Iron Blow Walk – A Cantilevered View into Mining History

A Short Walk to an Emerald-Water Open-Cut Mine

On top of Gormanston Hill, just off the Lyell Highway between Queenstown and the Linda Valley, the Iron Blow Walk leads to a dramatic cantilevered lookout suspended above a decommissioned open-cut mine. Gold was discovered here in 1883, helping trigger the copper mining boom that shaped nearby Queenstown. Today, the huge pit is filled with striking blue-green water and provides a fascinating reminder of Tasmania’s West Coast mining history. It is a very short and easy walk from the car park to the viewing platform, with interpretive signs along the way explaining the mine’s history and the unusual mineral-stained landscape surrounding Queenstown.

See also:

• Camping Lake Burbury
• Camping Thureau Hills
• Caravan Park Queenstown
• Camping Macquarie Heads
• Nelson Falls Walk
• Hogarth Falls Walk
• Spray Tunnel
• Henty Dunes Walk

Walk Overview

Location: Gormanston, near Queenstown, West Coast Tasmania

Distance: Approximately 600 m return

Time: Approximately 15–20 minutes return

Difficulty: Easy

Track Type: Return

Track Surface: Sealed and formed path

Main Feature: Cantilevered viewing platform overlooking the historic Iron Blow mine

Best Time: A clear, sunny day for the most vivid colours in the mine water

The Walk

The Iron Blow Walk begins at the car park beside the lookout area on Gormanston Hill. A short, mostly level formed path leads past interpretive information panels explaining the area’s mining history before reaching the main viewing platform. The highlight is the unusual cantilevered or “springboard” walkway, which extends out over the edge of the old mine workings and provides a dramatic view directly into the flooded open-cut pit. Because the walk is so short, Iron Blow makes an excellent roadside stop while travelling between Queenstown and the eastern side of the West Coast.

Terrain

The track is short, level and well formed. Most of the route follows a sealed or constructed pathway between the car park and lookout, making it considerably easier than many bushwalks around Tasmania’s West Coast. The surrounding landscape is exposed, however, and the area can be cold, windy and wet even when conditions lower down around Queenstown are relatively calm.

Difficulty

The Iron Blow Walk is rated Easy. There are no significant hills or difficult sections, and the short distance makes it suitable for most visitors. The main viewing platform is well constructed, although normal care should be taken around the lookout and mine area.

Walk Highlights

The Open-Cut Mine

The Iron Blow is a spectacular sheer-sided mining scar that has gradually filled with water. The water can appear an intense aqua, turquoise or blue-green depending on the weather, sunlight and viewing angle.

Cantilevered Lookout

The modern viewing platform projects beyond the edge of the old mine workings, providing an impressive perspective directly over the pit.

Queenstown’s Mining Landscape

The lookout also provides views across the distinctive mineral-stained hills surrounding Queenstown and Gormanston. The landscape is one of the most recognisable features of Tasmania’s West Coast and reflects more than a century of intensive mining activity.

Mining History

The Iron Blow played an important role in the development of the Queenstown mining district. Gold was discovered in the area in 1883, with later exploration identifying substantial copper deposits. Mining expanded rapidly and eventually contributed to the development of the Mount Lyell mining operations and the growth of Queenstown as one of Tasmania’s major mining centres. Today, the flooded pit and surrounding workings remain one of the most accessible places to see evidence of this history.

Top Tip

Visit on a sunny day if possible.

Direct sunlight can dramatically enhance the blue-green colour of the water inside the mine, while overcast weather often makes the pit appear much darker.

What to Bring

• Camera or phone for photographs
• Warm jacket or windproof layer
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Rain jacket if the weather is unsettled

Safety

• Stay on the formed track and viewing platform.
• Keep away from unprotected edges around the former mine workings.
• Supervise children closely near the lookout.
• Be prepared for cold, wet and windy conditions.
• Take extra care if the path or platform is wet.

Is the Walk Suitable for Children?

Yes.

The short distance and mostly flat, sealed path make Iron Blow an easy stop for families. Children should nevertheless be closely supervised around the lookout because of the steep mine pit below.

Are Dogs Allowed?

Dogs are generally suitable for this roadside walk provided they are kept on a leash and under effective control.

Getting There

Iron Blow Lookout is located on Gormanston Hill beside the Lyell Highway, near the former mining settlement of Gormanston. The turn-off is signposted from the highway and leads a short distance to a sealed parking area. The lookout is only a short drive from Queenstown, making it an easy detour when travelling along the Lyell Highway toward Linda, Lake Burbury, Derwent Bridge or Hobart.

Facilities

Facilities at Iron Blow are limited.

• Sealed parking area
• Interpretive information panels
• Viewing platform

There are no toilets or other major visitor facilities at the lookout. Food, fuel, toilets and other services are available in nearby Queenstown.

Why Walk Iron Blow?

Iron Blow is one of the easiest places to appreciate the extraordinary mining history of Tasmania’s West Coast. For only a few minutes of walking, visitors can stand above a vast flooded mine pit, explore interpretive information about the area’s past and look across the distinctive landscape surrounding Queenstown. It is a quick roadside stop, but the combination of mining history, unusual scenery and the dramatic cantilevered lookout makes it one of the more memorable short walks around Queenstown.