Tasmanian Wilderness for the Travel Trade

Tasmanian Wilderness Secret Spots

A West Coast wilderness escape based at Corinna – an historic mining settlement buried deep in the Tarkine rainforest on the banks of the Pieman River. River cruises aboard the legendary Huon pine vessel MV Arcadia II, kayaking, bushwalking, and some of the most remote scenery in Tasmania. Built for travel agents packaging authentic Australian experiences, incentive programmes, and Fully Independent Traveller (FIT) itineraries that go well beyond the usual highlights.

About This Experience

Corinna & the Tarkine, Western Tasmania

Corinna is an historic mining town set in pristine rainforest on the banks of the Pieman River in western Tasmania. As the sea eagle flies, it sits 60km north of Strahan, 70km west of Cradle Mountain, and 18km from the Southern Ocean. It occupies the southern end of the Tarkine – the largest temperate rainforest in Australia – and marks the northernmost point where the famous Huon pine grows. This ancient, unbroken tract of forest is a living link with the supercontinent Gondwanaland.

The Corinna Wilderness Experience provides an escape from mass tourism to one of the most remote and beautiful parts of the world. Guests stay in ensuite eco-friendly retreats and explore by river cruise, kayak, and on foot. The MV Arcadia II – a legendary Huon pine vessel – cruises the Pieman River daily in peak season, and a range of walking, fishing, birdwatching, and nature experiences round out the offering. White settlers arrived in 1881, the town was proclaimed in 1894 following a gold rush, but the Tarkiner people made this area home for 30,000 years before that. The history runs deep here.

  • Eco retreats set in the Tarkine rainforest on the Pieman River
  • Pieman River cruise aboard the Huon pine MV Arcadia II
  • Kayaking, bushwalking, fishing, and birdwatching experiences
  • Tannin Restaurant serving local produce (September to May)
  • Ideal for FIT itineraries, small groups, and incentive programmes seeking authentic wilderness
An aerial view of the Gordon Dam, a distinctive double-curvature concrete arch dam spanning the Gordon River in southwestern Tasmania, Australia, surrounded by dense temperate rainforest and rocky outcrops with a second lake visible in the distance.

EXPERIENCES & ACTIVITIES

Your Corinna Wilderness Experience – Activity by Activity

Pieman River Cruise aboard the MV Arcadia II

The signature experience at Corinna. The MV Arcadia II – a vessel built from Huon pine, which is something your clients won’t find anywhere else – departs at 10am and cruises downstream on the Pieman River towards Pieman Head. Arrival at Pieman Head is around 11.30am, with departure at 1.00pm for a return to Corinna by 2.30pm. The cruise operates seven days a week during peak season (December to March/April), and by minimum numbers through the low season.

The skippers know this river intimately. Commentary covers the history of the area, the unique geology, and the ecology of the Tarkine rainforest that lines both banks. Morning tea and coffee are complimentary throughout the journey, and a light lunch is supplied when guests disembark at the wharf at Pieman Heads.

Trade tip: This is the experience you lead with when selling Corinna. The combination of a heritage Huon pine vessel, pristine river scenery, and genuinely knowledgeable local guides makes it stand out. It runs roughly 4.5 hours return, so it anchors a full morning and early afternoon nicely.

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Sweetwater Cruise

A more intimate alternative to the full Pieman River cruise. The Sweetwater departs at 3pm and carries a maximum of eight passengers on a one-hour smooth-water cruise through some of the river’s quieter features. The skipper takes guests to the Savage River to view the shipwreck of the S.S. Croydon, then on to Lovers Falls – accessible only by small boat or kayak. Lovers Falls is one of the genuine hidden gems of the Tarkine.

After Lovers Falls, it’s a peaceful return to Corinna as the afternoon light filters through the canopy.

Trade tip: With only eight passengers, the Sweetwater cruise feels exclusive. It works well as an afternoon add-on after the morning Arcadia II cruise, or as a standalone for clients who prefer something shorter and more personal. The S.S. Croydon wreck adds an unexpected historical element.

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Kayaking the Pieman River

Kayaks are available for guests to explore the Pieman River and its tributaries at their own pace. The water is generally calm and the surroundings are extraordinary – dense rainforest canopy overhead, the occasional platypus sighting, and a stillness that’s hard to describe until you’re in it.

Guided kayaking options take guests to spots that are otherwise inaccessible, including secluded side creeks and waterfalls. For self-guided paddlers, the staff at Corinna provide route guidance and safety briefings.

Trade tip: Kayaking is a strong sell for active FIT clients and younger travellers. The accessibility of calm water means it works for a broad range of fitness levels. Pair it with the Sweetwater cruise for a full day on the water.

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Bushwalking in the Tarkine

Several walking tracks radiate from Corinna into the surrounding Tarkine rainforest. These range from short interpretive walks through ancient myrtle and sassafras forest to longer half-day treks along the riverbank and through old mining sites. The forest floor here is thick with moss and ferns, and the canopy is dense enough that even on a bright day it feels like walking through a green cathedral.

For clients with a deeper interest in natural history, the walks reveal Huon pine stands that are thousands of years old, remnant mining infrastructure from the 1890s gold rush, and birdlife including the endangered Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle.

Trade tip: The bushwalks don’t require high fitness. The terrain is mostly flat along the river, with some sections through uneven forest floor. It’s a very different walking experience to Cradle Mountain or the Overland Track – quieter, more intimate, and far less crowded. That’s the selling point.

A scenic wooden boardwalk with metal railings winds through a lush temperate rainforest, featuring moss-covered trees, ferns, and dense green canopy. An interpretive sign is visible along the pathway, providing information about the natural environment.

Fishing & Birdwatching

The Pieman River and its tributaries offer excellent freshwater fishing, with brown trout a popular target. Fishing gear can be arranged through Corinna, and the staff know exactly where to send guests depending on conditions and time of year.

For birdwatchers, the Tarkine delivers. The diversity of habitat – rainforest, riverbank, coastal heath – supports a wide range of species. Wedge-tailed eagles, white-bellied sea eagles, azure kingfishers, and a host of endemic Tasmanian species can be spotted without venturing far from the retreats.

Trade tip: These are the kinds of activities that turn a two-night stay into three. Clients who are into wildlife or fishing will find plenty to keep them occupied without structured tours. Worth noting in the itinerary as free-time options that don’t need pre-booking.

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Tannin Restaurant & Dining

The Tannin Restaurant operates for lunch and dinner from September to May, and booking is essential. The food draws on local Tasmanian produce and the setting is hard to beat – dining in the heart of the rainforest with the sound of the river nearby. Through winter, meal packs are available for self-catering in the retreats. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

The Tarkine Hotel bar complements the dining experience with local wines and Tasmanian beers.

Trade tip: Let your clients know that the restaurant is seasonal and requires booking. For winter departures (June to August), they’ll be self-catering with meal packs, which actually suits some clients who want a more independent wilderness experience. Either way, advise dietary requirements well in advance.

A striking white neoclassical boathouse structure stands on the shore of Lake St Clair in Tasmania, backed by a dense native eucalyptus forest. The serene waters reflect the clear blue sky, creating a picturesque scene of Australia's wilderness heritage.

Mining History & Indigenous Heritage

Corinna’s story stretches back 30,000 years. The Tarkiner people made this region home long before European settlement, and evidence of their presence is woven into the landscape. White settlers arrived in 1881, and the town was proclaimed in 1894 following a gold rush that drew hundreds of prospectors to the area.

The township itself is a rare surviving example of a remote Tasmanian mining settlement – the buildings, the old pub, the infrastructure all tell a story. Walking through Corinna in the early morning, before the day’s activities begin, you get a real sense of place. It feels like stepping sideways out of the modern world.

Trade tip: The heritage layer adds depth to what might otherwise be positioned as a pure nature experience. For clients interested in Australian colonial history or Indigenous culture, this context makes Corinna more than just pretty rainforest. The Old Pub in particular is a conversation starter – over 100 years old and full of character.

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WHERE YOU STAY

Accommodation at Corinna

Eco Retreats

  • Queen Eco Retreat – one bedroom with queen bed, sleeps two
  • Family Eco Retreat – two bedrooms (queen + two singles), balcony overlooking rainforest, sleeps four
  • Mezzanine Eco Retreat – raised loft bedrooms with king bed and two singles, open-plan living
  • Queen/King Eco Retreat – twin configuration with wheelchair access throughout
  • All retreats are ensuite with fully self-contained kitchen, linen supplied, and communal BBQ area

Every retreat sits within the rainforest with balcony views over the Tarkine canopy. They’re eco-friendly but comfortable – not roughing it. Self-contained kitchens (no oven) mean guests can cater independently, which works well alongside the Tannin Restaurant for more structured dining.

The Old Pub

The Old Pub is over 100 years old and full of charm. It’s a heritage guest house that works for groups and families who want to book the whole building. This is sole-use only – not individual room bookings. Inside you’ll find one queen room, two twin rooms, two single rooms, a bathroom, kitchen, and lounge area. Linen is supplied.

There’s something about staying in a building with that much history, in a settlement this remote, that leaves an impression. It’s not luxury in the conventional sense. It’s something better – genuine character.

  • Sole-use heritage guest house – ideal for groups and families
  • Five rooms (queen, twin, single configurations) sleeping up to eight
  • Full kitchen and communal lounge area
  • Over a century of West Coast Tasmanian history in the walls

Ready to Book Tasmanian Wilderness Secret Spots?

Contact our team for trade rates, accommodation availability, and help packaging Corinna and the Tarkine into your clients’ Tasmanian itineraries. We handle transfers, connections to Strahan and Cradle Mountain, domestic flights, and integration with our full range of Australian touring product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Corinna is accessed by road from either Strahan (approximately 60km to the south) or via the road from Savage River. The final approach includes a crossing on the Fatman Barge over the Pieman River – which is an experience in itself. The roads are sealed for most of the journey but the last stretch is gravel, so a standard vehicle is fine but clients should be aware it’s not highway driving. We can arrange transfers from Strahan, Cradle Mountain, or Launceston as part of a broader Tasmanian itinerary. Self-drive is the most popular option and works well for FIT clients exploring the West Coast at their own pace.
Two nights is the minimum we’d recommend. That gives enough time for the Arcadia II cruise, the Sweetwater cruise, and a bushwalk or kayak session. Three nights is better – it allows clients to settle into the pace of the place, try fishing, explore more of the walking tracks, and simply enjoy the remoteness without feeling rushed. For groups or incentive programmes, three nights lets you programme a full schedule of activities while preserving the sense of escape that makes Corinna special.
Corinna is open year-round. The peak season runs from September to May, when the Tannin Restaurant is open and the Arcadia II operates daily (subject to minimum numbers in the shoulder months). Summer (December to March) brings the longest days and warmest weather. Autumn is beautiful – cooler temperatures, fewer visitors, and the rainforest at its most atmospheric. Winter visits are quieter and rely on self-catering with meal packs, which suits clients who want genuine solitude. The West Coast gets rain throughout the year – it’s part of what makes the rainforest a rainforest – so advise clients to pack layers regardless of season.
Absolutely, and that’s how we’d recommend selling it. Corinna sits between two of Tasmania’s most popular destinations – Cradle Mountain (70km to the east) and Strahan on Macquarie Harbour (60km to the south). A natural itinerary runs Launceston to Cradle Mountain, then across to Corinna, then south to Strahan and on to Hobart via the Gordon River and the West Coast. We build complete Tasmanian itineraries for the travel trade – accommodation, transfers, touring, and car hire. Corinna works as the hidden gem in the middle of a 7- to 10-day Tasmanian journey, and it’s the part clients don’t expect but remember most.
Yes, with some planning. The eco retreats and The Old Pub can accommodate small to mid-sized groups comfortably, and the exclusive-use Old Pub is well suited to team retreats. Activities like the river cruise, kayaking, and guided walks can be programmed across multiple days for groups. The remote setting creates a natural sense of occasion that’s difficult to replicate at a city hotel or resort. For larger incentive programmes, we can combine Corinna with other Tasmanian venues – Saffire Freycinet, MONA in Hobart, or Cradle Mountain Lodge – to create a multi-stop programme. Contact us at enquiries@aabh.com.au to discuss group requirements and availability.
A picturesque waterfront scene of Hobart Harbour at sunset, featuring moored sailing boats and historic buildings reflected in calm golden waters. The image captures the vibrant golden and orange hues of the setting sun illuminating the colonial architecture and modern skyline along Tasmania's waterfront.
A pristine river flows through a lush temperate rainforest valley under a brilliant blue sky with white clouds, surrounded by ancient eucalyptus trees and rocky outcrops in Tasmania's Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
A scenic wooden boardwalk with metal railings winds through a lush temperate rainforest, featuring moss-covered trees, ferns, and dense green canopy. An interpretive sign is visible along the pathway, providing information about the natural environment.
A striking suspension bridge spans a crystal-clear river in a lush rainforest setting, with visible river stones beneath the transparent water and dense green vegetation framing both sides. The bridge features a mesh safety net design, connecting hikers through the pristine wilderness of Tasmania's Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park under a clear blue sky.
A serene forest stream winds through a lush, moss-covered temperate rainforest in Tasmania's Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Towering trees, ferns, and moss-laden rocks create an ancient, primordial atmosphere with the clear water flowing gently over a rocky bed.
A serene forest pathway winds through a lush, moss-covered woodland in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Tasmania. Towering trees with moss-draped trunks create a verdant canopy overhead, with dappled sunlight filtering through the dense foliage onto the gravel track below.
A stunning coastal landscape featuring distinctive orange and golden granite boulders scattered along the shoreline of the Bay of Fires Conservation Area in Tasmania, Australia. Crystal-clear blue waters and a pristine sandy beach complement the dramatic rocky formations under a clear sky.
A stunning aerial drone view of Cloudy Bay Beach on South Bruny Island, Tasmania, showcasing pristine white sand, turquoise waters with rolling surf waves, and forested mountains backing the coastline under clear blue skies.
A stunning aerial drone photograph of The Neck, a narrow isthmus connecting North and South Bruny Island in southern Tasmania, Australia. The image showcases the dramatic contrast between the turquoise ocean waters on the left, the sandy beach, pristine green lagoon on the right, and forested hills beyond, with mountains visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
A scenic wooden boardwalk winds through alpine grassland toward the distinctive peaks of Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. The image captures the mountain's dramatic twin summits framed by native vegetation, a pristine alpine lake, and diverse flora in golden and green tones under clear skies.
A picturesque street view of The Mall in central Launceston, Tasmania, featuring elegant Victorian and heritage architecture with distinctive cream and terracotta facades, ornate details, and ground-floor retail establishments beneath a clear blue sky.
A stunning coastal scene featuring the Bay of Fires in northeastern Tasmania, characterized by distinctive orange-hued granite boulders covered in lichen, pristine white sand beach, and turquoise waters under a clear blue sky.
A stunning coastal landscape featuring pristine white sand beach, turquoise waters, and distinctive granite boulders covered in vibrant orange lichen at the Bay of Fires Conservation Area in Tasmania. The rocky foreground contrasts beautifully with the calm, clear waters and blue sky beyond.
An aerial view of Bruny Island Lighthouse perched on a grassy headland overlooking the Southern Ocean. The white cylindrical lighthouse stands prominently on the rugged coastline with dramatic cliffs, rocky outcrops, and dense coastal vegetation, with sparkling blue waters and distant landmasses visible under a partly cloudy sky.
A dramatic aerial view of The Neck, a narrow isthmus on Bruny Island, featuring a wooden boardwalk descending toward pristine white sand beaches flanked by turquoise ocean waters on one side and calm bay waters on the other, with lush green vegetation covering the peninsula and mountains visible across the water under a partly cloudy sky.
An aerial view of the iconic Alexandra Suspension Bridge spanning across the turquoise waters of Cataract Gorge in Launceston, Tasmania, surrounded by dramatic rocky cliffs and autumn vegetation. The historic footbridge connects the gorge's steep sides and offers stunning views of the natural landscape below.
The Emmylou, a historic paddle steamer, navigates the Murray River near Echuca, Australia, with passengers enjoying views from multiple decks. The vessel features a distinctive cream and orange exterior with a tall smokestack, set against a backdrop of eucalyptus trees lining the riverbank.
A serene scene on the Murray River featuring a houseboat cruising past the dramatic ochre and white striped cliffs of Headings Cliff in South Australia. The landscape showcases striking geological formations, native eucalyptus trees lining the riverbank, and calm reflective waters, exemplifying the natural beauty and recreational appeal of Australia's iconic river system.
Tour boats moored along the Daintree River in far north Queensland, Australia, with lush tropical vegetation and forested hills reflected in the calm water. The scene captures the natural beauty and eco-tourism infrastructure of this remote rainforest river destination.
An aerial view of the iconic Captain Cook Highway in Far North Queensland, Australia, where a scenic coastal road winds through lush tropical rainforest alongside pristine turquoise waters where the Great Barrier Reef meets the shore.
A stunning twilight view of Brisbane's modern city skyline reflecting in the Brisbane River, featuring the iconic Story Bridge, contemporary high-rise buildings illuminated against a vibrant purple and blue sky, with historic riverside landmarks in the foreground including a lighthouse and heritage structures.

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