Forestry Road to Lune River — Huon Valley Karst to Ida Bay via Southern Forests
The road that ends where Tasmania does.
The run south from Geeveston on the Arve Road puts you in genuine old-growth logging country almost immediately. Tall eucalypts and pockets of myrtle rainforest crowd the verges as the bitumen gives way to gravel and the forestry roads branch off into Hartz Mountain country. Stick the southern line and you trace the Huon River valley through Southport Lagoon, past the ghost of the Lune River tin-mining days, and down to Ida Bay — the end of driveable road in southeastern Tasmania. The Lune River section carries real character: narrow bridges, soft verges and sections that tighten to single-lane with logging truck sight-lines that demand attention. The railway grade of the old Ida Bay Railway adds a historical thread worth following on foot once you’re camped.
This route suits any capable high-clearance vehicle; it’s not a technical bash but conditions in the wet season turn sections greasy and logging truck traffic is real — give way and don’t push your luck on blind corners. Fuel up in Huonville or Geeveston; there’s nothing reliable south of there. Southport has limited supplies. The southern forests region gets serious rainfall — light gear won’t cut it. Bush camping is available near the Lune River area. Cell service drops out once you’re deep in the forestry. No permit needed for most of the route, but respect active logging gate closures.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 55 mi / 88 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1640 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD or 4WD |
| Nearest town | Geeveston, Tasmania |
| Land manager | Sustainable Timber Tasmania / Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | sttas.com.au |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a high-clearance 2WD ute handle this route, or do I actually need 4WD?
A high-clearance 2WD is the minimum and will get through in dry conditions — think Hilux or Ranger in 2WD mode. After rain the gravel softens and some sections get greasy, so 4WD capability gives you a real safety margin out here where recovery options are thin.
Is this route accessible in winter or does it close?
The trail is officially open year-round but October through April is the window you want — winter brings heavy rain, mud, and occasional snow at elevation that can make the gravel sections genuinely sketchy for anything less than a capable 4WD. Sustainable Timber Tasmania can close forestry roads after severe weather without much notice.
Do I need a permit to drive through the Sustainable Timber Tasmania forestry blocks?
No permit is required for recreational vehicle access on STT forestry roads, but you're sharing the road with logging trucks on weekdays — they have right of way and they don't slow down much. Check the STT website for any active logging operation closures before you leave Geeveston.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
Nothing on this route is technically brutal — it's rated Easy for a reason. The loose gravel descents toward Ida Bay and any water crossings after rain are the moments to pay attention; crossing depths are shallow but the approaches can be soft-sided. The bigger challenge is remoteness: 55 miles with zero cell service and limited turnaround options if something goes wrong.
Is there anywhere to get fuel or water between Geeveston and Ida Bay?
No fuel exists on route — tank up in Geeveston before you leave and calculate your range conservatively on corrugated gravel. Water crossings exist but treat anything you collect; there are no reliable potable water points, so carry what you need for the full 1-2 days.
Trail track
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