Great views, just 10kms in from Arve Road.

Waratah Lookout

Growling Swallet is one of the impressive cave entrances into the Junee-Florentine vertical karst system that covers an area of around 18,500 hectares. This karst system occurs due to the geology of the landscape. Limestone is a highly soluble rock eroded easily by water, which allows caves and sinkholes to form. Swallet is the name given to a large sinkhole where water pours down into a cave system. The name Growling Swallet, comes from the sound that is created when large volumes of water enter the cave. At 360 metres, Growling Swallet is one of the deepest caves in Tasmania.

The 20-minute walk to Growling Swallet takes you through a temperate rainforest. Myrtle (Nothofagus cunninghamii) and Giant Ash (Eucalyptus regnans) dominate the canopy. This walk is a great area to see fungi, especially in autumn.

A key must be collected from the Mt Field Visitor Centre to unlock the gate on the F8 East Road (if you would like to drive to the start of the trail)

Remain on the walking track, as there are numerous sinks holes in this area

Mobile phone coverage is not reliable in this area

The route is not signposted due to it being a wilderness area. Ensure you carry a map and do not rely solely on digital maps

Other visitors to this area have used flagging tape to mark unofficial tracks. Ensure you are aware of the correct track to follow to return to the carpark and do not rely solely on the flagging tape

Expect wet feet! Sections of the track are often extremely boggy – boots and gaiters are recommended

Approximately 45minutes drive from Mt Field National Park

Leaving Mt Field, turn right towards Maydena

A few kilometres past Maydena, turn right onto the Florentine Road. Continue on Florentine Road for approximately 16km then turn right onto the F8 East Road

Unlock the gate and follow the F8 East Road to the small parking area at the end of the road

While the F8 East Road is not a 4WD track, it is very narrow and vehicles with high clearance are recommended, as the track is often overgrown, muddy and rutted

There is no directional signage at the start of the track but it begins from the carpark

Growling Swallet

A great place to stop for a drink and a rest.

Lobster Creek Bridge

A great location to spend some time exploring this old disused coal mine. The Excelsior (later known as the Stanhope) was producing 1923, and mining continued until 1957. Extraction was mostly by the bord and pillar system, although the longwall system was adopted briefly in 1944.

In 1960 a bushfire swept across the mine site, and the seam outcrop at the portals caught alight. The old workings are still smouldering, and parts of the ground surface over the mine workings have collapsed.

The New Stanhope Colliery, 1.3km north of the (old) Stanhope, opened in 1957. A washing plant was installed in 1959 and mining continued until 1973.

Stanhope Coal Mine

A good place to stop for a rest. The road continues to a locked gate about 1km past the bridge.

Russell River Bridge

The area was first explored and settled in the 1820s. It is known that James Gilligan, who arrived in the area around 1820 and took up 1,600 acres (647 ha), was the district's first settler. In 1825 John Helder Wedge surveyed the area and named it St Paul's Plains. By the 1830s there were convict probation stations at Avoca, Fingal, St Marys and Falmouth. This led to the settlement being named St Paul's Plains and a post office by that name being opened in 1832. During the 1830s the convict labour in the area resulted in roads and bridges being built.

By 1834 a town was established and in 1837 its name was changed to Avoca. In 1844 an Irish entrepreneur named Roderic O'Connor bought up local land eventually acquiring 66,000 acres (the largest single landholding in Tasmania) upon which he built the stately home, Benham, which was destroyed by fire in 1926. In 1846 a bridge was built over the St Paul's River. The township was formally proclaimed in 1866. The railway arrived in 1886. It was built to carry coal from Fingal and tin from Aberfoyle.

There was a period when the area was known for its tin and coal mining but today Avoca is a service town for the surrounding farming community.

Avoca Roadhouse - Say hello to Graeme and the ladies. ATM inside, has 91 and 95 petrol and indoor seating with a wood heater for cold days along with an outdoor seating area for warmer days. / 

Avoca

Huon and Teds Beach Campground is within the South West National Park. A parks pass is required to camp here.

Huon and Teds Beach Campground

Edgar Dam is one of three dams edging Lake Pedder. Built in 1972, it is part of the mighty Gordon-Pedder scheme, capturing 40% of the water that supplies Tasmania's largest hydro-power station, Gordon Power Station. This station can generate up to 432 MW of electricity or approximately 13 percent of Tasmania's annual energy needs.

Hydro is undertaking the following initiative: "Edgar Dam Strengthening". Work is hoped to be started in October 2023. Works will be completed over two October to May periods and we expect to finish in 2025. There will be increased truck traffic through communities on Gordon River Road, including Maydena, Glenora and Westerway. If you're travelling to Edgar or Scotts Peak Dams, you will likely see more trucks and may have to briefly stop at Edgar Dam as construction vehicles and staff move about. During the summer work periods, Edgar Dam campground will used as a staff camp and closed to the public. While we realise this might impact your summer plans, it helps us reduce the risk of roadkill and keep our staff safer. Once the project has finished, we'll be looking to make some campground improvements.

Edgar Dam Campground is managed by the Hydro Tasmania 

Edgar Dam Campsite

Begin your Mount Field visit with a leisurely walk through the towering tree ferns and giant eucalypts on the short walk to Russell Falls, before travelling up the road toward Lake Dobson, where you will find longer day walks and, in winter, the snow-dusted slopes of the Mount Mawson ski field. During autumn, the hillsides of the Tarn Shelf are a riot of
colour as the 

In summer and peak seasons, you can find volunteer campground hosts that can assist you in finding areas and can assist in organising payments. Shower tokens have been recently installed, so you can have free cold showers or pay $2 per token for a 4 minute hot shower

You will find coin operated washing machines and dryers

If camping, choose one of the sites past the toilet block up in the back corner. It is more secluded and situated right next to the Tyenna River (refer to image 6).

Mount Field National Park

River’s Edge Wilderness Camping offers camping sites in an extraordinary wilderness setting close to a World Heritage Area on the banks of the Russell River at Lonnavale in Southern Tasmania.

The Campground was the vision of Trudi and Malcolm Smith and through their hard work and dedication saw the creation of River’s Edge Wilderness Camping, with the campground being officially opened in 2011 with just 14 campsites and a composting toilet.

Today the campground runs nearly 1km along the Russell River and has 67 large private grassy sites, both powered and unpowered. Native tree planting seperate sites from one another, there are full amenities, camp kitchen, bbq facilities, swimming holes and large grassed areas for ball games. Throughout periods in the high season campers enjoy music on stage and food vendors on site and this is why River’s Edge Camping has become a favourite stomping ground for both Tasmanians and those visiting from interstate.

In 2021 the grounds came under new management with Peter and Prue de Vries and their family now welcoming guests and caretaking the grounds, however Trudi and Mal remain involved with new visions for the campground with the continued development of infrastructure for guests to enjoy.

River's Edge Wilderness Camping

There is a gravel section to Scotts Peak Dam Road via Mueller Road it follows the power transmission line and has locked gates at both ends. 

Mueller Road off Styx Road, Maydena. Comes out on Scotts Peak Dam Road (19kms long)

Mueller Road

The Dago Point Campground is a free campsite with toilet facilities.

Lake Sorell

If you're looking for a challenging section check this little 17km trail out.

The Lonnavale Loop

The sound of the river makes this a very peaceful spot to camp.

There is a locked gate to the toilet and shelter area

You will have to carry your gear into this area, there are plenty of spots adjacent for camping outside this area

There is a sign stating that swimming is 

Esperance River Campsite

If Cockle Creek is busy this is a good alternative. 6km off South Cape Road via Lagoon Track. The track is very rocky and quite a challenging track. If you are looking for a quiet campground this is it.

Campers or caravans would find it difficult to travel in here

Very difficult to locate, the turnoff is not signposted

Southport Lagoon Camping

It is a 2.8km walk from the carpark. The carpark is 650m from the Chesterman Road intersection.

Adamsons Falls

Heading north, on Coal Hill Road, 300m past Chesterman Road turn off. A sign marked Coal Hill Lookout, do not bother, a lot of loose rocks and muddy holes (if wet). There is no longer a lookout as the trees have grown up and now block vision.

Coal Hill Lookout

Development of Waddamana Power Station and the scheme commended in 1910 through a private company, however, financial struggles forced a sale to the Tasmanian government in 1914. Tasmania's Hydro-Electric Department was formed to continue the ambitious development. We recommend you allow approximately 1 hour to spend at the heritage site. There is no catering facility at Waddamana, however, you may wish to bring supplies and relax at the picnic area or use the electric barbecue.

Waddamana Power Station Heritage Site

Short detour for a great view of the east coast.

South Sisters Lookout

East Tower Lookout

Mount Barrow is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,359m (4,458ft) above sea level. At the summit there is a very impressive panoramic view both of the Tamar Valley and the mountain to the east.

Mount Barrow Lookout

Honeysuckle Road has a “No Through Road” sign at the Tooms Lake Rd turnoff. Ignore this sign.

Honeysuckle Road

If you will only be visiting The Eddystone Point Lighthouse, and not stopping within Mt William national park you do not need to purchase a parks pass. The lighthouse is not within the park so you can travel through the national park without a pass to get to the lighthouse.

Just 18 km north of Ansons Bay is the Eddystone Point Lighthouse, inside the Mount William National Park. When a dangerous rock was discovered just below sea level at St Helens Point in 1875, it was decided to build a lighthouse. The land here is protected, not only for its sheer beauty but for its significance to the Aboriginal community. Eddystone Point is known as Larapuna to the aboriginal population, and the Tasmanian Government gave a 40-year lease for the Larapuna grounds surrounding the spectacular lighthouse in 2006.

Even though the main lights of Cape Otway, Cape Wickham and Deal Island were established in the notorious Bass Strait, northbound ships were still being wrecked by coming in too close to the northeast coast of Tasmania. The chief hazards were Victoria Rocks, Georges Rocks and Black Reef.

Captain Riddle, who was experienced in navigating the coast and played a role in the establishment of some lights, was wrecked on Black Reef.

When, in 1875, a hazardous rock was discovered just below the water line off St Helens Point it was decided to erect a lighthouse.

The choice was between Eddystone Point and Georges Rocks. Even though a light on Georges Rocks would be better to mark that location, Eddystone Point would be easier to access and build, would cover the whole area better and was thus selected.

The local granite was tested and found suitable for the construction of the tower. By 1879 plans had been prepared and agreement was reached between the colonies over the sharing of costs. Still, nothing further was done for another 10 years, even though the wrecks continued.

Apart from the stone lighthouse, there are 3 beautifully built stone houses to explore and admire the craftsmanship of the stone masons of the time.

There are six campsites in Mount William National Park that provide a perfect base for you to explore the area

Deep Creek Campground is in the south of the park, and well located if you’re planning to visit Eddystone Point Lighthouse

In the north of the park, you can enjoy beautiful coastal camping at Top Camp, near Musselroe Bay, or in Stumpys Bay Campgrounds 1-4. The four Stumpys Bay sites are well-sheltered and close to the beach.

Eddystone Point Lighthouse

Cape Portland is 25 km north of Gladstone.

Pointing west across Ringarooma Bay, Cape Portland is the northeastern tip of Tasmania. It was named after the Duke of Portland by Matthew Flinders during his 1798 circumnavigation of the island in the sloop “Norfolk” with George Bass. 

It is an important bird breeding area for the Cape Barren Goose, Chestnut Teal and the threatened Hooded Plover. Over a 12-month period, Musselroe produces approximately 5 per cent of Tasmania’s electrical energy needs. 

Musselroe Bay Wind Farm - a total of 56 Vestas V90 Wind Turbines

Tebrakunna Visitor Centre - Closed at certain times of the year

Camping only at little Musselroe Bay between Christmas and Easter

Cape Portland

The tiny mining town of Gladstone is located 322 km north of Hobart and 129 km northeast of Launceston and 67 km east of Scottsdale.

Blue Lake is located on Gladstone Road, between Pioneer and Gladstone, in northeast Tasmania, the Little Blue Lake is found on the way to Mt. William National Park. Little Blue Lake is one of several in the area that is the result of alluvial tin mining. When the miners packed their bags and left town, the pit was filled with water to become a recreational spot. Visitors are warned about swimming in the lake because the water is highly contaminated with toxic heavy metals from past tin mining activity. The shores are used regularly for camping and parties. Signs warning against swimming are frequently removed by vandals. The cliffs that line some sides of Little Blue Lake are 10 meters high.

Tasmania's most north-easterly township, Gladstone is one of the few in the region still involved in tin mining. The small town has a colourful history as a centre for gold and tin mining activities.  The district has many tin mining ruins, notably at Boobyalla (17 km northwest) which was once Gladstone’s port.

Gemstone enthusiasts are attracted to the district because of the sapphires, topaz, agate and amethysts which can be discovered.

Before European settlement, the area around Gladstone was inhabited by the local Pyemmairrener Aboriginal people who had lived there for thousands of years. A settlement here came into existence after 1874 when tin was discovered in the area. Miners rushed to the area and grew up around the tin mine. In 1880 gold was discovered in the area. Originally known as Mount Cameron, the name Gladstone was in use by 1882. The area was named for William Ewart Gladstone, Prime Minister of Great Britain. 

The Gladstone Cemetery, located off Cape Portland Road which runs east from Carr Street, has several graves of Chinese miners.

Fuel and compressed air is available at the Gladstone General Store, 91 and 95 (say hello to Anna)

Gladstone

If you are interested in some mountain bike action with your friends head to the world-class Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails. The trails are free and there are plenty of bike hire businesses at Derby. It can get very busy in the summer holidays and weekends.

Camping at Derby Park with toilet and coin-operated showers

https://www.ridebluederby.com.au/where-to-stay-in-and-around-derby

The route passes through Winnaleah from Scottsdale. So with a little detour of 9kms from Derby back to Winnaleah the route can be picked back up to head to Gladstone.

Derby

The town is located 62km northeast of Launceston and is named after the Government Surveyor. Scottsdale is named after James Scott who tried to cut a track from St Patrick's River to Cape Portland in 1852. He didn't succeed but, as he passed through the district that now has his name, he noted that it had "the best soil on the island". So, more accurately, the town is named after its first enthusiastic promoter. 

Before Scottsdale, the settlement had been variously known as Cox’s Creek, Cox's Paradise, Heazlewood, Heazleton and Ellesmere. It is a major agricultural centre serving the farming community, potato, dairy, forestry and poppy. By 1889 the railway reached the town. It is now closed down and the locals are turning it into a cycleway. 

Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm - is 15km West of Scottsdale

Good Ride Cafe (say hello to Johnny and Tim) - 

BP Scottsdale (say hello to "Ratter" Summers) - All grades of fuel available (24 hours)

Lords Hotel (Ken and Helen) - Best to phone ahead. / 

Scottsdale Northeast Park Campground (Free - Provided by the Council)

Scottsdale

Ben Lomond Road is corrugated and has some water run-off-making channels

Ben Lomond Campground - at the bottom of the mountain (requires a national parks pass)

Ben Lomond

Mathinna was named after an aboriginal girl adopted by Lady Franklin the wife of the then Governor Sir John Franklin. She was raised by their daughter Eleanor.

Mathinna Club - limited food (pies), soft drinks and water

Camp on Mathinna Recreation Ground - toilets nearby with coin-operated showers

Golden Gate Road - About 2km south of Mathinna, free camping next to side of the road

Griffin Park, Griffin Road - Not well kept

Mathinna Falls - Off Mathinna Plains Road, Claytons Road left onto McFall's Road

East Tower Lookout - Cabin Road off Tower Hill Road south of Mathinna

Mathinna

128kms east of Launceston is a small township dating back to around the late 1830s. Coal has been mined from Mt Nicholas Range 7kms north-west of Cornwall from the early 19th century.

The railway once came to St Marys back in 1886 and closed back in 1988 and the tracks were removed back to Fingal, the old railway station has now been turned into a quirky museum. The town is a typical small county town supporting the farming, and mining industry with all the amenities.

For the ones wanting some sealed twisties, Elephant and St Marys Pass leads away from the town to the east coast. Why not do both as a round trip, leave St Marys township onto Elephant Pass then left onto Tasman Highway heading to Falmouth, just after the Falmouth turnoff you arrive at the junction, turn left again onto Esk Main Rd which is St Marys Pass back to St Marys.  Approx - 96 km round trip.

St Marys Recreation Ground Camping (donation)

St Marys

110km east of Launceston. It is believed that Roderic O’Connor, who surveyed the area with John Helder Wedge in 1824, named Fingal after Fingal’s Cave in the Hebrides of Scotland.

Coal is trucked from Cornwall Underground Coal mine west of St Marys to Duncan Colliery at Fingal to be washed and railed by train to Railton Cement plant near Devonport and Boyer Paper Mill at New Norfolk.

24/7 Diesel, 91 & 95 - Tas Petroleum, Grant Street

12 mins or 20kms east from Fingal is St Mary's

Fingal Campground Free (Council Provided)

Fingal

Kalangadoo Roadhouse. Steve and Margaret are very friendly and welcoming. Ask about camping at the back of the roadhouse. Contact Details: 0457 201 700 or After/Hours: 0448 480 330 / Check out the 

Small camping area opposite the boat ramp (need own water)

Meetus Falls Picnic, Meetus Falls - McKay's Road, Lake Leake

Lake Leake

Alternative to taking Honeysuckle Road to Lake Leake via Ross

Located on the banks of the Elizabeth River and steeped in history it is 134 km north of Hobart. Campbell Town before European settlement was home to traditional custodians of the Tyerrernotepanner aborigines. In 1811 Governor Lachlan Macquarie stopped by through his travels from Hobart to Launceston and named the river that is now known as the Elizabeth River after his wife Elizabeth. In 1821 on Lachlan’s second tour of Van Diemen’s Land named the town in honour of his wife Elizabeth, after her family name Campbell.

One of the town’s first European settlers was Thomas Kenton, a constable, who had built a cottage amongst other structures and buildings in the 1820s. The town is known as one of the four garrison towns that linked Hobart & Launceston and were established as a town in 1826.

Campbell Town

Ross is situated 12km north of Tunbridge and 12km south of Campbell Town. A visit to the convict-built village of 

 offers a captivating glimpse into another time. Ross was originally established as a garrison in 1812, and also became an important coach horse change and livestock market. Today, Ross is registered on the National Estate and is one of the finest heritage villages in Australia.

This typical English village is known for its fascinating historic bridge, colonial sandstone buildings and convict history. Ross sits on the banks of the Macquarie River and is one of Australia’s most appealing convict-built stone villages. Of all of Tasmania’s early 19th-century towns, there is nothing quite the equal to Ross. It is arguably the finest nineteenth-century village in Australia.

Cobble-style paths and grand old elm trees line the main street, while the Ross Bridge – Australia’s third oldest still standing – is possibly the most beautiful of its kind left in the world. Built-in 1836, it has 186 detailed carvings by convict stonemasons was deemed of such high quality that it won the men a free pardon. The Midland Highway, the main route between Hobart and Launceston, bypasses Ross, preserving the town’s original, sleepy character.

The crossroad of the village is amusingly said to represent Temptation – the Ross Hotel, Recreation – the Town Hall, Salvation – the Catholic Church, and Damnation – the jail, which is now a private residence. Other interesting things to do include a visit to the Tasmanian Wool Centre Historic site, and always pleasurable is a visit to the Ross Bakery, with its original semi-scotch brick wood-fired oven. The bakery has operated on the site for more than a century and has the capacity to bake more than 300 loaves of bread. The nearby Ross Female Convict Station Historic Site is also significant.

Honeysuckle Road has a “No Through” sign at the Tooms Lake Rd turnoff. Ignore this sign.

Diesel, Unleaded 91, 95 available at the Ross Convenience Store

The Man "O" Ross Hotel (Under renovation for the next 18 months as of November 2023)

Ross

A small settlement 1000 metres above sea level, located on the southern shores of the Great Lake and Arthurs Lake in the Central Highlands. Holiday homes and some retirees live here as it is a very popular trout fishing lake.

Great Lake and Arthurs Lake are used to generate hydroelectricity from the Poatina Power station located at the base of the Western Tiers.

Athurs Lake Roadhouse - Ellen and Brett are very friendly and welcoming. Great coffee and takeaway food. 91, 98 Petrol and Diesel (Check out the 

Lady's Walk Campground, Waddamana (before Great Lake)

The gravel road from Arthurs Lake Road to Interlaken Road is unnamed and has a sign "No Trespassing" along the road. It is only referring to the land on either side of the road.

Arthurs Lake

All grades of fuel and food available at the roadhouse

Lake Repulse (free camping spots before Repulse Dam)

Bethune Park Camping (free before Meadow Bank Lake Bridge)

Victoria Falls, 23kms north of Ouse off Victoria Valley Road

Waddamana Power Station Heritage Museum (free entry)

Ouse

Pedder Wilderness Lodge - Accommodation, Fuel, 91 & Diesel

From Maydena stay on the sealed Gordon River Road. Strathgordon is a must, as Gordon River Road is a very twisty road and has beautiful mountain views ending at the Gordon Dam

Strathgordon/Lake Pedder

Situated just outside the township of Maydena, on the edge of 

, is Junee Cave. A short nature trail leads to the entrance of the cave where Junee River rises to the surface.  The Junee Cave system includes Niggly Cave, Australia’s deepest cave. Turn right at the Maydena store and follow the signs, for five km, to Junee Cave.

Junee Caves Maydena

The trip is not complete without seeing the towering Eucalyptus regnans, also known as giant ash, which gives the reserve its name. It's not just their height, with numerous species measuring over 90 metres, but the girth of these remarkable trees which render them among the largest and tallest eucalypts on the planet.

There is another walk along the Styx River

Ignore the sign regarding "Private Road" and "Locked Gate" if riding North to South. It relates to a side road

Styx Tall Trees Conservation Area

Bushy Park is also the home of one of Hop Products Australia farms (HPA) and you may be pleasantly surprised that between this farm and another in Victoria, they grow 90% of Australia's hops. Hops are harvested around late February to early March and the roads around the Hop plant during harvesting are speed limited to 40km/hour and police bikes regularly patrol the area. It is due to the farm equipment using the roads to cart the hops.

Good view of Bushy Park and the Hop Farm off Cemetery Road at Red Hills Cemetery outside town just off the main route

Bushy Park Roadhouse. Pop in and say hello to Gaylene grab some fuel, coffee and a bite to eat

If you wish you can stay on the sealed road to Maydena via Westerway

Bushy Park

Located in the Derwent Valley, once a timber and mining town. Logs and osmiridium ore (natural alloy used in fountain pens, munitions, needles and electrical contacts) used to be railed out from a yard just west of the township of Fitzgerald. The trains stopped running and the track closed in 1995 due to flood damage past New Norfolk.

The sealed road west from Maydena was built by Hydro Tasmania to the Hydro Power Station at Strathgordon. The road was well constructed to accommodate the heavy loads that would have been needed to transport materials for the dam construction at Strathgordon. Unlike many other sealed roads in Tasmania this one has stood up well.

Maydena is now made famous for the Maydena Bike Park. The World Mountain Bike Championships are held here.

Why not stay in Maydena for a couple of days and check out the following attractions?

Strathgordon/Lake Pedder and Scotts Peak Dam (requires a parks pass to stay here)

Try some downhill mountain biking action at 

 and Licensed Restaurant in Maydena (bike friendly):

The cafe and licensed restaurant is run by Jeanette and Mike (a fellow motorbike rider)

There is plenty of designated motorbike parking

The cafe and licensed restaurant is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (check 

We highly recommend Jeanette and Mike's cooking

Maydena

Although the trail doesn't go past Huonville, it is only 19 km away and can be used to get fuel or food. When at Plenty Link Road and Lonnavale Road intersection head East on Lonnavale Road towards Judbury and continue onto North Huon Road (gravel) to Ranelagh and then into Huonville.

Huonville

Tahune Adventures

Walk high above the forest canopy through stands of Blackwood, Huon Pine, Myrtle, Leatherwood, Stringybark and Sassafras to look down 50 meters to where the Huon and Picton Rivers merge. The trail runs about 600 meters past the entrance to the Air Walk so why not stop in and take in the splendid views from the Air Walk and then sit down in the cafe afterwards for a coffee and a meal outside and admire the forest and river views?

Drop in and say hello to Ken and the team!

Return Servicemen and Women (VETs) and First Responders enquire about concessions

No cell service however, there is free Wi-Fi

There is 20kms of the sealed road from Bennetts Road to Tahune Airwalk