Get back to nature in Tassie’s Tarkine

Sep 05, 2025

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The Tarkine Wilderness, also known as takayna, located in northwest Tasmania, stands as one of the planet’s most extraordinary natural areas.

Two hikers with trekking poles embark on a Tarkine Walk, navigating a rocky trail overlooking a vast lake surrounded by lush hills. This wilderness experience unfolds beneath a partly cloudy sky, with the landscape stretching into the distance and mountains gracing the horizon.

We proudly feature it in our 3-day Highlights and 4-day Ultimate guided walks, which are completely pack-free.
This region is home to Australia’s largest remaining stretch of temperate rainforest and ranks as the second largest worldwide.

Escape Into The Wilderness on our Tarkine Tour, Tasmanian Walking Tours and Hiking Adventures

The Tarkine represents a living remnant of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, with some rainforest ecosystems dating back more than 60 million years.

A person wearing a yellow jacket and blue backpack stands on a forest trail, capturing the enchanting beauty of a small waterfall surrounded by lush green ferns and trees—a perfect moment in the Tarkine Walk Wilderness Experience.

This expansive wilderness supports an incredible array of wildlife, including over 60 species classified as rare, threatened, or endangered. Among its unique inhabitants are the Tasmanian devil, wedge-tailed eagle, and the giant freshwater crayfish—the largest freshwater invertebrate on Earth.

A group of people in outdoor gear cheerfully wave and pose on a forest trail surrounded by lush green ferns. They appear to be on the Tarkine Walk Wilderness Experience, carrying trekking poles and backpacks. The atmosphere is joyful and lively.

Beyond its ecological importance, the Tarkine is deeply significant culturally. It contains one of the world’s highest densities of Aboriginal archaeological sites, featuring ancient middens and stone tools that reveal thousands of years of continuous Indigenous habitation.

Four people stand on a wooded shore with a calm lake behind them. Dressed in outdoor gear, including jackets and hats, they embrace the Tarkine Walk Wilderness Experience while holding mugs. The background features lush green trees and a cloudy sky.

The region’s wild rivers, rugged coastlines, and complex cave systems further enrich its geological and scenic appeal. Unfortunately, despite its significance, much of the Tarkine remains vulnerable, threatened by mining and logging activities.

A rustic building with a tin roof, glowing warmly at dusk. Surrounded by trees, it offers a serene escape for those on Walking Holidays Tasmania, with a wooden deck and pathway inviting you to embrace the tranquil beauty of the Tarkine Walk Wilderness Experience.

Most of the Tarkine has been spared from modern development and is accessible only by foot or boat. Its weather-swept coastline, shaped by the powerful Roaring Forties winds, enhances its wild and untouched nature. Conservation efforts continue to push for official protection of this remarkable area under the name takayna, honoring both its cultural heritage and worldwide ecological importance.

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