Yeah, I know….the name’s been done like a dinner…..but it still provides the best description of the country we get into, on this 3 day adventure.

Day 1. Starting at either of our meeting points….Stanley or Marrawah…..we visit the Edge of the World at Arthur River, before heading south-wards, down the West Coast via Temma & Gannet Point., towards Sandy Cape. Regarded by many as one of Australia’s great 4wd experiences, this beach drive takes in river crossings, quick sand and perhaps the wildest beach in the country.

Tonight, assuming the weather is kind, we will bush camp at Sandy Cape….”true wilderness camping”. Should the weather wreck our plans, Thornton River makes a great substitute.

O/N Sandy Cape or Thornton River (Bush Camp)

Day 2. We leave Sandy Cape heading north again to the start of the Balfour Track. The former mining settlement of Balfour is now a Ghost Town but offers plenty of opportunity to scratch around and discover artifacts of its heyday. Driving tests today will vary depending on the amount of water about, but we could be negotiating 50 to 100 metre long water holes….full of black “peat bog” water…half way up our windscreens. Accordingly, this is snorkel only country.

After time to soak up a little of Balfour’s colourful past, we move on to the so called “Road to Nowhere” and travel through the Tarkine Wilderness (the World’s Largest Single Tract of Cool Temperate Rainforest) to the tiny settlement of Corinna and the Fatman Barge, to cross the Pieman River. From there, it’s on to Granville Harbour and/or Zeehan for our overnight stay.

Note: The Fatman Barge across the Pieman River saves a drive of 120klm around to Granville Harbour but as you would expect, it does cost. Current charges as at my last crossing are $20-00 per car and $25-00 if towing a trailer.

Accommodation options tonight can include:- Bush Camping at Granville Harbour, or the relevant luxury of Camp Ground, Cabin or Motel in Zeehan.

O/N Granville Harbour (Bush Camp) or Zeehan (Motel, Cabin or Camp)
You Choose.

Day 3. Tasmania’s highest waterfall ….Montezuma Falls….beckons today. Whatever the weather conditions, Montezuma is a spectacular sight and even though it is only a medium grade track to the falls, they should not be missed. However in order to spice the day up a bit, we will follow the falls with a trip through the Ring River Track, which is rated hard most of the time and bloody difficult if the river levels are up. An assessment will be made when we get to the river to determine whether it is safe to cross or not.

After re-emerging on the black top, we head for the Henty Sand Dunes, Ocean Beach and Hell’s Gates at the entrance to Macquarie Harbour near Strahan. Once again you have the choice between “Bush Camping” at Macquarie Heads and a full range of accommodation options and standards in the town of Strahan.

Important Note. Strahan is through and through a tourist town and one of the most visited destinations in Tasmania. Accordingly, accommodation and activity providers are in big demand and all accommodation books out early. It is vitally important that you make reservations well before you intend to visit the area. Our booking inquiry section will help to make this task easier for you.


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