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Tarkine: Rainforest and Waterfalls

The Tarkine is a huge area of ancient landscapes, with great landscape vistas from the Waratah-Corinna, and Corinna-Arthur River roads. These drives rival those of the World Heritage Area near Lake St Clair or the Anthony Road out of Roseberry in terms of the views and experience of a truly timeless and unique landscape. Of course, if you’re willing to get a little dirty, and most likely, rained upon (they don’t call it rainforest for nothing!) then there are a lot of spectacular walks to immerse yourself in.

Philosopher Falls near Waratah, in Tasmania's Tarkine

Philosopher Falls near Waratah, in Tasmania’s Tarkine

Philosopher’s Falls is one of the best rainforest/waterfall short walks in the Tarkine (or maybe in all of Tasmania??) – and there are now two walking tracks, although the original one is very much unofficial, and probably not promoted anymore. The new one starts from a freshly flattened and gravelled car park, and as unlikely as it sounds to anyone who has done the original track, the falls are now accessible by a mostly flat 30-odd minute walk. The view above is the one from the riverside at the end of the original walk. For some reason the road was gated and locked when I visited but the walk to the start of the track is barely 15 mins, and it really is a rewarding walk.

Tarkine Forest at Philosophers Falls

Tarkine Forest at Philosophers Falls

Rainforest stream in Tasmania's Tarkine

The cool, dark rainforest of Tasmania’s Tarkine

Philosopher Falls is in the headwaters of the mighty Arthur River which flows north, and then west, where it meets the sea at the Arthur River township (see Edge of the World). In this area is the South Arthur Forest Drive, which takes you to places such as Sumac Lookout and various forest reserves along the way.

Arthur River from Sumac Lookout, Tarkine

The Arthur River from Sumac Lookout, Tarkine

The highlight for me in this area was the abstract details of the plants and rivers. Waterdrops on tiny unfolding ferns, spiderwebs glistening in dew and sunlight, and water cascading over rocky outcrops.

Tarkine Forest

Tarkine Forest Abstracts

Tarkine Driving Times:

Burnie~Waratah: 1 hour

Waratah~Corinna: 1.5 hours

Waratah~Cradle Mountain: 1 hour

Burnie~Arthur River: 2 hours

Arthur River~Corinna: 2.5 hours

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About Luke

Luke O'Brien runs a stall at Hobart's popular Salamanca Market every Saturday where his prints and cards are available for purchase. Follow Luke's photographic adventures on Twitter at @lukeobrienphoto, at his Facebook page or by subscribing to his email newsletter.

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