Iron Blow Lookout near Gormanston, Tasmania
Iron Blow Lookout near Gormanston, Tasmania
The Iron Blow Lookout is a self-supporting viewpoint just outside of Gormanston on the west coast of Tasmania. Find out everything you need to know about visiting this picturesque viewpoint, and look at some pictures that I took during my visit.
Queenstown is through and through a mining city. Its history was shaped by the industry and the majority of the people living in this region are still dependent on mining to survive. The Iron Blow viewpoint is a historical snapshot of the mining past of Tasmania. It is the earliest large mining company on Mount Lyell, today only a large water -filled opening in which a rich ore body was once found.
In this guide, I will describe exactly how you come here, what awaits you and a few photos of the viewpoint. I will also include a short description of the location and go into why this area is an example of the serious environmental impact of mining.
Where is the Iron Blow Lookout?
The Iron Blow viewpoint is located directly on the Lyell Highway outside the small town of Gormanston, Tasmania. It is a practical intermediate station for those who drive from Queenstown to the east, immediately to Tasmania's most landscape, the 99 Bends.
Below I attached the exact place so that you can find it easier.
Google Maps-Pin: "Iron Blow Lookout"
How do I get here?
Take from Queenstown from the Lyell Highway towards Gormanston. Shortly before you reach the community, you can see a sign to the left that leads to the Iron Blow RD. Follow this street to the end to find a large parking space with enough space for around 15 vehicles.
The street is paved continuously and suitable for every vehicle type.
About the Iron Blow Lookout
The Iron Blow viewpoint is a self -supporting viewpoint that extends about 10 meters above the large site. Below you will find a deep, metal -rich water basin that has filled the emptiness.
Alt = "Freiler at Iron Blow View">
The first shot on Iron Blow was in January 1884. A horde of stubborn gold seekers camped in Linda Valley to work on the construction site. This special site was very rich in metals such as iron, gold, silver, argentit, tetrahedrite and jalpait. The mine was completed in 1929.
It is a striking scene. A moon landscape without any life and an admittedly beautiful blue pool, which rather conveys the feeling of being in a volcanic place than in an old mine.
Alt = “Iron Blow Queenstown”>
Also near: Nelson Falls
Ultimate Tasmanian travel resource
I hope you like this blog post. Do not miss my ultimate guides below for further travel and adventure inspirations.
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The environmental impact of mining in Tasmania
Although I acknowledge that mining has played an important role in Tasmania's history and economy, the area around Queenstown is a clear example of how devastating industry is still for the environment.
The landscape is quite unique in Tasmania, an island that is usually rich in dense rainforest. The lack of trees and vegetation in this region can be attributed to persistent “acid rain”. This is the result of the sulfur pollution of the Queenstown copper mine.
After I spent quite a lot of time to photograph and document the natural beauty of this region, I was destroyed when I found that the effects did not end there. Many of the surrounding rivers are dirty and are not suitable for drinking.
As a result, heavy metal contamination circulates in the sensitive ecosystems. In addition, a large part of the Tarkine rainforest, Australia's largest moderate rainforest, was cut down. Unfortunately, it is still cleared and felled to support the expansion in the mining industry. The most acidic note of all is that the current extensions of MMG Rosebury, a heavy metal mining company in Chinese, are pushing further into the tarkine. And unfortunately we all know that Chinese state -supported companies do not have the best interest in Australia or our ecosystems in mind. Unfortunately, it is exactly the opposite, and the newly proposed deaculation dam in the Tarkine is a clear example of this.
Alt = “Queenstown 99 curves”>
Intune to a sustainable future
A visit to the Iron Blow Lookout is an opportunity for visitors and Tasmanians alike to take a look at the mining history of Tasmania. It is an important memory of past days and a tribute to the heritage of hard -working Tasmanian miners. These men will always live on as pioneers in our history books and risk everything to build what we have today.
But as an outsider, which is admittedly interested in the sensitive cultural gap between mining and activism, it is clear that the expansion of mining is not a sustainable future for this region.
Instead, I hope that sustainable tourism can help close the gap. The Iron Blow viewpoint is a great example of how to honor the past and at the same time remind you of how devastating mining businesses in the 21st century (especially managed by the Chinese government) can be.
Visit the Bob Brown Foundation website to learn how to save the Tarkine rainforest and put people and the environment before offshore wins.Alt = “Gormaston Tasmania”>
Related Post: 7 Great things that can be done in Strahan and on the west coast
More photos of the Iron Blow Lookout
Below I inserted a few pictures that I recorded in Tasmania during my visit to the Iron Blow Lookout.
Alt = “Iron Blow-Out viewpoint in Tasmania”>
Alt = “Lyell Berge Tasmania”>
Alt = “Iron Blow Mine”>
Alt = “Iron Blow view Queenstown”>
Alt = “Iron Blow Outlook Tasmania”>
Alt = “Iron Blow Outlook Tasmania”>
Alt = “Iron Blow Outlook Tasmania”>
Alt = “Iron Blow Outlook Tasmania”>
Accommodation in the west of Tasmania
The most popular accommodation in West Tasmania is Strahan. There is so much to see and do in this region, and it is definitely worth spending at least a few days. Activities such as the Gordon River Cruise and the cog railway are a must if they travel to Tasmania.
Below are a few of my recommended accommodations in nearby Strahan and one in Queenstown.
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Wheelhouse Apartments- Strahanein-Gar apartments in Strahan, all with river or sea view. These apartments are among the top-rated online apartments for West Tasmania!
Check the availability and price for your data in the Wheelhouse Apartments
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The Boat House - Strahan This affordable holiday accommodation is another favorite by Strahan and offers river view as well as a kitchen and a living area.
Check the availability and price for your data in the boathouse
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Penghana B&B - Queenstownwenn You are looking for the best accommodation in Queenstown, take a look at this 1898 National Trust Mansion B&B, which is only 2 minutes away from the Wilderness Railway and the Heritage Tours.
Check the availability and price for your travel dates in Penghana B & B
Other Tasmanian travel guides & adventure inspiration
I hope you liked this short guide to the Iron Blow viewpoint in Tasmania. You can find more travel guides and adventure inspiration in my other articles below.
I understand that this article was a bit tricky. The dialogue is important to solve every problem and I would like to hear your opinion on this topic. Leave a comment below or contact me personally.
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