Discover The Tarkine - things to see and do

Things to See and Do

The Tarkine and its unique beauty spans a significant region of north west Tasmania, encapsulating three major townships...

Arthur River, Corinna, and Waratah. The other towns of Stanley, Smithton and Tullah sit just outside the Tarkine and are great places to base yourself when exploring this amazing area.

+ Arthur River

Edge of the World Lookout is located on the southern banks of the Arthur River. From here you can smell the fresh and invigorating air of the Tarkine coast. There are several viewing platforms and lookout points as well as public toilets and sullage point for recreational vans. Take in the amazing dynamics of the mouth of the Arthur River as it meets the raging waves of the Southern Ocean.

Bluff Hill Point & lighthouse is located approximately 5km north of the Arthur River Township. From here you can see the rugged Tarkine coast at its best. Be amazed by the rocky outcrops and beautiful plants and bird life. Park your car at the lighthouse and take a short stroll down the waters edge to see this rare coastal wilderness and its unique tiny archipelagos. The road from Arthur River township to the outpost fishing hamlet of Temma gives ready access to the coastline in many places. From Arthur River, walk up the rocky coast to Bluff Hill Point (one to two hours). Or spend the day walking amid massive sand dunes from the ‘Edge of the World’ south toward Sundown Point. Couta Rocks to Sarah Anne Rocks is a short half-hour walk that gives a taste of the rugged coastline. Detailed information and downloadable map on Bluff Hill Point walk in the Tarkine walks section.

Tarkine Forest Adventures
Take a gentle buggy ride or slide 110m down into the world’s only Blackwood sinkhole forest.
The cafe’ lunch menu specialises in local produce and Tasmanian wine. Open daily 9am - 5pm (November - March). Daily 10am - 4pm (April - October). Closed Christmas Day. For further information or enquiries please contact Adventure Forests on 1300 720 507 or email info@tarkine.com.au

Canoeing/Kayaking Arthur River
Bring your own canoe or kayak or hire one from Arthur River Canoe and Boat Hire phone: 03 64571312

You can take a leisurely paddle up the river for one or two hours or the more experienced paddlers there is a 4 day canoeing trip from Farquhars Bridge to Arthur River Bridge.
Distance: 128 km.
Difficulty: Grade 2.
Entry Point: Farquhars Bridge via Takone West (C236), (Grid ref. CQ 703 400).
Exit Point: Arthur River township at the river mouth.
Water Level: Several days of rain needed.
Tasmap: 1:100 000 Arthur River; 1:100 000 Sandy Cape.
General Description: This river is suitable for relative novices with at least one experienced party member. It has a good deal of flat water and regular rapids up to grade 3. About 30 km after the Trowutta Bridge, the river enters a 10 km gorge with numerous small rapids. The Arthur River bridge at the coast follows a tiresome 14 km estuary. Campsites are plentiful and this trip could be included with Hellyer sections for a week long camping trip. The river can rise very quickly. Well equipped parties should have no trouble completing the trip without mishap. There are a number of exit points at the bridges if shorter trips are desired.
Please go to http://www.paddletasmania.canoe.org.au

Arthur River Cruises
There are two cruises available on the Arthur River. The AR Reflections River Cruise and the MV George Robinson Cruise.

The AR Reflections River Cruise is a 6 hour eco-cruise on the densely forested Arthur River. Pristine wilderness, waterfalls, platypus, native quoll, azure kingfishers and feeding of the white-bellied sea-eagles are just some of the highlights of this cruise. Departing at 10.15 a.m. and returning at 4.15 p.m. the river cruise is a must-do experience whilst holidaying in Tasmania. Gourmet lunch is served under cover in the rainforest at Warra Landing and the rainforest walk to Warra Waterfalls is breathtaking. Walkways are level to suit all ages and fitness.
As most days are cool in the rainforest, warm clothing and suitable footware are advisable.
The Arthur River is one of the last truly ‘wild rivers’ of Australia and this world heritage listed wilderness area is densely forested with myrtles, sassafras, celery-top pine, laurels, blackwood and giant tree ferns.
Watch carefully and you may catch a glimpse of Azure Kingfishers with their distinct, brilliant blue and orange colourings.
Phone & Fax:
(03) 64571288 Email: arreflections@bigpond.com For further details visit: www.arthurriver.com.auArthur

The 15.5 metre ‘M.V. George Robinson’, built in the 1980s, using plans from a 19th century river boat. Departing daily from the mouth of the river, the five-hour, 14 kilometres cruise to the junction of the Arthur and Frankland Rivers takes about 90 minutes. Morning tea is served while cruising past coastal heath, huge eucalyptus and acacia trees, all part of this ancient, virtually untouched, rainforest.
The only way to explore the temperate rainforest is via the river and it’s banks are lined with rare endemic trees; leatherwood, myrtle, laurel, celery top pine, sassafras, blackwood, eucalyptus and giant tree ferns.
Passengers disembark for two hours at Turk's Landing and can remain in the forest clearing and enjoy a glass of wine, or take a leisurely stroll into the rainforest with a local tour guide, who has a wealth of knowledge of the plant and animal life, the history of the area and the indigenous Aboriginal tribes. On returning to the undercover campsite, enjoy a barbecue lunch, served with a selection of fresh salads and wine. After lunch the vessel makes the return trip, feeding the sea eagles en-route. Look out for the elusive platypusThe MV “George Robinson” departs from the mouth of the Arthur River and
cruises 14 km up to the junction of the Arthur and Frankland Rivers.
Cruise departs daily at 10am returning at 3pm (September - end May)
Arthur River Road Jetty, Arthur River
Tel: (03) 6457 1158 www.arthurrivercruises.com

Fishing
Fishing highly recommended when visiting. Many travellers and tourists come from far away to enjoy some of the best fishing in Tasmania that Arthur River offers. During November to April the Salmon are particularly excellent in numbers and Trout can be caught all round.

Surfing
Tasmania’s rugged west coast is a renowned world class surfing area. A record west-coast wave was measured at 19.5 metres and the wind and surf roll in uninterrupted for almost 17,000 kilometres.
Tassie's big surf, big wave paradise is at Marrawah, just a short drive north of Arthur River. It is the venue for the National Wave Sailing Championships, a prestigious $22,000 annual five-day event in February that combines wind and wave skills to attract competitors and visitors. The West Coast Surf Classic, an amateur surf carnival that's been held for the past 30 years, follows at the March long weekend and attracts up to 1000 spectators and competitors.

Meet the Native Wildlife
Based 14kms south of the township of Marrawah, Kings Run is an 830hectare private coastal property dedicated to Tasmanian wildlife. Guided night tours observing Tasmanian devils feeding in its natural habitat are available. Advance bookings essential.
27520 Bass Highway, Marrawah
Tel: (03) 6457 1191
www.kingsrun.com.au

+ Corinna

Tarkine Hotel & Gift Shop is located in the heart of Corinna. Meet the friendly staff and browse around the Tarkine products as well small exhibits in the hotel dining area. Corinna is full of amazing walks and experiences on the Pieman River. Corinna Wilderness Experiences own and operate the Town and can recommend an amazing Tarkine experience to suit you.
- Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm, 7 days/week
- Phone: (03) 6446 1170
- Web: www.corinna.com.au

Pieman River Cruises
The Arcadia II is based at Corinna, and offers spectacular cruising on the Pieman River. The Arcadia II is a magnificent 17m craft built of huon pine in 1939. She has a leisurely cruising speed of 9 knots. The Cruise provides an excellent commentary, stunning reflections, freedom from other vessels and a truly personal experience with the river and rainforest. It passes close to the wreck of the SS Croydon at the mouth of the Savage River and to Lover's Falls near the mouth of the Donaldson.
This is an uplifting and authentic experience, rich in history, nature and personal anecdotes.
web: www.corinna.com.au
phone: (03) 6446 1170
international: +61 (3) 6446 1170

Kayaking and Canoeing
Bring your own or hire on from Corinna Wilderness experience.

Special kayaking experiences are available for guests at Corinna Wilderness Experience. Sixteen canoes and kayaks (with life jackets), are available on site. We now offer some unforgettable and breathtaking trips up and down the magical Pieman and its tributaries. Guests will enjoy the Savage River /Savage Island Paddle, the longer Pieman Head paddle( 18km downstream to the rugged west coast), the Lake Pieman paddle and the Lucky Creek adventure paddle, all with the support of Corinna staff. There is scope for short trips to explore the Pieman's other tributaries, the Donaldson, Whyte and Paradise Rivers. It is possible to be towed by the Arcadia or fast dinghy to the mouth of these tributaries on the Pieman and return to Corinna by kayak. The Savage River has the furthest inland shipwreck in Australia at its mouth. The SS Croydon is clearly visible and still contains a valuable cargo of huon pine. The Donaldson River boasts some of the finest fishing on the west coast. Some guests are just content to paddle on the Pieman around Corinna. There are water-based experiences suitable for all ages.
All water based activities are wind, rain and tide dependant, your safety is our primary concern, so trips can be cancelled at short notice. Weather conditions on the west coast do change dramatically so, as the scout's motto says, “Be Prepared” - this is real wilderness.

Walks
From the township of Corinna, the Whyte River Walk is a wonderful example of pristine temperate rainforest. With boardwalks sensitively placed in wet areas, this track provides easy access to a sample of the rich biological diversity and stunning beauty of the river/rainforest ecosystem. The walk takes between 70 and 90 minutes.
A shorter walk from Corinna, the Huon Pine Walk, has recently been upgraded and is accessible by wheelchairs. The Huon Pine Walk, which carries interpretation material on the important local flora, can be completed in 15 to 20 minutes.
The Savage River Walk has just been completed. It is an amazing transect of primary rainforest that offers a fresh dimension compared to the other walks. The 3km trek to the Savage River traverses huge myrtle beech and old huon pine and has magnificent views of the Pieman River from the ridges. The walk terminates at the site where the SS Croydon was sunk at the mouth of the Savage River. The wreck is still visible. The return walk can take about three hours, so many guests use the drop off and pick up service by boat to make this a one way walk. Better still, kayak down and walk back taking in the rainforest from two completely different perspectives.
A new walk has just been added that joins the point where the Savage River Walk joins Savage River and the bridge over the Savage River on the Western Explorer Highway. We have called this the Link Walk, because it provides a link between Corinna and Mount Donaldson on foot. Of course, guests can tackle the Link Walk in its own right rather than doing the Mount Donaldson Walk. The Link Walk hugs the Savage River and presents yet another dimension to the Tarkine rainforest. Some of the staff at Corinna claim that this is the best of all the short walks.
Seasoned walkers often take the track to Mount Donaldson and others have made transects along the coast from Pieman Head to Granville Harbour to the south, or Pieman Head to the Interview River to the north using Corinna as a base. The Longback and the famous Philosopher's Falls are also accessible using Corinna as a base. Your hosts can provide guests with assistance to tackle these and a variety of other longer walks. Hampers are also available from the Tannin restaurant.

Fishing
Corinna provides a fisherman's paradise, with large sea running ocean trout abundant in the Pieman. Mostly caught on lures, these beautiful fish average around 4kg and can be as big as 12kg. Other species are caught in the river but the big trout are the prized catch.
Whereas Corinna is sheltered and the river generally very calm, strong winds can be encountered on the coast. When conditions are fine, there is good surf fishing from Pieman Heads and the adjacent coast. In October and November, fishermen "in the know", gather at Corinna for the special two or three weeks when the white bait run the rivers.
Licences are required and are available at the General Store in Corinna. Guests can fish from the banks or from boats and canoes in the Pieman River and its tributaries. Excellent quinnet salmon are often taken in the Donaldson River downstream from Corinna. There are boat ramps at Corinna and at Pieman Heads. Corinna can either be the springboard for your own fishing trip, or the managers can organise guided trips.

Photography
Corinna is a photographer’s dream. The diverse subject matter – from wild coastlines to magnificent rainforest to extensive button grass plains and glorious mountain peaks, provide an array of pristine opportunities. Photography at Corinna is accessible to amateurs and professionals alike. Regular photographic workshops are held at Corinna, with details available on request. www.corinna.com.au

+ Waratah

The Kenworthy Stamper Mill is located right next door to the Tarkine Interpretation Centre and Gallery in Waratah. The Mill features a the original workings of Dudley Kenworthy’s Stamper Mill which crushes ore and separates it out into tin, just way it used to when mined from Mt Bischoff in the past. Take a journey back in time and experience the rustic atmosphere of the Tarkine’s mining heritage.
- Hours: 7:30am-4:30pm, 7 days/week
- Phone: (03) 6439 7100 [Waratah Wynyard Council Chambers]
- Web: www.warwyn.tas.gov.au

Waratah Museum & Gift Shop is located opposite the Tarkine Interpretation Centre and Gallery in Waratah. The Museum has been recently renovated and the collection reinvigorated. The Museum features an extensive collection of early photographs of Waratah and the Tarkine, as well as interesting artifacts and minerals. The gift shop sells a variety of hand made craft items.
- Hours: 10:00am-3:00pm, 7 days/week
- Phone: (03) 6439 7100 [Waratah Wynyard Council Chambers]
- Web: www.warwyn.tas.gov.au

Philosopher Smith’s Hut is located opposite the Tarkine Interpretation Centre and Gallery (and next door to the Musuem)in Waratah. The hut recreates the living conditions of the prospector James “Philosopher” Smith who sparked the mining boom of Waratah. You can walk up to the hut from the street and open the door and look in to admire its rustic charm.

Waratah Falls is located right in the centre of town, walking distance from the Tarkine Interpretation Centre and Gallery. A new track has been made to the base of the falls for you to enjoy the spectacular gush of the Waratah River over the craggy falls.

The Bischoff Hotel is located in the heart of Waratah overlooking the imposing Waratah falls and expansive views of the eastern plateau of the Tarkine. The Bischoff Hotel has all the charm of a bygone era, being 100 years old and still very authentic in appearance and atmosphere. The interior is teaming with memorabilia and stories of great Tarkine Legends and adventures. The friendly staff will make sure that you choose the best from their traditional Tasmanian pub menu.
- Hours: make enquires
- Phone: (03) 6439 1188
- Web: www.bischoffhotel.com.au

+ Circular Head

Smithton
Smithton is situated on the Duck River. With approximately 5000 residents it is the largest town and the administrative centre of the Edge of the World.

Smithton provides all the services you would expect in a busy rural centre. Major supermarket chains boutique clothing and footwear stores specialty shops and cafes abound. Smithton also has a medical centre with regular GP services and visiting specialists a hospital two full-service banks and ATM services.

For more information please visit www.stanley.com.au

Stanley
Established in the early 1800s Stanley’s streetscape is lined with genteel colonial buildings and fine cafes. A walk down the main street of Stanley is like stapping back in time.

Looming over the historic town is the affectionately named ‘Nut’ the solidified lava lake of a long extinct volcano. Visitors can walk up a steep challenging path to the summit or take a leisurely chairlift ride. Either way 60-degree views a-wait as far as the eye can see.

For more information please visit www.stanley.com.au

South Arthur Forest Drive
There are many visitor sites along the way so allow for a half to full day to enjoy yourself. These include:
Kanunnah Bridge Picnic Area
Perched above the Arthur River, this is a great place to stop if you want to launch a raft or kayak to the Arthur River on medium rapids. Otherwise, throw in a line and cook your catch on the barbecue!
Sumac Lookout
This lookout provides a dramatic view out over Arthur River and surrounding rainforest and tall eucalypts.
Julius River Forest Reserve
This site has recently been upgraded and has excellent picnic facilities. A half hour return walk winds through the cool temperate rainforest. Interpretive signs provide an insight into the nature of this forest.
Lake Chisholm Forest Reserve
Lake Chisholm is a hidden gem. This flooded limestone sinkhole is one of the many sinkholes in the area, but one of only two filled with water. A gentle half hour return walk meanders through a majestic old myrtle forest to the tranquil waters of the lake. This can be a fantastic photo opportunity, especially in the early morning, so remember to bring your camera.
Milkshakes Hills Forest Reserve
Milkshakes is a magical picnic spot. Picnic facilities are nestled among the eucalypt and rainforest trees. A ten minute loop walk through the rainforest provides an easy and relaxing opportunity to explore this environment. For the more energetic, there is an hour return climb to the top of one of the Milkshakes. From the top there are great views of the undulating countryside.
Tayatea Bridge Picnic Area
Easy access to the Arthur River provides a great opportunity to fish, picnic or even launch a raft or kayak and paddle down medium rapids to Kanunnah bridge.

+ Tullah

Regional events in the Tarkine

The social framework of the Tarkine is varied, and is expressed on a regular basis through a variety of regional events in and around the townships of the Tarkine.