Postby mark.darragh » 28 Apr 2016, 19:37
G’day Lachlan,
May can be a great time in Tasmania with relatively stable weather and beautiful diffused light. I’m not sure how much walking you’ll be inclined to do with all your gear so the following suggestions are easily accessed from the roadside.
As mentioned, the Tarkine coast is magnificent and quite varied. South of Arthur River, the area around Couta Rocks and Sunset Point has some amazing geology. Further south, near Strahan, are the Henty dune-fields which are also worth a look.
One mountain range which is spectacular, but receives relatively few visits, is the West Coast Range. It's actually a series of ranges running from near Rosebery in the north to south of Queenstown. Mount Murchison, near Rosebery, is one of the easier sections to access.
If you do head down toward Lake Gordon you’ll pass the so called Valley of the Giants (big Mountain Ash) in the Styx valley not far out of Maydena. You also have the option of taking the road south to Scotts Peak dam. You’re at least a days walk from the main mountain ranges themselves but there are some impressive vistas out toward the Western Arthur and Frankland Ranges. On the way you also pass Mount Ann, the highest peak in the south west, which can be climbed as a day trip if your really keen and start early enough.
I might add that much of Tasmania is still exceptionally dry at the moment so many of the waterfalls may not be looking their best.
Have a great trip.
M