Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area

The EDGE of the World - North West Coast Tasmania - facing the Indian Ocean

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BACK TO THE CAVE MAN
Story and pics by Ian Smith
I’m meeting Gerry today, a 65 year old Tasmanian who’s seen most of the island state, way more than I’ll ever cover in a lifetime. I’m tagging along with him to Julius Creek, a semi-obscure destination that he wants to return to – and who am I to argue? It’s mildly famous among the bushwalking fraternity because it has caves so I’m expecting to be in a dark place sometime in the ensuing hours.
We’re somewhat tardy in heading out and I’m not sure exactly what we’ll be doing other than the caves, I’m just happy to have a guide. Our first stop is Edith Creek general store/café/service station – you name it they’ll have a go. In fact, talking to one of the owners later, he’s managed to start a profitable business utilizing the wood that the forestry company doesn’t want, finding many uses for the initially rejected timber.
Gerry however, is taking me to what the tourist image of the fabled Tarkine is, pristine Gondwana forest swathed in lichen and moss. There’s a new loop road not far from Edith Creek. Actually, it’s not new, but the sealing of it and promotion as a tourist destination is. Where Gerry’s taking me will not be on any serious promoter’s list in the foreseeable future though; I figure that out as we turn off one road onto another, then another and it’s a dirt road in the midst of becoming overgrown by forest with grasses and reedy-type plants as high as the bonnet running down the middle.
For some unknown reason I thought we were headed to a less obscure destination but here, the only way you know you’ve arrived is if you happen to spot the one lone piece of pink ribbon affixed to small branch. Had Gerry not mentioned it I’d have driven right by but there’s also a slightly wide part of the road, so called, where, after several backwards and forwards motions, you can actually turn around, which is just as well because I wouldn’t fancy reversing up our route.
This walk is as close to virgin as you can get; the track, such as it is, can only be followed if you keep your eyes out for the ribbons because there’s little wear and tear in some places, especially where a log has fallen down and alternate routes have been sought. This is wilderness in it truest form and we make our way down and across a small watercourse, so obscure you can walk across it and not get the top of your shoes wet.
Fungi and moss love it down here beneath the tertiary growth of this forest plus tree ferns and there’s also some large leaved plant with fruit that look just like blueberries scattered liberally across the forest floor. Gerry reliably informs me that they’re Tasmanian native pepper and I later look it up and see that it has attracted interest in medical research because it retards growth of Staph Aureus and other nasties.

Sumac Regional Reserve

Explore the great outdoors at Sumac Regional Reserve, a lovely green space in West Coast. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Rebecca Creek Conservation Area

Explore the great outdoors at Rebecca Creek Conservation Area, a lovely green space in Temma.

Balfour Track Regional Reserve

Explore the great outdoors at Balfour Track Regional Reserve, a lovely green space in West Coast. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Julius River Regional Reserve

Explore the great outdoors at Julius River Regional Reserve, a lovely green space in West Coast. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Corinna River Ferry

Explore the waterfront in Corinna with a trip to Corinna River Ferry. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Lake Chisholm Regional Reserve

Explore the great outdoors at Lake Chisholm Regional Reserve, a lovely green space in West Coast. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Top Hotel Deals

Check availability on hotels close to Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area

Arthur River Spa Cottage

20 GARDINER STREET Arthur River TAS

Sunset Holiday Villas

23 Gardiner Street Arthur River TAS

Grace's Spa Cottage

33 Gibson Street Smithton TAS

Tullah Lakeside Lodge

Cnr Meredith & Farrell St Tullah TAS

Island View Spa Cottage

70 Cantara Rd Smithton TAS

Heemskirk Motor Hotel

1-25 Main Street Zeehan TAS

See all 31 properties in Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area

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