Trowutta Arch – A Hidden Archway Amongst a Lush Tassie Rainforest

If you’re a fan of landscape eye candy but prefer not to over work the legs, the Trowutta Arch track is for you. Hidden amongst the Trowutta Caves State Reserve, this walk is only 50 minutes south of Stanley, Tasmania.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which this adventure takes place who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants, for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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Quick Overview

Trowutta Arch trail is a 1.1km return, grade 1 hike located in the Trowutta Caves State Reserve in Tasmania. The hike should take around 30 minutes to complete.

About Trowutta Arch

The short 1.1km return walk to Trowutta Arch is a great way to get a hit of nature! Located in Trowutta Caves State Reserve, the trail winds through luscious rainforest, before reaching the magnificent natural archway and the pool below.

If you’re after a quick dose of nature or some serious time forest bathing, this is the place to be!

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

Trowutta Arch History

Trowutta Arch is located on the lands of the Palawa and the local Aboriginal word for ‘trowutta‘ means flint.

The spectacular sight of Trowutta Arch was formed by the collapse of an ancient limestone cave which left behind the archway and a sinkhole on either side, one dry and the other filled with water.

The sinkhole with water is over 20 metres deep and is a habitat for invertebrates.

How To Get to Trowutta Arch

It’s a 50 minute drive from Stanley, Tasmania to Trowutta Caves State Reserve. The trail starts along Gun Road.

Where to Stay Near Trowutta Arch

Possibly the closest campground to Trowutta Arch is Julius River Forest Camping Area, around a 35 minute drive south, at the northern end of the Tarkine Rainforest.

Although this campground is free, it’s really only suited to campervans and motorhomes, not tents unfortunately.

The campground has other short walks nearby as well as undercover BBQ areas and toilets.

Where to Eat Near Trowutta Arch

As for somewhere to eat near Trowutta Arch, the Irishtown General Store is about a 25 minute drive north of the trail.

Offering delish takeaway food, cakes, and coffee, this is a great spot to make a short detour if you’re driving from Stanley to Trowutta Arch.

Skill Level

Beginner

Although not technically wheelchair friendly as there are a handful of stairs along the track, this walk is certainly easy and doesn’t require previous hiking experience.

Distance / Duration

1.1km / 30 minutes

Essential Gear for Trowutta Arch

• Water bottle
•  A camera is a must! If you’re into taking photos, I’d advise anything from a nice 14-24mm wide angle to a 24-70mm lens. No large zoom lens needed
• Grippy shoes to avoid a slip!

What it’s Like to Visit Trowutta Arch

Once you arrive at the start of Trowutta Caves State Reserve, a few hundred metres along is the start of the Trowutta Arch track. You’ll see signage on the lefthand side of the road guiding you to the start of the track. There are limited parking spots adjacent to the start of the trail, but most of the time you’ll have the place to yourself.

As you start your walk, you’ll be greeted by a refreshing smell of fresh air. Just take a few deep breaths to clear your mind and start to continue your walk through some of the greenest rainforest you’ll see in Tasmania.

The stillness you feel walking through the forest is unearthly. If you’re lucky, a few local wallaby and wombat residents may come and say hello as you pass through.

After a short ten minute walk, you’ll be greeted by a most interesting geological feature – Trowutta Arch. As you walk through the arch your world changes from a sea of greens to a jagged wall of limestone, glassed by its own reflections in the ever-so-still murky water (if you’re looking for a place to swim, this isn’t for you).

Spend some time here looking around and taking in this natural beauty. Once you’ve had your fill, re-enter through the arch back into the magical world of green. It really is like walking through two different parts of the world. It’s a short ten minute return trail back the way you came.

Hot tip! Look left! Take in all the surrounds on your lefthand side on the way down, then on your way back up continue to look left and you won’t miss a thing.

@mitch.cox

Tips For Visiting Trowutta Arch

Although the trail is short and easy, as this isn’t a well-trafficked trail, it can sometimes become a little overgrown, and also slippery from the rain.

Oh, and bring your camera!

FAQs Trowutta Arch

Where is Trowutta Arch located?

Trowutta Arch is located in Trowutta Caves State Reserve in North West Tasmania.

How do you get to Trowutta Arch?

To get to Trowutta Arch, drive 50 minutes from Stanley, Tasmania, then walk for 500 metres along the trail to find the arch.

When is Trowutta Arch open?

Trowutta Arch is open all year round.

Do I need to book my visit to Trowutta Arch?

Nope! No booking required to visit Trowutta Arch.

When is the best time of year to visit Trowutta Arch?

The best time of year to visit Trowutta Arch is

How long should I spend at Trowutta Arch?

A visit to Trowutta Arch will take between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how long you like to take in the view.

Is Trowutta Arch good for beginners?

Trowutta Arch is great for beginners, as the walk to the arch is short and easy. Although there are a few stairs, there’s very little elevation gain. The path is obvious and the pay off is high!

Can you swim at Trowutta Arch?

Although there’s water at Trowutta Arch, it’s not somewhere to swim, as it’s usually quite stagnant and can have algae blooms.

Do you need a 4WD to get to Trowutta Arch?

Nope, no 4WD needed.

Is Trowutta Arch free?

Yes, Trowutta Arch is free to visit.

Feature photo by @mitch.cox