The Tarkine, named after the Tarkiner Aborigines who once lived here, is roughly bounded by the coast to the west, the Arthur River to the north, the Pieman River to the south and the Murchison Highway (A10) to the east. Not only does it contain the largest rainforest in Australia, but it is also said to include the greatest concentration of Aboriginal sites in the country.
Prior to additional land being protected under the Tasmanian Community Forest Agreement, the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area already protected more than 100,000 hectares (247,105 acres) of the Tarkine. In December 2009 this area was added to Australia's National Heritage List.
The Western Explorer (C249), an unsealed road takes you through Corinna on the Pieman River, on the southern edge of this remarkable untouched rainforest. This adventure centre also marks the northern limit of Tasmania's Huon Pine. And so, literally in an area remote by its nature, you can take a river cruise inland to marvel at reflections and wildlife; or another to the coast where wild beaches display huge logs deposited ashore by a furious Southern Ocean. You can stay a while in a range of accommodation styles - there is much to see and do here in an area which is increasingly recognised as unique and special.
The Arthur River, in the wild and remote far north-west of Tasmania, flows through tall eucalypt forests and rainforests to the sea. Here is the town of Arthur River, which is another starting point for beach and forest explorations, wildlife viewing, bird-watching and cruises. There are facilities for camping, picnics and barbecues.
On any of the river cruises in the Tarkine, you are likely to spot yellow-tailed black cockatoos, white-bellied sea eagles and superb blue wrens.
To get to Arthur River, take the A2 west from Smithton for 50 kilometres (31 miles) to the dramatic and wild surfing beaches of Marrawah, then continue south along the gravel C214.
Corinna is 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Zeehan on the gravel C249.
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