How high is the Nut?
The Nut stands 143 metres above sea level and consists of a thick layer of Tertiary teschenite which sits on soft sediments.
How did the Nut get its name?
The Nut was first called Circular Head when it was discovered by Bass & Flinders in 1798. The region that surrounds the Nut has since been called Circular Head. It depends who you talk to on the origin of the name the Nut. Some say it is a shortened version of the Aboriginal name for it which was Moo-Nut-Re-Ker. Some also say the name came from when the breakwater was built in 1892. The side of the Nut was packed with explosives to construct the breakwater, once detonated nothing happened and no rocks fell from the side of the Nut. Apparently, most of the crowd that gathered to watch the event, agreed that it was a “Hard Nut to Crack”.
Where is the closest fuel?
There is fuel in the Stanley township at the minimart on Wharf Road, as well as in Smithton which is 18km from Stanley. There is also fuel station at Rocky Cape which is 26km on the Bass Highway going towards Burnie.
Where is the Edge of the World?
The Edge of the World is in the township of Arthur River. There is a short boardwalk to the coastline and a poem on a plaque. It is also officially home to the world’s cleanest air, where there is no land mass between South America and the coast of Tasmania, blowing in incredibly pristine, wild winds.
What is the main industry in the Region?
The Circular Head Municipality has a diverse range of Industry. Stanley has fishing and tourism. Smithton is the town with service facilities, Greenham abattoir, McCain vegetable processing plant, Saputo milk processing plant, many sawmills and timber logging. The smaller outer towns are mainly dairy and beef farming.
What time and where can I see the penguins?
The best and safest spot to observe the penguins is at the Godfreys Beach Viewing Platform in Stanley. The Godfreys Beach Viewing Platform is especially designed for observing the Little Penguins in their natural environment without disturbance, the platform has red lighting and is FREE. The best time is around half an hour after sunset and penguins are most active from September to March. Please remain quiet, keep your voices low and keep movement minimal on the platform. Help protect our penguins by not touching or disturbing, keep at least 5m away, no flash or white light photography and no pets.
Are there many camping options and do I need to book?
There are many camping options in the Stanley and Tarkine Region whether you want low cost, self-contained or a caravan park, as well as Rv’s. We highly recommend booking any caravan parks and we have a few; Crayfish Creek Caravan Park, Stanley Big 4, River Breeze Caravan Park in Smithton and Arthur River Cabin Park. Pop into the Smithton Visitor Information or call (03) 6413 5333 and they can give you an extensive list of camping options in the area depending on your needs.
Is the Tarkine Drive sealed?
Yes, most of the Tarkine Drive is sealed. There are a couple of small up to 4km 2WD gravel roads into those stops. Stop by the Smithton Visitor Information Centre who are based at the start of the drive to check road conditions.
How long do I need to do the Tarkine Drive?
The Tarkine Drive can be completed in a single day, but it makes for a long and rushed experience, with around 3.5 hours of driving alone, not including stops. To truly appreciate the region’s rainforest walks, coastal scenery, and remote wilderness, it’s best to allow at least two days and divide the drive into separate sections. Taking your time gives you the chance to explore key lookouts, short walking tracks, and beaches at a more relaxed pace. Before setting out, it’s also worth stopping by the Smithton Visitor Information Centre to pick up maps and get the latest local advice.
What’s the Western Explorer (C249) road like?
The Western Explorer Road offers a wonderful wilderness experience. While unsealed, it is suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles. It travels through the worlds largest remaining stretch of temperate rainforest. Allow extra time, slow down and drive with care. There is a current 5tonne weight limit on the Savage River Bridge. Check in with the Smithton Visitor Information Centre on up-to-date conditions as the conditions can vary depending on the time of year.
Is there any accommodation in the Tarkine?
There are low-cost self-contained camping options at Trowutta Tarkine RV Park and at Julius River Motorhome Site and at Arthur River and Marrawah there are a range of camping and accommodation options. Smithton and Stanley are also very good spots to base yourself and do day trips into the Tarkine.
Where can I find the dump point and drinking water?
We have a dump point at the Stanley Recreation Ground and drinking water. In Smithton at the East Esplanade, you will find the dump point and potable water.
Can I get to Cape Grim?
Cape Grim is on private property and is only accessible by tour. Laura from Woolnorth Tours provide a fantastic tour breathing in the cleanest air in the world, stand under the giant wind turbines, learn about the farming history and visiting Cape Grim, a must see while in the area. Be sure to book.
Where can I find a Visitor Information Centre?
The Smithton Visitor Information Centre is at 12 Nelson Street, Smithton and open 7 days a week. We provide information on up-to-date road conditions, local advice, brochures, maps and help planning your itinerary. Stanley also has an un-manned visitor centre at 10 Church Street, Stanley stocked with brochures. Arthur River Parks and Wildlife Visitor Centre at 1409 Arthur River Road, Arthur River can help you with camping, recreational driving and walking information.
Where can I have a shower?
Swirl swimming pool offers hot showers for $6. If you are game enough to have a cold shower you will find an outdoor shower at 21 Wharf Road Stanley and at Kings Park Stanley. There are cold showers at Greenpoint Beach in Marrawah.
How well do I need to prepare before heading into the Tarkine?
Tasmania can have 4 seasons in a day, so best preparation is to pack a sunhat, beanie, coat, sunscreen and water. Most of the walks within the Tarkine are short walks. In the rainforest section of the Tarkine there is no water, food, fuel or service. There are picnic areas, BBQ’s and a couple of drop toilets. Stop into Smithton and get some food for your trip. If you are heading out to Marrawah and Arthur River there is a pub, takeaway shop and a general store where you can get fuel.
