Tarkine 4 Day Guided Walking Tour

That’s one of the things I love most about the Tarkine, no two days are the same. Every day offers a completely different landscape and walking experience. We begin with a beautiful rainforest walks to Philosophers Falls, where you’ll wander beneath towering myrtle trees and giant tree ferns, following peaceful creeks to spectacular waterfalls. The following day is one of my favourites as we take a private boat down the pristine Pieman River before setting off along one of the wildest and most remote coastlines in the world. It’s mostly flat walking, but you’ll cross sandy beaches, rocky headlands and coastal heath, with the powerful Southern Ocean never far away. On Day Three we return to the rainforest, following the crystal-clear Savage River through ancient forest. Guests can choose between a longer wilderness walk or a shorter, gentler riverside option. If you’re feeling energetic, there’s also the opportunity to climb Mt Donaldson for incredible views across the Tarkine. The final day’s climb to Mt Farrell is the most physically demanding walk of the tour, with a steady uphill ascent and a short section of easy rock scrambling near the summit. The good news is that we offer a shorter, easier alternative for anyone who would rather enjoy a more relaxed morning a relatively flat walk to the spectacular Montezuma Falls follows a historic railway trail through lush rainforest to Tasmania’s tallest single-drop waterfall, so whichever option you choose, you’ll finish the tour on a real highlight. 

Overall, if you have an average to good level of fitness and are comfortable walking on natural bush tracks, I think you’ll find this walk very achievable. Our guides set a comfortable pace, there’s plenty of time to stop for photos and enjoy the scenery, and the incredible variety of landscapes makes every challenge worthwhile.

The biggest challenge isn’t the distance, it’s the variety of terrain. You’ll encounter muddy sections, exposed tree roots, uneven tracks, rocks and, on the coastal day, stretches of soft sand and some rock hopping. Good hiking boots with decent grip are definitely recommended.

The weather is another factor. The Tarkine is one of Australia’s wettest regions, and conditions can change quickly. You might experience sunshine, wind and rain all in the one day, so being prepared with quality wet weather gear is important. Personally, I think the rain actually adds to the experience, making the rainforest feel even more alive and the waterfalls even more spectacular.

Our home for three nights is Corinna Wilderness Village, a tiny historic mining settlement surrounded by more than three hectares of pristine Tarkine wilderness. Staying here is all part of the experience. It’s peaceful, remote and feels like you’ve stepped back in time.

Now, it’s important to set the right expectations. If you’re looking for luxury accommodation, this probably isn’t it. Corinna is all about the location rather than five-star facilities. What it offers instead is rustic charm, genuine wilderness and the rare opportunity to stay in one of Tasmania’s most remote settlements, completely immersed in nature. Unlike some operators, who accommodate guests in shared rooms at the old pub with communal bathrooms, all of our guests stay in private Eco Retreat cottages with either queen or twin beds. As twin cottages are limited, some guests or groups of 3 may be accommodated in a spacious two-bedroom cottage with separate bedrooms. The cottages are clean, comfortable and well-equipped, featuring electricity, a separate bedroom, private bathroom, lounge area and kitchenette, with all linen and towels provided. Gas heating keeps the cottages warm and cosy on cooler evenings.

One thing I’d like guests to be aware of before they arrive is that Corinna is a remote eco-retreat. The village operates on a solar-powered hot water system, so shower pressure and water temperature can fluctuate, especially if several guests are showering at the same time. It isn’t a fault with the cottages, it’s simply part of how the property operates sustainably in such a remote location. Once you know what to expect, it’s generally not an issue and most guests feel it’s a small compromise for the opportunity to stay in such an incredible wilderness setting. 

The beautifully restored Tarkine Hotel is the heart of the village and is home to the excellent Tannin Restaurant and the Ahrberg Bar. It’s the perfect place to relax with a drink after your walk, swap stories with fellow travellers and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this remarkable wilderness community.

For me, the real luxury here stepping outside your cottage into one of Australia’s last great wilderness areas, with nothing but rainforest, rivers and birdsong surrounding you. That’s an experience that’s becoming increasingly rare.

For such a remote destination, I think the food is one of the pleasant surprises of the tour.

Each morning, as there isn’t a restaurant open for breakfast, your guides prepare a relaxed continental breakfast in Corinna. Expect a selection of cereals and yoghurts, fresh seasonal fruit, hard-boiled eggs, providing a simple but healthy start before heading out on the day’s walk.

If you’re someone who enjoys a good coffee, you’ll be pleased to know the Ahrberg Bar has a barista coffee machine serving great flat whites, cappuccinos and lattes. It opens from 8:00 am, so on the mornings when we don’t have an early start, you’ll have the opportunity to grab a coffee before heading off for the day’s walk. 

Lunches are packed each morning for you to enjoy in the wilderness. There’s something quite special about finding a scenic spot beside a pristine river, on a remote beach or amongst the rainforest to stop and enjoy lunch surrounded by nature.

In the evenings we dine at the Tannin Restaurant, where all dinners are served with a selection of Tasmanian wines and non-alcoholic beverages. The menu showcases quality Tasmanian produce wherever possible, including fresh seafood, premium meats and seasonal vegetables. Popular dishes include Tasmanian salmon, Scotch fillet, seafood linguine and slow-cooked Osso Buco, along with delicious homemade soups, sauces and desserts.

The only thing I’d mention is that Corinna is incredibly remote, and that’s part of its charm. Supplying fresh produce to a wilderness village isn’t always easy, so if you have very specific dietary requirements, the menu can be a little more limited than you might find elsewhere. As Corinna is such a remote destination, the restaurant offers the same dinner menu each evening. While the chefs do their best to cater for dietary requirements, there isn’t the flexibility to create a different meal each night, so guests with more limited dietary options may find themselves enjoying the same dish on multiple evenings. 

Overall, I’d say the food is fresh, hearty and exactly what you want after a rewarding day exploring one of Australia’s last great wilderness areas.

The biggest compromise on this tour is definitely the transfer time. The Tarkine is one of Australia’s last great wilderness areas, and part of what makes it so special is just how remote it is. We depart from the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Launceston and, on the first day, travel around four hours to reach Corinna. The good news is that we break up the journey. We stop in the historic mining town of Waratah for a coffee and comfort break before enjoying one of our first walks to nearby beautiful Philosophers Falls. Later, we continue deeper into the Tarkine for a second rainforest walk before arriving at Corinna, so the day never feels like you’re simply sitting on a bus.

Once you’re based in Corinna, the driving is minimal. Most days involve only short transfers between the lodge and the start of the walks, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the wilderness.

One of the absolute highlights is Day Two, when we swap the bus for a private boat transfer along the pristine Pieman River. Cruising through mirror-like reflections and ancient rainforest before arriving at the mouth of the river to begin your coastal walk is a truly memorable experience and something that makes this itinerary so unique.

On the final day, we enjoy one last spectacular walk to the summit of Mt Farrell (or the easier walk to Montezuma Falls) before beginning our journey back to Launceston. We break up the drive with a stop in the charming town of Sheffield, famous for its colourful murals, giving everyone the chance to stretch their legs before arriving back in Launceston.

The Tarkine does take a little longer to reach than some of our other tours, but that’s exactly what keeps it so special. Once you’ve experienced this incredible wilderness, you’ll understand why every kilometre is worth it.

No, and for many of our guests that’s one of the best parts of the experience! Corinna is a true wilderness retreat, so there is no mobile phone reception, Wi-Fi or television. It’s a rare opportunity to completely disconnect from the outside world and immerse yourself in nature.

While it can take a little adjustment if you’re used to being connected all the time, most guests tell us they come to appreciate the chance to switch off, slow down and simply enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Tarkine. I always suggest letting family and friends know you’ll be out of contact for a few days before you arrive, then embrace the digital detox. You might be surprised how refreshing it is!

The Tarkine is one of Australia’s last true wilderness areas and has one of the largest remaining temperate rainforests in the Southern Hemisphere, covering more than 500,000 hectares across Tasmania’s remote north-west. While many people think of the Tarkine as just rainforest, it’s so much more. You’ll also discover wild remote coastline, rugged mountains, crystal-clear rivers and some of the most pristine landscapes in Australia. What I love most about our itinerary is that you experience the incredible diversity of the region. One day you’re walking beneath ancient rainforest giants, the next you’re exploring a remote stretch of coastline where the Southern Ocean crashes against the rocks and the next you’re exploring the mountain scenery. Every day feels completely different. For me, that’s what makes the Tarkine so special. It’s wild, untouched and wonderfully peaceful. You genuinely feel a world away from everyday life, making it one of the best places in Australia to disconnect, slow down and immerse yourself in nature.