FAQs
We are sure you have many questions on your mind to ask us about our unique and beautiful Tarkine...
We get asked a lot of questions about the Tarkine, so we thought we'd put them all in the one area for you to view the answers, but if not, please contact us for the answer(s) you seek.
Ans – No, Tasmanian weather is quite mild and the summers are very comfortable for camping and hiking. Wet weather usually takes place in winter, which makes the Tarkine a great winter destination with all the amazing waterfalls available to see. However, you should always be prepared should there be a sudden cold and wet change in the weather. Weather changes very quickly in Tasmania, and the major risk is exposure from cold if you are not prepared.
Ans – The Australian dollar : AU$
Ans – If you are going hiking / walking you need to be well prepared for the changing Tasmanian weather. Do you research and make sure that you have adequate warm suitable clothing, plenty of food and water, maps and always travel in groups of three or more.
Ans – No, there are many short walks, lookouts and accessible wilderness sight that you can see with ease only 5 minutes walk from your car.
Ans – Yes, there are several easy walks at Corinna, Waratah and Arthur River. (see our walks section of this site for more information)
Ans – Make sure that you always travel with someone, and let a reliable person know about your plans. Always keep to the main public roads and do not venture off into side roads if you do not know where you are going. If your car breaks down on a road just wait, as someone will come by eventually, do not leave your vehicle or light a fire for attention.
Ans – You can access professional and experienced "Ranger support" at the Arthur River Parks and Wildlife Office.
Ans - It will take about 1 hour to fly from Melbourne to either Devonport or Burnie, or an overnight trip on the ferry. From the Tasmania’s North West coast (Burnie) it will take you about 2.5 hours to drive to Corinna, 1 hour to drive to Waratah and 1 hour and 50 minutes to drive to Arthur River.
Ans – No, accommodation is mostly self contained cabins or camping.
Ans – Yes, you can drop in to the Tarkine Interpretation Centre and Gallery at Waratah for general information on things to see and do in the Tarkine.
Ans – No, there is no formal registration system. You can document your walking / hiking plans at the Tarkine Hotel in the "informal register". You have to be responsible for your own safety and those in your travel party when you visit the Tarkine.
Ans – Mobile phone reception is very limited in the Tarkine and should not be relied upon. Depending upon your phone company, there are a few odd spots on roads where you might get reception.
Ans – No, but you can access the internet at surrounding towns such as Burnie, Smithton, Wynyard.
Ans – Yes, you can download maps, brochures etc from this web site and even subscribe to our library for more detailed free Tarkine information.
Ans – Yes, reception quality and extent varies and is available in Arthur River and Waratah. No TV reception is available at Corinna.
Ans – No, you will need to take cash with you.
Ans – Public toilets are available at Waratah and Arthur River. The Tarkine Hotel has toilets should you wish to drop in for a meal.
Ans – Yes there are several tour operators that offer varying experiences in the Tarkine. (see our accredited tours page of this site)
Ans – Yes you can, flights are available from Stanley, but please book ahead so as not to be disappointed.
Ans – No, you will have to buy your food supplies before you visit. Waratah Road house has some very basic and limited food items for sale as does the Arthur River Shop and the Corinna gift store.
Ans – Yes, you can get a meal at the Tarkine Hotel (Corinna), Waratah Pub (Waratah), Marrawah Pub (20 minutes north of Arthur River).
Ans – Yes, you can get a late at Waratah, beyond there you will have to settle for instant or plunger coffee.
Ans – No, car fuel is only available at Waratah and stove / camping fuel will have to be sourced before you visit at camping stores.
Ans – Water is safe for swimming in, but please make sure that you swim within your capabilities and do not dive into the fresh water areas as there are many logs, rock, etc that you cannot see through the dark water. It always pays to source your drinking water from clean and reliable areas, or better still take your own.
Ans – Yes, most car hire companies allow driving on gravel roads, with set conditions, make sure you let then know that you are visiting the Tarkine.
Ans – You can get some very limited items from the gift shop at Corinna, but Burnie and Devonport have a wide range of good quality large camping stores with specialised staff who can provide you with the right advice on how to be best equipped for the Tarkine climate.
Ans – No, you must only camp at designated camping areas (unless you are on a multiday remote wilderness walk).
Ans – Mostly no, but you can under restrictions light a campfire at designated formal camping areas in Arthur River (you must check the permit arrangements as part of your camping fee)
Ans – Yes is fresh water fishing, no for salt water fishing.
Ans – No, but you must only camp your campervan and motor home at the designated formal camping areas.
Ans – If you are planning on fresh water fishing and off road vehicle driving you will need a permit.
Ans – Yes, the Tarkine has some wonderful operators who are committed to providing a sustainable experience for you. (see our eco-accommodation and accredited tours pages of our website).
Ans – Yes, you are best to take your recyclable items out of the Tarkine with you and deposit them in Burnie when you leave.
Ans – You can try to reduce your carbon footprint before you travel by using a carbon counter to work out ways to minimising your impact. Also, you can seek carbon offsets before you travel, ensuring that you are doing your bit for the planet as a result of your travel.
Ans – No, you should keep well away from the ocean, the Tarkine coast has claimed the lives of many people so stick to calm rivers and streams.
Ans – Yes, the Tarkine is full of amazing and rare birds to watch, not only in the forests but along the coast. (see the link to Parks and Wildlife Services for more information).
Ans – No, it is very damaging to the fragile coastal ecosystem to take vehicles on sand dunes. Contact the Parks and Wildlife Office at Arthur River for permits and enquiries about general off road vehicle use in the Tarkine.
Ans – No, please leave the native animals to forage for themselves.
Ans – Dogs are not allowed at Corinna or the Savage River National Park. You can take your dog to most other areas in the Tarkine including Arthur River, but please remember that not everyone loves dogs nor does the wildlife.
Ans – Yes, the main animal to keep clear of is the snake. All Tasmanian snakes are highly venomous. Make sure that you wear gaiters on your legs if you are hiking in the summer and keep your eyes open for snakes.

