Notley Fern Gorge, in the Tamar Valley, is an example of the kind of the extensive wet sclerophyll forest that greeted European settlers in the 19th century.
Such forest is distinguished by towering eucalypts that form a canopy above an understorey of rainforest. The burnt-out tree called 'Bradys Tree' was named after the 1820s bushranger whose gang is said to have used this forest as a hideout. The 1.5 kilometre (1 mile) walking track takes about 45 minutes return to wind back and forth across the creek, past captivating glades of mosses and ferns.
Notley Fern Gorge is a half-hour drive from Launceston. Turn off the West Tamar Highway (A7) at Legana onto the C732.
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