Photo: dany13 / CC BY 2.0
Corinna is a tiny, historic gold-mining settlement turned eco-retreat deep in Tasmania’s Tarkine wilderness. Accessible only by a short punt across the Pieman River or via a 4WD track, this off-grid hamlet feels like a secret hideout. Here you trade phones for forest bathing, kayak blackwater rivers, and sleep in restored miners’ cottages under a canopy of ancient myrtle trees. It’s the ultimate slow-travel base for exploring one of Australia’s last great temperate rainforests.
Highlights & What to See
- Pieman River Punt – The free cable ferry that delivers you into Corinna is an adventure in itself; wave to the operator from the tiny car ferry.
- Whyte River Kayaking – Paddle the tea-coloured waters of the Whyte River, a serene journey through rainforest with birdlife and silence broken only by your paddle.
- Historic Corinna Village – Wander the restored buildings from the 1880s gold rush, including the old post office and miners’ cottages, now boutique accommodation.
- Tarkine Rainforest Walks – Short trails like the Huon Pine Walk lead you among thousand-year-old trees, giant ferns, and the scent of damp earth.
- Pieman River Cruise – A guided boat tour on the Pieman River reveals dramatic gorges, abandoned gold workings, and the chance to spot platypus.
Suggested Time to Spend
Two nights is the sweet spot: arrive in the afternoon, spend a full day kayaking and walking, then depart the next morning. The village is tiny, so you’ll quickly settle into the rhythm of the forest. If you’re self-driving, factor in the gravel-road approach (about 1.5 hours from Waratah) and the punt crossing – it runs until late afternoon, so plan to arrive before dark.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Savage River National Park – Australia’s most pristine temperate rainforest, with the Tarkine Drive offering lookouts and short walks.
- Arthur River – The ‘Roaring Forties’ blow through this coastal town; take a river cruise or walk to the edge of the Southern Ocean.
- Waratah – A historic mining town with the spectacular Philosopher Falls and a great café for a pie before the gravel road.
- Boat Harbour Beach – A crescent of white sand and turquoise water, perfect for a swim after days in the forest.
- Stanley – The iconic Nut, a volcanic plug with a chairlift and panoramic views, plus excellent seafood and colonial history.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.