even thousands of years. Aboriginal
peoples used the island even at a time
when European explorers discovered
it however, archaeological studies
have found that the indigenous peo-
ple lived there as far back as 17,000
years ago, at a time when Tasmania
(and King Island) was joined to main-
land Australia by a land bridge during
the last ice age. This history alone
makes the island worth exploring.
European history is scattered all
over King Island. The remains of
old mines and the glory days of beef
and dairy farming are evident wher-
ever you wander. Wrecks litter most
beaches and coves, some so visible
they look as if they occurred yester-
day.
There’s a calm, relaxed feel to King
Island. Business has changed and is
quickly swinging to tourism; King Is-
land has two world class golf cours-
es, both of the links type, in fact 90%
of King Island looks like it could be a
links course. There’s other industry;
seafood is growing, and the farming
of wild kelp is world class, you could
spend a week just learning about this
unique industry.
TRAVERSE 54
There’s no doubt the tourist hoards,
mostly those of the golfing sort, will
change the feel of the island, resorts,
accommodation, transport will de-
velop and perhaps it will be worse for
it. Right now, King Island is a pristine
gem in the middle of a wild ocean,
and that is its charm. You can still get
‘lost’ on the island. There’s unmarked
trails, through bush and farmland,
and the locals don’t care if you are
on their land … just don’t disturb the
cows … LW