Walking tracks

Directions

Huon Bush Retreats is 50 minutes South-West of Hobart. Exit the city on the A6 Southern Outlet and follow signs to Huonville. Turn right at the Huon Bush Reteats sign 2.5 km South of Grove (North Huon Road). Follow this road that vears left after the bridge until you get to Summer Hill Bakery. (Stop for the best pie and coffee in Southern Tasmania) After the bakery turn right then quick left. Drive for about 4 km then turn right onto Browns Road. Follow Browns Road to the end and look for 'Walk Parking' Signs. The road is gravel and steep at the end, drive at 30-40km to keep up momentum.  All walks begin from the trail entrace next to the camp kitchen. Please put a donation in the box if you can, to help us maintain the walks and allow them to remain open to the public.

 

Lookout (Very Easy)

3 minutes, wheelchair accessible.

Just 100 meters from the village loop-road along a level assisted wheelchair track, takes you to a wonderful lookout. Overlooking a deep gully with rainforest and glimpses of old growth eucalypt forest. A picnic table makes it a lovely spot for lunch or relaxing. This is also a great spot for a small wedding ceremony or vow renewal. 

Tall Trees Track and Rainforest (Fairly Easy)

Visit this ancient rainforest on a 30 minute loop walk. Tree ferns and mosses thrive in the deep shadows under the towering Eucalyptus Regnans trees, some of which reach 80 metres tall, and are 350 years old.

Learn about how forest recovers from the old selective logging methods that were used in Tasmania until the advent of woodchipping in the 1960s.

The track is  one km long and climbs 50m. It is well constructed but can be muddy in wet weather. There are 50 steps that require modest exertion. Most people will take from 30 – 45 minutes to complete the loop, lingering to contemplate the forest, take photographs and read the interpretive signs.

Waterfall Track (moderate)

A lovely side track (from the loop track) taking you though ancient rainforest to a small waterfall, complete with viewing platform and seat. Walk through the natural arch in the giant Eucalyptus Ragnans tree that was created by lightning. The interpretation panels along this track explore the importance of fire in Aboriginal culture.

Mt Misery Track (Moderate)

8.6km return, 3-4 hours

Begin at the trail entrance to the left of the camp kitchen area. This walk is well signed with interpretive panels along the way. Make sure you take water, snacks and are wearing comfortable walking shoes. Turn right at the T intersection towards the rainforest viewing platform. There is a seat here if you wish to rest. A 3/4 hour steep climb up the escarpment cliffs takes you onto the sub-alpine heathland plateau and “Flat Rock”. From here you can enjoy spectacular 360 degree views towards Bruny Island and the Southwest World Heritage Area. From Flat Rock it is a further three quarters of and hour along the plateau to the top of Mt Misery.

This track zig zags through the sometimes steep terrain. Most people with a moderate level of fitness will complete this walk in around 3-4 hours including breaks.

Access to walking tracks is covered by your tariff if you are an overnight guest. For day visitors, we request a donation to contribute to maintenance of the tracks and roads.

Labyrinth Walk

Sooth your soul and take a miniature pilgrimage. A labyrinth is a winding, maze-like path. Found in many ancient cultures, they are considered sacred spaces. Labyrinths are used throughout the world as meditative and healing tools. The view from the labyrinth is pretty spectacular, so take your thermos, sit on the grass and relax for a while.

Walk Interpretation

We have installed a series of 32 interpretive panels. The central theme focuses on how native plants and animals were the original inhabitants, followed by Aboriginal people, then early Europeans. The interpretive signs compare and contrast the different world views, and ways of connecting to the land.

This interpretive development was made possible with funding from the Australian Tourism Development Program, through the AusIndustry Grants scheme.

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