Walk On Tasmania’S Wild Side: Corinna Wilderness Experience

From its humble origins as an abandoned gold mining town, Corinna Wilderness Experience in the heart of the Tarkine rainforest has grown to become one of only four Tasmanian destinations to be awarded Advanced Ecotourism status by Ecotourism Australia. The eco-friendly township is solar powered, uses pure, captured rainwater and ensures all waste is removed. It offers guests a unique ‘unplugged’ experience in remote and beautiful surroundings that are also rich in history and heritage.

Corinna is the perfect base for visitors seeking an authentic wilderness stay. Activities include Pieman river cruises. kayak hire, fishing and bird watching, as well as a number of short, medium and long walks. These include the Huon Pine Walk, the Whyte River Walk, and the Savage River Walk, all of which start from Corinna. There are even more options a few minutes’ drive away, including the Mt Donaldson, Middleton Creek and Philosopher’s Falls walks. The Montezuma Falls walk is around 2.5 hours drive from Corinna.

Accommodation at Corinna includes the original Roadman’s cottage with its double bedroom, the old pub, which is now a group stay guesthouse with single and double rooms, and 16 wilderness retreats (one or two bedroom cottages). Heated rooms, comfortable beds, hot showers, fridges and cooking facilities help guests feel at home in the wilderness.

The general store, old pub and original buildings bring the history of Corinna to life and are the starting point for guests’ wilderness adventures. Accessible by most 2WD motor vehicles, the town is reached from the south by crossing the Pieman River on the legendary Fatman barge.

The Tarkine Hotel and Tannin Restaurant are gathering points for the local Corinna community and serve fine Tasmanian wines and beers all year round. In summer, visitors can enjoy lunch and dinners created from local produce (wherever possible) at the Tannin Restaurant. Winter visitors self cater and can order chef prepared delicious frozen meals from the Tannin Restaurant on request.

Corinna Wilderness: Things to do and see

1. Walks: From Corinna

Whyte River Walk (c. 1 hour)

- Huon Pine Walk (c. 20 minutes)

Savage River Walk (can also be done in conjunction with kayak hire – see below) (c. 4 hours)

Within driving distance of Corinna

- Mt Donaldson – approx. 10-minute drive to start point. (c. 4 hours).

- Middleton Creek – approx. 5-minute drive or 45-minute walk to start point. (30 minutes – all day)

- Philosopher’s Falls – approx. 7km out of Waratah. (c. 2 hours).

- Montezuma Falls – approx. 2.5 hours to start point. (c. 3hours).

2. Pieman River Experiences:

Arcadia II Cruise:

Departs at 10am, returns by 2:30pm

Travels to Pieman River Heads with commentary on local fauna and flora, including the famous Huon Pines, along the way.

Passengers can disembark at the Heads for a 1.5hr lunch.

Rates include morning tea/coffee, a light lunch and a cheese platter on return.

Alcoholic beverages can be purchased on board.

Minimum numbers required: 8, Maximum numbers: 35

Adults: $95.00 per person (Seniors Card Holder: $85.00 per person). Children: $55.00 per person

Sweetwater Cruise:

Usually departs at 3pm, returning by 4pm.

Takes passengers to Lover’s Falls, returning via Savage River and passing the sunken SS Croydon.

Minimum numbers required: 3, Maximum numbers: 8

Adults: $35.00 per person (Seniors rate unavailable).

3. Kayak adventures:

Kayaks available in single, double or triple seater.

Visitors can kayak up Whyte River and try their luck at spotting a platypus, or paddle down river to Lovers Falls/Savage River and either leave the kayak at the pontoon at Savage River and walk back, or paddle back.

Full Day: $60.00 per kayak

1/2 Day: $35.00 per kayak

4. Wildlife watching:

The Tarkine is home to pademelons, platypus, possums, quolls and Tasmanian Devils.

Birdlife varies according to the season but can include sea eagles, blue wrens, swallows, kingfishers and owls.

Who will spot a Tassie tiger?