whether you’d like to include coastal views, walks, maritime history or art in your trip.

Lighthouse and Island History

Currie Harbour Lighthouse is a rare example of a prefabricated iron lattice tower from the late 19th century. It stands on screw piles and has external bracing. It is also one of only two known Australian examples of this design type. Currie Lighthouse offers visitors spectacular coastal views. If you’re interested in its construction and the tower, you could consider a guided tour, which includes exclusive access to climb 93 spiral steps to the top.

Everyday life on King Island is also a local focus. The King Island Museum is housed in Currie’s historic lighthouse keeper’s cottage. Its exhibitions cover maritime heritage, early settlement, shipwrecks, farming traditions and island community life. This broadens the focus beyond seafaring to include the development of life on the island.

Harbour Walks and Views

The Kelp Track is an easy, straightforward gravel path about 3 kilometres long one way. It passes working beaches and places where you may spot native wildlife, while offering glimpses of King Island’s kelp-harvesting industry. The route combines outdoor activity with a subject that is part of the island. If that combination appeals to you, you could include the track as a separate part of your trip.

Bicentennial Lookout offers elevated views across Currie Harbour, the fishing harbour and Currie Lighthouse. The lookout also has open picnic areas and walking paths. At Currie Harbour itself, people fish, go boating and walk by the water. Public toilets, picnic areas and a children’s playground add to the harbour’s facilities. This provides different ways to spend time outdoors without needing to combine them into a set excursion.

Art and Culture in Currie

The King Island Arts & Cultural Centre is located at Currie Harbour. For another perspective on the island’s art scene, the King Island Gallery has a changing exhibition program and sells works by local artists and artists connected with the island. At the Boathouse, a handpicked selection of artworks is offered for sale through an honesty box. These venues have different focuses: exhibitions and art sales at the Gallery sit alongside the offerings at the Boathouse.

Currie is only 10 minutes from King Island Airport. When planning your trip, you can consider this proximity alongside the experiences that matter to you: the lighthouse, island history, Kelp Track or harbour views. A holiday rental in Currie is therefore a suitable search option if you’d like to plan your stay around what the town has to offer.

More places to discover: Conara, Dunalley, Orford, Lake St Clair, Campbell Town, Cranbrook, Quamby Brook and Queenstown.

For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.