The legendary Tarkine region in Tasmania
The Tarkine region in Tasmania is one of the last wild frontiers on Earth, a sprawling, raw wilderness that breathes with the spirit of ancient forests, wild rivers, and a fiercely independent coastline. Covering more than 447,000 hectares, the Tarkine, or takayna as it’s known in the language of the Palawa people, is Australia’s largest temperate rainforest and home to unique ecosystems and species found nowhere else.
Walking through the Tarkine is like stepping into the past. Dense, moss-covered myrtle trees loom overhead, and towering eucalypts stretch into a canopy that shimmers with green and gold hues when sunlight filters through.
Rivers here run tea-colored from the tannins of decaying vegetation, carving their way through dense vegetation on journeys to a coastline lashed by the relentless fury of the Roaring Forties winds.
This region is so biologically rich that many of the plants and animals are relics of an era when Australia was part of the ancient Gondwana supercontinent.
Wanderers might glimpse the endangered Tasmanian devil, who makes its home here alongside quolls, the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle, and the delicate, ghostly-white orchids that dot the forest floor.
Scientists continue to uncover new secrets in the Tarkine, such as unique fungal networks and rare invertebrates, illustrating its ecological importance.
Yet, as untouched as it feels, the Tarkine is not impervious to the encroachment of modern industry. Mining and logging interests have long circled this wilderness, eyeing its wealth of minerals and old-growth timber.
Proposals to open parts of the region to mining threaten both the ecology and the cultural heritage of the Tarkine. The Tarkine’s rich deposits of magnetite and other minerals mean that, even now, sections of it are under the gaze of exploratory teams.
Roads, machinery, and heavy transport break into its stillness, posing risks not only to the environment but to the indigenous history embedded in these lands.
For the Palawa people, takayna is not just a forest or a destination; it’s a living record of their ancestors, a place with sites and middens—some over 30,000 years old—that tell the story of their survival and their profound connection to this land.
Their resistance to the incursions on their land is one of Australia’s most enduring acts of cultural preservation.
Campaigns led by environmental groups like the Bob Brown Foundation have drawn global attention to the plight of the Tarkine, bringing in activists, artists, and locals in solidarity to stand against its destruction.
Many visitors find that, beyond its beauty, the Tarkine holds something almost mystical. There’s a rhythm to the land that is felt in the rustling leaves and the cry of a distant currawong. It calls to those who are willing to brave its remoteness.
Here, travelers can step back from the noise of modern life, to explore towering dunes, kayak through serene rivers, or find a spot to watch the wild waves of the Bass Strait crash into cliffs that have withstood countless storms.
The Tarkine stands as both an ecological wonder and a battleground, representing a choice that resonates beyond Tasmania.
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How to get to the Tarkine
Traveling to the Tarkine is an adventure in itself, requiring some planning but rewarding those who make the journey. Located in northwestern Tasmania, takayna/Tarkine is accessible by car from major cities like Hobart or Launceston.
Many visitors opt to fly into Launceston, which is about a four-hour drive to the region, or to Burnie for a closer starting point. From there, driving is essential, as the Tarkine’s expansive wilderness is best explored by car along scenic routes that wind through dense forests, past rugged coastlines, and into remote rainforests.
The Tarkine Drive is a popular loop that offers access to key sights like the Arthur River, Sumac Lookout, and the Trowutta Arch. For those looking to immerse themselves deeper, guided tours are available and provide insight into the area’s rich ecology and cultural heritage.
The Tarkine reveals a different side of its beauty each season, making it a fascinating destination year-round.
Summer (December to February) brings warm weather, ideal for hiking and camping, but also sees an increase in visitors.
Autumn (March to May) blankets the region in vibrant colors as the myrtle trees turn, offering cooler temperatures and fewer crowds—a perfect time for photographers and those looking for solitude.
Winter (June to August) can be chilly and wet, with mist-shrouded forests and dramatic coastal storms, creating an atmospheric experience that’s well-suited to more rugged adventurers.
Spring (September to November) breathes life into the Tarkine as wildflowers bloom, rivers swell, and wildlife becomes more active, making it an excellent time for birdwatching and nature walks.
Each season in the Tarkine offers a unique and captivating view of one of Australia’s last truly wild places.
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takayna/Tarkine: One of the Last Wild Places on Earth
In an age where wild places are growing ever rarer, Tasmania’s takayna/Tarkine remains an unspoiled gem—a lush, green kingdom of ancient trees, flowing rivers, and sacred stories.
Australian Geographic is set to honor this extraordinary land with the release of takayna/Tarkine: One of the Last Wild Places on Earth, a hardcover book that celebrates not only the beauty of the Tarkine but also its deep cultural and ecological significance.
With a collection of breathtaking photographs and passionate essays, the book aims to spark a powerful call for conservation.
The Tarkine is more than just a wilderness; it’s a place where nature has a palpable presence. Towering myrtle and sassafras trees create a leafy sanctuary, shading meandering rivers, and the forest floor is blanketed with ferns and mosses, painting a scene that looks like it’s been plucked straight from the time of Gondwana.
Here, the Southern Ocean crashes against rugged cliffs, and platypuses splash in secret streams. For Tasmania’s First Peoples, the Tarkine—takayna—is also a sacred place, with ancient sites that speak of generations past, blending spiritual heritage with natural grandeur.
Through over 224 pages, takayna/Tarkine brings together the stunning photography of Matthew Newton and Rob Blakers, two of Tasmania’s most acclaimed wilderness photographers, along with the voices of environmentalists like Dr. Sally Bryant, Sharnie Read (palawa), and Danielle Wood.
Each photograph and essay captures the raw beauty of this land and underscores the urgency of its preservation. Newton, who has been documenting the Tarkine for more than two decades, hopes the book will move readers to understand and protect this remarkable environment.
“This book is not just a celebration of Takayna’s beauty; it is a call to action,” he says. His words, much like his photographs, carry a sense of dedication to the region’s legacy.
What makes takayna/Tarkine unique is how it marries visual splendor with knowledge. The book is both an artistic homage and a practical guide, offering a detailed map and travel tips for those who want to experience the Tarkine for themselves.
For travelers, this guide is invaluable; it suggests ways to explore respectfully, immersing themselves in the Tarkine’s splendor without leaving a trace. Every page speaks to nature lovers, adventurers, and those who seek connection with the wild, urging them to witness the Tarkine’s wonders firsthand.
Beyond its role as a keepsake, this book also makes a difference. A portion of proceeds from each sale goes to the Australian Geographic Society, supporting environmental initiatives that advocate for the preservation of regions with high conservation value. With every purchase, readers not only receive a portal into the Tarkine but also contribute to the efforts that protect it.
With the launch of takayna/Tarkine: One of the Last Wild Places on Earth on November 13, 2024, at major bookstores and the Australian Geographic website, readers will have the chance to bring home a piece of the Tarkine and help champion the cause of its protection.
Through its pages, Australian Geographic reminds us of the privilege and responsibility of preserving places like takayna/Tarkine, one of Earth’s last wild frontiers.
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