Wolfram Mine

Heading up the Upper Forth valley, this track takes you on a journey into the World Heritage Area along what was, up until the mid 1980's, a road to the Oakleigh Creek Wolfram Mines. The first section is still regularly used by kayakers seeking to paddle the Forth river and as such is fairly reasonably well maintained, but as you make your way further up the valley the track deteriorates and you find yourself in a beautiful and seldom visited area of Tasmania. This is a true gem of a ride for those who like to explore remote places on two wheels, but is not for the inexperienced, unprepared or those looking for groomed single track.

Access Info

This ride is a long way from everywhere. Allow four and a bit hours to get here from Hobart, two hours from Launceston and probably an hour and a half from Devonport.

If coming from the Hobart or Launceston, make your way to Deloraine, and then follow the B12 through Mole Creek making sure that you turn right 21km out of Mole Creek onto Olivers Road (C138) towards Cethana and Cradle Mountain. 31kms from Mole Creek, you will come to a junction on your left signed down to the C139 Lemonthyme Power Station which is where you want to go.

To get to this same point from the north, the easiest (though not shortest) way is to head to Sheffield (last place to get supplies) and then head out on Claude Road towards Gowrie Park / Cradle Mountain. 3kms past Gowrie Park, turn left onto Olivers Road (signed towards Mole Creek) and follow this for 10.7km until you come to the turn off to the Lemonthyme Power Station (C139) mentioned above.

Follow the paved road down to the power station until the bitumen road ends (10kms). There are a few gravel roads heading off from here, but all but one is gated, so turn onto the unsigned gravel road which continues off to your left. This is Patons Road.

You'll cross a wooden bridge about 300 metres in, and then come to a Y junction 500 metres from the power station. Take the left fork and continue on. 2.3kms from the power station you'll come to another Y junction, this time take the right fork and follow this around the hill until 3.0kms from the power station where you will come to a large metal gate (usually open). Park here, but make sure your car is well off the road so other vehicles can get past.