corinna wilderness retreat

Tasmania’s Wild West: Corinna Wilderness Experience

Time to get off the grid.

As if Cradle Mountain wasn’t enough to leave you with awe, North Western Tasmania gives us Corinna.

Corinna Wilderness Experience may be a bit of a winding road to get to (three hours drive west of Launceston), but the all-encompassing twists and turns are worth the spot of natural gold that awaits at the end.

Once a former mining village, Corinna has been giving a new lease of life as a unique wilderness retreat stay amid the Tarkine rainforest; the largest cool temperate rainforest in the Southern Hemisphere, fringing the Southern Ocean.

Its cosy village of rustic retreats. Image source: Corinna Wilderness Retreat

Its accommodation options are varied and include camping by the Pieman River and eco stays in renovated miner’s cottages, both one and two storeys. The rustic cottage stays are something special with the exterior remaining authentic to its past and the interior was given a modern homely makeover (electric gas log fireplace included). Whichever form of lodging undertaken (I recommend the creature comforts – naturally!), Corinna stands as a perfect springboard to experience remote Tasmania, with untapped nature on your old-world doorstep.

Sublime surrounds. Image source: Anthony D’Orazio

This born-again village’s natural surrounds go unparalleled with little known Tarkine on the verge of receiving World Heritage Listed status. The retreat itself stands in the shadows of its towering verdant woodlands, attracting numerous wildlife including over 100 bird species.

At night, it is a case of eagerly grabbing the torch and embarking on a night safari by foot to spot Tasmania’s famous residents – possums, echidnas pademelons (an equally adorable cousin to wallabies and kangaroos) – around the retreat.

Pademelon spotting! Image source: Anthony D’Orazio

Of course, the temptation to go off and go deep into the woods is unrelenting – the Tarkine is just too magical for it to go left unexplored. There are 12 walking trails around the eco-hideaway to work those calve muscles and really appreciate the enchanting surrounds. Seeing its forest giant’s trunks intertwine to create unique silhouettes is the stuff that you would imagine to feature in a Brothers Grimm fables.

On the other hand, reality can be scary as I witnessed my worst nightmare – seeing a snake slither its way from one small shrub to another! Walks range from 5 minutes to all day walks with a climb up Mount Donaldson (4-hour return trip) supplying priceless views of the region.

Corinna’s enchanting woods. Image source: Corinna Wilderness Retreat

The cherry on the top is taking a slow boat journey down the Pieman River onboard the river cruiser, Arcadia II. The half-day river cruise takes guests slowly up the river, passing the Corinna Creek and Savage River en route just short of the Southern Ocean. Early morning, Tarkine’s natural splendour is replicated and mirrored across Pieman’s still waters – perfect for an Instaworthy mirror montage.

At world’s end down Pieman Heads. Image source: Anthony D’Orazio

Once hopping off-board the historical 1939-built vessel, there is a short stroll up the mouth of the river to meet with the Tasmanian world’s end; the Southern Ocean coastline (otherwise known as Pieman Heads). It is anything but a tranquil beach as the rough seas loudly roar at the forest. The shore also acts as a natural dumping ground for discarded forests logs that have slowly travelled down the river to meet their beached fate.

Corinna’s seclusion works to its advantage; it may be remote, but this old village amongst the vines holds the key to unearthing Tasmania’s untamed beauty.

The details

Stay:

Corinna Wilderness Experience – budget to mid-range accommodation available. Campsites are available. Cottage stays (from $175 per night), twin/queen eco-retreat (from $230 per night), family mezzanine eco-retreat (from $290 per night), old pub (from $390 per night).

18 St Helens Point Rd, St Helens TAS 7216

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Lead image source: Corinna Wilderness Retreat

Julia travelled as a guest of Tourism Tasmania, Avis and Corinna Wilderness Retreat and all thoughts and opinions are of her own.

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