Walking to Junee Cave

Photograph of small river flowing out of cave mouth.

In March 2015 The Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania reported that this track was closed due to damage to the bridge at the start of the walk. Since then, Environment Tasmania has built a new track to make it accessible again.

Junee Cave is a short distance from the town of Maydena, Tasmania, Australia. While only trained cave divers should enter the cave, all can enjoy a short walk along the Junee River to the cave mouth.

Getting there

The road to Maydena was easy to find, although the Gordon River Road beyond Westerway wound around a lot. From Maydena, Junee Road branched north across the Tyrenna River. This soon turned into a single-lane unsealed road. This kept fairly level and was no trouble for a two-wheel-drive car. Unfortunately it stayed level by winding tightly around the hills. It would not admit large vehicles, or drivers concerned finding a vehicle driving out as they drove in, and possibly needing to reverse to make room for passing.

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Walking to South Cape Bay

Photograph of coastal cliffs with waves breaking on rocky foreshore.

South Cape Bay lies at the southern tip of Tasmania, bordering on the Southern Ocean. It has views of South East Cape, the most southern point of all. A walking track runs from Cockle Creek to South Cape Bay. This track is one of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks.

Getting there

South Cape Bay lies within the Southwest National Park, so visitors will need a current National Parks Pass.

The road south to Cockle Creek was long and winding. Sections were unsealed, including everything south of Ida Bay. For residents of Hobart, the 148 kilometre distance will take a minimum of two hours’ driving time one way. For anyone farther north, add the time needed to drive into and through Hobart.

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Walking along Jack’s Track, Strathgordon

Photograph of rainforest with boardwalk winding through it. The boardwalk is covered in moss.

Jack’s Track (appearing on some signs as “Forest Trail”) is a short walk in the village of Strathgordon, Tasmania, Australia. It offers a small sample of the rainforest for which Tasmania’s south-west is famous.

Getting there

For walkers not possessing a seaplane, travel to Strathgordon involves driving most of the length of Gordon River Road. This was wide and sealed, as it had been built for the trucks that carried machinery to the power station. However, it was also long and twisty. When planning your journey, do not assume that you will be able to drive at highway speeds anywhere beyond the intersection with Scotts Peak Road.

As of 2014, the last public petrol station was in Maydena. Be sure to fill up there.

Once in Strathgordon, both ends of the track are a few hundred metres away. Park at your accommodation (if staying overnight), at the chalet (if eating there) or at the northern end of the track on Spring Street. Do not park at the southern end of the track on Gordon River Road.

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Walking to Lilydale Falls

Short wide waterfall, showing streaks due to long exposure.

Lilydale Falls flow down the Second River, near Lilydale, Tasmania, Australia. There are two falls accessible by a short walk along a well-made track.

Getting There

The falls car park was a short drive from Launceston, just north of the town of Lilydale. The road was sealed all the way up to and including the car park. A sign a few hundred metres before the turnoff to the car park would have been helpful. The turnoff itself was clearly marked by large signs.

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