Kelly Basin
A walk that ends in ruins
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Kelly Basin
At a Glance
The walk is 10.8km return and usually takes around 3 to 4 hours. Allow extra time for mud, photos and exploring the ruins.
Kelly Basin is Grade 3. The gradient is mostly gentle, but tree roots, mud, boggy sections and the remote setting mean good footwear and preparation matter.
The trailhead is south of Queenstown, reached via Mount Jukes Road and the Bird River walking track access road. The final access can be rough, so check conditions before driving in.
Yes. Some Gordon River cruise options can visit the ruins by boat, and private boats may use the mooring and jetty area. Check current operators before planning around this.
It can suit beginners who are comfortable with the distance, mud and remote setting. If you are unsure, build up with shorter Grade 3 walks first.
What to Expect on the Kelly Basin Walk
This walk is ideal if you:
Kelly Basin is unlike most of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks. For much of the journey, the trail winds through thick shaded rainforest, following the corridor of an old railway line toward the coast before reaching ruins that feel almost impossible in such a wild setting.
Expect dense rainforest, muddy and boggy sections, traces of the old railway, historical ruins slowly being swallowed by moss and ferns, a weathered jetty on Macquarie Harbour, and far fewer walkers than the better-known short walks.
Best Time to Visit Kelly Basin
Spring and autumn usually offer the most reliable walking conditions. The weather tends to be more stable, and while the track can still be muddy, it is usually less waterlogged than in the depths of winter.
Summer brings longer days and generally better weather, though tour groups may also visit the ruins by boat. Winter makes the rainforest moodier and wetter, turning this into a more serious but atmospheric outing.
Track Conditions and Things to Be Aware Of
Treat this as a remote walk
The gradient is gentle, but the setting is remote. Carry food, water, wet-weather gear and let someone know your plans before heading in.
The track is mostly flat and well-defined, but mud and boggy sections are part of the experience year-round. Sturdy waterproof footwear is strongly recommended.
There is no water available along the track, so carry enough for the return journey. Fill in the visitor book at the trailhead and make sure someone knows your expected return time.
Following the Railway
The walk follows the old North Mount Lyell Railway corridor. Once you know what to look for, you will start noticing signs of it everywhere: flat terraces where embankments once ran, narrow rock cuttings, old formations and industrial fragments left behind by the forest.
The Ruins of Kelly Basin
In the early 20th century, Kelly Basin was home to a busy industrial settlement linked by rail to inland mines and smelters. At its peak, hundreds of people lived and worked here.
Sawmill footings, industrial boilers, brick kilns and the remains of settlement structures are scattered across the site. The old jetty stretching into Macquarie Harbour is a striking place to stand and think about the lives that once filled this now-quiet forest.
Getting Here and Extending Your Day
Kelly Basin will be a full day outing for most people once the drive is included. From Queenstown, the road winds through the mountains toward Bird River, with viewpoints around Mount Huxley and Mount Jukes worth building into the day.
If you are spending time in The Wild West, this walk pairs naturally with Nelson Falls, Franklin Nature Trail and Donaghys Hill on a broader Queenstown to Lake St Clair itinerary.
Come on the walk with me
Watch the walk on Instagram.
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