Corinna wilderness experience, Tasmania
CORINNA IS AN historic mining town, set on the banks of the Pieman River, 60km north of Strahan in western Tasmania.
It sits at the southern end of the Tarkine – the largest temperate rainforest in Australia – and offers a unique and intimate rainforest experience all-year round.
The area provides a range of walking tracks for everyone: from the 20-minute Huon Pine walk, to the more challenging four-hour walk to Mount Donaldson.
Kayaks are also available for hire (or bring your own) to paddle the Pieman and its tributaries.
Night-time experiences are also rewarding as visitors can often find spotted quolls roaming in the dusk or Tasmania devils playing with shoes that have been left unguarded on verandahs.
Activities
Water activities: The Pieman River suits almost any water-sport experience. Kayaking is a great way to explore the river and its surrounding tributaries.
Kayaks are available from Corinna and, combined with walking tracks, can provide access to remote areas.
Walking: Many trails are accessible from Corinna and cater to all activity levels. From the short 90-minute Whyte River Walk that winds its way through pristine temperate rainforest, through to the more challenging two-hour Philosopher Falls walk that winds through eucalypt and myrtle forest to the headwaters of the Arthur River, before a steep descent to a viewing platform beside Philosopher Falls. Hampers are available from the Tannin restaurant.
Flora and fauna: The unique environment of the Tarkine is home to a large number of native species. Within a few minutes of Corinna, you can find eucalypt ridges, primary rainforest, coastal tea trees and button grass plains. It is also the most northern point where you can find the Huon Pine.
The rainforest and surrounding coast are also home to an array of birdlife – including the very rare and endangered orange-bellied parrot – as well as native mammals and reptiles.
The essentials
Location: 60km north of Strahan in Tasmania’s west. Access from the north or south will require a river crossing by barge. Access by car is via Waratah.
Accommodation: Corinna has 12 one-bedroom cottages and six two-bedroom cottages onsite. All feature their own verandah, fully equipped kitchen, rainwater tank and heating. Campsites are limited and booking is advised.
Food/drink: The site features a communal barbecue area and there is a store with limited general provisions. There is a quality restaurant – The Tannin – that uses local Tasmanian ingredients where possible. Guests are requested to take rubbish off-site to help achieve and maintain Corinna’s carbon-neutral goal.
Points of interest: Corinna is a photographer’s paradise. With an amazing variety of subject matter – from moody fog along the Pieman in the early hours, to the friendly wallabies that lounge around the grounds – there is an abundance of photographic opportunities.
The Pieman River cruise is also a must. The Arcadia II, a 17m craft built of Huon pine, cruises the river passing close to the wreck of the SS Croydon at the mouth of the Savage River, and to Lover’s Falls near the mouth of the Donaldson, and includes commentary about the history, flora and fauna of the area.
Maps: A map is available from download on the website www.corinna.com.au/experience-activities-map or from the general store onsite.
More info: www.corinna.com.au
