Rapid River Road
17 km
distance
22 min
Contour time
9.2
avg score
Sealed
surface
Scenery
Tasmania
Rapid River Road runs through the edge of the Tarkine wilderness in northwest Tasmania. The Rapid River drains north...
Road quality
9.2 RQS
Exceptional. Consistently high curviness, surface, and low traffic.
Accessibility
Fully sealed
Best in Sports car. Peak season: Year-round.
7-day forecast
Excellent paved surface through the Rapid River valley with constant corners and riverside atmosphere. Sports car or motorbike are well matched to this road. The surface can carry moisture year-round from the Tarkine rainfall. One of northwest Tasmania's best-kept driving secrets.
Scored 9.2/10 by Contour's road quality algorithm across curviness, surface, elevation and traffic. Best suited for sports car drivers.
The road
Rapid River Road is one of northwest Tasmania's best-kept driving secrets. The 17-kilometre sealed road follows the Rapid River valley through the edge of the Tarkine wilderness - Australia's largest temperate rainforest. Dense myrtle beech presses close on both sides and the river is visible and audible for most of the route. The corners are constant and the surface is excellent. Traffic is almost non-existent. The northwest Tarkine gets more rainfall than almost anywhere else in Tasmania, which means the road surface carries moisture year-round and the vegetation is extraordinarily lush. The Tarkine itself extends south from here into a wilderness that most Australians have never heard of - the Arthur River 30 minutes west runs a boat cruise through the heart of it. Pair this road with Sumac Road nearby for a full northwest circuit that covers two of the best driving roads in Tasmania.
Rapid River Road is one of northwest Tasmania's best-kept driving secrets.
Why this road
The region
Rapid River Road runs through the edge of the Tarkine wilderness in northwest Tasmania. The Rapid River drains north from the central highlands through a valley that was heavily logged in the 20th century but is now recovering. The myrtle beech and ancient forest character of the northwest is distinct from the drier east coast - moisture hangs on the road year-round.
Before you go
Fuel in Smithton (30 km west) or Wynyard. Road is open year-round. The Tarkine receives high rainfall - surfaces stay damp and some sections can be slippery after significant rain. Very light traffic. Mobile coverage is absent for most of the route. Logging trucks may be present on weekdays.
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Flag itWorth stopping for
Tarkine wilderness
The largest temperate rainforest in Australia lies south of this road. The Arthur River is 30 minutes west and runs a boat cruise through the heart of it.
Sumac Road
The companion road nearby is equally good - the two make a strong northwest Tarkine circuit.
Route
Start
Tewkesbury
End
Rapid River
Gallery
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