Adamsfield Track — Florentine Valley to the Lost Mining Settlement
Ghost town at the edge of the Tasmanian wilderness.
Adamsfield is one of those Tasmanian places that sounds invented. It was a functioning osmium-iridium alloy mining settlement in the 1920s and 30s, deep in the Florentine Valley on the edge of the Southwest Conservation Area — and when the ore ran out, the bush took it back fast. The track from the Lyell Highway near Maydena dives into wet sclerophyll and myrtle forest, crosses Crossing River, and delivers you to the flats where the settlement stood. Foundations, machinery remnants, and rusted corrugated iron poke through the undergrowth. It is genuinely atmospheric in a way that no maintained tourist site ever manages.
The track is rated moderate-to-difficult and earns it in wet conditions, which in the Florentine Valley means most of the year. The Crossing River ford is the key obstacle — after significant rain it can be impassable for anything short of a serious setup with a snorkel. A capable 4WD with good ground clearance is the minimum; recovery gear is non-negotiable given the remoteness. No fuel, no phone signal, and limited turnaround options past the ford. The Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service manages the area. Spring through autumn offers the driest window, though ‘dry’ is relative this close to the Southwest Wilderness. The place is worth every muddy kilometre.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 14 mi / 22.5 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1640 ft |
| Best season | November-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with snorkel |
| Nearest town | Maydena, Tasmania |
| Land manager | Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | parks.tas.gov.au |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a lifted GX460 or stock Land Cruiser handle the Adamsfield Track?
A stock 100 or 200 Series Land Cruiser with good clearance will manage, but a snorkel is non-negotiable given the river crossings. Soft-roader SUVs and anything without a proper low-range transfer case should stay home — the track throws deep mud, steep pinch points, and off-camber sections that will strand underprepared rigs.
Is the Adamsfield Track open year-round?
No. November through April is the safe window. Winter brings snow to the Central Highlands, turns the track to a bog that will swallow axles, and makes the water crossings genuinely dangerous. Even in the recommended season, a heavy rain event can close the track for days — check with Tasmania Parks and Wildlife before you leave Maydena.
Do I need a permit to drive the Adamsfield Track?
No dedicated 4WD permit is required, but the track passes through land managed by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service so standard land-use rules apply — no firewood collection, pack out all waste. Check parks.tas.gov.au for any current closures or temporary restrictions before you go.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The worst of it comes mid-track where the Crossing River crossings stack up — multiple fords with no predictable depth after rain, combined with steep, rooted exit banks that will high-center a poorly driven rig. The jungle canopy keeps the track surface perpetually wet and slick even in dry weather, so mud and hidden rocks are constant. Budget time and don't rush the crossings.
Is there anywhere to get fuel or water near the trailhead, and can I camp at the settlement?
Maydena is your last fuel stop and it's a small town — top up in New Norfolk or Hobart to be safe given the 14-mile return haul on rough terrain. There is no reliable treated water on the track, so carry everything you need. Dispersed camping is possible near the Adamsfield ruins but there are zero facilities — flat ground, a tent, and whatever you packed in.
Trail track
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