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Usitour
National Park & Nature

The Tarkine

📍 North-west Tasmania; main gateways via Savage River, Arthur River, Corinna and the Arthur River township
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4.6/ 5.0
★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location
Australia
Category
National Park & Nature
Duration
Allow half a day to several days (driving or hiking into the interior)
Address
North-west Tasmania; main gateways via Savage River, Arthur River, Corinna and the Arthur River township
Coordinates
-41.3500, 145.2900

Introduction

The Tarkine (takayna in the local Aboriginal language) is a vast wilderness of about 450,000 hectares in north-west Tasmania, protecting Australia's largest, and the Southern Hemisphere's largest single tract (world's second-largest), of temperate rainforest. Forest, wetlands, sea-misted dunes and mountains coexist here, sheltering ancient myrtle beech and huon pine plus more than 60 rare, threatened or endangered species of flora and fauna, along with significant Aboriginal heritage. It is bounded by the Arthur River to the north and the Pieman River to the south. Short walks from the Arthur River area and the Philosopher Falls track lead deep into the interior.

✨ Highlights

1
Southern Hemisphere's largest temperate rainforest
Protects Australia's biggest contiguous temperate rainforest with towering old-growth forest and moss carpets.
2
Philosopher Falls
A short walk leads into the heart of the forest to the dramatic, beautifully hidden Philosopher Falls.
3
60+ rare species
Shelters more than 60 rare, threatened or endangered plants and animals.
4
Aboriginal heritage
Rich in takayna cultural sites and rock art across the landscape.
5
Ancient trees and dark rivers
Huon pines and myrtle beech line the tea-coloured natural waterways of this starkly beautiful region.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best time to visit：Seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere; check local weather and events. For outdoor sites, mornings or late afternoons are often more pleasant.
→Transport：Australia is vast; most attractions suit self-driving or local day tours. For city sites, check public transport timetables in advance.
→Climate & dress：UV is strong; bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, stay hydrated, and beware of insects. Inland areas may have large diurnal temperature swings.
→On site：Follow on-site signs, do not feed or disturb wildlife, protect nature and heritage, and stay on designated trails in national parks.
→Accessibility：Some natural attractions have uneven paths or steps and may challenge those with limited mobility; check accessibility services in advance.
→Opening Hours：An open wilderness with no single opening time; tracks and lookouts are generally accessible by day and there is no entry ticket.
→Transportation：Best reached by car from Launceston, Devonport or Burnie; roads can be rough and some areas need 4WD, so be experienced before heading into remote pockets.

💡 Tips

• Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: An open wilderness with no single opening time; tracks and lookouts are generally accessible by day and there is no entry ticket.; admission: Free to enter; some private tours and experiences charge separately, please confirm at the venue..
• Australia has strong sun; protect yourself with sunscreen, hydration and insect repellent, especially outdoors.
• Respect local culture, wildlife and natural park rules; never feed animals or leave designated trails.
• Plan alongside nearby sights, using self-driving or local day tours to link your route.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of The Tarkine?

An open wilderness with no single opening time; tracks and lookouts are generally accessible by day and there is no entry ticket.

Any practical tips for visiting The Tarkine?

Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: An open wilderness with no single opening time; tracks and lookouts are generally accessible by day and there is no entry ticket.; admission: Free to enter; some private tours and experiences charge separately, please confirm at the venue.. Australia has strong sun; protect yourself with sunscreen, hydration and insect repellent, especially outdoors.

How long should I spend at The Tarkine?

A typical visit takes Allow half a day to several days (driving or hiking into the interior).

This entry is compiled from public Australian and international travel sources. Tickets, opening hours and transport may change; please confirm with official sources on site.