The fantastic Tarkine and magnificent East Coast

We have visited Tasmania several times. On the East Coast, we took a day trip to explore Maria Island. From St Helens, we hiked through the amazing the Bay of Fires. In the North, we explored the Western Tiers and went on a memorable hike at the Walls of Jerusalem. On the wild West Coast, we ventured into the remote Tarkine and enjoyed a scenic cruise along the Arthur River.

Maria Island

Maria Island is a stunning island off the east coast of Tasmania. The island can only be accessed by a ferry. It is known for there long sandy beaches, fantastic cliffs, abundant wildlife and rich history. 

We spent about 3 hours walking around the Maria island Australia

The ferry trip from Triabunna to Maria Island takes about 30 minutes, though the sea can sometimes be quite rough. Once on the island, we spent half a day exploring its fascinating landscapes and rich history before returning to Triabunna.

Firstly, we went hiking to the "Painted Cliff," which has vibrant colours and beautiful patterns.

First, we hiked to the Painted Cliffs, one of Maria Island’s most popular attractions. Accessible only for a few hours around low tide, these stunning sandstone formations have been sculpted by wind and waves over time. Iron-rich groundwater created stain streaks of orange, red and purple into the cliff, a beautiful natural masterpiece.

Cape Barren geese were released on the island in the 1970s to ensure their survival, the destination was nicknamed Tasmania’s Noah’s Ark. Marie Island, Tasmania

While hiking, we also saw Cape Barren geese. They once considered one of the rarest geese in the world, were introduced to Maria Island to secure their survival, and the destination was named Tasmania’s Noah’s Ark in the 1970s. Today, it’s an island sanctuary and one of the best places in Australia to observe wombats, Tasmanian devils, Cape Barren geese, kangaroos and wallabies.

Apsley Gorge

Located in the Douglas-Apsley National Park, a short drive from Bicheno on Tasmania's east coast, is the challenging Apsley Gorge Circuit hiking trail. The eight-kilometer, four-hour walk starts with an easy walk through the forest and ends with a tough scramble through deep river gullies, passing waterfalls and waterholes.Finding the river bed's exit was quite difficult for us.Tasmania

On Tasmania’s East Coast, we tackled the challenging Apsley Gorge Circuit hike. This eight-kilometer, four-hour trek begins with an easy walk before leading into rugged terrain, where we scramble through deep river gullies, past waterfalls and tranquil waterholes. Finding the exit proved tricky, adding to the challenge of this hike.

Bay of Fires

The Bay of Fires, near Binalong, is famous for its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and the striking orange-hued granite rocks that line the shore. These magnificent secluded beaches are one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. A wonderful place swimming, snorkelling and walking stunning trails. 

We spent a few days in St Helens, where we hiked along boulders coated with orange lichen at the St Helens Point Conservation Area. Tasmania

We also spent a few days in St Helens hiking and exploring the “Bay of Fire”. We thought the name came from the wonderful boulders coated with orange lichen, but we were wrong. The Bay’s iconic name comes from Captain Tobias Furneaux as he sailed past in 1773, spotting Aboriginal fires lighting up the coast line. 

The Bay of Fire has beautiful rock formations. Tasmania

 There are spectacular places with amazing colourful rock formations.

In the Bay of Fires, we walked along white sand beaches and turquoise waters, and we swam in Binalong Bay's cool water. Tasmania

in the Bay of Fires, we walked along pristine white sand beaches beside the shimmering turquoise waters and took a refreshing swim in the cool, clear waters of Binalong Bay.

Western Tiers, Walls of Jerusalem

The Western Tiers in northwest Tasmania is a hiker’s paradise. There are countless tracks through temperate rainforest, dolerite cliffs, and stunning lakes and waterfalls. We explored this beautiful region multiple times from the charming town of Deloraine. The Walls of Jerusalem National Park is a spectacular and remote alpine region with no road access. There are fantastic hiking opportunities, but most trails require an overnight stay. Hikers must carry a tent and supplies

For a couple of years, we visited Deloraine on the Meander River in the north of Tasmania.  We loved the craft shops, an organic greengrocer, and the very nice cafés and pubs. From there, we explored Liffey Falls, Mole Creek, the Great Western Tiers, and Cradle Mountain. We enjoyed hiking, playing golf there, and buying honey and venison meat in Mole Creek. Tasmania

We stayed in Deloraine several times, as it makes an excellent base for exploring Cradle Mountain, Mole Creek, Liffey Falls, and the Central Highlands. Beyond its great location, we also enjoyed its vibrant arts scene, antique and craft shops, charming cafés, and nice pubs. When we needed a break from hiking, we took on the challenge of the local 9-hole golf course.

Meander Falls is a beautiful hike that begins alongside the lovely Meander River, then a steep climb through forest up to the water falls.   It is a Grade 4 hike: rough and very steep 10km, 6 hours. Keep an eye out for snakes. We saw three in the lower part of the area.Tasmania

The hike 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 3 hike (10km, 6 hours). Be mindful of snakes we saw three in the lower section of the trail.

We sat on the rocks for lunch and enjoyed the view of the waterfalls.

The top of the Meander Falls is over 1000 metres above sea level. This was a fantastic spot for picnic lunch, with a spectacular view of the 130m high falls.

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.  Tasmania, Australia

During our time in Deloraine, we never attempted an overnight hike in the Walls of Jerusalem we preferred the comfort of nice accommodation over sleeping in a small tent. We’re simply too old for that! However, we still wanted to experience the park, and we decided to do a day hike instead. In hindsight, it wasn’t the best idea. The first section of the track to Trapper Hut is the toughest, with a relentless ascent gaining 380 metres in just 2.5 km.

At Trapper's Hut, we had a brief rest and walked another 1km uphill until we reached a rocky plateau to a small tarn known as Solomon's Jewels.Unfortunately, we were unable to enjoy the Jewels, as a thunderstorm was approaching. We returned as quickly as possible. Tasmania

After a short break at Trapper Hut, we continued climbing until we reached a rocky plateau. There was the beautiful tarn, Solomon’s Jewels,  surrounded by majestic Pencil Pines and rocks full of bright orange lichen. In the far distance the Walls – the majestic mountain which is King David’s peak.   Instead of enjoying the scenery and having a picnic lunch, we had to rush back because a thunderstorm was approaching fast. Tough luck!

The Tarkine – Takayna 

The Tarkine, a vast wilderness in northwest Tasmania, is home to Australia’s largest cool-temperate rainforest. This ancient forest is rich with myrtle beech, celery-top pine, and the rare Huon pine, is a haven for nature lovers. It’s a fantastic region to explore on foot, by kayak, or on a scenic river cruise.

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

During our trip along the West Coast, we spent a few days in Arthur River, a small fishing hamlet. It’s the perfect base for exploring the wild, coastline and the pristine Tarkine wilderness. Here, you’ll have the chance to spot Tasmanian wildlife, including Tasmanian Devils, Sea Eagles, and platypuses.

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.

From Arthur River, we took a 5-hour cruise along the Arthur River into the Arthur Pieman Conservation area. 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.

Upon arriving at Warra Landing, we went on a guided hiking tour through the pristine wilderness and were excited to see a spotted quoll and some snakes. 

On return, we had lunch in the peaceful surrounds of the rainforest. Tasmania West Coast, Tarkine, Arthur River

After the walk, we enjoyed a delightful lunch surrounded by the stunning wilderness before cruising back.

After a nice walk in the Tarkine Wilderness, we drove on the Western Explorer Road through dense forest and buttongrass plains to Corinna. Tasmania

The next day, we took the Western Explorer Highway, a remote, unsealed gravel road leading to Corinna. It took us two hours to travel the 75 km road to get there because it is rough, with narrow, steep, and winding sections. Along the way, we stopped for a fantastic hike deep in the wilderness and were lucky to spot a Tasmanian Devil.

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.

During the gold rush of the mid-1800s, Corinna was a thriving town with over 1,000 people. When we visited in 2005, we stayed in one of the old miner’s cottages, a relic of the past. The cottage had a large stove for heating water, which we used for a hot shower. The electricity was turned off at 9 p.m., and we had a good night’s sleep. Today, Corinna has transformed into a modern Tarkine Wilderness Village.

On the following morning, we did an easy 1.5-hour white river loop through the Tarkine forest and along the Pieman River before taking the ferry over the Pieman river. Australia

The following morning, we hiked the Whyte River  Loop through the Tarkine Forest and along the Pieman River. You need to be careful where you step as there are many tree roots on the path, but worth the walk. We also spotted some pademelons and you may spot a platypus if you are lucky!

We waved goodbye to the amazing Tarkine as we passed the beautiful Pierman River.

After the walk we took a ferry across the river and waved goodbye to the amazing Tarkine

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 Peddern was once a beautiful lake with a pink quartzite beach. In 1972, the lake was flooded despite nationwide protests from the conservationists.  The flood submerged an estimated 230 square kilometres of forest and wildlife.

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.

For one night, we stayed at Teds Beach Campground, at Lake Pedder in the South West National Park.  It was quiet and serene, with a breathtaking sunset.Tasmania

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 an excellent chef in our motorhome. Tonight's menu: smoked quail, asparagus, broccoli, and a creamy mushroom sauce. Lake Peddern Australia

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. Tasmania

We were privileged to have Lake Pedder all to ourselves.

At sunset, the color changed from silver to this in 20 minutes. Lake Peddern, Tasmania

At sunset, the colour went from silver to gold in 20 minutes.

Gordon Power Station is the largest power station in Tasmania.The dam on the Gordon River is 140 metres high, and the water from Lake Gordon flows down into the Gordon River. 

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.

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