In the Tarkine (takayna) – the forest floor comes to life
With borders in Tasmania largely closed until December 2021, it’s time to start planning for 2022 and beyond. Summer and autumn is a great time to visit the Tarkine, or more appropriately “takayna”. The rainforest comes into bloom and a huge array of fungi push their heads from the forest floor and emerge clinging to the sides of fallen trees. The shapes and colours bring the forest floor to life. Lurid blue, bright red, sunny yellow, lime green.
The mosses and lichens are also worth close inspection. In 2011 a species of lichen was found in the Tarkine that had previously only been found in the British Isles and Scandinavia.
All kinds of creatures make their home in this vast rainforest – including plenty that are on the endangered list: burrowing crayfish, the southern bell frog, spotted-tailed quolls, Tasmanian devils and the orange-bellied parrot.
Of course, the walking is what will get you out amongst this glorious rainforest. On Park Trek’s 5-day Tarkine Wilderness walking tour, we’ll walk to the summit of Mt Donaldson, stroll through the old forest at Hellyer Gorge and visit the beautiful Montezuma Falls. We’ll take a boat trip down the Pieman River to get a view of the rainforest from the water.
The beautiful walk to Philosophers Falls is a highlight. On the narrow track through dense green forest, where you’ll get a good chance to test your fungi-spotting skills.
For current 2022 and 2023 departures check out our website
