Waterfalls and wilderness walks

It’s no longer the bustling mining town of its heyday, when it supported the largest tin mine in the world, but Waratah‘s unique charm remains. It even has a waterfall – Waratah Falls – in the centre of town.

Delve into an eclectic array of local artefacts at the Waratah Courthouse Museum, or peruse the displays and learn about the town’s pioneering past and the nearby Takayna / Tarkine rainforest at the Tarkine Interpretation Centre.    

On the outskirts of town, see Philosopher Falls via an easy 45min track to a lookout platform. It’s sure to inspire further adventures into the Takayna / Tarkine region.

Overnight at the heritage-listed Bischoff Hotel in Waratah and gather around a blazing fireplace with friendly locals and fine local drops.

Stock up on supplies at the local roadhouse before heading to the old mining settlement of Corinna, now an eco-tourism haven surrounded by cool-temperate rainforest and threaded with walking tracks.

Take to the Pieman River aboard Arcadia II, a 17m boat built in 1939 from Huon pine. Keep an eye out for Huon pines along the river's edge, some of which are more than 2000 years old. Tasmania's Western Wilds is the only place on Earth where these majestic trees stand.

Hire a kayak to further explore the network of rivers, and be sure to stop at Lovers Falls, a favourite with kayakers on the Pieman. Prefer to stay on land? Hike out to Savage River (5.5km return), site of an inland shipwreck, or take the 8km return hike to Mount Donaldson, rising through rainforest to an open summit with 360-degree views. 

Overnight at Corinna in one of Corinna Wilderness Village’s cottages.

Cross the Pieman River aboard the Fatman barge, then head to the tiny coastal community of Granville Harbour on winding gravel road for part of the way, surrounded by buttongrass plains and craggy coastal panoramas.

Visit the town of Zeehan, with its grand mining-boom streetscape and rich mining history to uncover at the West Coast Heritage Centre. South of Rosebery, take the 3hr return walk to Montezuma Falls, Tasmania's highest waterfall.

In Rosebery, stock up on fresh treats from the local bakehouse. For a scenic place to enjoy those pastries, take the short walk to the lookout at Stitt Falls.

Overnight at Tullah, a small town on the edge of Lake Rosebery, staying at Tullah Lakeside Lodge. The local tavern has the longest bar in Tasmania. Now that's worth toasting.

It's time to experience one of Tasmania's best-loved landscapes. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is part of the extensive Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and features ancient rainforests, snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes and alpine heaths.

From the park’s northern edge, the rugged cliffs of Cradle Mountain tower over Dove Lake. A range of walks here cater to all tastes and abilities, from the 10min wheelchair-accessible Pencil Pine Falls and Rainforest Walk, to day-long alpine circuits for the experienced and energetic.

Get a fix on the state’s iconic Tasmanian devils at Devils@Cradle. The After Dark Feeding Tour takes you right into their nocturnal world.