Tasmania’s North West forests contain a wide range of easily accessible environments.
Within a few hours drive there are towering eucalypt forests, open plains of buttongrass and heathland, magnificent rainforests and mysterious blackwood swamps.
This three hour return walk is relatively flat and fairly easy. This track was cut at the start of the century for packhorses and prospectors wanting to reach the remote (and since largely abandoned) mining township of Balfour.
Heading west of Burnie to the Black River Picnic Area is a lovely drive. For most of the way you get a glimpse of the Bass Strait bordering onto the north coast of Tasmania. The Nut at Stanley looms in the distance and the green pastures of agricultural grounds make this drive very scenic.
A lovely drive along the Bass Highway, heading west through the scenic Doctors Rocks, and then Wynyard, you follow Tasmania's northern coast until you almost reach Stanley. With the Nut looming in the distance, you need to take the turnoff to Mawbanna (on Mawbanna Road) which will take you out to the Dip River Forest Reserve.
Oldina Forest Reserve is located just past Wynyard along the Bass Highway. Take the turnoff onto Oldina Road, and just 4km up you will reach this lovely reserve. This to me looks like a great spot for a family get together or just somewhere to get away from a busy week at work and relax alongside Blackfish Creek.
The South Arthur Forest Drive is located in Tasmania’s North West. To get there, you drive from Stanley to Smithton, and then take the turnoff which indicates South Arthur Forest Drive. You will head out of Smithton and through Edith Creek which is the last place for fuel or reception (so if you are low on fuel top up now!) Eventually you will reach Kanunnah Bridge which is the beginning of the drive. Kanunnah Bridge crosses the Arthur River and is a great spot for fishing or kayaking over the rapids.
Located just 46km south west from Stanley, is Tarkine Forest Adventures (previously referred to as Dismal Swamp). In the worlds only known Blackwood sinkhole, it really is something special. To get there you simply drive toward Smithton, and follow the signs along the Bass Highway; from Stanley it is only just over a half hours drive.
52 Places to Visit
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