The Tarkine
Australia

The Tarkine

Tucked into Tasmania's wild west coast, the Tarkine holds one of the Southern Hemisphere's largest tracts of untouched temperate rainforest, walked by few and remembered by all who do.

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  • 30+ Years Experience
  • Pack-Free Walking
  • Flexible Itineraries
  • Comfortable Stays
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Overview

The Tarkine sits on Tasmania's remote west coast, a stretch of wilderness rarely mentioned in the same breath as Cradle Mountain or the Overland Track, yet arguably as remarkable. This is one of the largest expanses of cool-temperate rainforest left in the Southern Hemisphere, a place where ancient myrtle beech and sassafras crowd the trail and the coastline runs wide and empty for kilometres at a stretch.

Few visitors make it this far west, which means the beaches, forest tracks and mountain passes tend to belong to whoever happens to be walking them that day. Wildlife is abundant and largely unbothered by people: keep an eye on the horizon for whales and dolphins, and don't be surprised if a Tasmanian devil crosses your path after dark.

Available Walks

Tarkine Forest hike
Group-Guided

The Tarkine Wilderness Walk - 4 Days

Duration4 days
Walking Grade
3
From$2,855
View Walk
Cradle Mountain at dusk
Group-Guided

The Tarkine And Cradle Mountain Explorer - 6 Days

Duration6 days
Walking Grade
3
From$3,895
View Walk

The Tarkine Experience

Wonder
Walk beneath Myrtle and Sassafras trees over 500 years old on the way to Philosopher Falls, in a forest that has stood for 65 million years.
Cruise the wild Pieman River aboard the historic Huon Pine launch Arcadia II, past middens and mining history, out to the river mouth on Tasmania's untouched west coast.
Stand at the summit of Mt Donaldson, looking out over a stretch of wilderness few walkers ever reach.
Wellness
Four days with nothing to carry but a light day pack, your luggage and every logistical detail taken care of by experienced guides.
Evenings unwind at Corinna's self-sufficient wilderness lodge or lakeside at Tullah, with a chef-prepared two-course dinner waiting after each day's walk.
Days move at the pace of the track, from a gentle 4km introduction to Philosopher Falls through to the longer coastal and river walks, with an easier option always on offer.
Nature
The Tarkine is the largest unbroken tract of cool-temperate rainforest left in the Southern Hemisphere, home to tree species found nowhere else.
Watch the Whyte and Pieman Rivers for platypus, and keep half an eye out after dark for a Tasmanian devil near camp.
Air here is reputed to be some of the cleanest in the world, drawn across thousands of kilometres of open ocean before it reaches this coast.
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Local recommendations are coming soon.

The Tarkine reviews

More About This Destination

The climate on the Tarkine is temperate.

October through to May is a popular time to walk.  It’s a lovely time for walking, but it is Tasmania so you need to be prepared with at least a good quality wet weather jacket. Our local guides who live on the Island love to walk in June when there are even fewer people around.

For more information please see the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall levels throughout the year.

As with any journey, it is essential to be prepared for your walking holiday. While we will be transporting your luggage from accommodation to accommodation, you will still be carrying a lightweight day pack with you. Here is what we suggest that you carry with you each day:

  • Walking notes, a map, and a map case
  • Picnic lunch packed in an insulated container (when supplied)
  • Quality waterproof jacket with a hood
  • Warm jumper or jacket
  • Sunhat
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunscreen (at least 15+)
  • 1 to 2 litres of water
  • First aid kit
  • Toilet paper
  • Some money
  • Mobile phone (please note that reception is not available in all walk areas)
  • Personal insect repellent, band-aids, and a small container of salt mixed with rice grains
  • Personal necessities (example: required medication)

Now that we have the essentials packed, it is time to think of those additional items that may be worth packing along with you. These may include and are not limited to:

  • Waterproof over-trousers
  • Warm hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera (with an extra battery or sim cards)
  • Binoculars
  • Notebook and pen
  • Matches
  • Small torch
  • Walking stick
  • Thermos (for hot drinks)
  • Additional snacks

Frequently asked questions

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FAQs are coming soon.

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As Featured In

Lonely PlanetThe AustralianTourism AustraliaNational GeographicTripadvisorCNNThe AgeThe New York TimesTourism Tasmania