Tasmania road trip

Mount Barrow Discovery Trail, Tasman Hwy

This 24-km circuit drive on a gravel road winds through Mount Barrow State Forest, a site rich in timber harvesting history dating back to the 1880s. At its peak in the early years of the 20th century, six sawmills operated here. Points of interest on the trail include lookouts, restored workmen’s huts, a sawmill site, tramways and several walking tracks.

The Horse Trough Walk (6 km from the start of the trail; 15 min return) is a section of track cleared to assist horses pulling logs; the Tea Tree Boardwalk (15 km from the start of the trail; 20 min return) follows Weavers Creek through tea tree and rain forest. There is a fi ne picnic area adjacent to the visitor centre (13 km along the trail).

Cuckoo Falls, Tasman Hwy

Tonganah Rd to Cuckoo, then Falls Rd, 12 km. You’ll need to allow at least half a day for the challenging walk (2 hr return) to these spectacular falls. The track starts in dry eucalypt forest and, following an old highland cattle trail to the plains above, meanders beside Hogarth Rivulet before heading steeply uphill and becoming rougher as it climbs through rainforest to the falls.

Springfield Picnic Area

The impressive northern-hemisphere trees that are a feature of this peaceful picnic area and barbecue spot are the legacy of test plantings by the timber industry to gauge the potential growth and commercial viability of a range of timber species. You can stretch your legs here on the easy 20-minute stroll through beautiful groves of imposing Douglas fi r, California Redwood and radata pine trees.