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Get Back to Nature at Maydena, Tasmania

  • Maydena Bike Park Mandatory. Image Credit: Tim Bardsley-Smith

Maydena in Southern Tasmania is a small village on the banks of the Tyenna River that punches above its weight in its proximity to Tasmania’s finest natural places.

Maydena. Image credit: Kane Naaraat and Pinkbike.com
Maydena. Image credit: Kane Naaraat and Pinkbike.com

Maydena is a one-hour thirty-minute scenic drive from the centre of Hobart, taking you along the Lyell Highway that follows the River Derwent and the Gordon River Road.

Mt Field National Park and the Southwest National Park are just a hop, skip and jump away, and the town is an ideal stop on the way to Lake Pedder and the Gordon Dam.

Read on to discover five reasons to make Maydena your base for exploring Tasmania’s spectacular World Heritage wilderness.

Google Directions
Gordon Dam

Become one with the Forest at the Styx Big Tree Reserve

Breathe in that fresh earthy smell and reset the stress levels amongst some of the tallest trees on earth. The stunning rainforest walks wind through towering swamp gums, river and cave systems, glacial lakes and ancient heath groves.

Channel the Flintstones and pedal yourself along a historic stretch of the railway through the forest. Yabba dabba doo! All that peddling is bound to work up hunger, so pop into the Maydena Fika Time Café for some tasty eats and refuel for more exploring. For more info, see: Railtrack Riders

Styx Tall Trees Conservation Area
National Parks Pass
Rail Track Riders
Styx Big Tree Reserve. Image Credit: Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman
Styx Big Tree Reserve. Image Credit: Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman
Twisted Sister Track. Image Credit: Stu Gibson
Twisted Sister Track. Image Credit: Stu Gibson
Styx Big Tree Reserve. Image Credit: Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman
Styx Big Tree Reserve. Image Credit: Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman

Explore Mt Field National Park

Mt Field National Park is a favourite and boasts a range of beautiful walks, curious wildlife and stunning views. It’s also home to Russell Falls, one of Tasmania’s most popular and most photographed waterfalls (and star of an 1899 Australian postage stamp). The lovely Russell Falls track is just a 20-minute drive from Maydena. Have a bite to eat at Waterfalls Café and Gallery (hot tip: the scones are amazing, and are made from a secret recipe passed down from the previous owners).
For more info: Mt Field National Park | Waterfalls Café and Gallery

Mt Field National Park
Russell Falls
Russell Falls. Image Credit: Places We Go
Russell Falls. Image Credit: Places We Go

The Mount Field Visitor Centre is open daily and has information on walks and other activities in the area, as well as sales of park passes. The complex also contains the privately-run Waterfalls Café, offering a variety of food and drinks, as well as a gallery where a range of souvenirs are available for sale.

Russell Falls Visitor Centre. Image Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett
Russell Falls Visitor Centre. Image Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett
Waterfalls Cafe
Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). Image Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Geoff Murray
Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). Image Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Geoff Murray
Pla​​typus & Echidna​​'s
Mt Field National Park. Image Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett
Mount Field National Park

Hit Maydena Mountain Bike Trails

For an exhilarating way to experience the great outdoors in the Derwent Valley, look no further than Maydena Bike Park.

With over 75 trails for beginners through to pros, a unique environment and 820m vertical elevation plus all the necessities like uplift services, bike hire, pump track bike school, and of course, a café, it’s a guaranteed great day out in nature. 

Maydena Bike Park
Maydena Bike Park - The Summit. Image Credit: Stu Gibson
Maydena Bike Park - The Summit. Image Credit: Stu Gibson
Maydena Bike Park. Image Credit: Stu Gibson
Maydena Bike Park. Image Credit: Stu Gibson
Maydena Bike Park - Jump Track. Image Credit: Stu Gibson

Experiencing the Alpine Regions of Mount Field National Park

The alpine regions of Mount Field National Park are spectacular any time of year, but during the winter months, a dusting of snow can transform the scenery into a winter wonderland. Sitting approximately 1000m above sea level, the Government Huts provide an excellent base for experiencing the alpine regions. They are nestled among snow gums and overlook a beautiful alpine moorland. The Government Huts provide low-cost, basic accommodation for visitors and small groups. Check with Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife for reservations.

Skiing and Snow Activities
Image Credit: @islandlight_tas
Tarn Shelf, Mount Field National Park. Image Credit: @wanderingandalwayslost
Tarn Shelf, Mount Field National Park. Image Credit: @wanderingandalwayslost

Visit the Junee Cave State Reserve

Just 5km west of Maydena, nestled amongst lush rainforest, lies the impressive Junee Caves.

The Junee River rises to the surface at the cave entrance, after travelling 30km underground through an extensive system of almost 300 caves. This includes Niggly Cave, Australia’s deepest!

Junee Caves
Junee Cave. Image Credit: @chriscbyrne
Junee Cave. Image Credit: @chriscbyrne

We love it when you share your adventures with us!

Share your snaps by tagging @hobartandbeyond and using #HobartandBeyond on Instagram and Facebook – we’ll share our favourite pics on social media and in the blog.

Play and Stay in the Derwent Valley

The Derwent Valley Council area offers a range of experiences, food, wine and accommodation options. Hobart and Beyond recommend sampling the produce from the region, including the New Norfolk Distillery, Plenty Cider, Lawrenny Estate Distillery and The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery. 

Find Accommodation in the Derwent Valley
Discover more about the Derwent Valley

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We acknowledge the Tasmanian Aboriginal people and their enduring custodianship of lutruwita / Tasmania. We honour 40,000 years of uninterrupted care, protection and belonging to these islands, before the invasion and colonisation of European settlement. As a destination that welcomes visitors to these lands, we acknowledge our responsibility to represent to our visitors, Tasmania’s deep and complex history, fully, respectfully and truthfully.

We acknowledge the Aboriginal people who continue to care for this country today. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present. We honour their stories, songs, art, and culture, and their aspirations for the future of their people and these lands. We respectfully ask that tourism be a part of that future.

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(03) 6238 4222
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