6-day journey through Tasmania’s Western Wilds
Wind through World Heritage wilderness from Hobart to the West Coast, discovering waterfalls, rainforests and wildly beautiful landscapes.
Trip overview
The must-do experiences
- Sail the Gordon River on an award-winning cruise
- Stay at a retreat perched on Lake St. Clair
- Ride the West Coast Wilderness Railway
Day 1: Hobart to Lake Pedder
Travel from Hobart through the diverse World Heritage-listed Mount Field National Park for a day of adventure before arriving in Tasmania’s wild southwest wilderness.
See Tasmania’s prettiest waterfall
It’s said that Russell Falls is the most photographed waterfall in Tasmania – and soon you’ll see why. Walk through the cool-temperate rainforest to reach it on the 1.4km (0.8mi) return trail, one of Tasmania’s “60 Great Short Walks.”
Go mountain biking at Maydena
Seasoned mountain biker or not, the state-of-the-art Maydena Bike Park will win over anyone with a taste for adventure. Ride down beginner-friendly, eucalyptus tree-lined trails. If you’re experienced, take on gnarly 820m (2,690ft) drops.
Sleep in a cosy lake-side lodge
Arrive at Pedder Wilderness Lodge, perched on the shores of Lake Pedder in the heart of Tasmania’s wilderness. Choose from a range of rooms and get cosy by the fire. Spend the afternoon gazing over rugged mountain ranges and the vast Lake Pedder.
Day 2: Lake Pedder to Lake St Clair
Travel west towards Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, the glacial Lake St Clair. Stop to observe some of Tasmania’s most unique outlooks along the route.
Discover an engineering phenomenon
Tarraleah is known for its Power Station, a masterful engineering feat built in the 1930s. Stop by the Tarraleah Power Station Lookout for a bird’s-eye view of this mind-blowing spectacle and an insight into the hardship of the pioneers who built it long ago.
Retreat to the deluxe Pumphouse Point
Find true peace and tranquillity at the adults-only Pumphouse Point. Suspended over a glacial lake enveloped by myrtle forests, you’ll feel completely immersed in nature – with no shortage of fine Tasmanian wine and cheese.
Walk through the western wilderness
Venture into the lake’s surrounding wilderness on foot. Grab a map from Pumphouse Point and begin your adventure along the white sands of Frankland Beaches. Or, take the longer Shadow Lake Circuit through sub-alpine moorland and eucalypt forest.
Day 3: Lake St Clair to Strahan via Queenstown
Explore vast patches of wilderness, historic towns and tantalising seafood on your drive towards the West Coast.
Walk the Franklin Nature Trail
Discover the untamed beauty of Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Walk beneath a canopy of mystical cool-climate rainforest along the 1km (0.6mi) Franklin Nature Trail, another of Tasmania’s “60 Great Short Walks.”
Check out a mysterious open-cut mine
Stop at the Iron Blow Lookout in the ghost town of Gormanston for a glimpse into Tasmania’s mining history. Visit on a sunny day to see the water-filled mine framed by the unusual colours of mineral deposit stains against the walls.
Go off-road with RoamWild
Feeling adventurous? Let RoamWild take you off the beaten track on a 4WD adventure, where you’ll traverse to the peaks of the western wilderness. Snap spectacular shots of the landscape as the sky illuminates the mountains with pink hues at sunset.
Have lunch at a Tasmanian icon
Feel transported back in time at the Empire Hotel, dubbed the “grand old lady” of Tassie’s west coast. Stop in for a steak in its old-world grand dining room before admiring the National Trust-listed staircase, made from Tasmanian blackwood.
Stay at Strahan Village
Check into a unique, 19th-century-style cottage at Strahan Village for bedroom views across the expansive Macquarie Harbour. Come evening, savour the fresh flavours of Tasmania’s celebrated seafood at View 42° Restaurant and Bar.
Day 4: Strahan
Discover Strahan’s rich historical past, award-winning experiences and awe-inspiring nature journeys.
Cruise around World Heritage wilderness
Venture deep into Tasmania’s World Heritage Wilderness Area on the award-winning Gordon River Cruise. Relax as your catamaran quietly travels to the famous Hells Gates, Sarah Island and the untouched rainforest hugging the Gordon River.
Watch history unfold at the theatre
Strahan is home to Australia’s longest-running play, ‘The Ship That Never Was.’ It’s a guaranteed laugh, as the last great convict escape from Sarah Island is brought to life in a high-energy show. Performances run from September to May.
Ride the Wilderness Railway
Journey into the rainforest on the West Coast Wilderness Railway’s heritage Drewry diesel train, departing from Regatta Point Station. Discover historic towns and scenic nature walks with your guide. Onboard, enjoy light bites and a glass of bubbles.
Sandboard down the Henty Dunes
The Henty Dunes are 30m (98ft) tall and 15km (9.3mi) long; the desert-like landscape makes for a surreal surprise among the flanking rainforests. Hire sandboards from Strahan or walk 90 minutes to Ocean Beach, Tasmania’s longest stretch of sand.
Dine at award-winning Risby Cove
Settle in for an evening of harbour views and seasonal Tasmanian fare at the award-winning Risby Cove Restaurant. Perched along the waterfront of Macquarie Harbour, its fresh Tasmanian produce is every bit as good as the views.
Day 5: Strahan to Corinna
Drive northwest to Corinna on the wild west coast of Tasmania, home to Tarkine Reserve, Australia’s largest area of temperate rainforest.
Walk to Hogarth Falls
Before leaving Strahan, follow the easy 1.2km (0.7mi) trail through a fragrant rainforest filled with leatherwood, sassafras and myrtle trees. At the trail's end, you’ll reach Hogarth Falls, where you might spot a platypus floating in the creek.
Sleep in the heart of the wilderness
Check into a self-contained, gold rush-style cottage at Corinna Wilderness Retreat. With modern comforts and sweeping views across the Tarkine Wilderness, it’s the perfect base for exploring the raw wonders of the rainforest.
Kayak to a remote waterfall
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Tarkine Wilderness on a three-hour kayaking adventure along the Pieman River. Paddle past towering Huon pines to see the S.S. Croydon Shipwreck before reaching the remote Lovers Falls, only accessible by boat.
Day 6: Corinna and the North West Coast
Before driving back to Hobart or Launceston, take the time to enjoy Corinna or head to Marrawah, where rugged coastlines meet lush green farming pastures.
Explore Corinna’s walks
The Tarkine is the world’s second-greatest expanse of cool temperate rainforest, and its walking tracks are abundant. Set out on foot to admire waterfalls, wildlife and enchanting rainforests that feel a world away from reality.
Cruise along the Pieman River
Jump aboard the Pieman River Cruise for a relaxing, memorable river experience with fascinating commentary. The historic Arcadia II, a beautifully restored 17m (55ft) boat constructed from Tasmanian Huon pine, is an attraction in its own right.
Watch world-class big wave surfing
Get to know the surf town of Marrawah, the furthest western settlement in Tasmania, famous for its world-class big wave that reaches up to 19m (62ft) high. Watch seasoned surfers at Green Point Beach – one of Australia’s top three best surf beaches.