A remote, awe-inspiring loop walk through Tasmania’s ancient eucalypt forest, home to some of the tallest and largest blue gums on Earth. Expect mossy giants, fern-draped gullies, and a true sense of wilderness a short drive from the Huon Valley.
The Grove of Giants is a living cathedral of Tasmanian eucalypts tucked into the hills behind Lonnavale–about an hour from Franklin. This compact loop threads past colossal blue gums and stringybarks where tree-ferns feather the understory and the forest hush is only broken by birdsong. Centre stage is Lathamus Keep, a 500-year-old Tasmanian blue gum considered the world’s biggest known remaining blue gum, its name a nod to the endangered swift parrot that relies on flowering blue gums to survive.
As you wander the loop you’ll meet the grove’s “cast”: giants with names and backstories gathered by The Tree Projects team, who created large-format “tree portraits” to share these forest elders with the world. Photographer Steve Pearce and forest scientist Dr Jen Sanger documented Lathamus Keep to spotlight its global significance and fragile future–an intimate portrait of bark textures, cavernous hollows and a trunk measured at roughly 80 m tall and ~325 m³ in volume. Their work helped introduce visitors to the grove and explain why these old trees matter well beyond Tasmania.
The grove isn’t a theme park; it’s real forest. That means changing light, seasonal fungi, and the chance–if you’re quiet–to hear swift parrots above you in good flowering years. Take your time. Look up. The scale makes most of us whisper.
Getting there from Franklin (Boat Reflections): follow the provided map image and save it offline before you leave; mobile reception fades well before the grove. Access is via Denison and McDougalls roads on rough forestry surfaces with potholes and deep ruts near the end–high-clearance 4WD/AWD is strongly recommended. There’s no signage, no facilities and no bins; the closest services are in Huonville/Judbury. Keep to formed pads and be gentle around root zones. Allow a half-day including driving.
Lathamus Keep’s “discovery” by local big-tree hunters in 2021 and its subsequent portrait drew national attention. ABC News profiled the tree as a 500-year-old forest giant and “the world’s biggest blue gum,” explaining how its name honours the swift parrot–one of Earth’s fastest parrots and a seasonal migrant to Tasmania. The piece captures why visitors feel compelled to see the grove for themselves: it’s a rare chance to stand beside a living organism that predates European arrival by centuries and still anchors an entire forest community.
Discover more attractions and activities near Boat Reflections
Glide along the tranquil Huon River aboard a beautifully restored wooden cruiser, enjoying local produce, river history and scenic views. A relaxing riverside experience just minutes from Franklin.
A boutique Huon Valley micro dairy where visitors can meet friendly LaMancha goats, taste goat milk products, and learn about sustainable farming. Open farm days, a Hobart store and Salamanca Market stall make it easy to connect with the herd.
A rustic cider house, restaurant and apple museum inside a 1942 packing shed. Taste award-winning ciders, tour the on-site distillery, browse heritage apple displays and catch live music Friday nights–just up the road from Franklin.
Boutique cool-climate winery with an intimate cellar door just outside Huonville. Elegant wines, tasting platters & wine club perks in a scenic vineyard setting.
