The coastline at Sea Devil Rivulet
Spectacular Coastline
The coastline along the Arthur-Pieman is among the most scenic and wild in the State. The Roaring Forties generate enormous swells which break upon the west coast, while sand dunes and lichen-painted rocks fringe the coast.
Animals
The extensive grasslands allow for easy observation of the Bennetts wallaby, Tasmanian pademelons and wombats. Tasmanian devils, brushtail possums and spotted-tailed quolls are most often seen at dusk.
The Reserve is home to a rich variety of bird life. Birds which you are most likely to see in the hinterland include the yellow-tailed black cockatoo, white-breasted sea eagle, currawong, striated pardalote, blue-winged parrot, superb blue wren, swallows and honeyeaters. Along the coast you can see the red-capped plover, fairy tern, ruddy turnstone, pacific gull and the pied and sooty oyster catchers. A variety of raptors can also be observed within the Reserve.
Of particular interest to keen bird watchers are three rare species: ground parrots on the plateau country, hooded plovers on beaches and orange-bellied parrots on their migratory path from interstate.
Vegetation
Heath and scrub communities occupy the coast and plains. Scattered throughout the area on poorly drained sites are sedgeland communities, often dominated by buttongrass. These areas also contain numerous orchid species and a variety of wildflowers. Forests grow inland on the richer soils of the plateau country.
Highlights of a Visit
- Drive to the 'Edge of the World' - the most westerly point of land in Tasmania (almost!).
- Wrap up for a walk along a windswept, driftwood-strewn, ocean beach and fill your lungs with the cleanest, crispest air.
- Walk amongst the pretty coastal heath in the company of chatty wrens and robins, and often echidnas, wombats and wallabies.
- Visit and respect the ancient Aboriginal rock engravings at Sundown Point.
- Spot waterbirds on Rebecca Lagoon.
- At Rebecca Creek, visit the drovers hut and lean against the timber rails of an old cattleyard, pondering the drover's life.
- Sit upon a lichen-covered rock and listen to the roar of the ocean as the sun goes down on a sleepy shack community.
- Visit the mining ghost town of Balfour, following the old Balfour-Temma railway route.
- Relax aboard one of the river cruise boats on the Pieman or the Arthur, and hear tales of miners and piners.
- Breathe in the fragrance of ancient rainforest as you kayak the tranquil Arthur or Pieman rivers.
- Stay awhile at one of the campgrounds to soak up the power of this wild and sacred place.
It's more than just country - it's people as well.
"My family was one of the last living out at the old mining town at Balfour ... 'spose she was rugged and remote, but we didn't know any different. She's pretty special country alright ... country worth looking after. I'll keep helping out when I can." (retired local resident)