Western Explorer Road — Corinna to Arthur River via the Pieman River Ferry and the Tarkine
Rainforest gravel with a ferry to start.
The Western Explorer Road, the C249, cuts through the heart of the Tarkine and the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area, one of the largest temperate rainforests left in the Southern Hemisphere. Starting at Corinna, you roll your rig onto the Fatman Barge across the Pieman River, a short crossing that sets the tone. Beyond the ferry the road is gravel that runs through button grass plains, myrtle forest, and buttongrass moorland with views toward the Southern Ocean. At the Arthur River end you can turn onto the coast at the Edge of the World and watch Roaring Forties swells hit the beach.
It’s graded and doesn’t ask for much technical skill, but it’s wet, slick clay when it rains, and the corrugations can punish loose gear. A high-clearance 4WD is the sensible choice, along with full recovery gear and a spare. Check the ferry timetable, since it doesn’t run all hours. You need a Parks Tasmania pass for the conservation area, and fuel is limited at both ends, so top up. Best season is November through April, though weather rolls in fast any time of year. Expect leeches, mud, and quiet. Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 60 mi / 96.6 km |
| Duration | Half day to 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1100 ft |
| Best season | November-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Corinna, Tasmania |
| Land manager | Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | Parks Tasmania |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or similar SUV do the Western Explorer Road?
Yes. A stock high-clearance 4WD handles it fine, and the road is mostly gravel with mud, corrugations, and creek crossings. Ground clearance and decent all-terrain tires matter more than lockers or lift, especially after rain.
Is the Western Explorer Road open in winter?
It's usually open year-round, but May through October brings heavy rain, slick clay, washouts, and fallen trees. High water can also shut down the Pieman River ferry. November to April is the reliable window.
Do I need a permit or pay fees to drive it?
Yes. Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania manages the land, and a parks pass or entry fee applies. The Pieman River ferry at Corinna charges a separate fare. Check parks.tas.gov.au for current requirements before you go.
What's the hardest part of the trail?
Wet weather is the hard part. Expect slippery clay, rutted and eroded stretches, and creek crossings that rise fast after rain. There are no big technical obstacles, but a muddy day in the rainforest can turn a moderate road into a slog.
What should I plan for with the ferry, fuel, and cell service?
The Pieman River ferry runs on set daytime hours and can close for high water, so confirm times with Corinna before you commit. Fuel is scarce along the 60 miles (96.6 km), so fill up beforehand and carry extra. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent, so tell someone your route and carry a offline map.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.