Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls & Lady Barron Falls
The Russell Falls have continually attracted visitors since the Falls became Tasmania’s first nature reserve in 1885. Perhaps the most photographed waterfall in Tasmania, its three elegant tiers are framed by lush temperature rainforest vegetation of swamp gum and sassafras. Russell Falls is a short easy-grade walk from the Cottages, along a paved walking trail; it is wheel chair accessible. From here it is a moderate 4 minute walk to Horseshow Falls. Lady Barron Falls is a further 36 minutes from Horseshoe Falls.
Photo credit: Tourism Tasmania & Lee Henley
Mount Field National Park
Mount Field National Park is known for its remarkable ecological diversity. The Park is also distinguished by its wide range of popular short, medium and longer walks of varying grades. There are walks suited to all ages and fitness levels, ranging from easy low-level strolls to serious adventure treks. Closest to the Cottages is the Russell Falls area, with the Park Visitor Centre and Cafe and the Charles Marriott Shelter (BBQ facilities and children’s playground).
Maydena Bike Park
The Maydena Bike Park is a gravity-focused mountain bike park in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley. Its world-class trails will offer something for everyone, from families through to elite riders. The park is serviced by a year-round up-lift bus service, servicing both mountain bikers and sightseers. Multiple gravity trails will capitalise on the unrivalled 820m+ vertical elevation available on site, offering a vast array of epic, long distance descending trails, catering for all abilities. maydenabikepark.com
Photo credit: Revolution MTB
Railtrack Riders
Located in Maydena and with a station at National Park (adjacent to Russell Falls Cottages) the Railtrack Riders provide visitors with exclusive access into a tract of Tasmanian rainforest via a historic rail line. Railtrack Riders is the only tourism product of its kind, currently operating in Australia. There are two stations, Maydena and National Park. These stations are located just 15 minutes drive apart. Being pedal-powered, the Riders allow visitors to travel at their own pace and fully experience the sights, sounds and smells of their surroundings. If you would like to take it easy, you can also get a helping push from the ‘Rail Quad’. railtrackriders.com.au
Talls Trees Walk
Tall Trees Walk is a 1km, grade 2 circuit hike, located in Mount Field National Park. It is easily accessible via Lake Dobson Road (just a few km from Russell Falls Cottages), where there is a car park adjacent tot the walking track loop. This awesome 1km loop walk is all about the tallest flowering plants in the world. You’ll feel small among the massive examples of swamp gum (Eucalyptus regnans) along the Tall Trees walk. These trees can live for hundreds of years, and have been known to reach over 100m in height. The walk should take approximately 30mins to complete. parks.tas.gov.au
Junee Caves (Junee Karst System)
Situated just outside the nearby township of Maydena is the Junee Cave State Reserve. A short nature trail leads to the entrance of Junee Cave, which is accessible to the general public. Interpretive signs describe the Junee caves, which is not only Australia’s longest cave (karst) system, but also includes Australia’s deepest cave, Niggly Cave (375 metres). Running beneath the snow-capped Tyenna Peak, the Junee karst system contains some of the most challenging caving in Australia, and is a Mecca for experienced speleologists. discovertasmania.com.au
Photo credit: Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman
Maydena Adventure Hub
Tours of the area depart from the nearby Maydena Adventure Hub (38 Kallista Road, Maydena). These include the ‘Top of the World’ tour visiting the Eagle’s Eyrie lookout at Abbott’s Peak; and the ‘Rail Track Rider’ – a fun-filled, pedal powered excursion into the heart of the Tasmanian rainforest along the historic abandoned Maydena railway track.
Photo credit: Stu Gibson
Trout Fishing on the Tyenna River
The Tyenna River is located at the bottom of the Cottages’ garden. This pristine mountain river enjoys a reputation as one of Tasmania’s (and the world’s) premier trout fishing rivers, renowned for its large head of fish, consistent flows, beautiful surroundings, and challenging angling. The trout population is dominated by browns with a sprinkling of rainbows, and there is even the occasional Atlantic salmon. Fishing licenses can be purchased at the Bushy Park Roadhouse, situated a few minutes drive from Westerway.
Styx Big Tree Reserve
The Big Tree Reserve was established to protect some of the giant trees found in the Styx Valley. The tallest flowing plants on earth, some of these Eucalyptus regnans are over 85 metres tall. A boardwalk with interpretive information provides a quick circuit through the area. In 2005, the Reserve was expanded to include the Tolkein Track, which winds through a stunning piece of old growth forest once threatened by logging. parks.tas.gov.au
The Agrarian Kitchen
Reconnect with the land and learn to cook with the seasons using produce plucked from the garden at the Agrarian Kitchen Cooking School and Farm in the Derwent Valley. Established by former food editor Rodney Dunn and his wife Séverine Demanet in 2008, classes led by Rodney draw on the skills of a range of food experts who share the secrets of baking, cheese making, fermentation, cooking with fire, handmade pasta, cooking with truffles and more. theagrariankitchen.com
Photo credit: Tourism Tasmania and Andrew Wilson