History of the Ida Bay Railway |
WalksFrom Buttongrass Retreat, follow the abandoned railway line to Deep Hole. Then, follow the signed old 4WD track to Southport Lagoon. The 4WD track finishes at the beach. From here, walk along the beach to the southern end. From here the walking track is a little difficult to follow, so you will need good navigation skills and a topographic map to find your way to the lookout.
<<< Click to download a free Far South Tasmania walk guide |
This website is about rail and railway experiences in Tasmania. You can learn about Tasmania’s restored steam and diesel trains that are located along beautiful coastlines, running through western wilderness and in cities full of history and how these Tasmanian railways were built to connect isolated communities.
Australia’s most southern railway, Ida Bay provides an opportunity to venture into gorgeous Tasmanian bush and beach, and will take you to a long white sand beach that is otherwise inaccessible. On Tasmania’s rugged West Coast you can explore the wilderness from comfy carriages on the West Coast Wilderness railway. At other locations around Tasmania volunteers have worked tirelessly to preserve our rail heritage and offer unique opportunities to ride the rails and step back in time. |
Travel to the Southernmost place in AustraliaDrive to the end of the road at Cockle Creek,
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South Cape Bay
Stand on the cliffs overlooking the Southern Ocean and be the southernmost people in Australia. Fishers Point A very easy walk along beaches and short sections of headland takes you to views of Bruny Island and the Southern Ocean. |
Southwest National Park and Walks InformationThe magnificent Southwest National Park encompasses over six hundred thousand hectares of wild, inspiring country and forms part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It epitomises the grandeur and spirit of wilderness in its truest sense. Much of the park is remote and far removed from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. For many, just the fact that such a place still exists brings solace. For others, the region offers the challenge to explore areas that retain the same wildness that once characterised new frontiers. For yet others, the area offers the chance to view magnificent scenery from the comfort of their car.
The park is accessible from Cockle Creek - the most southerly point able to be reached by road in Australia. If driving between dusk and dawn, please be aware that you are sharing the road with wildlife. In the far southwest, lies the spectacular Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour. Melaleuca is accessible only by light plane, or boat. The airstrip is close to walkers huts, and is the usual starting point for walkers on the South Coast Track. |
Hartz Mountains National Park
Hartz Mountains National Park is a window into the south-west wilderness, offering views of remote mountain ranges as far as the southern coast. Waterfalls tumble off the dolerite range that runs through the centre of the park and small glacial lakes dot the plateau.
There 5 different walks : Waratah Lookout (the shortest walk at 5 minute return) is a great introduction to this park, giving you a look out over the forests you have just driven through. A very easy gravel track leads to a viewing platform overlooking the Huon Valley. Old myrtle forest grows immediately below the lookout. In December and January you will be treated to a blaze of red from the Tasmanian waratah in flower. The highest point, Hartz Peak (the longest walk at 5 hours return), provides panoramic views into the heart of the southwest. The jagged outline of Federation Peak can be seen on the horizon. This is a walk only for fit, experienced walkers. |
Gemstone Fossicking
Conditions apply to the use of Fossicking Areas. Fossickers should avoid causing undue damage to the land, and should take only a 'fair share' of material. Don't be greedy! Fossicking areas are set aside for the use of amateur fossickers and cannot sustain any degree of commercial collecting.
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Catch the train, then walk 1 hour to Southport Lagoon
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Ida Bay Cafe |
Budget cabin and bunkrooms
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