Tomahawk to Boobyalla — Far Northeast Coastal Scrub Back Road via Ringarooma Bay
Bass Strait on the door, nobody else around.
Tasmania’s far northeast corner above Bridport is one of those edges of the map that most overlanders blow straight past on the way to the Bay of Fires. The track from Tomahawk east toward Boobyalla runs through low coastal scrub and paperbark wetland with the Bass Strait sitting hard on your northern flank — on a clear day the Furneaux Group islands are stacked on the horizon like a deck of cards. The Boobyalla River mouth is the turnaround for most rigs, a tidal estuary fringed by tea-tree and frequented by black swans and sea eagles. Sandy two-track sections near the coast require airing down to around 20 PSI; the inland connector sections are firmer gravel forestry road.
This is an easy to moderate run — no serious technical challenges, but soft coastal sand near Tomahawk beach and the Boobyalla estuary approach will catch overconfident drivers running full tyre pressure. A standard 4WD in low range handles everything here. Air down, take your time, and watch tidal timing near the river mouth. No permits, no fees. Nearest fuel is Scottsdale to the south or Bridport to the west. Cell service is patchy at best — one or two bars near Tomahawk township, nothing on the track itself. Carry fresh water. Dispersed camping is possible in the coastal reserve sections; confirm access rules with the local council before setting up.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 16 mi / 25.7 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 430 ft |
| Best season | November-April |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD |
| Nearest town | Scottsdale, Tasmania |
| Land manager | Dorset Council / Forestry Tasmania |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4WD handle this trail, or do I need a lift?
A stock 4WD is the minimum and genuinely sufficient here — the trail is rated easy with only 210ft of elevation gain. Clearance matters more than power given the sandy and soft coastal sections, so a lifted rig helps but isn't required.
When is this trail closed or impassable?
May through October is rough going — winter rains turn the dirt and sand sections boggy and the tidal flat crossings can become unpredictable. Stick to November through April for reliable passage.
Do I need a permit to drive this route or camp along it?
No permit is required to drive the track. Dispersed camping is available and managed under Dorset Council and Forestry Tasmania rules — no fees, but leave-no-trace applies and you're expected to pack out everything.
What's the hardest part of this trail and what actually makes it tricky?
The water crossings near the Boobyalla River mouth are the main variable — depth and firmness of the bottom change with tides and recent rainfall. Walk them first before you commit, especially after rain.
How far is the nearest fuel stop and is there any cell service out there?
Scottsdale is your last reliable fuel — top up before you leave town, roughly 40km from the trailhead. Cell service is spotty at best and drops out entirely along the coastal sections, so carry a PLB or satellite communicator.
Trail track
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