Tasmania · Attraction
Weldborough Pass Rainforest Walk
Ancient myrtle forest in minutes
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
A short loop of barely 214 metres takes walkers into one of north-east Tasmania's finest pockets of cool temperate rainforest at Weldborough Pass, roughly 20 kilometres south of Derby on the Tasman Highway. Ancient myrtle beech trees draped in moss rise above a lush understorey of treeferns, kangaroo ferns and filmy ferns, with interpretive boards weaving the story of the forest through a character called Grandma Myrtle. The walk is entirely level, free and accessible to virtually all visitors.
The Weldborough Pass State Reserve protects a remnant stand of cool temperate rainforest that has survived the logging and mining that transformed much of the surrounding landscape during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The 15-minute loop is ideal as a refreshing break during the drive between Derby and the east coast, or as a standalone nature experience for travellers who want a taste of Tasmanian rainforest without committing to a longer hike. Bracket fungi, mosses and the intertwining root systems of myrtle beeches and treeferns make for compelling close-up photography.
Parking is a small gravel area directly beside the Tasman Highway on the south side of the road, with signage in both directions alerting drivers. There are no toilets or facilities at the walk itself, the nearest amenities are in Derby to the north or St Helens to the south. The highway through the pass features tight curves and drops to 25 km/h in sections, so approach the turnoff with care. The walk is open year-round and conditions are best in spring and early summer when growth is at its most lush.
Scenic views
