Tasmania's Tarkine Rainforest | Peter Walton
Tasmania’s Tarkine (indigenous name: takayna) located in the north west is Australia's largest single cool-temperate rainforest with extraordinary natural wilderness beauty.
Our walking expert Toni Wythes visited the Tarkine to find out why this destination is one to add on your must places to visit list.
What is so special about the Tarkine?
The cool-temperate rainforest is magical, and the old enormous Eucalypts and Myrtle trees are breathtaking to walk amongst.
What can our walkers expect to see and do on the new Tarkine Explorer trip?
This trip will be an unforgettable exploration of the remote pristine wilderness, where you’ll walk through the ancient rainforest from Gondwanaland, see unique flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world, one being the giant inland Freshwater Crayfish. Board a river cruise for a sail down picturesque Arthur River. Stay in unique cabins and cottages with delicious local Tasmanian food and be led by our exceptional guides whose knowledge of the surrounds highlight the pressures of human interference.
What are the top three highlights of visiting the Tarkine?
- The feeling of detachment where you step into a magical and mystical forest. An untouched world and staying overnight in the Tarkine is truly wonderful.
- Spotting the distinctive flora and fauna as we explore the captivating rainforest.
- Walking amongst the giant and old Eucalyptus trees. One Myrtle tree we found was over 800 years old and it needed a hug, which took over 10 people to stretch out their arms to reach around the trunk to hug the tree.
Being the world’s second largest area of cool temperate rainforest, what type of flora and fauna can you expect to see in the Tarkine?
The Tarkine is the largest wild natural region in north west Tasmania and is a vital haven for flora and wildlife. There are more than 60 species of plants and fauna that are either endangered or rare. It’s home to the Tasmanian Devil, Platypus, Echidna, Wombat, Bandicoot, Possum, Glider, Southern Bell frog, Spotted-tailed Quoll, Eastern Quoll, Tayatea – Giant Freshwater Lobster and many more species. The lichens and fungis are uniquely different and exceptional. The Myrtle, Leatherwood, Eucalyptus and Pine Trees dwarf you as you explore the rainforest.
The Tarkine is not a protected area, how can we help to save this precious wilderness?
To help conserve this significant wilderness, please join our Tarkine Explorer trip so you can experience this incredible place, obtain the knowledge of why this region needs protection and contact the Federal Minister for Environment & Energy (PO Box 6022 Parliament House Canberra, ACT 2600 Ph: (02) 6277 7640)
Below are organisations and interest events you may wish to support to protect the Tarkine: