Mathinna to Evercreech — Northeast Plateau Forestry Road via Fingal Valley Hinterland
Tallest gums on earth, zero tourists.
Mathinna has gold-rush bones — the town was a boomtown in the 1870s and the surrounding forested plateau still carries that forgotten-edge feel. Head south out of Mathinna on the unsealed forestry network toward Evercreech, threading through stands of white gum that are among the tallest hardwoods on earth. The Evercreech Forest Reserve is the payoff: a grove of white gums reaching 90 metres, completely unmarked by tourist infrastructure, standing in cathedral silence. The track crosses multiple creek drains and climbs onto wet sclerophyll plateau before dropping back into the Fingal Valley hinterland — watch for soft shoulders after rain on the upper sections near the plateau edge.
This is a moderate run requiring a high-clearance 4WD — a stock Hilux or Patrol handles it fine in dry conditions, but the clay-based surface turns treacherous after rainfall and should be avoided on wet days. No permits required. Fuel in St Marys or Fingal before heading out — there is nothing between those towns and your destination. Best run in late spring or early autumn. Cell service is essentially zero on the plateau. Dispersed camping is possible on the forestry land with no designated sites — carry all your own water.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 19 mi / 30.6 km |
| Duration | Half day to full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2460 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | St Marys, Tasmania |
| Land manager | Forestry Tasmania |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | forestrytas.com.au |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a lifted Hilux or stock Land Cruiser handle this, or do I need a dedicated build?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a 76 Series Land Cruiser or a Hilux with decent ground clearance handles it fine. Low-range is useful on wet sections but the trail doesn't demand lockers or aggressive tyres — standard all-terrains are enough.
Is this trail accessible year-round or does it close in winter?
Best window is October through April. Winter months bring snow and ice on the plateau that can make the clay-based sections treacherous and impassable. Forestry Tasmania also periodically closes forestry roads for logging operations, so check their site before you go.
Do I need a permit to drive this route or camp along it?
No permit required to drive the forestry road. Dispersed camping on Forestry Tasmania land is generally allowed without a fee, but you're expected to leave no trace and follow any signage on site — check forestrytas.com.au for current access notices before departure.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually be ready for?
The roughest going is typically on the plateau sections where clay surfaces turn slick and rutted after rain — drainage is poor and tyres lose purchase fast. The trail is rated moderate but don't underestimate how quickly conditions degrade in wet weather; this isn't a trail to push through if the sky opens up.
There's no cell service on this trail — how far is the nearest fuel stop, and is there reliable water on route?
Fill up in St Marys before you leave — it's the closest town with fuel and the 30km route through remote plateau country isn't the place to be running low. There are water crossings on the trail but treat any surface water before drinking; carry your own supply rather than counting on it.
Trail track
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