Spring in the Tarkine is a wonderful time to connect with its wild animals and their habitats. The button grass plains come to life; rare native orchids flower and other plant life blooms. Bird life is also active with the endangered Orange Bellied Parrot frequenting the Tarkine on their way south to breed. Tasmanian Devil pups emerge from their winter dens seeking nourishment. The quality of light is magic during this time of the year, so those chasing that perfect wilderness image will have plenty of visual material to capture. Walking is comfortable during spring; however the weather can change very quickly, so you must be well prepared and do your research - you can also visit our faq page.

Day 1 – Waratah’s wild country
Head to Waratah via the Hellyer Gorge. Stop here for a picnic and enjoy the crisp waters of the Hellyer River, and the enchantment this thickly forested gorge has to offer. When you reach Waratah, perched on the edge of the Tarkine’s eastern plateau, you will sense the vastness of its mountain ranges and valleys. Head to the Tarkine Interpretation Centre & Gallery in the middle of town and familiarise yourself with this precious place. Take a short walk from here to Mount Bischoff and view the mine workings. Search through the designated fossicking area and pick up our own piece of gemstone.

For those with more time and energy head down and explore the abandoned town of Magnet either on foot or on your mountain bike

Day 2 – Mt Donaldson & the Pieman River
Go south to Corinna and enjoy the atmosphere of this quaint green-friendly village. Book into your eco cabin, put on your walking boots and head to Mt Donaldson. This walk is worth the half day effort, as you will be astounded by the beauty of the rolling Tarkine mountain ranges and vision of the Pieman River stretching out to the coast, particularly at the summit. (take your downloaded walking notes and map with you)

After dinner, take a quiet stroll along the banks of the Whyte River. The serenity is only broken by the occasional bird call and trout jumping in the soft evening light.

Day 3 – Arthur River coast
Head north to Arthur River and stop at the Longback for a short half hour easy walk. Get your bearings from this amazing lookout and see the ancient savannah like landscape; one of the best views of the Tarkine.

Continue north and arrive at the Edge of the World lookout, where the power of the Tarkine coast is in action. Huge waves have been pounding this coast for millennia. From here you can see Australia Rock at the mouth of the Arthur River being constantly blasted by the waves. Further on you will see Church Rock and the northern coast of the mouth, a great destination for guided night Tasmanian Devil viewing.

Make early bookings for Devil viewing

Spend the afternoon exploring the coast on either side of the river mouth. You may see our shy shore birds, nesting and forging along the shoreline. This part of the Tarkine is frequented by Wedge Tailed Eagles, often in pairs. The rush of fresh air provides them with plenty uplift for their graceful cruising.

Retire to your cosy self-contained accommodation and enjoy watching the sun set over the vast Southern Ocean

Day 4 – Church Rock
There is a lovely walk north of the river along the coast to Church Rock or further on to the Bluff Hill Point lighthouse. (see the downloadable walking map and notes). Beginning at first light may reward you with a glimpse of wallabies, wombats, and even a Tasmanian Devil. The ancient rocky outcrops will astound you with their beauty and majesty – a photographer’s delight.

Day 5 – Home
If you have the time, stay another day and take an Arthur River cruise, where you will be shown the river and the rainforest by your well seasoned and experienced guides.

The summer is an ideal season for spending time exploring the rivers and coastline of the Tarkine. The weather is stable and extended daylight hours allow you to take long walks and enjoy sweeping vistas of this special wilderness.

It is lively period for wildlife with wombats, wallabies and Tasmanian Devils enjoying the abundance of food. The button grass plains come to life with all manner of flowering plants and insects. This time of the year you can see great sunsets and sunrises. The water in the Pieman and Arthur Rivers has warmed up, a perfect time for a lovely swim. Wonderful conditions allow for exploring rivers in canoes and taking short walks not accessible in heavy rains. Long walks are best attempted during the summer, as early starts reward you with the most amazing light conditions.

Due to the active wildlife on the ground, the Wedge Tailed Eagles are hard at work cleaning up carrion and you are most likely going to be graced by their majestic presence. Camping in the Tarkine is a delight during summer, days are warm and nights are mild. Birds are to be seen and heard in the forest and on the coast. The unique Leatherwood tree is flowering. Guided four wheel drive experiences are in swing and are reaching remote areas unpassable in the winter and spring.

Day 1- Arthur River and the northern Tarkine Coast
Head to Arthur River and enjoy the breathtaking view from the Edge of the World at the southern mouth of the Arthur River. From here you can get your bearings and take a cruise up the Arthur River, or gently stroll around the banks of this amazing body of water and see the power of the Tarkine Coast first hand.

Day 2 – Arthur River Coast
Don your backpack (full of plenty of food and water) and follow your downloaded walk guide along the northern shores of the Arthur River to Church Rock or further on to Bluff Hill Lighthouse. This will be a rewarding and amazing full day of discovering the unique features of this coastal wilderness.

Day 3 – Tarkine Coast
Head south down the Western Explorer toward Corinna. (For those who have more time you might opt for a guided four wheel drive tour to Sandy Cape). On your way to Corinna stop at the Longback track and enjoy the sublime views of the Tarkine interior via a short easy half hour walk. Once at Corinna, hire a canoe and paddle up the Pieman River and be amazed at the stunning beauty of Lucy Creek. Return to the Tarkine Hotel and enjoy a three course meal.

Day 4 – Mt Donaldson
Rise early and head back up the Western Explorer to take the half day walk up Mt Donaldson and be awestruck at the view of the Pieman River, the Tarkine coast to the south and the extensive mountain ranges of the Tarkine all around you.
After your Mt Donald experience you may wish to unwind by a gentle evening stroll along the rainforested banks of the Pieman River or the Whyte River before you turn in to your comfortable eco cabin.

For those who have more time you may wish to take a multiday guided tour from the mouth of the Pieman River up the most remote part of the Tarkine coast

Day 5 – Pieman River Cruise and Pieman Heads
Take a leisurely cruise up the Pieman River to the Tarkine Coast. Wander around the quaint shack community of Pieman Heads. (For those with more energy and time take a day walk south of the Heads to Conical Rocks and marvel in the ancient rocky outcrops scattered along this incredible coast).

Day 6 - Home
Head home or take an extra day to relax and reflect on your awakening Tarkine experience. Take another gentle amble under the canopy and capture the sweet smell of musk and spice of the rainforest before you leave and return to reality.

Autumn is the best time to explore the rich rainforests of the Tarkine. At this time of the year the most amazing fungi and moss erupts from crevasses in rocks and trees all through the rainforest. Rain periods start and rivers and creeks begin to swell and feed the waterfalls of the Tarkine. Good weather conditions are suitable for energetic activities like mountain biking and day walks. Camping is comfortable but can become quite cool toward the end of autumn.
If you are very lucky you may see the rare Orange Bellied Parrot on its return north. The soft light during this time of year make for rewarding conditions for those interested in wilderness photography. Accomplished wildlife photographers offer guided field trips for those wanting to improve their skills.

Day 1- Waratah & Tarkine interpretation
Head to Waratah and visit the Tarkine Interpretation Centre & Gallery. From here you will learn all about the unique values and features of the Tarkine, and get some pointers on where to go and what to see. Be amazed at the ruins of Tasmania’s first Hydro Electric power Station when you take the half day Powerhouse walk. On your return, visit the impressive Waratah falls in town before calling in to the historic Waratah pub for a traditional Tasmanian counter meal.

Day 2 – Fungi and waterfalls
Go south 10 kilometres toward Corinna and stop at the Whtye Hill Lookout. From here you can see the mountain ranges of the Tarkine unfold before your eyes, as though you are flying. Just a few kilometres down the road you will stop at Philosopher Falls for a short walk to see the most incredible display of fungi. These amazing plants take your complete attention creating a vivid display in brightly coloured red, purple, blue, orange and yellow. Ancient moss covered forest giant myrtle trees; delicate ferns and moss surround you. The powerful waterfall is the reward at the end of this walk .
When you arrive at Corinna, take in the serene mood of the Whyte River walk before dinner.

For those with more time you may choose to spend an extra day in Waratah and take your mountain bike along the abandoned railway to the ruins of the mining town of Magnet

Day 3 – Tarkine Rainforest
Spend the morning exploring the Savage River rainforest along the banks of the Pieman River and see the Ship Wreck of the SS Croydon. Upon your return take a leisurely paddle down the Pieman River in a hire canoe and keep your eye out for local sea eagles. Spoil your senses at Lovers Falls; walk above the crystal clear creeks and manferns and take in the serenity of these delicate and magic waterfalls. When you get back to the village you may wish to dine under the canopy of ancient myrtles, with each course delivered to your exclusive patch of rainforest paradise.

Day 4 – Tarkine Coast
Head up the Western Explorer to Arthur River. On your way stop at the Longback and do a short half hour walk to take in the incredible 360 degree views of the Tarkine. Choose your self-contained accommodation at Arthur River and spend the afternoon exploring the wild fury of the Tarkine coast amongst the strewn logs at the mouth of the Arthur River.

Day 5 - Home
Head home or take an extra day to clear your lungs in the cleanest air in the world, that of the Tarkine coast. As you leave, reflect on this awesome and rare coastal wilderness.
 

Winter is a great time to be enlivened by the wild seas and fury of the Tarkine coast. Enjoy the atmosphere and rug up for short refreshing walks. See the many waterfalls of Tarkine really pumping and hear the roar of gushing water as it makes it way down to the coast.
The Tarkine forests are magic in winter, the damp forest is quiet and enchanting, the smell of this ancient microclimate is unforgettable. It is a perfect time to relax too, as you can always find an inviting indoor fire and a friendly face in the Tarkine.

Day 1 – wild coast
Head to Arthur River and see the wild coast first hand at the Edge of the World. Be amazed by the sheer power of this coast, and see the dynamics of the Arthur River pushing against the huge waves at the mouth. Stop at Sundown Point and wonder how the "Tarkiner People" and many other Tasmanian Aboriginal groups managed to thrive in this environment for 35,000 years. Explore the coastal shack villages at Temma on your way south to Corinna.

Day 2 – Lovers Falls
Wake up in your cosy eco cabin at Corinna, put on your wet weather gear and head down river with your guide to Lovers Falls. Enjoy dry feet as you take this short stroll elevated amongst the manfern canopies to the most exquisite small waterfall. You find it hard to be torn away by your guide as you feel as though you could stay for hours mesmerised by this beautiful wall of water.

Return to the Tarkine Hotel and enjoy a beautiful warm lunch followed by a lazy afternoon in front of your heater in your cabin, reading about the wonder of the Tarkine and its fascinating history.

Day 3 – Philosopher Falls
Take a drive northward to Waratah and stop at Philosopher Falls. This short one and a half hour walk takes you to one of the best waterfalls in the Tarkine. See the head waters of the Arthur River and the moss clad Myrtle forest for which the Tarkine is famous.

Stop at Waratah and check out the Tarkine Interpretation Centre and Gallery. Enjoy a warm refreshment before looking at the Stamper Mill (old mine workings) next door.

Day 4 – Waratah Falls and the Powerhouse
Take a morning stroll to the base of the Waratah Falls on your way to the Powerhouse ruins – Tasmania’s oldest hydro electric power station. Be enthralled by the vigour of nature taking over the ruins of the power station; moss, ferns and rainforest erupting from its walls and floor.
Enjoy the company of the local characters over a counter meal at the Waratah pub. No doubt you will hear a story or two about how Waratah has long been a gateway into the wild country of the Tarkine.

Day 5 – Home
Head home via the Hellyer Gorge and see first hand this globally significant cool temperate rainforest and relic of the Gwondwana landscape.