April 2022: Need a few hours of forest bathing? Then this short drive from Tin Dragon Cottages is perfect! We packed our lunch and headed for Halls Falls.
Where is Halls Falls?
From Branxholm we drove towards Welborough on the A3 Tasman Highway. From Weldborough we continued 21 km on the Tasman Highway past the rhs turn-off to Pyengana. We turned on to Anchor road (LHS). Then we followed this picturesque tree-lined unsealed road taking the first right-hand turnoff (about 1 km). This is the car park for the Halls Falls walking track. The total distance was 50km from Tin Dragon Cottages. GPS Coords: -41.2551, 148.0343
Some local history of Halls Falls
In the nineteenth century this area was mined for tin by Chinese miners. Above Halls Falls you can visit the weir built by these miners. The hand-made weir was built to divert water into water races used for tin mining.
More recently the area was selectively logged. In fact, Halls Falls is named after Willis Hall who set up a portable sawmill downstream of Halls Falls on the Groom River.
Local residents told us that the Hall brothers wanted the area protected for its beauty. So, although you can still see the immense tree stumps from large trees felled last century, the area around the falls has been preserved.
Saved from logging
You can enjoy this short walk because of the efforts of many local Tasmanians. A significant track upgrade was completed in September 2015. This was part of the Tasmanian Community Forest Walks Project, which was supported by Environment Tasmania through funding from the Australian Government.
An easy walk for families
The return distance to the weir is about 2km from the interpretation signs. This is an easy, mostly flat (Class 3) track. However, Environment Tasmania has classified the short section descending to the base of the the falls as Class 4. You should allow yourself about two hours to explore all the short tracks around the Groom River.
Although this is an easy walk, you should wear good walking shoes. The track was slippery after the recent rain.
About 750m from the track entrance there is a viewing platform. Here you can look down to Halls Falls.
Track up to the weir
From the viewing platform you can choose the track to the left taking you upstream to the historic weir. A short distance in, there is also short sidetrack to rock pools downstream of the weir.
By returning to the main track you can walk another short track up to the base of the weir. Here you have a better view of the weir.
The track then continues further upstream beside the peaceful clear Groom River.
After about ten minues, we decided to return downstream back to the viewing platform.
Zig-zag track down to Halls Falls
The track to the right of the viewing platform descends steeply via a couple of switchbacks to the base of Halls Falls. Of course walking this short track is the whole reason for driving out to Halls Falls!
We sat on a large rock below the falls to enjoy our cup of tea and sandwiches–Shinrin-yoku!
Returning to the car park we walked the 750m loop track. This takes you through dry eucalypt forest. After the April rains the area was heavily scented with peppermint and eucalyptus.
This family-friendly easy walk well deserves it’s Google review’s rating of >4.5.
We last visited Meadstone Falls in 2016 when we were researching content for a blog about skinny dipping in our region. So after unusually good rainfall this summer, we thought it would be interesting to revisit this waterfall. The deep upstream rock pools make this an inviting destination on a hot summer’s day!
Getting to Meadstone Falls
From Branxholm we drove via Legerwood, Ringarooma and Mathinna to Fingal. At Fingal we turned left towards St Mary’s onto the Esk Highway. The first right-hand turn-off the highway is Valley Road. You will see a sign indicating the Mount Puzzler Forest Reserve and stating that there is no through road. Although the unsealed Valley Road appears in good condition, you will need a sturdy 4WD to complete the drive to the Meadstone Falls.
We continued driving up the hill on the well-formed road till we reached an intersection. Here we turned right as indicated by a small sign – Falls. Continuing on, was another left-hand turn, as we started driving downhill. The final turn-off was well sign posted – Meadstone Falls (Road closed).
Road to Meadstone Falls Closed
When we drove to Meadstone Falls in 2016, the road had been excavated to prevent vehicle access – see the photo above. But our trusty short-wheel-base Feroza got across!
On this recent trip (2021) however, we found the road had been graded and the excavated road hazard filled in. I imagine this was to ensure access for emergency vehicles. Last year this region was endangered by bush fires.
So, on we drove – feeling confident! Till we reached the old bridge. I remembered this had been dodgy last time. But now the bridge had completely collapsed.
Collapsed Bridge
Rough Road
After the bridge obstacle, the road becomes very rough. It really is 4WD only after this point.
Meadstone Falls Walking Track
After the river-crossing it is only about 2.5 km to the Mount Puzzler Reserve camp site and the start of the walking track.
The track is easy to follow. Although rarely accessed, in recent years some hikers have placed rock cairns and tapes (now faded) which make the track easy to find. The walk to the Meadstone Falls is nearly one-hour (one way) and the walk down to the river is about a further 30 minutes.
Walk to the Falls
The walk through dry sclerophyll forest is a pleasant walk. The river bed drops away till the amazing dolerite ravine and waterfall are revealed. There is a final short steep track down to the look out platform.
The lookout over Meadstone Falls is not being maintained. So we do not recommend you walk out onto the platform! It’s a long way down… This year there was more water in the St Paul’s River. (If you want to see what the waterfall looks like after a dumping of rain, then take a look at this image.
The Rock Pools above the Falls
The scramble down to the river is well worth the extra effort. But be careful, because the little-used track can be covered with dry leaves and is slippery. There is a rock scramble across the river too, if you want to enjoy the best-ever rock pool! (Take a look at our skinny dipping photos from 2016).
On this occasion we didn’t swim! Although the slight breeze and cool temperature was ideal for walking, it was far too cold for swimming! It was very peaceful gazing into the water watching the small fish and other aquatic life darting around.
Apparently you can scramble further down the river to the top of the waterfall. We haven’t attempted this. I imagine the river would have to be really dry to make this extra exploration feasible!
If you are interested in learning about other walks in Tasmania, or staying with us at Tin Dragon Trail Cottages, you might enjoy reading our Blog. Of course, you may like to subscribe so you can receive our latest published articles, too!
Road Trip Tasmania author: Jennifer Cossins
Our guest author, Jennifer Cossins, is a Tasmanian artist, writer, traveller, coffee addict, nature lover and freedom seeker. She runs her creative business, Red Parka Designs out of Criterion Street, Hobart in Tasmania. Whilst under COVID travel-restrictions Jen has been roaming around her island home. Here Jen describes her first three-day road trip and stay at Tin Dragon Cottages in North East Tasmania.
Day One of Road Trip Tasmania: Driving North from Hobart
Our mid-winter road trip north from Hobart began with a beautiful drive up Tasmania’s stunning East Coast, with an obligatory stop at the Bicheno Blowhole, which was blowing impressively despite the calm waters of the day. After a quick stop in the lovely seaside town of St. Helens for a coffee at Coffee Away, we took the road inland to begin our North East adventure!
The best thing about the North East is…. Well.. everything! Even the drive through these areas is stunning in almost every direction you look. The towns are small and quaint, the trees are amazing, the farmland is lush and the views as you climb up and down the winding hilly roads are stunning. And then, it all gets even more impressive once you leave the main road.
St Columba Falls, Pyengana
Our first stop was just past Pyengana where we walked to St Columba Falls. This incredible waterfall is one of the highest in Tasmania and is also wide and meandering. The walk in only takes about 20 minutes and is easy, catering to all ages and fitness levels, and is stunning in itself as you walk alongside the creek through the magnificent rainforest. This truly was a magical way to begin our North East adventure!
Myrtle Forest Walk
In our happy place under the ferns
Our next stop was the short but incredible Myrtle Forest Walk. This is a great walk to take young kids on as it’s short and easy but so, so beautiful! It literally only takes 10 minutes (with photo stops!) but you get to see some of the oldest, most beautiful myrtle trees in the world.
From here, we drove on to Weldborough where we turned off the main road to Mount Paris Dam.
Mount Paris Dam
After getting a hot tip from my friend Rebecca Thomson (AKA @queenripsnort on insta) we took a short detour to visit Mount Paris Dam on our Tasmania road trip last week, and damn (😉) are we glad we did!
The dam was built to service the local tin mine back in the day, but has been abandoned since the 70s, and in the 80s a hole was blasted in the wall to allow the river to flow naturally again. The result is this gorgeous little river flowing through the old dam wall!
📌 To get to the dam, turn off the main road at Weldborough – it’s clearly marked – and then it’s about a 15 minute drive down a dirt road. The small road off this dirt road that takes you close to the dam is rough and muddy (at least it was when we were there in the middle of winter) so if you’d don’t have a 4WD (we don’t!), your best bet is to park at the top of the road and walk down.
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My other top tip? Try not to jump around on the rocks in excitement at discovering a cool new place because they are super slippery and you may end up bruised and sore for the next couple of weeks. True story – I’m such a klutz!
From here we drove another 15 minutes to Branxholm and Tin Dragon Cottages. After settling in to our cottage, we walked along the river watching the setting sun…just beautiful!
Tin Dragon Cottages
I’ve wanted to stay at Tin Dragon Cottages since my friend Phillippa Moore (AKA @travelling_philbury on insta) posted about them last year. So now, whilst we’re taking some time to explore our home state and wanting to support all the great independent businesses here in Tassie, was the perfect time!
There are several eco cottages here on 36 acres of land and we loved how everything here is done so well with environment protection as top priority. The property is a haven for native wildlife and has a beautiful river running through that is home to platypuses! They sustainably generate all their power needs, are plastic free, provide compost options for guests and use recycled grey water… and there’s a herd of alpacas that live there too.
Christine and Graham are lovely and knowledgeable hosts who are passionate about protecting this beautiful part of Tasmania. They also are very Covid aware, so we felt very safe in our gorgeous, clean, eco cottage.
Ah Back studio cottage
Ringarooma River
All in all, staying here felt good in all the right ways and we couldn’t recommend them more. That hot tub was seriously amazing too – there’s nothing quite like relaxing in the tub at night with a glass of wine and an incredible view of the stars above!
Oh, and did I mention alpacas?? 😍
Day Two of Road Trip Tasmania: Mining heritage, rainforest, mountains and a waterfall
Today we drove to Little Blue Lake (via Derby but unfortunately nothing was open so we couldn’t stop for coffee as planned). Note from Tin Dragon Cottages: in these uncertain COVID times it is best to contact our local eateries before heading out.
Little Blue Lake and Cube Rock
The magical Little Blue Lake in Tasmania has become a bit of an Instagram celebrity of late. But I had not heard of it till fairly recently despite living here my whole life, and finally last week we visited. It is truly beautiful and the colour is incredible!
The reason the lake is so blue is because this area used to be a tin mine and after digging up the area, it exposed the white clay which now forms the bottom of the lake. The blue colour is actually the reflection of the sky off the white clay!
📌 The lake is near the road between the small towns of Pioneer and Gladstone in Tasmania’s beautiful north east region, and is clearly marked.
Walk to Cube Rock
Despite what you see on instagram, there’s more to see here than just the lake, as impressive as it is. And although not being safe to swim here, the area has regenerated a lot since mining ceased. There’s a confusing maze of trails at the end of the lake, but by carefully following the sometimes hard to spot signs and markers on trees, we found our way to the Cube Rock trail. This path took us on a beautiful winding journey up the hills behind the lake – it’s quite a climb to get right up there but the scenery along the way is so beautiful, including some of the most impressive moss and lichen covered rocks I have ever seen. When you finally come out on top of the massive rocks, the views are incredible!
Cube Rock itself is at the end of this trail and is an amazing piece of geology to see. It looks as though it’s just balancing there, at the top of the mountain, waiting for someone to give it a nudge and watch it roll all the way down to land in the Little Blue Lake, but I suspect it’s far more firmly attached than it looks!
About three quarters of the way up there’s a large rocky expanse that was perfect for our picnic lunch with beautiful views of the rock up ahead. Whilst not too challenging, it’s a steady climb up hill for about an hour. So make sure you don’t do what we did and forget to pack the water bottle in your day pack!
The Blue Tier Forest Reserve
Once we’d returned from the rock and rehydrated, we drove south, through beautiful Gould’s Country, then into the Blue Tier Forest Reserve, where we walked the lovely Goblin Forest Walk, a beautiful 20 minute stroll in the heart of the Blue Tiers. There are several longer walking tracks around here but as we were limited in time, we only did this one this time.
Halls Falls
Next stop was Halls Falls – this wonderfully peaceful spot provided the most special moment of the whole trip – just sitting on a damp, cold log, listening to the birds and the waterfall nearby – total peace!
So, this was probably my favourite walk that we did! Although that’s a big claim as I loved every single step of every trail we took.
📌 The trail here takes about an hour return and it is a relatively easy and very pretty walk. The falls are nice, but even nicer is this gorgeous river section, so be sure to keep walking about 10 minutes past the falls lookout to get here.
Home Base and a Meal at the Local
After cooking in our cabin the first night, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner at the local pub in Branxholm tonight. Especially in light of COVID, we were keen to support the local pub. We were not disappointed by the friendly owner and locals who welcomed us warmly for the evening.
After a hearty pub meal, we enjoyed another bath under the stars at Tin Dragon Cottages… the perfect way to end a day of exploring!
Day Three of Road Trip Tasmania: Driving South from Branxholm
We drove south from Branxholm to The Mount Victoria Conservation Reserve to walk the Cashs Gorge and Ralphs Falls Walk. From here we drive home via Mathinna and Fingal, then back onto the highway and home to Hobart.
Ralphs Falls and Cashs Gorge
Ralph’s Falls and Cash’s Gorge can both be seen on this 1 hour circuit hike which takes in a beautiful range of Tasmanian landscapes in a fairly short time! We started the circuit heading off to Cash’s Gorge across the quintessentially Tasmanian buttongrass plains. Then we headed through forest to come out at the gorge lookout for stunning views across both the forest reserve and the distant farm land.
After a short backtrack, the Tasmania road trip continues around to Ralphs Falls. This is an amazing tall, narrow waterfall that pours over an incredible dolerite fault formation. This trail takes you through another patch of beautiful Tasmanian rainforests with a few picturesque stream crossings as well. It is an easy, flat walk and well worth the drive in from the main road.
Another thing you may not know about Ralphs Falls is the mighty community effort that made this walk possible. I loved this story of a community coming together to not only preserve and protect their land but also make it accessible and enjoyable for locals and tourists alike!
Shinrinyoku: The Calming Practice of Forest Breathing
Our trip to the North East of Tasmania was the perfect place for us to relax, explore and find some much needed peace.
But let’s face it, peace has been hard to find lately! Even here in Tasmania where there’s not been many COVID cases and our government is being financially supportive (which is why I’m not a giant ball of stress about the fact that my business is soooo quiet).
The constant thought of what might happen if… is hard to shake as the future feels so uncertain. But when I’m out in nature in beautiful places like this, it’s easy to relax and think this is all I need. And even though we can’t stay out in the forest forever, getting as much of that feeling and holding it close to my heart when I get back to the real world is what’s keeping me sane right now. More than ever, I’m so grateful to be a Tasmanian!
This year has brought so many challenges but there’s been one big silver lining for me, and that’s been discovering and appreciating my local area more. So I hope wherever you are, and however close to you the craziness comes, that you are finding your own ways to keep sane. And if you’re lucky enough to be a fellow Tasmanian, there has never been a better time than now to get out and explore our own backyard!
You can read more about Jennifer Cossins road trip Tasmania adventures on her Instagram page: @redparka_roams
The Weld River in North East Tasmania drops down several tiers forming Harridge Falls. At about 5 m it is not tall but is a delightful waterfall well worth visiting.
Calming Effect of Waterfalls
In August last year Graham and I re-visited Harridge Falls near Weldborough, Tasmania. We have been here many times. By the way, I notice that Harridge Falls has scored an internet star-rating of only 2.6. So why are we so drawn to this waterfall?
Well, I have heard the negative-ion rich air around waterfalls promotes alpha brain waves. Certainly I feel the calming and relaxing effect of this waterfall. Perhaps because you can get close enough to feel the spray on your face?
But whatever the scientific facts, I am certain you will enjoy the cool green under story of this short walk in the rain forest. Then you can breathe deeply of the clean refreshing air near the river. Shinrin-yoku: Walk slowly. Breathe. Open all your senses.
In the heat of summer you may even be tempted to take a splash into the inviting clear water, too! But as always be very careful if you do.
A Myrtle Orange 
Lush understory 
Vibrant colour in the forest 
How to Find Harridge Falls
Although this is a short walk, I recommend you allow two hours for this excursion. This allows you time to take photos, have a picnic and explore the area. The geographical coordinates are -41.150001525 (lat) and 147.899993896 (long).
The start of the Harridge Falls walk is 25 km from Tin Dragon Trail Cottages on the A3 highway. Turn right onto the A3 when you leave our front road and drive to Moorina (21 km). You will cross over the Ringarooma River just before the Moorina cemetery. The Moorina Golf Course will be on your right and a short distance further you will see the Frome Road on your left. Continue another 4.1 km along the A3.
Just as the road starts to twist uphill you should notice numbering on the left-hand-side guide posts, starting at one (1). Prepare to pull over to the left just after the post numbered four (4). There is a small parking area just before a 4WD track, which heads downhill. Park here, making sure you don’t block the entrance to the 4WD track.
The start of the track is marked with bright pink ribbon. Follow the ribbons down the hill through the myrtle and tree-fern forest. It is only a short 15 minute walk to the top of the waterfall. Although it is an easy-to-moderate walk, it can be slippery in parts.
The top of the waterfall is the ideal place to have your picnic. Hope you remembered to bring your thermos of hot coffee!
Walk Below the Waterfall
If you look carefully you will find another track along the bank of the Weld river. Follow the bright pink ribbons to find the short (5 minute) track which takes you below the waterfall. There is another track which will take you further upstream, too. At drier times of the year you can scramble down the granite slope to see the waterfall.
Calming 
Behind this Great Short walk was a Mighty Community Effort
Ralphs Falls in North East Tasmania is promoted as one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks. The Ringarooma community can be proud of making this spectacular walk on Mount Victoria available for tourists. It was officially opened in 1998. The casual visitor would not be aware of the huge community effort—spanning some 50 years—needed to make Ralphs Falls accessible. Hence I will give you a short history of their efforts.
Where is Ralphs Falls in North East Tasmania?
Situated betweenRingarooma and Pyengana the Falls are a 30 minute drive from the Tasman Highway. Take the C423 from Ringarooma then follow the signs. At a T intersection you will drive past the Ringarooma cemetery, next you will turn right onto the Link gravel road which takes you to the Falls. The walk is 20 minute return to the Falls or 50 minute circuit via Cashs Gorge loop.
Who or What was Ralphs?
The old timber-getters and miners had known about the falls since the early 1900’s. ‘Ralphs’ was a local timber-mill, so perhaps it was the owner of the mill who first described the falls? In 1916 the local paper recounts an excursion made by a party of nine on horse-back to visit Mount Victoria for the enjoyment of the views. The article refers to the New River Falls. (North Eastern Advertiser Tuesday 11 April 1916 p 3).
Pyengana to Ringarooma Link Road Saga
During the early 20’s the local paper records the Pyengana residents’ desire for a link road to Ringarooma. In response, a Federal Government unemployment project commenced construction of the road in 1925. Unfortunately the project halted without completion in 1927. You can see signage commemorating the amazing hand-built stone wall.
The Road Seen as a Valuable Tourist Asset by the Community
In 1951 a petition to the State Minister for Works and Land by the Portland (Pyengana) and Ringarooma Councils failed to see further work on the road. The proponents pointed out that the road would, ‘be a valuable tourist asset, being a scenic road with new access to the magnificent St. Columba Falls’. Furthermore the road would ‘substantially shorten the distance between Launceston and St. Helens’( North Eastern Adverstiser Tues 20 March 1951 p5).
The Community Overcomes Petty-Minded Professional Bureaucratic Obstructionists
In 1979 the Ringarooma Progress Development League became determined to complete the link road. In addition they decided to construct a walking track to Ralphs Falls. . Ringarooma resident Norm Brown spear-headed the campaign. Despite local bureaucratic opposition, in 1983 the Mt Victoria Forest Reserve was gazetted. However the struggle to have forests of the North East protected from clear-fell destruction continues. Here is an impassioned letter written by Norm in 2002 (pdf download).
Hard Work of Volunteers over Twenty Years
Over the next 2 decades many local farming and business families chipped in to work on the road from Ringarooma to Mount Victoria and the Ralphs Falls walking track. Trees had to removed and land-slips and large holes repaired on the original abandoned road. A local resident remembers this being rather scary because it was just a narrow track with precipitous drops. A local mining contractor donated his time and heavy machinery on the proviso that the group supply the diesel. Finally a new road was pushed across the mountain to meet up with the existing rough track coming up from Pyengana.
Other volunteers then worked on constructing a walking track out to Ralphs Falls. It was hard going because all the cement, sand and stone had to be carried in using wheelbarrows and buckets. Volunteers often included parents and children. In some cases there were three generations of the same family working on the trail. One family even came from Victoria!
State Government Funding for the Great Short Walk
In Norm’s words the group, fought petty minded professional bureaucratic obstructionists to eventually achieve the State Government funding to complete the project. The State Government provided funds and encouraged Forestry Tasmania (FT) to approve the construction of Norm’s Lookout. FT then provided picnic tables, a composting toilet and on-going track maintenance.
The track, which includes ‘Norm’s Lookout’ over the spectacular falls, was officially opened by the Deputy Premier John Beswick in May 1989. Upgrades linking the Mount Victoria Road to Pyengana were eventually completed in 1998. In 2015 the area of the Ralphs Falls walk was placed under new land tenure. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) now maintains this asset.
After severe storm damage in 2014 PWS undertook major repair work. The gently sloping well-drained pathway, sturdy bridge and lookout now enjoyed by tourists was the work of legendary “Snapper” John Hughes, one of Australia’s leading track-builders in 2015.
Ralphs Falls & Cash’s Gorge Circuit Walk
Ralphs Falls is a popular walk with tourists to North East Tasmania. Our family has enjoyed this walk on many occasions over the years and it always delights. The 4 km easy circuit walk passes though lush myrtle rain forest, tea tree and button-grass plains. It features Tasmania’s tallest single-drop waterfall. Ralph’s Falls plummets down 100m of vertical dolerite fault to the valley floor. On a clear day the views out to the ocean over New River Valley and Cash’s Gorge are an extraordinary bonus! In the summer months the wattle birds, parrots, wrens and finches are active, insects buzz and the scent of honey is heavy in the air.
You want to spend some serious time here trying to see the bottom of the waterfall and just gazing at the rocks…and trying to take the best-ever photograph!
You can actually stand on top of Ralphs Falls. But I prefer to sit. Do be careful! Of course, this is not part of the formed track.
The track follows the escarpment.
I don’t know who Cash was. At this lookout you can see out to the ocean.
The button plains are full of life. I think the boardwalk is a regular wombat highway at night. After the boardwalk the track continues through a short section of tea tree bush to emerge back at the car park and picnic ground. So now it’s time for you to enjoy that picnic basket of goodies we supplied you for your lunch!
What better than—on a lazy hot summer’s day—to immerse yourself in the pristine clear waters of a secluded beach or waterfall? And where better to do this than in Tasmania—in fact North East Tasmania? Wild freedom with the exhilarating rush of silken pure water… While there are some (unofficial) designated skinny dipping locations in Tasmania, you may be like me and prefer individual privacy. Total seclusion with no prying eyes. A beach to yourself. A waterfall just for you.
In the summer of 2016-17 Graham and I took on a dare—to find secluded skinny dipping locations within a one-hour drive from Tin Dragon Trail Cottages. So next time you visit, why not experience the carefree freedom of leaving it all off?
Our selection does come with a small warning. While these locations are secluded most times of the year. To avoid embarrassment, it is a good idea to check thoroughly before peeling off!
Skinny Dipping Location#1 Mathinna Falls
An oasis in a working forest…
At times the falls are surrounded by clear-fell landscapes; but on the day we visited the half-grown plantation trees hid the scars of previous earth-moving activities. The cool clear waters were an invitation too good to refuse. After the first shock of an icy chill and a deep breath, the swim was relaxing and refreshing
#2 Meadstone Falls
Worth the effort…
Also surrounded by working forest and plantation, Meadstone Falls in the Mount Puzzler Forest Reserve is on of our top skinny dipping locations. It is located between Fingal and St Marys was a cool respite on a hot dry day. A warning—the road is closed and walking track is no longer maintained. A short-wheel base 4WD is needed. But what an amazing rock pool. Very deep with cool water in the depths and warm surface currents. Picnic on the rocks. Fabulous!
#3 Bay of Fires
Always a favourite…at any time of year
Touted as the hottest travel destination in the world by Lonely Planet—I am inclined to agree! But you may need to pick your time and rock pool if you want complete privacy. Certainly don’t try a skinny dip on a school holiday.
If you dabble with the paint brushes, or have always wanted to but don’t know how to start, you may enjoy our Bay of Fires Art Retreat.
#4 Lemons Beach
Popular with fishers…
You are almost certain to have a beach to yourself in the very North East. However, the beaches are popular for fishing, so watch out if you wish to avoid an embarrassing moment! Take your thermos, enjoy a picnic on the beach.
#5 Mount Paris Dam
Got to love a natural spa…
The Cascade river below the Mt Paris Dam is so close to Tin Dragon Trail Cottages—yet I never thought of jumping in before. This one is now my definite favourite: Crystal-clear water with built-in spa, the rocks aren’t slippery (in summer), very private and truly invigorating. You can picnic on the rocks, or drive to Branxholm or Derby to enjoy one of the newly opened cafes. Read more here.
*Since 2016 this location is far more popular, so not-so-private any more!
In conclusion
Finding the top five skinny dipping locations in north east Tasmania started off as a dare and became a highlight of our 2016 summer holiday season. Of course you don’t have to take it all off to enjoy nature at these fabulous secluded locations. There are little or no facilities at these places, so take some drinking water and don’t forget to slip, slop, slap to avoid the strong Tasmanian UV.
Why not buy a take-away lunch from a local cafe and ask us for a picnic basket? ENJOY!
Your own private skinny dipping location
At Tin Dragon Cottages, you can day dream or bathe under a million stars in your own private heated spa…
And then #6 Flinders Island
Flinders Island is all about clear ocean water, deserted beaches where you can safely skinny-dip, unique rock formations and wind! And, the best way to explore this unique island, is in a van. So, for two weeks in March – April 2024, we explored the island in our old Sprinter van.
