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Iron Blow Lookout near Gormanston, Tasmania
Iron Blow Lookout is a cantilevered lookout just outside Gormanston on the west coast of Tasmania. Learn everything you need to know about visiting this scenic overlook and check out some pictures I took during my visit. Queenstown is a mining town through and through. Its history has been shaped by industry and the majority of people living in this region still rely on mining to survive. The Iron Blow lookout is a historical snapshot of Tasmania's mining past. It is the earliest major mining operation on Mount Lyell, now only...
Iron Blow Lookout near Gormanston, Tasmania
Iron Blow Lookout is a cantilevered lookout just outside Gormanston on the west coast of Tasmania. Learn everything you need to know about visiting this scenic overlook and check out some pictures I took during my visit.
Queenstown is a mining town through and through. Its history has been shaped by industry and the majority of people living in this region still rely on mining to survive. The Iron Blow lookout is a historical snapshot of Tasmania's mining past. It is the earliest major mining operation on Mount Lyell, now just a large water-filled opening where a rich body of ore was once found.
In this guide I will describe exactly how to get here, what to expect and a few photos from the viewpoint. I will also include a brief description of the site and why this area is an example of the serious environmental impacts of mining.
Where is Iron Blow Lookout?
The Iron Blow lookout is located just off the Lyell Highway outside the small town of Gormanston, Tasmania. It's a convenient stopover for those heading east from Queenstown, just after Tasmania's most scenic road, the 99 Bends.
I've pinned the exact location below to make it easier for you to find it.
How do I get here?
From Queenstown take the Lyell Highway towards Gormanston. Just before you enter the community you will see a sign on your left leading to Iron Blow Rd. Follow this road to the end to find a large parking lot with enough space for about 15 vehicles.
The road is paved throughout and is suitable for all types of vehicles.
About the Iron Blow Lookout
The Iron Blow lookout is a cantilevered lookout that extends approximately 10 meters above the large open pit mine. Below you will find a deep, metal-rich pool of water that has filled the void.
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The first shot at Iron Blow was in January 1884. A horde of hard-core prospectors camped in Linda Valley to work the site. This particular site was very rich in metals such as iron, gold, silver, argentite, tetrahedrite and jalpaite. The mine was completed in 1929.
It's a striking scene. A lunar landscape devoid of any life and an admittedly beautiful blue pool that feels more like you're in a volcanic place than an old mine.
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ALSO NEARBY: Nelson Falls
Ultimate Tasmanian travel resource
I hope you enjoy this blog post. For more Tasmania travel and adventure inspiration, don’t miss my ultimate guides below.
– 62 Epic Things to Do in Tasmania – Where to Stay in Tasmania (Best Places) – 26 Amazing Waterfalls in Tasmania – 35 Must-Do Hikes in Tasmania
The Environmental Impact of Mining in Tasmania
While I recognize that mining has played a significant role in Tasmania's history and economy, the Queenstown area is a clear example of how devastating the industry continues to be to the environment.
The landscape is quite unique in Tasmania, an island usually rich in dense rainforest. The lack of trees and vegetation in this region is due to persistent “acid rain”. This is the result of sulfur pollution from the Queenstown copper mine.
After spending quite a bit of time photographing and documenting the natural beauty of this region, I was devastated to realize that the impact doesn't end there. Many of the surrounding rivers are polluted and unsuitable for drinking.
As a result, heavy metal contaminants continue to circulate in the fragile ecosystems. In addition, much of the Tarkine Rainforest, Australia's largest temperate rainforest, has been cut down. Unfortunately, clearing and felling continues today to support expansion in the mining industry.
Perhaps the most sour note of all is that the current expansions of MMG Rosebury, a Chinese-owned heavy metals mining company, are pushing further into the Tarkine. And unfortunately, we all know that Chinese state-backed companies don't exactly have Australia's or our ecosystems' best interests at heart. Unfortunately, it is quite the opposite, and the newly proposed tailings dam in the Tarkine is a clear example of this.
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Tune in to a sustainable future
Visiting Iron Blow Lookout is an opportunity for visitors and Tasmanians alike to take a look into Tasmania's mining history. It is an important reminder of days gone by and a tribute to the legacy of hard-working Tasmanian miners. These men will always live on in our history books as pioneers, risking everything to build what we have today.
But as an outsider admittedly interested in the delicate cultural divide between mining and activism, it is clear that mining expansion does not represent a sustainable future for this region.
Instead, I hope that sustainable tourism can help close the gap. The Iron Blow lookout is a great example of honoring the past while reminding us of how devastating mining operations in the 21st century (particularly those run by the Chinese government) can be.
Visit the Bob Brown Foundation website to learn how you can save the Tarkine Rainforest and put people and the environment before offshore profits.
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RELATED POST: 7 Awesome Things to Do in Strahan and the West Coast
More photos of the Iron Blow Lookout
Below I have included a few more pictures that I took during my visit to the Iron Blow Lookout in Tasmania.
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Where to stay in western Tasmania
The most popular accommodation in Western Tasmania is Strahan. There is just so much to see and do in this region and it is definitely worth spending at least a few days. Activities like the Gordon River Cruise and the Cog Railway are a must when traveling in Tasmania.
Below are a few of my recommended places to stay in nearby Strahan and one in Queenstown.
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Wheelhouse Apartments – StrahanUnique apartments in Strahan, all with river or lake views. These apartments are some of the top rated online apartments for Western Tasmania!
Check availability and price for your dates at Wheelhouse Apartments
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The Boat House - Strahan Another Strahan favorite, this affordable vacation rental features river views and a kitchen and living area.
Check availability and price for your dates at the boathouse
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Penghana B&B - QueenstownIf you're looking for the best accommodation in Queenstown, check out this 1898 National Trust Mansion B&B, just 2 minutes' drive from the Wilderness Railway and Heritage Tours.
Check availability and price for your travel dates at Penghana B&B
More Tasmanian travel guides & adventure inspiration
I hope you enjoyed this quick guide to the Iron Blow viewpoint in Tasmania. For more travel guides and adventure inspiration, check out my other articles below.
I understand that this article in particular was a bit sensitive. Dialogue is important to solve any problem and I would like to hear your opinion on this topic. Leave a comment below or contact me personally.
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