Matt HorspoolCorinna Wilderness Experience: Untouched Australia
Have you been longing for the ultimate digital detox?
Perhaps a journey back in time to one of the oldest and wildest natural playgrounds in Australia is on the cards.
July 20th I was invited down to stay at the stunning Corinna Wilderness Eco Lodge and experience some of the untouched beauties of the area and surrounding Tarkine wilderness.
The dates were open, but I was adamant that winter would be the best option for me, both in regards to fewer people but also wild weather. Something Tasmania is well known for.
Flying into Launceston my friend Matt and I hopped in our hire SUV and made our way to the lodge.
As any photographer knows, estimated travel times and actual travel times rarely match up when you are faced with amazing views out of every window.
Facilities
The lodge features 20 self-contained eco-cabins that rely purely on solar power and are heated by natural gas. During the summer months, the lodge is teeming with weekend escapees and outdoor enthusiasts, keen to make the most of the beautiful weather.
During the heart of winter, however, you could end up being the only guests in the entire area. Which as luck had it, we were 2 of 6 for the first 2 nights.
Winter also means the restaurant is closed, which is a shame as it looked damn cozy. The bar however, runs on a need to serve basis. So, there is always a cold brew waiting for you after a long day on the trails.
Dylan from the lodge contacted us before our arrival with a winter menu that featured a great selection of meals that would be frozen and left in our kitchen for us to reheat over the stove. All meals were catered for as were our dietary requirements. The caramel sauce is epic!
For anyone worried about cold nights in the cabin, the gas heater produces enough heat to dry out a small lake. And definitely enough to dry those wet boots and jackets each night.
The Drive-In
The road into Corinna is stunning. We found every bend produced a new opportunity to stop and take photos.
Philosophers Falls was a necessary stop and our first introduction to the beautiful rainforests of the area. The walk itself was a comfortable 2-hour round trip down to the lookout and back. I would have liked to explore the base of the falls, but we were already running out of light.
Driving along the ridgeline of the area produces some fantastic views. If the sky lights up, you get a tremendous view of the surrounding valleys.
The area is prone to snow, so if you are keen on seeing the rainforest dusted white, then always be prepared.
Day 1
Pieman River Cruise
During winter the cruise runs depending on guest numbers, so it's best to call ahead or check with the front desk about which day(s) might work best. Luckily for us, and them, 4 other guests were staying at the lodge. The weather was gloomy, but I knew it would make for incredible shots.
Les was a wealth of knowledge, and it was clear he had a passion for the boat and the river it sailed down. The Arcadia II is the only Huon Pine vessel in the world and has all the charm and class of an 1800's boat.
Around 2.5 hours into the trip, we neared the Pieman Heads. The water was calm enough for us to dock and we set off up to the driftwood laden beach.
I managed to capture a few of these drone shots before the heavens opened up and we were absolutely drenched.
Back on board, we passed some ferns that were recently thought to be extinct. We were also fortunate enough to see two amazing white sea eagles.
During the summer months, it's definitely wise to book ahead as the cruise can often see up to 40 guests pile aboard.
Day 2
Tarkine Drive
We had read online about the Tarkine Drive that winds its way through the heart of the Tarkine and can be made into a circuit that is roughly 60km long. The drive to get there, however, takes some time. Around 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on your vehicle and any trees that have fallen over the road. A 2WD vehicle could make it if going slowly. I recommend a mid-sized SUV or any AWD vehicle.
