
Iron Blow Lookout
Witness the surreal beauty of an old open-cut mine transformed into a turquoise lake, set against rugged, historically scarred hills.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos

Iron Blow Lookout
Best Time
Best light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the surreal beauty of an old open-cut mine transformed into a turquoise lake, set against rugged, historically scarred hills.
"A must-see along the west coast for its surreal beauty and deep sense of history."

Allow 20-30 mins
Plenty of time for photos & history. :camerawithflash:
Check the weather
Tasmanian west coast weather is unpredictable. :cloud:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Overlook Platform
Suspended over the old mine
A unique vantage point offering breathtaking views of the vast open-cut mine and its surreal turquoise water.

The Emerald Mine Pit
The main attraction
Witness the dramatic transformation of an old copper mine into a striking emerald lake surrounded by rugged hills.

Historical Information Boards
Near the car park
Learn about the area's rich mining history and the town of Gormanston's past through informative, though sometimes weathered, displays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Understanding the Mining History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allow 20-30 mins
Plenty of time for photos & history. :camerawithflash:
Check the weather
Tasmanian west coast weather is unpredictable. :cloud:
Read the history boards
Understand the mining past. :memo:
Parking for vans
Good for cars, vans may struggle. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
Allow 20-30 mins
Plenty of time for photos & history. :camerawithflash:
Check the weather
Tasmanian west coast weather is unpredictable. :cloud:
Read the history boards
Understand the mining past. :memo:
Parking for vans
Good for cars, vans may struggle. :car:
Combine with Horsetail Falls
Short detour nearby. :waterfall:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Iron Blow Lookout for its dramatic and unique scenery, highlighting the striking turquoise water of the old mine pit and the rugged surrounding landscape. The historical information boards are appreciated for providing context to the area's mining past. While parking is generally good, some note it might be tight for larger vehicles. The site is considered a must-see on the West Coast.
"What a great view from the platform that’s been constructed, it’s a long way down.
It must have been amazing to see the amount of industry and workers here back in the day.
Plenty of parking for cars and vans but longer vehicles would struggle. Not sure that I would take a caravan up there.
There’s a bin to use if needed"
Paul Tooze (No Journey Too Small)
"Such an amazing spot!!! A must see along the west coast!! Allow 20 minutes to half hour to have a look, get some photos & read up on some info about the history of the old mines."
Chelsea O'Connor
"It was raining and cloudy when we visited, however, from the lookout suspended over the hole, we were still able to see the huge mining hole. The display boards at the car park were informative and clearly explained the mining operation and formation of the Iron Blow. Definitely worth the short detour from the Lyell highway."
Pam S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Iron Blow Lookout is located just outside Queenstown, Tasmania. Turn onto Iron Blow Road at the top of Gormanston Hill, off the Lyell Highway. The lookout is accessible via a paved road leading up the hill.
There is parking available, but it might be challenging for longer vehicles like caravans. Cars and smaller vans should be fine.
The most direct route is via the Lyell Highway, turning onto Iron Blow Road at Gormanston Hill. This road leads directly to the lookout.
Yes, you can still visit in rain and clouds, though visibility might be reduced. The historical displays are still accessible.
Public transport options are limited in this region. It's best to have your own vehicle or join a guided tour that includes this stop.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Iron Blow Lookout is a free attraction. There are no admission fees to visit the lookout point.
Iron Blow Lookout is accessible at any time, as it is an outdoor viewpoint. However, daylight hours are recommended for the best experience.
There is no entry fee for Iron Blow Lookout. It's a public viewpoint offering free access to its historical and scenic attractions.
Many West Coast Tasmania tours include Iron Blow Lookout as a stop. It's a popular point of interest for those exploring the region.
There are no specific restrictions, but visitors should be mindful of the historical nature of the site and any safety guidelines posted.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll see a vast open-cut mine pit, now often filled with striking turquoise water, and panoramic views of the rugged, historically mined landscape. Informative boards detail the area's past.
Most visitors spend around 20 to 30 minutes to take in the views, read the historical information, and take photos.
The walk to the main lookout platform is generally easy and well-maintained. The platform itself extends over the mine.
Expect dramatic views of a massive old mine pit, surrounded by hills that bear the marks of extensive historical mining. The water in the pit can be a striking emerald color.
There is a car park and bins available. Restroom facilities are not explicitly mentioned but may be available in nearby Queenstown.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and potentially dramatic skies. Clear days provide the best visibility of the mine pit's colors.
Focus on the vastness of the mine pit, the unique turquoise water, the rugged surrounding hills, and any historical remnants. The overlook platform itself is also a great subject.
The main lookout platform offers the most iconic view. Exploring slightly around the car park area might reveal different angles of the landscape.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the mine. Consider polarizing filters to enhance the colors of the water and sky.
Drone regulations vary. Always check current Australian and Tasmanian drone laws and local advisories before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pairing a visit to Iron Blow Lookout with nearby Horsetail Falls can make for a more varied family outing. The falls offer a different kind of natural beauty, and the short detour makes the most of your time in the area. Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities are minimal at the lookout itself.
🚗 Road Trippers & Van Lifers
Many travelers find the historical context provided by the site particularly engaging. It offers a glimpse into the region's industrial heritage, which is a significant part of Tasmania's story. It's a great spot to reflect on the landscape's transformation and the human stories behind it.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dramatic Landscape of Iron Blow
The surrounding hills themselves tell a story of intense mining activity. Decades of operation and the effects of smelter discharge led to significant environmental changes, denuding the landscape. While the immediate area around the mine has been impacted, the broader views showcase the resilience of the natural environment. It's a place of incredible contrast, where wild beauty meets the enduring effects of human endeavor.
Visitors often remark on the deep sense of history that permeates the air. The informative boards at the site provide crucial context, detailing the mining operations and the lives of the families who once called this area home. It’s a confronting yet fascinating experience, prompting reflection on the relationship between industry, environment, and recovery.
Exploring the History of Gormanston and Mt Lyell
The visual impact of the mining operations on the landscape is undeniable. The sulphurous discharge from the Mt Lyell smelters had a profound effect, denuding the hills of vegetation. Photos from the 1960s starkly illustrate this environmental impact, showing bare, scarred hillsides. This history is a crucial part of understanding the unique, almost lunar, appearance of the area today.
Despite the environmental challenges, the story of Iron Blow and Gormanston is also one of resilience and adaptation. While the town's population has dwindled significantly from its peak, the legacy of its mining past remains. The lookout provides a tangible connection to this history, allowing visitors to visualize the scale of past operations and appreciate the ongoing process of natural healing.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit