“Hi, I'm Shannon, during the summer of 2011 as a bursary student with Forestry Tasmania, I took the challenge to visit Forestry Tamania's 52 visitor sites.
Another day, another adventure (oh how I love my job). Today’s destination was Taranna Forest Drive, located down the Tasman Peninsular. Taranna Forest Drive is a scenic detour between Eaglehawk Neck and Taranna.
It’s just a 5 minute drive past Eaglehawk Neck before you come across a green Forestry Tasmania sign which indicates you should turn left. At first it just looks like you are driving along a country road, with houses either side; however, it is not long before the houses start to drop away and you are in the forest.
Like most Forestry roads (as I am finding out) this one is gravel. It can get a bit rough in patches, and there are a few potholes to manoeuvre around but all in all it isn’t too bad, and if you drive carefully a car would be suitable.
There is so much to do along this drive, walks, lookouts, and other detours along the way. Just keep an eye out on the signs and you are sure to find something that interests you. My first stop was Eaglehawk Lookout. Now let me just say that I am reluctant to share this with you because it could be one of Tassie’s best kept secrets. It’s only a 5km detour off the Taranna Drive, and is definitely worth it. Before you reach Eaglehawk Lookout, there is also Norfolk Bay lookout on the left; and obviously this looks out over Norfolk Bay, the large water body in the centre of the Tasman Peninsular.
At the end of the road, there are a few somewhat established car parks, as I was the only one up here parking was definitely not an issue, but I’d say you could only fit maybe 4 cars altogether before it got a bit messy. From the car park, I walked down a quite steep, dirt track. It is quite unstable in spots, so just go very slowly and you will be fine. It only goes for about 5 metres though so it’s not so bad.
At the bottom, is a small clearing from which you can see the most amazing view. On this particular day, it was semi-overcast but the sun was shining through the clouds giving a different light from what you would normally see. You look out over Eaglehawk Neck, and the beach below, and all the way to the horizon. It would be the perfect place to watch the sunrise. There are no barriers, so take care, and if you have children, watch them like a hawk (Eaglehawk - jokes).
After dragging myself away from the view, I drove back down onto Taranna Forest Drive. There is also a Forest Walk just a bit further along. I did a little bit of this, but with all the rain we have been getting the ground was a bit soggy. I kept driving toward Taranna, and a short distance later I drove across a bridge which had a creek running underneath it. There were a few designated car parks so I thought I would check it out.
On one side of the road you can walk right down to a large pool from the creek. The water is reasonably clear you can see right to the bottom for a fair distance. On the other side of the road is a running stream. Also on the ground here I found a rock sign that had ‘Roy’s Waterhole’ carved into it. I’m not sure why it is there or for how long it had been there, I can’t find any information about it. The mysteries of Taranna Forest Drive.....
It’s only about another ten minutes drive before you come back out on the Arthur Highway just south of Taranna. From here you can head left down to Fortescue Bay and Port Arthur, or right will take you back up through Taranna and back to Hobart, which is only about 75 minutes drive.
It was definitely a lovely day; Taranna Forest Drive is very diverse, with great ocean views, the rainforest, creeks and the educational appeal of learning about how Forestry Tasmania manages the forests in this area.
Until next time, thanks for reading; and if you do make it down I would love to know what the rest of the Taranna Forest walk is like. Or if anyone has insight into ‘Roy’s Waterhole’ please put my curiosity to rest.
GPS coordinates :
LAT : 43° 1'23.68"S
LON : 147°53'40.95"E
Click here to see this in Google Earth!
Always check our road and track closure information before setting off on your journey (click here)
52 Places to Visit
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