The fantastic Tarkine and magnificent East Coast
We visited Tasmania several times. We loved hiking in the beautiful Tarkine wilderness, driving around in a motorhome, and watching the spectacular sunset at Lake Peddern. Visiting the stunning Bay of Fire on the East Coast and taking a day trip to Marie Island.
Maria Island
Maria Island is a stunning island off the east coast of Tasmania. It is known for its natural landscapes and rich history. It has abundant wildlife, like wombats, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, and Cape Barren geese.
We took the ferry from Triabunna to Maria Island, a 30-minute trip. Then we spent around three hours hiking around the interesting island.
Firstly, we went hiking to the “Painted Cliff,” which has vibrant colours and beautiful patterns.
While hiking, we also saw Cape Barren geese. They were released on the island to secure their survival, and the destination was named Tasmania’s Noah’s Ark in the 1970s.
Apsley Gorge – Bay of Fires
The Bay of Fires, near Binalong, is famous for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and the striking orange-hued granite rocks that line the shore. A nice place for swimming, snorkelling and hiking.
On Tasmania’s East Coast, we did the hard Apsley Gorge Circuit hiking trek. The eight-kilometre, four-hour walk starts with an easy walk but later scrambles through deep river gullies, passing waterfalls and waterholes. Besides, finding an exit was pretty hard.
We also spent a few days hiking in St Helens. We loved the wonderful boulders coated with orange lichen.
The Bay of Fire has beautiful rocks and, in addition, great hiking trails.
In the Bay of Fires, we walked along white sand beaches and turquoise waters and also swam in Binalong Bay’s cool water.
Western Tiers, Walls of Jerusalem
The Western Tiers in northwest Tasmania is a mountain range, which is a hiker’s paradise. We explored the area a couple of times from the charming town of Deloraine. A beautiful area with mountains, waterfalls and lakes.
We visited Deloraine several times during our trip to Tasmania. Enjoyed exploring the craft stores, lovely cafés, and nice pubs. We also enjoyed hiking and golfing on the challenging 9-hole course.
Hiking to the Meander Falls begins alongside the lovely Meander River, followed by a steep climb through the forest to the waterfalls. Then It’s a tough and steep Grade 4 hike (10km, 6 hours). Be on the lookout for snakes. We saw three in the lower part of the trek.
We sat on the rocks for lunch and enjoyed the view of the waterfalls.
Furthermore, we wanted to see some of the Walls of Jerusalem without staying there overnight in a tent. It was not a good idea. The first section of the track to Trapper Hut is the most difficult; it is very steep and gains 380m in just 2.5km.
After a short break at the Trappers Hut, we kept climbing until we reached a rocky plateau with a small, pretty lake called Solomons Jewels. Instead of enjoying the scenery, we had to rush back because a thunderstorm was approaching. Tough luck!
The Tarkine
The Tarkine is a large wilderness area in the northwest of Tasmania. It is a pristine area with temperate rainforests, wild rivers, and rugged coastlines. A fantastic region for those who love nature and hiking.
During our trip along the West Coast, we spent a few days in Arthur River, a small hamlet. From there we explored the rugged West Coast and the Tarkine wilderness.
From Arthur River, we took a 5-hour cruise down the Arthur River, in the Tarkine pristine, wilderness. While sailing, we passed through a rainforest of myrtles, sassafras, celery-top pine, and giant tree ferns. We also saw some white-bellied sea eagles and tiger snakes crossing the river.
We took a guided hiking tour through the Tarkine rainforest when we arrived at Warra Landing.
Before we went back by boat, we had lunch in the rainforest.
The next day, we went hiking in the Tarkine Wilderness, which was very enjoyable. Later, we drove through dense forest and button grass on an unsealed road to Corinna.
During the mid-1800s gold rush, the town of Corinna was bustling with over 1,000 people. In 2005, I stayed in one of the old miner cottages. The cottage had a big stove for heating water, and we used it for a hot shower. The lights were turned off at 9 p.m., and we had a good night’s sleep. Now, Corinna has transformed into a modern Tarkine Wilderness Village.
The following morning, we hiked the White River Loop through the Tarkine Forest and along the Pieman River. Later, we took a ferry across the river.
We waved goodbye to the amazing Tarkine as we passed the beautiful Pierman River.
Lake Pedder
Original Lake Pedder was much smaller and famous for its pink quartzite beach. The beautiful lake was flooded in the 1970s as part of a hydroelectric system. The project was very controversial. It is a great place for kayaking, fishing, boating, and bushwalking.
Lake Pedder was once a picturesque lake with a pink quartzite beach. Despite widespread conservationist concerns, the lake was drowned in 1972. The flood submerged around 230 square km of woodland and fauna.
We stayed with our motorhome at Teds Beach Campground, at Lake Pedder in the South West National Park, for a night. It was quiet and serene, with a breathtaking sunset.
I was lucky to have a great chef in our motorhome. Tonight’s dish includes smoked quail, asparagus, broccoli, and a creamy mushroom sauce.
We were privileged to have Lake Pedder all to ourselves.
At sunset, the colour went from silver to golg in 20 minutes.
Gordon Power Station is Tasmania’s biggest power station. The Gordon River dam is 140 metres high, and water from Lake Gordon flows into the river.
More from Tasmania: Hobart and South
More from Tasmania: Mt. Field and Cradle Mountains