Adventure

Slip on socks and Blundstone boots, then put your best foot forward on one of the edge of the worlds extensive network of walking tracks or ease the pace on a heritage walking tour of our historic Stanley streetscapes and small country towns.

Dramatic coastal scenery

A fascinating day awaits exploring some 30km2 of spectacular National Park. Hugging the coastline, the park is famed for its striking geological features including sea caves and unusual rock formations. Being a walker’s paradise, you’ll uncover everything from short strolls to longer treks. Think coastal heath, rugged headlands, deserted beaches and beautiful rock platforms. Pack your bathers and a sense of wild adventure. Ensure you take time out to soak in the indigenous history – the interpretive signs reveal an incredible past. 

Local tips to keep you ‘reely’ happy…

With this beautiful corner of the state bound by stunning coastline, it’s hard not to find a spot begging you to throw a line in. The township of Stanley is well known for its runs of tasty trevally, with the local wharf being one of the most popular recreational fishing spots along the coast. Freshwater fishing can be found at Lake Mikany, whilst those keen to venture to the mouth of the Arthur River will likely be rewarded with sea-run trout and salmon. 

Seclusion and serenity

If exploring off the beaten track is your thing, add this secluded day use site to your list. Barbeque facilities and a shelter are available and if you’re visiting in the warmer months it can be a welcome spot to take a refreshing dip. Brown trout reside here so throw in a line if you’re so inclined. 

Courses with character

Tasmania is increasingly becoming a popular golf getaway, boasting more than 80 clubs welcoming visiting members. The townships of Stanley and Smithton both offer 9 hole courses – with Stanley’s said to offer one of Tassie’s ‘greenest greens and roughest roughs’. 

Something for everyone

Looking for an indoor activity? The Smithton Wellbeing Indoor Recreation & Leisure centre is a contemporary leisure facility boasting a six-lane heated indoor pool, kids aquatic play area and group fitness facilities. The centre offers lanes for lap swimming, recreational activity, swimming lessons, kids birthday parties, and both on land and aquatic group fitness classes. One day passes for visitors to the area are available. 

Adventuring off the beaten track

Hidden half an hour inland from the coast, Dip Falls has largely remained a local secret. Spectacular after a heavy rainfall, this two-tiered waterfall is unique in its stepped appearance. Its unique block-like formation can be appreciated from multiple viewing platforms and walking trails. Wander just a few minutes’ drive along the road and you can take in Big Tree – the name perfectly describes this towering gum with a 17m girth!

Up close after dark

Grab your puffer jacket – it’s worth bracing the evening chill to welcome the world’s smallest penguins as they head to their burrows. The purpose-built viewing platform is illuminated with special red lighting designed not to disturb these delightful locals. Leave your cameras, torches and loud voices behind as bright lights and noise will frighten and disorientate Fairy Penguins. September to March rewards with the best penguin numbers. The platform is wheelchair and pram accessible. 

Go sky high!

If making the steep trek to the top of The Nut is not for you, the chairlift might be just the ticket. A leisurely five-minute cruise aboard this classic chairlift will have you enjoying 360° views as you travel the 250m to your summit perch. Pack your camera and settle in for the breathtaking panorama!
The chairlift operates September to June.

It doesn’t get much better

Tasmania is a treasure trove for the keen wildlife enthusiast and the North West corner does not disappoint. Whilst it's almost impossible not to spot wombats and wallabies on your travels (please drive slowly at night!), devils quolls and all manner of mammalian inhabitants await you, particularly upon nightfall. A quiet meander along a river or stream will often reward with a platypus too. Don’t forget to look up – all many species of glorious raptors cruise the air currents overhead, least of all the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle. Quite easy to spot along the coast are seals, penguins, shearwaters, sea eagles, dolphin and whales. 

Kawasaki Teryx 800 4 Seater Buggies

The ADVENTURE starts here, so make it a family affair with Dad, Mum and the Kids and see the Tarkine in motion by hiring a Kawasaki Teryx 4 Seater Buggy and have an experience of a life time on one of our fully guided Tag-A-Long Adventures.

All Buggies come Equipped with all Safety Gear including Helmet, Gloves and Wet Weathers. The buggies are fitted with UHF Radios, Fire Extinguishers, rear Storage Box with Air Compressor, Puncture repair, First Aid and Basic Tool Kits, with room for a small Esky.
The Buggies have Half Windscreens and solid Doors for your Protection and Comfort.
A minimum of 2 Buggies per Adventure is required.

Pack that wetsuit

Tasmania’s serious waves attract some serious surfers. As long as you’re prepared to travel you’ll always be able to track down a ride. In the north eastern corner, the township of Marrawah is the place to head. The groundswell rolling in from the Southern Ocean will challenge those with best skills. Bring your wetsuit and hood – it’s chilly but oh so worth it. 

Mystical magic

Nestled within the heart of a pristine Tarkine, the enchanting Trowutta Arch awaits those who seek a brief escape into a world where prehistoric wonderland seamlessly melds with the ethereal beauty of outer space. This natural marvel, born from the dramatic collapse of an ancient cave, beckons adventurers on a short and easy stroll through lush foliage, unveiling a hidden realm between two sinkholes.

As you embark on this gentle journey, the verdant embrace of the rainforest envelopes you in a symphony of rustling leaves and the occasional call of native birds. The air is thick with the earthy aroma of damp moss and the sweet perfume of blooming flora, creating an immersive experience that transports you back in time to an era untouched by modernity.

The anticipation builds with each step, and soon, the path unveils the majestic Trowutta Arch in all its splendor. The arch, a product of nature's ancient choreography, stands as a testament to the relentless forces that have shaped the landscape over countless millennia. The collapsed cave roof has given rise to a captivating spectacle, a natural bridge that spans the void between the sinkholes. It is a masterpiece crafted by the hands of time, an open invitation to witness the raw power of geological evolution.

Armed with a camera, you'll find yourself captivated by the otherworldly scenes that unfold at every turn. The play of light and shadow on the arch's textured surface creates a mesmerizing dance of contrasts. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy above, casting ethereal beams that illuminate the hidden corners of this subterranean sanctuary. The interplay of colors and textures paints a canvas that seems plucked from a dream, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

Trowutta Arch is not just a geological marvel; it's a haven for biodiversity. The cool, damp environment beneath the arch fosters a microcosm of life, with ferns, mosses, and lichens clinging to the rock surfaces. The subtle hum of insects and the occasional trickle of water add to the ambient soundtrack of this secluded paradise. In the silence between these sounds, a profound connection to nature emerges, allowing visitors to lose themselves in the ancient embrace of the rainforest.

What sets Trowutta Arch apart from other natural wonders is the solitude it offers. Here, in this hidden alcove, you'll find yourself immersed in the tranquility of a place that has remained largely untouched by the footprints of mass tourism. The absence of crowds allows for an intimate encounter with nature, where the only sounds are the whispers of the wind and the occasional rustle of leaves underfoot.

As you navigate the moss-covered rocks and traverse the arch, the sense of discovery intensifies. It's a reminder that there are still pockets of the Earth where the wonders of the natural world remain unspoiled and untamed. Trowutta Arch is a sanctuary for those seeking a genuine connection with the planet's ancient past, a refuge for the intrepid souls who yearn for a taste of the sublime.

In the embrace of Trowutta Arch, time seems to stand still. The awe-inspiring beauty of this geological masterpiece, coupled with the untouched serenity of its surroundings, creates an experience that transcends the ordinary. So, pack your camera and embark on a journey through a doorway to another world—one where the echoes of prehistory resonate and the wonders of outer space unfold in a symphony of sights and sounds. The best part? You'll likely find yourself among the privileged few who have had the privilege of discovering this hidden gem in the heart of the rainforest.

Where to start?

Locals are spoilt for choice when it comes to the great outdoors. Walks on offer range from 15 minute strolls to breathtaking lookouts through to more adventurous treks to test your fitness levels. Your best bet is to grab a copy of the North West Visitor Guide, the perfect outline to get your moving close to Smithton and Stanley. Well worth a look is ’60 Great Short Walks’ – a book published by the Parks and Wildlife Service, but now also outlined online.

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