King Island

King island lies in the Bass Strait, some 90 km off Tasmania's northwestern coast. Europeans first visited the island at the end of the 18th century. It got its name from Philip Gidley King, who was the governor of New South Wales during colonial times.

The first permanent settlements date from the 1880s. The largest of these is the town of Currie on the island's western coast. Grassy and Naracoopa are on the eastern coast.

The seas around the island have claimed countless ships over the years and the wrecks are very popular with divers. In the past, the island's populations of seals, sea elephants and mutton birds were nearly exterminated by the islands' settlers, but fortunately the animals are now protected and their numbers once again increasing.

King Island is noted for its dairy products, in particular its Brie and cream.

There are 3 smaller islands just offshore from King island. They are New Year Island and Christmas Island in the northwest and Councillor Island in the east.

Accommodation is available on the island.