A man with fishing gear wades through the Florentine river, surrounded by green bushland.
Fly fishing in the Florentine River (photograph: Craig Vertigan)
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Florentine River Regional Reserve

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Less than two hours from Hobart, the Florentine River Regional Reserve feels like stepping into another world. Said to be the last haunt of the now extinct thylacine, or Tasmanian Tiger, the area is covered with dense, succulent rainforest and forms part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area​. 

Sassafras, leatherwoods, ferns, mosses and lichens carpet the valley floor, while overhead you’ll find the towering trunks of some of the tallest trees on earth. The spectacular Eucalyptus regnans, also known as giant ash, can reach heights of 85 metres and over. 

Providing a haven for threated species such as grey goshawks, Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagles, and spotted-tailed quolls, these old growth forests are surrounded by spectacular snow-capped peaks, rocky crags, and limestone outcrops.

​​​The Gordon River Road, built for hydro-electric development in the 1960s, marks the southern boundary of the reserve and this is where you’ll find access points and places to pull over and admire the spectacular views. Tim Shea is the highest point on the Gordon River Road, and offers views into the Florentine River Valley and Tyenna River Valley, as well as an outlook over mountains known as The Needles, Tim Shea, The Thumbs, Maydena Range, and Denison Range. 

For those with a keen interest in trout fishing, please see the Inland Fisheries Service website​ for more information on where to go and freshwater fishing licence​ requirements.

Twisted Sister Track​

Walkers keen to get a sense of the area’s beauty should head for the Twisted Sister Track loop at the start of the Timbs Track. Starting at a car park on Gordon River Road, this is a short, easy loop through deep rainforest and wetland that leads you to a beautiful giant ash known as Twisted Sister – when you reach the base it should be obvious why!

​The track is clear and well-maintained, although it can be muddy in the wetter months. Look out for vibrant patches of lichen and brightly-coloured fungi on the tree trunks and boulders alongside the track. The walk takes around 20 minutes return. 

Experiences in Florentine River Regional Reserve

Fishing on the rocks at Friendly Beaches, Freycinet National Park

Statewide

Fishing

Tasmania has a wealth of excellent inland and ocean fishing locations where you can cast your line.

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