Hellyer Gorge

Hellyer Gorge is a lush, fern-filled river canyon in Tasmania's northwest that feels like a secret world unto itself. The drive alone along the winding, forest-lined road is a highlight, but stopping to walk through the cool, mossy gorge is an unforgettable experience. The sound of the Hellyer River rushing over ancient rocks, the scent of myrtle and sassafras, and the soft light filtering through the rainforest canopy create a truly immersive natural escape.

Highlights & What to See

• Hellyer Gorge Walk: A short, easy loop trail (about 20 minutes) that takes you through towering tree ferns and across a suspension bridge over the gorge – perfect for a quick dose of wilderness.
• Rainforest immersion: The gorge is a pocket of cool temperate rainforest, with giant myrtle beech trees, moss-covered boulders, and a thick fern understorey that feels prehistoric.
• Hellyer River: Crystal-clear water tumbling over smooth rocks; listen for the constant gurgle and watch for platypuses at dawn or dusk near the picnic area.
• Picnic by the river: A handful of picnic tables sit right by the water, making it an ideal spot for a lunch break surrounded by nature.
• Lookout platform: A small viewing platform offers a panoramic view of the gorge and the river snaking through the valley below.

Suggested Time to Spend

You can comfortably experience the gorge in 30 minutes to an hour if you just do the main walk and enjoy the picnic area. However, if you want to linger, photograph the ferns, or try to spot wildlife, allow up to two hours. It's a perfect stop to break up a drive along the Murchison Highway between Burnie and Queenstown.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Waratah: A historic mining town just 15 minutes north, with a lovely waterfall walk through the town centre.
• Savage River National Park: A remote wilderness area with rugged rainforest and the chance to see the elusive Tasmanian devil – about 30 minutes west.
• Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park: One of Tasmania's most iconic national parks, about an hour and a half drive east, offering world-class hiking and alpine scenery.
• Tarkine Rainforest: The vast, ancient temperate rainforest region that surrounds Hellyer Gorge – explore further along the Tarkine Drive for more waterfalls and wild rivers.
• Burnie: A coastal city about 45 minutes north, with a lovely foreshore, regional art gallery, and the Burnie Park.

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