Conservation efforts are a relatively recent addition to the Tarkine region and is still a contentious issue in Tasmania , with many believing the regions natural resources should be exploited . Just a decade ago a proposal was put forward to build a major road through a vast tract of rainforest , and while this was stalled it has never been officially halted , politicking and governmental indecision has led to the region still being a potential for mining and old growth timber harvesting . It ’ s inconceivable when considering that many individual examples of the hardwood species in the region are as old as a time before Christ .
With the proposed major road still on hold the only way north is the Western Explorer , a relatively new well made and maintained dirt road that winds its way from Corinna on the banks of the Pieman River , the lower reaches of the road are a
riders delight . Often rocky , always turning , it ’ s an easy ride that winds its way through landscapes that must be seen to be believed , so unlike anything else in Australia .
Twenty-eight kilometres of great road that loosely follows the Donaldson River on the left before crossing the river as it moves inland finding its source , the road makes a slight variation to the left , following the boundary of the Arthur Pieman Conservation Area , winding its way amongst numerous mountains , that are by Australian standards high and menacing , occasionally opening to vast plains of buttongrass . It ’ s easy to see why and how burning of the forests could ’ ve occurred to aid with a type of farming .
The buttongrass moors eventually giving way to stony plains bound by mountainous rainforests on the right and higher , rockier mountains on the left , beyond those vast sand dunes . A land so extreme in its variations , it ’ s easy to see why this area is home to a diverse collection of fauna and flora including almost 70 endangered or threatened species .
The following 20 kilometres were a dream to ride , the road still easy despite tightening , the vistas can only be described as Middle Earth . Do this road a couple of times , enjoy the ride , enjoy the scenery .
Continuing north the road opens as the land flattens , diminishing little from the thrill of the ride , speeds increase and cornering more of sweep through the bends . The land also changes , yet less dramatic . The rainforests are always there , as are the mountains .
Numerous tracks of varying condition weave through the wilderness like a spidery vascular system feeding into a main artery . Skill level , determination , and desire will dictate whether you take these on , if at all open .
Intersecting at Blackwater Road
TRAVERSE 117