Cruising into Savage River, a shipwreck becomes visible through the rust coloured water. This is not just any shipwreck, this is the wreckage of the S.S. Croydon, a steamship which has been residing in this river since 1919. This wreck is also known as Australia's most inland shipwreck.
Wilderness surrounds us. There is no sign of human life, except for four kayaks tied up to the wharf. It is hard to believe that this was once a bustling port.
Savage River is located on the wild west Tasmanian coast and can be accessed via Corinna. Located 345 kms from Hobart and 270 kms from Launceston, Corinna is a unique wilderness experience.
Corinna is stunning, set amongst the pristine Tarkine rainforest and along the banks of the Pieman River. This remote mining town has survived and is now home to a range of accommodation, delicious tucker and wilderness activities.
Corinna Main Street
This is the place to feel at home in the wilderness.
Wilderness
There is a range of accommodation options available, whether you feel like roughing it, relaxing in an eco-cabin or immersing yourself in Corinna's unique history.
Cabins
Backing onto the Tarkine rainforest, the rustic cottages are comfortable and the perfect place to unwind. There are twelve one bedroom cottages and six two bedroom cottages.
Twin Eco Retreat
Each cottage has a bathroom, verandah, fully equipped kitchen, rainwater tank and gas heating.
Twin Room
Lounge
The kitchens are compact yet ample. As Corinna operates on solar power, the kitchens do not have microwaves or ovens. A gas stove is available and toast is cooked on a wire surface on the stove.
Kitchen
For a more unique stay, consider the original Roadman's cottage or the old pub which has been converted into a guest house.
Guests staying in the cottages also have access to the old produce store which is now home to a communal barbecue area.
Communal Barbecue Area
A limited number of camping sites are available, so advance bookings are recommended.
Activities
Activities abound at Corinna. With numerous walking tracks, kayaking trails and even two cruises, there is something for everyone here.
Hiking
One of the best ways to experience this untamed wilderness is on foot. The tracks cater for all fitness levels.
One of the easier walks is the Huon Pine walk. This walk is a peaceful stroll along a boardwalk under the cool large canopy. This 20 minute walk meanders by the river.
Huon Pine Walk
The grade four, Mt Donaldson track is the longest walk, taking approximately 8 hours to complete.
Cruises
Cruising the Pieman River is the ideal way to reach remoter locations in the region. Two cruises are available.
The Arcadia II is a beautiful boat made out of Huon Pine and departs Corinna at 10am and returns at 2.30pm. This boat has a colourful history, once operating in Papua New Guinea and also as the Gordon River Cruise boat in Strahan.
Arcadia II
Passengers are invited to disembark at Pieman Heads to enjoy a picnic lunch and enjoyable stroll along the beach. Lunch is delicious and includes a ham and salad wrap, muffin and fruit juice.
The Sweetwater cruise is a one hour cruise departing at 3pm. This vessel is smaller, taking a maximum of 9 passengers and cruises to Lovers Falls and the shipwreck on Savage River.
Kayaking
For the more adventurous, kayaking is a popular past time amongst guests. A range of single and double kayaks are available for hire. There are five routes, each with a difficulty grade of three.
Kayaks
There is more than just bush tucker at the Tannin Restaurant. The food in this rustic restaurant is incredible. Although it is pricey, it is definitely worth a visit.
Tannin Restaurant
The Scotch Fillet was succulent and tasty and was one of the more pricier items, costing $38.
Scotch Fillet
The pumpkin risotto was divine, bursting with flavour. The risotto cost $28.
Pumpkin Risotto
The Tannin Restaurant is located in the Tarkine Restaurant and is popular, so bookings are recommended.
How to get to Corinna
Corinna is remote and the drive is part of the fun. The landscape is picturesque and must be experienced.
From the south, Corinna can be accessed by the "Fatman" barge which crosses the Pieman River. This unique barge is Tasmania's only cable driven vehicular barge. The crossing takes approximately 10 minutes.
Barge
From the north, Corinna can be accessed via Waratah or the unsealed Western Explorer Road.
On both routes, guests will experience the "silica road", a white surface created from the tailings from the nearby silica mile.
Silica Road
Now is the ideal time to explore this oasis in the Tarkine.
