We acknowledge the Conventional House owners of the land on which we journey, the Palawa and the Tarkiner Tasmanian Aboriginal Group. We pay our respects to their Elders, previous and current, and the Aboriginal Elders of different communities who could also be right here at this time and stay as the standard custodians of the land.
Once you consider Tasmania (Lutruwita in native Aboriginal language), the Tarkine Drive isn’t a highway journey that normally jumps to the highest of the bucket record. Effectively, it ought to be.
Having just lately spent 3 months travelling round Tassie in our campervan, we had been fortunate to expertise one of the best that this adventurous island has to supply.
And one area that actually caught with us is the gorgeous Tarkine and it’s driving route.
Situated on the north west coast of Tasmania, the Tarkine Drive is a self-guided loop that begins and finishes within the city of Smithton.
It takes you to wonderful waterfalls and temperate rainforest, alongside sprawling seashores and strolling trails, and to the sting of the world, actually.
There’s a motive it’s a hidden gem in Tasmania!
The Tarkine Drive – Itinerary, Historical past and Issues to Do
Throughout our travels we discovered lots of people speaking in regards to the Tarkine Drive, however not an excessive amount of nice info for it on-line. That’s why we determined to do the drive ourselves and publish this final information.
Right here is our full 2-day itinerary, stuffed with one of the best stops, strolling trails, and locations to see on the Tarkine Drive.
One of the simplest ways to get round is to lease a automotive and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Vehicles, which has the biggest vary of automobiles for one of the best worth available on the market.
However First: Tarkine – What’s in a Title?
Let’s begin from the start and discuss in regards to the title Tarkine. The title Tarkine means ‘belonging to, or of, the Tarkiner.’
An Aboriginal tribe within the space referred to as Tarkiner folks lived within the Sandy Cape area of the wild west coast of Tasmania for greater than 40,000 years.
They had been certainly one of three Aboriginal tribes on the West Coast, stretching from the Pieman River mouth to the Arthur River.
The Tarkine space is stuffed with relics and remnants of their fascinating existence, together with middens, hut websites and different artifacts.
These archaeological websites replicate a wealthy Indigenous tradition and spirituality that also exists at this time.
Not like loads of Tasmania that has sadly suppressed the island’s Aboriginal heritage (and destruction), within the Tarkine you’ll discover numerous nice info on the
There are informational indicators put in round the principle points of interest that dive into the tales of Aboriginal chiefs and leaders of the realm, in addition to explaining the best way they lived and hunted prior to now.
The Tarkine Rainforest – An Historical Magnificence Underneath Menace
The Tarkine Rainforest covers 450,000 hectares of land within the north west nook of Tasmania, and is extremely treasured and uncooked..
The Tarkine is a combined rainforest, with moist and dry eucalypts, riverine, heathland, moorland and coastal ecosystems.
You’ll be amazed on the peaceable rainforests and the historical past of the realm, which fortunately contains numerous historic Aboriginal websites.
Sadly regardless of the environmental and cultural significance, the Tarkine is hazard of being misplaced ceaselessly.
Logging is the only biggest risk to the way forward for the Tarkine as a wild space, and for the multitudes of animals and flora that stay right here.
Massive areas of forest inside the proposed Tarkine Nationwide Park has been designated as being open to the wood-chipping business.
This enables for logging and removing of big volumes of timber for wood-chipping, usually by massively damaging strategies of clear-fell logging the place each tree is reduce down, and the realm is then fire-bombed.
In April 2020, 356,000 hectares of beforehand protected land was launched for logging after a 6-year hiatus, and nearly all of this land is situated within the Tarkine.
Tasmania is thought for its untouched, wild magnificence, but the federal government is simply specializing in short-term financial features for personal enterprise.
It’s a tragic final result, and heartbreaking to see one of many planet’s most exceptional ecosystems could quickly be decimated
That is horrible and so unhappy to listen to and see for this superb a part of Tasmania. There’s a lot historical past and wonder on this area, it must be saved.
Fortunately there are some superb folks doing their greatest to guard this area for future generations.
To be taught extra, try this improbable brief documentary by Patagonia:
The Final 2-Day Tarkine Drive Itinerary
By now you’re simply itching to know all of the unbelievable issues to do see and do on the Tarkine Drive! Don’t fear, it’s time to get caught into it.
That is the precise route we did when driving the Tarkine Loop which covers the north west coast of Tasmania.
We determined to do it in two days, however be at liberty to shorten or lengthen this journey relying by yourself schedule.
Right here’s our 2-day Tarkine Drive itinerary!
Day 1 of the Tarkine Drive Loop
You begin the drive within the quaint city of Smithton, situated within the northwest of Tasmania and never too removed from the improbable village, Stanley.
Smithton is one of the best place to fill up on gas and provides, so ensure you do this earlier than you hit the highway.
There are many locations to remain in Smithton, from free camps to caravan parks and exquisite BnBs.
READ MORE: Try our good 2-week Tasmania highway journey itinerary in case you’re brief on time!
Smithton to Trowutta Arch
Head out of Smithton on Scotchtown Rd (C217) and benefit from the rolling farmland till you hit Trowutta Rd (B22, turning into C218).
Right here you comply with it by way of the city of Edith Creek, then veer to the left in direction of the city of Trowutta.
This turns into Reids Rd, you then flip proper onto the unsealed Reynolds Rd (there’s an indication to the Trowutta Arch).
Then it’s a brief 10-minute drive to the arch.
Observe that whereas this highway is unsealed, it’s in good situation. The one subject is the high quality silica white mud you’ll get throughout your automobile.
Trowutta Arch
Welcome to the gorgeous Trowutta Arch! Park your automobile and comply with the 1.1km path to the massive cave.
The path is beautiful, winding by way of lush rainforest stuffed with towering bushes and sprawling ferns.
The Trowutta Arch is a big geological sinkhole that was fashioned when the cave above it collapsed. Now the cavern is uncovered to the sky above, and an algae-topped lake sits on the base.
It’s a powerful sight to see, but for some motive only a few vacationers get out right here, so there’s a very good probability you’ll have all of it to your self.
For various views of the arch, and to see the second sinkhole, ensure you climb as much as the proper.
The time spent right here, together with strolling and spending time on the arch, ought to take you lower than an hour and is graded straightforward.
Trowutta Arch to Milkshake Hills Forest Reserve
After the Trowutta Arch comply with the grime again to the principle highway (C218) then flip proper.
Tayatea Rd will lead you into your first actual views of the Tarkine Rainforest. You’ll start twisting and weaving alongside slim pavement, with huge bushes hovering above you on both aspect.
When you strategy the gravel Milkshake Rd, you’ll see indicators for Milkshake Hills Forest Reserve turning proper.
READ MORE: Don’t miss out on all these different nice issues to do in Tasmania!
Milkshake Hills
The drive to the Milkshake Hills car parking zone isn’t too lengthy, however it’s lovely (and winding). Take your time driving then pull up on the picnic space, the place you’ll discover tables and a rest room.
From right here take pleasure in a simple 2.1km hike alongside the Lookout Stroll path to take pleasure in hovering views throughout the whole Milkshake Hills.
You’ll wander by way of the big button grass plains, which was created by the Aboriginal folks 1000’s of years in the past to assist with their looking of untamed animals.
This alteration to the earth is a part of their historical past, so spend a couple of minutes looking on the Button grass plains and picture what it might be like all these years in the past.
The lookout is nice, and on a transparent day you possibly can see a great distance. Observe the path again down, then if in case you have time proceed on the Julius River Forest Stroll, which loops again to the carpark. Julius River Forest Stroll is among the hottest strolling trails on the Tarkine Drive.
Complete strolling time within the Milkshake Hills ought to be a leisurely 90 minutes.
Milkshake Hills to Lake Chisholm
It’s one other brief drive to the following lovely location on our Tarkine Drive itinerary, Lake Chisolm.
If the climate is good put the home windows down and benefit from the cleanest air on the planet. Significantly, it even will get bottled and offered in China!
Lake Chisolm Stroll
The path to Lake Chisholm is a 1.1 kilometre loop and takes you deeper into the Tarkine Rainforest.
Lake Chisolm is among the best examples of a flooded limestone sink gap lake within the nation, and on a nonetheless day the lake acts like a mirror to offer good reflections.
In the event you’re actually fortunate you would possibly even spot a platypus!
Give your self about half-hour to stroll to the lake and again.
Tenting Choice – Julius River Forest Reserve
In the event you’re planning on tenting alongside the Tarkine Drive, there’s an amazing free camp situated at Julius River Forest Reserve, between Lake Chisolm and Sumac Lookout.
That is the place we stayed, and it was peaceable, flat and clear. You are able to do the remainder of day 1’s actions the following morning, or drive again right here if in case you have numerous time within the afternoon to kill.
In the event you’re not tenting, you possibly can proceed onto Arthur River to remain the evening.
Lake Chisolm to Couta Rocks
This lengthy stretch of drive will take you out of the forest and all the best way right down to the coast. However that doesn’t imply there aren’t any spots to stretch the legs alongside the best way!
Sumac Lookout
Simply previous Julius River Forest Reserve you’ll see a car parking zone for Sumac Lookout.
Sumac Lookout presents lovely views over the Arthur River and the encompassing cool temperate rainforest.
It’s a simple 5 minute stroll which you are able to do in any footwear. There’s an info board explaining extra in regards to the space.
Kanunnah Bridge
You gained’t miss the Kanunnah Bridge (though you drive previous it to proceed the Tarkine Drive).
Pull over by the aspect of the highway and go for a stroll alongside the trail on the bridge. This can be a great place to view the rapids and reflections of the fabled Arthur River under.
Couta Rocks
Once you hit the north west coast comply with the gravel highway down in direction of Couta Rocks.
This spectacular shoreline is greatest explored by foot, so park the automotive and go for a stroll alongside the stretches of reflective sand and enormous rock bluffs.
It’s a reasonably distinctive place, and the small fishing village there could provide you with an perception into simply how wild the northwest a part of Tasmania may be.
Couta Rocks to Arthur River
It’s solely a brief distance to Arthur River, but it surely may take you an hour or two with a number of of the stops to make alongside the best way.
The principle highway is paved, however the tracks between the seashores are unsealed and sometimes potholed.
Sarah Anne Rocks
The Sarah Anne Stroll is known as after the well-known native watercolour artist, Sarah Anne Fogg.
It’s a simple 30-minute return stroll the place you’ll get to expertise some dramatic rock formations on the coast.
Nelson Bay
Simply earlier than you get to Arthur River you’ll come throughout Nelson Bay, situated down a brief gravel highway.
This distant fishing village is quirky and rugged, and this part of the north west coast is completely very good.
You possibly can stroll round Nelson Bay, head to the north finish to Sunset Reserve, then comply with the inland observe to the mouth of Sunset Creek to see the traditional rock carvings.
The entire stroll from Nelson Bay to Sunset Creek ought to take about 1.5 hours return.
The place to Keep in Arthur River
In the event you’re pulling up in Arthur River for the evening, you’ll discover quite a lot of quaint guesthouses to remain in.
By far one of the best is Sundown Vacation Villas, a gorgeous self-contained lodging with gorgeous vistas over the Arthur River.
It does ebook out although, so get in early if you wish to crash right here for the evening.
Right here’s the place you’ll discover all the opposite prime locations to remain in Arthur River.
Day 2 of the Tarkine Loop
Welcome to the second day of our Tarkine Drive itinerary! You’re in all probability drained from the large day yesterday, however there’s no time to sleep in.
As a substitute rise up early, take pleasure in a scrumptious breakfast from one of many Arthur River cafes, and prepare for the primary journey.
Fringe of the World
We’re going to begin the day by heading out to the Fringe of the World.
That is Tasmania’s rugged north west coast at its greatest. Lovely surroundings, attractive ocean views, however wild and windy.
To get to the “Fringe of the World” you’ll enter through a gravel highway which leads as much as a carpark. There’s a simple boardwalk out to the principle lookout.
It’s a reasonably insane a part of the island! The wind on the day we visited was hectic and almost blew us off the seaside. So be ready and convey a coat.
There are additionally clear bathroom amenities.
The Fringe of the World lookout options an exhilarating view of the Tarkine coast. Straightforward, 10 minutes.
Arthur River Cruise
After the journey to the Fringe of the World it’s time to take a look at among the finest issues to do in Tasmania – an Arthur River cruise.
Beginning at 10am you leap onboard the well-known ‘Purple Boat’, MV George Robinson, and exit on a 14km journey into the guts of Tasmania’s Tarkine wilderness.
It’s like stepping again in time, and also you’ll fall in love with the wildlife and surroundings throughout.
In the event you’re fortunate you would possibly spot white-bellied sea eagles swooping for fish, azure kingfishers, and even platypus, noticed quolls or pademeons.
The cruise has refreshments and a BBQ lunch within the bush. Seating is 2 rows of two and views of the river and surrounds are nice wherever you’re seated.
You may as well go on the open prime deck the place there’s extra seating and improbable viewing of the forest and river.
The journey is a 5 hours together with lunch and a brief interpretive bush stroll. The tempo of the tour may be very stress-free and the surroundings you undergo is a uncommon glimpse into wilderness.
Effectively price doing! Ebook it direct by way of Arthur River Cruises.
Different – Arthur River Coastal Stroll
In the event you don’t need to exit on the Arthur River Cruise, you possibly can as an alternative go for a marvellous Arthur River coastal stroll.
The Arthur River Seaside Stroll is an 8.4 km return path beginning on the mouth of the Arthur River.
Stroll north alongside the coast to Church Rock and be amazed on the attractive views and sounds of nature the whole approach.
This can be a reasonable stroll and can take 2.5 hours return. Canine are permitted on this path, however they should be stored on a leash.
Arthur River to Marrawah
The drive to Marrawah is one other brief and straightforward one, however there are a few cease offs to take pleasure in alongside the best way for this portion of the Tarkine Drive.
Bluff Hill
Take the gravel Bluff Hill Rd to go see the lighthouse overlooking the rugged shoreline.
The Bliff Hill Lighthouse was inbuilt 1982, and whereas it’s not probably the most historic lighthouse in Tasmania, it’s nonetheless price a detour for the views.
There’s a carpark on the market, however remember that bees have inhabited the realm.
You possibly can stroll right down to the ocean through a tough bush observe in case you’d like.
West Level Reserve
West Level Reserve is a major Aboriginal Heritage website and a well-liked browsing spot that’s recognized for its huge waves.
You’ll additionally discover the West Level Lighthouse, which was inbuilt 1916 on probably the most westerly level of Tasmania, Australia.
Inexperienced Level Seaside
Drive by way of the bucolic coastal city of Marrawah and head out to Inexperienced Level Seaside, some of the lovely spots within the northwest.
Right here you’ll discover the lengthy seaside with a picnic space, electrical BBQs, a playground and public bathrooms.
Inexperienced Level Seaside is a good spot to go online, kitesurfing and windsurfing, and the rock swimming pools on the southern finish of the seaside are wonderful to discover.
It’s a good spot for a cold dip, however do be water sensible as this seaside isn’t patrolled.
There’s a free camp situated right here for campervans, so in case you really feel like staying by the seaside as an alternative of continuous straight again to Smithton (which is what we did), pull up right here for a number of nights.
Marrawah to Smithton
That is the ultimate stretch of the Tarkine Drive! There isn’t loads to see alongside the best way, until you could have a 4×4 and need to drive the northern route again to city.
Congratulations! You’ve now explored certainly one of Tasmania’s most lovely and wild areas.
From Smithton you possibly can drive out to Stanley to climb the Nut, or proceed additional alongside the north coast of Tassie.
Suggestions for the Tarkine Drive
Now that we’ve talked in regards to the historical past, ecology and itinerary for the Tarkine Drive, it’s time to dive into a few of our greatest suggestions!
You possibly can drive the Tarkine Loop, in a single, two or three days.
There’s a lot to see and do alongside the best way, and we suggest spending a minimum of two days driving it if in case you have time.
There is no such thing as a public transport alongside the Tarkine Drive so you’ll have to have your personal automobile.
One of the simplest ways to get round is to lease a automotive and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Vehicles, which has the biggest vary of automobiles for one of the best worth available on the market.
Which Course to do the Tarkine Drive?
The Tarkine Drive is a loop and you are able to do both clockwise or anti-clockwise from Smithton.
We did it clockwise, and that is the route we suggest. Be at liberty to reverse it in case you’d like although.
Clockwise
From Smithton, you’ll head south on Scotchtown Street which is able to flip into Trowutta Street.
Observe Trowutta Street and it’ll begin to head east towards Tayatea Bridge.
After Tayatea Bridge, you’ll comply with Tayatea Street which adjustments to Fast River Street then Sumac Street.
Observe the highway till you get to Kanunnah Bridge, then the highway will flip into Blackwater Street. You might be heading north west in direction of the coast now.
You’ll cross the Western Explorer turn-off. This highway is just for 4×4 automobiles and heads to the small city of Corinna.
After this turn-off, the highway is known as Rebecca Street and can take you to Couta Rocks.
After Couta Rocks you’ll begin heading north and comply with the coast.
Observe Temma Street to the city of Arthur River.
After Arthur River, the highway is names Arthur River Street and it will take you to Marrawah.
From Marrawah you possibly can comply with the Bass Freeway to take you again to Smithton.
How A lot Time do I Want for the Tarkine Drive?
We might suggest breaking the Tarkine Drive up over 2 days. Although the drive may be down in sooner or later simply, chances are you’ll really feel rushed or find yourself skipping a number of issues.
By giving your self two days for the Tarkine Drive, you could have time to cease off at points of interest and revel in them with out being in a rush
You’ll be within the automotive for a minimum of 3-4 hours a day, however there are numerous locations to cease off at and stretch these legs.
Street Circumstances on the Tarkine Loop
The principle roads that you just comply with are sealed the whole approach, which makes the Tarkine Drive doable for any automobile.
Among the points of interest are situated away from the principle roads although, and chances are you’ll must drive on a gravel highway for elements of it. These roads are effectively maintained however may be dusty, particularly the final part to Trowutta Arch.
Once you get again to Smithton there’s a nice automotive wash that’s tall sufficient for caravans and campervans.
Gas, Meals and Cellphone Service alongside the Tarkine Drive
The Tarkine Drive goes by way of some distant, small villages and provides may be very onerous to come back by, so we suggest stocking up in Smithton earlier than you hit the highway.
There are solely two cities alongside the Tarkine Drive the place chances are you’ll discover fundamental companies on this drive: Arthur River and Marrawah.
Marrawah has a small common retailer, a pub, a publish workplace and petrol accessible.
Arthur River has a small retailer with a take-away counter however no petrol.
Gas
Replenish in Smithton earlier than leaving as the following gasoline station isn’t until Marrawah. It’s going to even be less expensive on the town.
In case you are heading right down to Corinna ensure you take further gas as the closest gasoline station from Corinna is Zeehan, Waratah or Rosebery.
Meals
As I mentioned above, you’re looking at Arthur River or Marrawah for meals choices.
You will get take away meals in Arthur River and buy requirements from the small common retailer.
In Marrawah, there’s a pub there for counter meals and a small common retailer to buy requirements.
Fill up on the Woolworths in Smithton if you’d like bulk meats, produce and snacks.
Bogs
There are only a few public bathrooms on the Tarkine Drive, so preserve this in thoughts earlier than you go consuming your fifth litre of water.
There are bathrooms at Inexperienced Level Seaside, the Arthur River Ranger Station, the Fringe of the World Viewpoint, Julius River, Milkshake Hills and Dip Falls. These are primarily clear drop bathrooms.
Undoubtedly convey your personal bathroom paper, as the bathroom blocks could not get restocked fairly often.
In the event you’re busting and might’t maintain on till you get to a rest room, do the proper factor and go effectively away from camps, waterways, roads, and tracks. Bury your waste and take your bathroom paper with you. Please don’t go away it as it might probably hurt animals (and appears disgusting).
Cellular Service
There is no such thing as a cell phone protection alongside elements of the Tarkine Drive due to the remoteness.
Jarryd is with Telstra and I’m with Optus, and we will let you know that Telstra is the one which labored probably the most alongside the drive.
Optus didn’t have any protection till we received to Marrawah.
The Tarkine Drive is well-signed (brown vacationer indicators), and points of interest are additionally signposted, so so long as you keep on the principle highway, you may be high quality.
Pre-load Google Maps earlier than you hit the highway. For an offline navigation app, we suggest Maps.me. Simply ensure you obtain the offline map earlier than you allow.
The place to Keep Alongside the Tarkine Drive
There’s lodging alongside the Tarkine Drive, however it’s fairly restricted. All of it relies upon if you wish to sleep in a room, or a campervan or caravan.
Lodging
For room choices, there’s not loads to select from alongside the Tarkine Drive.
The massive cities of Marrawah and Arthur River are your solely choices, and selections are restricted.
In Marrawah, there are a few self-contained vacation house leases and in Arthur River there are a lot extra choices from rooms to little cottages to self contained items.
In the event you shouldn’t have a tent or campervan, I’d suggest to remain in Arthur River to interrupt up the journey. You are able to do a cruise within the morning and head off again to Smithton.
On the east aspect and south aspect of the Tarkine Drive loop there is no such thing as a lodging, solely tenting.
Tenting
There are nice choices for tenting alongside the Tarkine Drive.
Right here’s my full record of all of the campsites alongside the Tarkine Drive:
- Julius River Forest Reserve on freeway C218 (Free, self-contained caravans solely)
- Manuka Campground, Arthur River (Test in and pay at Arthur River Ranger Station)
- Peppermint Campground, Arthur River (Test in and pay at Arthur River Ranger Station)
- Prickly Wattle Campground, Arthur River (Test in and pay at Arthur River Ranger Station)
- Arthur River Cabin Park, Arthur River (Contact them for charges)
- Inexperienced Level Campground, Marrawah (Free)
We stayed at Julius River Forest Reserve and Inexperienced Level Campground in our self contained campervan. Each had been nice with lovely environment.
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