This five day self drive itinerary is suitable for 2W or 4W drive cars/motorhomes, but not for caravans as the Western Explorer in Tarkine can not be driven by those cars due to the condition of the road.  

Tarkine is located in the north west corner of Tasmania and the roads here go through breathtaking, untouched, wild rainforests, lookouts even coast.

This drive is going to rive you through this dramatic wilderness where you can experience the unique flora and fauna, globally significant rainforests, river and coastal landscapes.

Day 1 - Arrival to Smithton from Devonport early in the morning - 130km

Make sure you tank up with food fuel and water because the next couple of days you gonna spend in the remote areas of Tasmania lacking any supermarket facilities. You dont need to be fully self sufficient because accommodation and camping / BBQ facilities are available but make sure you have got enough raw food to work from. Especially vegetables..that always seems to be a problem for me to find in these wild areas.

Take the Tarkine loop drive ( B22 then C218-C214 than back to Smithton on A2) the first day from Smithton. This drives takes you through the rainforests, with several scenic lookout, waterfalls, rainforest walks possibilities and gives you a very good glimpse of what the area look like.

I prefer taking this drive anticlockwise (from Smithton to Arthur River because it gives me a chance for nice sunset pictures on coastal line)

The drive itself is a 130km drive, suitable for any cars.

Accommodation in Smithton; there is every type of accommodation in Smithton from budget to “half” luxury and camping. Wild camping however is possible through the road in the dedicated camping spots (there are 4 of them) 

Day 2 - Smithton to Corinna Drive - 120km

Firstly - again; fill up your car because you wont see any petrol stations in the next two days!

This drive takes you through the wild part of Tarkine. This is a on graved road so theoretically it is not suitable for 2W drive cars, but I did it with my small compact car. The steeper parts of the road are upgraded which is definitely a big help!

I would not however take this road with a normal campervan. I dont thing the engine can manage those steep parts. 

I saw people doing wild camping wth 4W drive cars with the tents on the top - well i wish I had that car!

Anyways its still awesome just the drive through.

Its a 2-3 hour 120km drive dependant on your speed and how many times you stop to take photos. 

Accommodation in Corinna.

Day 3  - Explore Corinna - 0km

Corinna is a remote eco-tourism destination that is located in the banks of Pierman River deep in the Tarkine. 

There are cottages, campsites available in this small town -booking are essential!- and there is even a small restaurant with a decent menu. The vibe of the place is just too good!

The whole town is self sufficient, rain water is used for cooking / drinking - wilderness feeling is just so totally guaranteed here.

You can take the daily River Cruise up to the rain forests (10.30am daily returning at 2pm) or you can go kayaking (available for rent) or take the dozen of local walks and hikes either by the river or the waterfalls.

You will want to stay longer definitely…

Accommodation in Corinna

Day 4 - Corinna to Waratah - 50km

Spend the morning in Corinna, take a last walk and at around noon drive one hour to Savage River.

This road is a non graved road again, sorry for constantly suggesting to break the rule and driving on the non graved road with your rental car but this area is just too good to be missed!

Waratah is a pleasant surprise -it’s a very clean country town. You can visit the Waratah Falls (the fall itslef is literally in the middle of this small town only half an hour return walk from your accommodation) or "Philosopher Falls" through the forest. Walking this forest is like immersing into the Hobbit land. Myrtles, ferns and all other trees are intertwined and the forest floor is like a soft carpet. Absolute 100% Tarkine magic. 

Accommodation in Waratah