Location: Leven Canyon Regional Reserve, Nietta
Distance from: Hobart - 335 km, Launceston - 156 km, Devonport - 56 km
The Leven Canyon Regional Reserve is home to the mighty Leven Canyon in inland Northern Tasmania just south of Penguin, Ulverstone and Devonport. The Leven River cuts the deepest limestone ravine in all of Tasmania and it's easily viewable from the Cruikshanks Lookout. Just 45 minutes from the north coast port city of Devonport, Leven Canyon feels like a world away. High-elevation alpine vegetation, fresh mountain air, well-maintained tracks and informational displays that educate you on Tasmania's wild flora and fauna await in this regional reserve. And it's a great way to experience an entirely different landscape from the north coast.
Route C128 will take you there from Ulverstone or Cradle Mountain. The drive from Hobart is nearly 4 hours at 335 kilometres. Launceston sits 156 kilometres to the east and that drive takes 2 hours. Devonport is the closest major city sitting just 56 kilometres to the north which takes about 51 minutes by car.
Cruikshanks Lookout - There is a well-maintained circuit track from the main carpark for the Leven Canyon Regional Reserve right off C128. From here, you can choose to complete the entire circuit which will take you up 697 steps and over some steep sections to both the Leven Canyon Lookout and the Cruikshanks Lookout. But, if you're pressed for time or don't want to bother with the steep sections, you can choose to go out-and-back to the Cruikshanks Lookout. It is an easy 20-minute return walk that is suitable for just about everybody. The Lookout platform is safe and takes you to a cliff edge where you can peer down 275 metres to the Leven River at the bottom of the canyon. You'll be greeted by informational displays along the way teaching you about the flora and fauna of the area and it's a great walk for the entire family.
Leven Canyon Lookout - This Grade 3 walk completes the entire 1.2-kilometre circuit that includes the Forest Stairs track with its 697 steps. You'll be able to enjoy the Cruikshanks Lookout as well as the Leven Canyon Lookout as you walk by giant ferns, colourful lichens and fungi, and some Tasmanian wildlife. It's a bit more challenging than the out-and-back walk to the Cruikshanks Lookout, but you'll be able to experience much more of the area and get a bit more exercise.
Edge Lookout Track - This easy 30-minute return walk takes you through damp forest vegetation to a canyon cliff wall. It's suitable for all ages and takes you up close and personal to the area's limestone.
Fern Walk - Be on the lookout for pygmy possums, longtailed mice and dusky antechinus during this easy 20-minute return walk suitable for the entire family. This walk will take you to massive tree-ferns that have grown up to 5 metres tall over 150 years.
Canyon Floor Walk - This difficult walk takes you to the bottom of Leven Canyon, the deepest limestone ravine in all of Tasmania. Instead of looking down, you'll be looking up at all the tourists upon the lookouts. You'll have to drive to the trailhead off Loongana Road to start the descent into this powerful Canyon.
Black Bluff - Exposed to westerly winds, this 1,339-metre mountain is often snowcapped in the winter. Covered in Alpine vegetation, views from the top of Black Bluff are absolutely spectacular. You'll be able to see Cradle Mountain and the Great Western Tiers towering off in the distance. This extremely difficult walk takes about 7 hours return and much of the track is not regularly maintained. Only experienced bushwalkers should challenge Black Bluff as the trail is not very well marked and may prove impassable with snow.
This is a great regional reserve to visit as you leave plenty of tourists behind. If you are looking for solitude, beautiful views, an array of wildlife and vegetation, then look no further than Leven Canyon. It's a very quick detour and a change of pace during your drive across the north coast on the Bass Highway. Completing the circuit track or just heading out to Cruikshanks Lookout is well worth the 45-minute detour.
