What if I told you… one of the last true wilderness regions on Earth… is hidden in Tasmania?Welcome to the Tarkine. Or takayna. A vast wilderness in Tasmania’s northwest… covering more than 400,000 hectares.
This is Australia’s largest cool-temperate rainforest… filled with ancient Gondwana plants… wild rivers… massive sand dunes… and coastlines battered by the Roaring Forties.
Some of the trees here are direct descendants from forests that existed over 65 million years ago. Walking through the Tarkine… can feel like stepping into another era.The region is home to more than 60 rare and threatened species… including Tasmanian devils… platypus… and the world’s largest freshwater crayfish — which can grow close to one metre long.
Along the west coast… you’ll find the Edge of the World. A remote lookout near Arthur River… where the Southern Ocean crashes endlessly against the shoreline. Look west from here… and the next landmass is South America.The Tarkine Drive takes travellers through rainforest roads… coastal heathlands… historic mining towns… and quiet wilderness reserves. Places like Corinna… the Pieman River… Philosopher Falls… Milkshake Hills… and Sumac Lookout.
But the Tarkine isn’t just important for nature. It also holds one of the richest Aboriginal cultural landscapes in Australia… with shell middens… stone artefacts… and thousands of years of continuous history connected to the land.
And despite how incredible it is… much of the Tarkine still feels untouched. No major cities. No massive crowds. Just raw Tasmania.Because in the Tarkine… nature still feels bigger than people.
Things to do
🌿 The Tarkine Drive
🌊 Visit the Edge of the World lookout
🚤 Cruise or kayak the Pieman River
🏚️ Explore Corinna Wilderness Village
🌉 Walk to Trowutta Arch
🥾 Hike the Philosopher Falls trail
🌲 Walk the Balfour Track rainforest trail
🪨 Visit Sarah Anne Rocks & West Point
📸 Experience the Roaring Forties coastline
🐾 Spot Tasmanian Devils, platypus & giant freshwater crayfish
🏕️ Explore ancient Gondwanan rainforest
🌧️ Experience Tasmania’s wild west coast weather
🛣️ Drive through rugged coastal and rainforest landscapes
🔥 Learn about ancient Aboriginal heritage and shell middens
🌿 See plant species linked to Gondwana from 65 million years ago
Visitors Tips
⚠️ Pack for all four seasons — Tarkine weather changes fast
🌧️ Carry waterproof jackets and warm layers
⛽ Fill up fuel before entering remote areas
🥤 Bring enough food and drinking water
📶 Expect limited phone signal in some regions
🚗 Check road conditions before driving remote roads
🛞 Be careful on unsealed western explorer roads
🦘 Drive slowly at dawn and dusk for wildlife safety
🥾 Wear proper hiking shoes for muddy rainforest trails
📍 Download offline maps before your trip
🐍 Watch for snakes during warmer months
🌿 Respect Aboriginal heritage sites and protected areas
🗑️ Leave no trace and take rubbish with you
📸 Weather can change quickly — protect camera gear
🌊 Stay away from dangerous cliff edges and rough ocean areas
Based on the Tarkine Drive route, here are the main places/stops commonly included along the drive:
- Edge of the World
- Smithton
- Marrawah
- Arthur River
- Couta Rocks
- West Point
- Temma
- Rebecca Road
- Corrina
- Pieman River
- Savage River
- Waratah
- Philosopher Falls
- Tullah
- Lake Rosebery
- Zeehan
- Granville Harbour
- Trial Harbour
- Montezuma Falls
- Trowutta Arch
- Sumac Lookout
These stops include: 🌲 Ancient rainforest
🌊 Wild west coast beaches
🏚️ Historic mining towns
🚤 River cruises & kayaking
🥾 Rainforest walks & waterfalls
🪨 Unique geological formations
🌫️ Remote wilderness scenery