Tasmania & the Tarkine
The following maps detail (compliment of Google Maps) where Tasmania is, and where the majestic Tarkine is located...

Airports
Tasmania has four domestic airports:
Hobart Airport in the south, Launceston, Devonport and Wynyard Airports in the north. Flying time direct from Melbourne is 1 hour 10 minutes and from Sydney 1 hour 50 minutes.
The closest airport to the Tarkine is Wynyard Airport on the North West Coast. There are daily flights to and from the mainland of Australia.
Airlines flying to Tasmania are:
Qantas, Jetstar, Rex, Virgin, and Tiger.

Ferry
There are two passenger and vehicular ferries traveling to and from Tasmania. "Spirit of Tasmania I" and "Spirit of Tasmania II".  The trip departs from Melbourne and takes approximately 10 hours to reach Devonport. Devonport is also situated on the North West coast of Tasmania and is only a short traveling distance to the Tarkine.
The ferries are modern and stable, accommodating for car travellers or non-car passengers with prior arrangement of transport in Tasmania.
More information can be found at:
- www.spiritoftasmania.com.au

Car hiring
There are several car hire companies located at:
- Burnie / Wynyard airport
- Launceston airport
- Devonport Ferry terminal
- Launceston, Burnie and Devonport cities.
They have varying policies in regard to use of their vehicles on gravel roads (all the ones listed here allow use of their vehicles on gravel roads in the Tarkine, but please make sure you check with them first).
They also vary in the range of vehicles they offer, some have four wheel drive vehicles and others campervans / motor homes for hire...
- www.avis.com.au
- www.budget.com.au
- www.europcar.com.au
- www.hertz.com.au

Bus service
Bus services will get you from major towns and cities in Tasmania (Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie). Redline coaches will get you along the north west coast to Smithton, but you will have to make your own way into the Tarkine from there.
- www.redlinecoaches.com.au

The journey
If you’re coming from the north, drive along the Bass highway (A2) via Stanley / Smithton and head down to Arthur River on the C249. This road is sealed and gives great views of the wild Tarkine coastline.

When driving from the south, take the C249 from Zeehan to Corinna. Parts of this road are sealed, the last 12km is gravel and leads to the Fatman Barge where you will cross the Pieman River into Corinna. This will cost around $20 to cross the river.

If you are coming from Burnie take the B18 and head south to Waratah. Don’t forget to stop at the Whyte Hill Lookout (10km south of Waratah) for a tree top view of the Tarkine.

Take the A10 if you are coming from Cradle Mt and turn north onto the B18 and into Waratah. Enjoy the drive through button grass valleys under the backdrop of Tarkine mountain ranges. The road narrows and changes gravel and you wind your way deeper south toward Corinna.

Roads are safe and accessible all year round within the Tarkine region - at times Waratah and Tullah might experience a smow fall now and again.
Drive carefully and watch out for wildlife on roads.   You may catch a glimpse of two of our endangered birds, the great Wedge-tailed Eagle or the shy rare Goshawk.

Traveling safely in the Tarkine
• Check how long it will take you to drive between places and give yourself plenty of time
• The Tarkine is a remote area so make sure you carry plenty of supplies. There are limited fuel supplies in the area so note where fuel stations are on your route.
• Avoid driving after a long flight.
• Know the road rules.
• In Australia we drive on the left side of the road.
• Wear a seat belt – it’s the law.
• Find out about weather and road conditions before you travel.
• Take regular rest breaks.
• If you’ve been drinking alcohol – don’t drive. Strict drink/driving laws apply.
• Speed limits are enforced more strictly in Australia than in many other countries.
• Take extra care on dirt roads.
• Our animals come out at dawn and dusk, so watch out when driving at these times.
• In an emergency, stay with your vehicle.
• Before you cross the road, look right, look left, look right again and cross only when safe to do so.
• Check your mobile/cell phone coverage as some areas within Australia are only accessible using satellite phones... check with your mobile phone carrier.
• Mobile/cell phones are not to be used while driving - strict law applies.
• Look for the yellow “i” on the blue square for visitor information.

For more detailed information visit:
- www.discovertasmania.com

The climate
Tasmania lies between 40°S and 43.5°S, has a mild climate with four distinctive seasons.
Summers are mild, with any hot periods rarely lasting more than a few days. Winters are not excessively cold, especially compared to places at similar latitudes in the northern hemisphere, thanks to the sea’s moderating influence.

In Tasmania you will be always be no more than 115 kilometres from the sea

The prevailing weather pattern is from west to east and as a result the west coast area, including the Tarkine, is the wettest.
Tasmania’s climate has been named ‘Best Temperate Island in the World’ in 1999 and 2000 by Conde Nast Traveler.

Population
The population of Tasmania is 486,000 (ABS September 2005).
Main centres are Hobart (the capital city with 205,000 people), Launceston (98,500), Burnie (21,000), and Devonport (26,000).
The Tarkine area is relatively unpopulated with the major centres being Arthur River and Waratah.  

Climate Facts
Coastal areas of the Tarkine (Arthur River & Corinna areas):
Summer - Average temperature range of 11 degrees Celsius over night and 20 degrees during the day.
Relative humidity 70%
Winter - Average temperature range of 6 degrees Celsius over night and 12 degrees during the day.
Relative humidity 80%
Average annual rainfall 1,200mm – 2,400mm

Inland areas of the Tarkine (Waratah area):
Summer - Average temperature range of 9 degrees Celsius over night and 20 degrees during the day.
Relative humidity 70%
Winter - Average temperature range of 4 degrees Celsius over night and 11 degrees during the day.
Relative humidity 85%
Average annual rainfall 1,900mm

Visiting the Tarkine is a wonderful and rewarding experience but it also contains potential hazards for visitors that are not prepared.
The following points can be of help to you when visiting the Tarkine:

- The weather in the Tarkine can change very quickly; hot and sunny conditions can change to rainy, cold and even snowy conditions in a very short time.
- The Tarkine coast also needs to be carefully evaluated as storm surges, swells, undercurrents, and freak waves are all potential dangers.
- The rivers of the Tarkine can flood quickly with substantial rain.
- Taking a map is very important when walking anywhere in the Tarkine so that maximum information is available to you.
- Plan your trip thoroughly and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
- Don’t walk alone except on short easy walks with high volume traffic.
- Pick your season for walking. Some walks are suitable for all seasons and some are not.
- Do not rush your trip. Distance and timing is essential in planning your Tarkine adventure.
- Recognise your limitations in relation to distance and walk difficulty rating. It is best to start walks early in the day if possible.
- It is also advisable to remain on clearly marked and well formed tracks. It is very easy to become lost in the thick vegetation of the Tarkine.

For more detailed information on Tasmania’s wilderness please contact:
Parks & Wildlife Service
- 1300 135 513
- www.parks.tas.gov.au 

Ecofriendly (or Sustainable) travelling means conserving natural resources, supporting local cultures and making a positive impact on our Tarkine destinations. Following are a few sustainable travel tips that will go a long way in preserving our beautiful Tarkine:

Support local
Purchase and enjoy local products by purchasing form:
- local shops
- farmers and farmers coops
- food markets
- when at a restaurant eat local cuisine and drink local wines... we have some of the best

Transport
- use public transport wherever appropriate
- use a petrol efficient vehicle, or go diesel, hybrid or electric
- keep the vehicle's tyres properly inflated
- carbon offset your travel... air, sea, or road

Reduce, reuse and recycle
Try to reduce your dependency on plastics, and participate in the hotel/lodge recycling programs. Acquaint yourself with the local recycling program and sort your refuse accordingly.

Hit that switch
An easy way to save energy at you loggings are...
- regulate the heating accordingly
- leave doors and windows closed when heating
- reuse sheets and towels
- turn off lights and electronics when not needed
- close blinds in the summer
- allow sun through the windows in the winter

Tread lightly
- be mindful and protect recreation sites
- avoid sensitive and restricted areas
- remove all rubbish from your campsite when leaving
- when making a fire, only use fallen branches
 

Visitor Information  and Welcome Centres in and around the Tarkine:

Waratah & region:
Waratah Wynyard Council Chambers
phone: (03) 6439 7100

Tarkine Interpretation Centre & Gallery
phone: (03) 6439 7100
web: www.warwyn.tas.gov.au

Corinna & region:
Tarkine Hotel
phone: (03) 6446 1170
web: www.corinna.com.au

Arthur River & region:
Arthur River Parks & Wildlife Office
phone: (03) 6457 1225
web: www.parks.tas.gov.au

Burnie:
Makers Workshop
2 Bass Highway
phone: (03) 6430 5831
email: travel@burnie.net
web: www.discoverburnie.net

Wynyard:
Wonders of Wynyard
8 Exhibition Link
phone: (03) 6443 8330
email wowreception@warwyn.tas.gov.au
web: www.warwyn.tas.gov.au

Stanley:
Stanley Visitor Centre
45 Main Road
phone: (03) 6458 1330
email: info@stanley.com.au
web: www.stanley.com.au

Strahan:

The Esplanade
Ph (03) 6472 6800 .
Email: wcvibcs@westcoast.tas.gov.au
 

Following is some statistical information and facts on each major township in the Takine region.

Arthur River

Time zone: Australian Eastern Standard Time
The language: Australian English
Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)
Altitude: 40m above sea level
Population: Approximate residential population – 120
Climate: The average max temperature in January is 19.3 degrees Celsius, and in June 12.2 degrees Celsius
Waterways: The Arthur River flows through the township
History: The first Tasmanians occupied this area for over 40,000 years. European settlement was established in the 1820’s
Distances: Arthur River is 64km south of Smithton township (far North West Tasmania)

Corinna

Time zone: Australian Eastern Standard Time
The language: Australian English
Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)
Altitude: 20m above sea level
Population: Approximate residential population – 20
Climate: The average max temperature in January is 19.5 degrees Celsius, and in June 11.2 degrees Celsius
Waterways: The Pieman River flows majestically along the southern bank of the township
History: The first Tasmanians occupied this area for over 35,000 years. European settlement was established in the 1800’s during a gold rush
Distances: Corinna is 50km north of the Zeehan township (west Tasmania), and 124km south of Burnie (North West Tasmania)

Waratah

Time zone: Australian Eastern Standard Time
The language: Australian English
Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)
Altitude: 600m above sea level
Population: Approximate residential population - 279
Climate: The average max temperature in January is 19.1 degrees Celsius, and in June 10.2 degrees Celsius
Waterways: The Arthur River flows through the township and has a dramatic waterfall at the northern edge of town.
History: The first Tasmanians occupied this area for over 35,000 years. The first European settlement was established in the 1870’s during a tin mining boom.
Distances: Waratah is 62km south of the City Burnie (North West Tasmania), and 60km east of Cradle Mountain.

Following we have a selection of Tarkine maps for your convenience.

/Walking maps
+ Mt Donaldson (2.5Mb) - view as pdf file
+ The Longback (1.9Mb) - view as pdf file
+ Lucy Creek (1.5Mb) - view as pdf file
+ Philosopher Falls (2.0Mb) - view as pdf file
+ Arthur River Coast (3.3Mb) - view as pdf file

/Mountain Biking maps
+ Tarkine region (113Kb) - view as pdf file

General Tarkine map

The very detailed attached visitor guides will help you plan your sustainable Tarkine Experience.

//Connections to wild places
//North West Coast Holiday Planner
//Western Wilderness Holiday Planner
//Tarkine Visitor Guide to Walks and Experiences