North East

The North East Forests have the Scottsdale Forest EcoCentre as their hub, and extends from the Tamar Valley east to the coast and south to the South Esk Highway.

This vast region varies from lush fertile farming lands and river valleys to mountain peaks and plains. Forest areas are suited to softwood plantations, but dry native forests, wet eucalypt forests, rainforests and Forest Reserves are also abundant. Many of the softwood plantations of Radiata pines were established in the 1960s, providing work for the many unemployed miners still living in the district.

There is a natural mountain divide, so we have used this to split the area into two main regions. In the north around Scottsdale are the Bass Forests, mainly accessed off the A3 and B81 roads. In the south around Fingal are the Fingal Forests, with access from the A4 and B43 roads. The main link between the regions is the C423 from Ringarooma to Mathinna.

Today the North East Forests are managed by Forestry Tasmania for a range of values besides timber production including water quality, landscape values, flora and fauna protection, regional tourism and recreation.

The weather is usually good in this region, but it is advisable to take raincoats and to wear sturdy shoes on all walks. Our Forest Reserves feature some breathtaking scenery, so don’t forget to bring your camera. If you plan to use a barbecue, bring your own kindling or your own gas barbecue.