Hike at a glance

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Quick overview: Experience a taste of Tasmania's mining past at the Ferndene State Reserve, located near the town of Ulverstone, 290km from the capital city. Starting and ending at the Ferndene Carpark, this moderate 1.5km return walk invites you to explore through a landscape rich with towering tree ferns and moss-laden rocks, taking approximately an hour to complete. Encounter remnants of the 19th-century mining era, including the historic Thorsbys Tunnel, while enjoying the area's transformation into a tranquil native bushland, home to a variety of woodland birds and wallabies.

Hike length

1.5km

Average duration

1 hr

Trail Difficulty

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Hike Type

Return

Technical details

Max elevation: 138m
Min elevation: 83m
Total Ascent: 77m

Start: Ferndene Carpark

End: Ferndene Carpark

Location: Ferndene State Reserve

State: Tasmania

Nearest town: Ulverstone

State capital distance: 290km

Latitude: -41.1435902858407

Longitude: 146.03322919799822

Check current conditions
Track conditions, access and closures can change quickly due to weather, fire, maintenance or safety concerns. Always check the relevant land manager’s website before you visit. Trail Hiking Australia does not provide real-time track and closure monitoring, and land managers remain the authoritative source for current alerts, closures and access restrictions.

Hike details

Difficulty

Planning

Safety

Getting there

The region

Nearby hikes

Weather

Trail details

Walkers should always be well prepared before setting out in Tasmania’s parks. Check the conditions, carry suitable equipment, let someone know your plans, and be ready to adjust them if the weather changes.

Hike summary

Tucked within the lush Ferndene State Reserve near Penguin in Tasmania’s north-west, Thorsbys Tunnel offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s mining past. This 1.5 kilometre Grade 3 return walk takes around an hour to complete, weaving through a cool, shaded landscape of towering tree ferns and moss-covered rocks. The trail follows a gentle climb of about 30 metres over 750 metres, making it a pleasant yet engaging route for those with some bushwalking experience.

As you wander along the creek, the remnants of the late 19th century mining era begin to reveal themselves. The area was once dotted with mining leases after valuable minerals such as silver and copper were discovered around Penguin. Although the operations were eventually abandoned due to limited profitability, the tunnels they left behind remain as quiet reminders of that time. Both Brownings and Thorsbys Tunnels can be explored with care, but visitors should note that these are unmaintained historic structures with uneven, slippery surfaces and no lighting.

Today, the reserve has transformed from an industrial site into a peaceful pocket of native bushland. The air is cool and earthy, filled with the sounds of a burbling creek and the calls of woodland birds. Wallabies sometimes dart through the undergrowth, pausing among the ferns where sunlight filters softly through the canopy. It’s a short walk rich in atmosphere, offering both natural beauty and a tangible sense of history that makes it well worth exploring.

Additional Information:

For more information, visit Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service

Track difficulty

Grade 3 (moderate) badge

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Uneven terrain and steady climbs
These walks require a reasonable level of fitness and confidence on rough ground. Expect hills, rough surfaces, and sections with steps or short, steeper climbs.

While not technically difficult, these tracks are no longer "easy" and can feel demanding over distance, especially in heat or with a pack. Some bushwalking experience is recommended, particularly for managing footing and pacing. Distances can extend up to 20km.

Worth knowing: Many hikers underestimate Grade 3 when conditions change or fatigue sets in.

Planning essentials

Practical Information:

The Thorsbys Tunnel walk is located within Ferndene State Reserve.
Campfires are not permitted anywhere in the reserve.
Dogs, horses, and motorbikes are prohibited to protect the environment and wildlife.
Toilets and a sheltered picnic area are available near the car park.
Non-potable water is provided at the toilet facilities, so remember to bring your own drinking water.

Map and GPX file

Thorsbys Tunnel (1.5km)

Total distance: 1552 m
Max elevation: 138 m
Min elevation: 83 m
Total climbing: 77 m
Total descent: -77 m

GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Interactive Safety Scenarios. Then refer to the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Let someone know

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take, and it only takes two minutes..

Let someone know your plans →

Planning something more serious? The comprehensive trip intentions form is designed for remote, overnight, and off-track trips where your emergency contact needs more detail. Register your advanced plans here →

Free checklists

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

Getting there

Ferndene State Reserve

Thorsbys Tunnel is easy to reach, located just 15 minutes from Ulverstone (about 17 kilometres away). From town, head west on the A1 Bass Highway towards Burnie and take the South Road exit to Penguin. Turn onto Sports Complex Avenue, then left onto Ironcliffe Road, following it for around 4.6 kilometres until you arrive at Ferndene State Reserve. There is limited parking at the reserve, so plan accordingly. It’s best to avoid driving through the area at night, as native wildlife often crosses the roads, take it slow and stay alert for animals along the way.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here →

Get there with Google Maps

Accommodation nearby

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

Find Accommodation

Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Burnie, Devonport, Latrobe, Penguin, Riana, Sheffield, Somerset, Ulverstone, Wynyard

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About the region

Dial Range Reserves

Tucked away in northwest Tasmania, just south of the coastal town of Penguin, the Dial Range Reserves span a rugged 52 square kilometres of diverse terrain. This striking landscape tells a geological story of ancient volcanic activity and sedimentary processes later reshaped by early mining efforts. The result is a dramatic mix of peaks and valleys, with Mount Gnomon standing out on the northern skyline. Walkers can explore a wide variety of trails that wind through forests, over ridgelines, and across rocky slopes, revealing ever-changing views and vegetation shaped by altitude, aspect, and soil type.

The range offers something for everyone, from gentle forest walks to steep climbs that lead to panoramic coastal and inland views. Trails transition through dry eucalypt forests, damp gullies filled with swamp gums and blackwoods, and heathlands that come alive with colour in spring. Popular peaks such as Mount Dial, Mount Montgomery, and Mount Duncan provide unique vantage points, while shared paths also cater to trail runners and mountain bikers. Whether you’re after a short stroll or a challenging full-day hike, the Dial Range Reserves promise a rewarding experience rich in natural beauty and variety.

Ferndene State Reserve

Tucked into the foothills of the Dial Range, just six kilometres south of Penguin in northwest Tasmania, Ferndene State Reserve is a tranquil rainforest retreat where natural beauty meets local history. Covering a compact 35 hectares, the reserve offers a network of shaded walking tracks that follow McBrides Creek through cool, fern-lined gullies and beneath towering eucalypts. The air is fresh and earthy, the sound of flowing water echoing through the gorge, creating an atmosphere that feels both peaceful and deeply connected to the Tasmanian landscape. Each turn along the path reveals new layers of lush vegetation, from moss-covered trunks to dense stands of tree ferns, making it a perfect destination for walkers who appreciate immersive, nature-rich settings.

Beyond its natural appeal, Ferndene also tells the story of Tasmania’s mining past. The remains of the Iron Cliff Mines, active in the late 1800s and early 1900s, can still be seen along short trails leading to Brownings Tunnel and Thorsbys Tunnel, historic sites once used for silver mining. The reserve’s picnic area, complete with tables, shelters, barbecues, and toilets, makes it a comfortable base for visitors. From here, it’s easy to enjoy a short family-friendly walk or set out on connecting trails into the broader Dial Range network. Ferndene State Reserve is a place where history, forest, and quiet reflection come together, offering an experience that feels both grounded and rejuvenating.

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Weather on the trail

Ferndene State Reserve

The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

Trail Reviews

1 Review on “Thorsbys Tunnel (1.5km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards Trail Author

A short and interesting walk, Thorsbys Tunnel is more about the experience than the distance. The tunnel and surrounding forest make it a worthwhile stop if you are exploring Ferndene.

08/01/2026, 10:43

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Acknowledgement of Country

Thorsbys tunnel (1. 5km) trail hiking australia

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

October 24, 2025