In the heart of Tasmania’s south-west wilderness is a hidden treasure like no other in the world. Step into the magical, mystical Styx Valley.
A haven for nature lovers, fantasy fans and anyone craving a breath of fresh forest air, this ancient wilderness feels like something straight out of Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Here in the Styx Valley, towering mountain ash eucalyptus trees (interestingly, the tallest flowering plants in the world) pierce the misty skies, their trunks heavily cloaked in moss and lichen. Every footstep along the winding trails takes you deeper into a landscape that feels prehistoric and enchanted.
Styx Valley has deep roots to its indigenous history
Long before bushwalkers and camera-wielding tourists settled the region, the Styx Valley was home to the Palawa people – Tasmania’s First Nations custodians. The Palawa lived with deep connection to the forests, rivers and coastlines – a connection that faced severe disruption with the onset of European colonisation in the 19th century.
As settlers began logging the area’s ancient timbers, the valley became a battleground between industry and conservation. And while some areas remain under threat today, passionate advocates continue to fight to preserve this living cathedral.
One of the valley’s most iconic giants was El Grande – a magnificent eucalypt that held the title of Australia’s largest tree until it was tragically lost in a regeneration burn in 2003. Its story is a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between nature and human impact.
Where fantasy meets the forest floor
It’s no surprise that lovers of Tolkien and the natural world alike are drawn to Tolkien Grove, a magical patch of forest where the undergrowth feels like a set from The Lord of the Rings.
The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and ancient wood, and sunlight barely able to pierce the dense canopy overhead. The grove is home to one particularly legendary resident called Gandalf’s Staff, which a towering eucalypt with an astounding height of 84 metres. Its gnarled branches and moss-covered bark lend it an almost mythical presence, and it’s become a must-see for hikers and daydreamers alike.
Nearby, the Big Tree Reserve offers an easy walk among some of the tallest trees on the planet. It’s an awe-inspiring experience that reminds you how small we really are.
Wildlife of the wild south
It’s not all about the trees in Styx Valley (although they are some of the finest in the world). The rainforest is alive with creatures great and small, familiar and fantastical. You might be lucky enough to spot the elusive Eastern quoll, the shy Tasmanian tree frog, or even a rare white-lipped snake basking in a patch of filtered sunlight. Then there’s the iconic Tasmanian devil, which largely due to a Looney Tunes cartoonist turning it into a crazy whirring devil, is often misunderstood.
These fierce-sounding marsupials are actually quite shy and vital to the island’s ecosystem. They stay out of the way of humans, but do make scary screeching noises when fighting one another and eating food. Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) is still a huge threat to Tasmanian devil populations, because it is a transmissible cancer that primarily affects the face and mouth of devils, and it is transmitted through biting one another, which tend to do.
Bites, beds and bike trails in Maydena
While the Styx Valley itself is remote and raw, civilisation isn’t too far away if you fancy staying nearby and grabbing something to eat and drink. The nearby town of Maydena, about 30 minutes’ drive from the forest, is a great base for your adventure.
The Bottom Shop Maydena is your go-to for quick bites and supplies. It’s no-frills, but perfect for grabbing trail snacks before a day on the move. However, be aware they are experiencing expected closures due to power outages in the area
Giants’ Table and Cottages offers cosy accommodation and a restaurant (open in warmer months), ideal for families or travelers seeking a homey stay surrounded by
nature. Bear in mind, as you travel that the restaurant is closed for the winter, but cottages are available all year round.
Fika Time Café & Camp; Restaurant is a delight — blending Austrian, Australian and Swedish influences, it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger over a coffee
and something sweet.
For something a bit livelier, head to The Patio at Maydena Bike Park. A hit with the local biking crowd, it’s a relaxed spot serving hearty breakfasts and top-notch pizzas. Whether you’re here for downhill thrills or gentle bush walks, this is a place to fuel up and wind down.
Choose your own adventure in the Styx
A visit to the Styx Valley isn’t just a walk in the woods. It’s an immersive journey through living history where the rich culture and ancient landscape tells endless stories. So lace up your boots, charge your camera, and head into the trees. There’s magic waiting just beyond that trailhead, that’s got your name on it.
If you enjoyed reading this feature on the Styx Valley, check out our story on the Great Otway National Park.
