Lake Chisholm Sinkhole Walk
- August 26, 2026
An easy rainforest walk to a striking water-filled limestone sinkhole in the Tarkine.
The Trowutta Arch Walk is one of the most unusual short walks in north-west Tasmania, leading through lush temperate rainforest to an impressive natural rock arch and a deep green sinkhole.
Located within Trowutta Caves State Reserve near Smithton, the walk forms part of the popular Tarkine Drive and requires very little effort for a surprisingly dramatic destination. The short track passes beneath towering tree ferns and through moss-covered forest before arriving at the arch, where collapsed cave systems have created a remarkable limestone landscape. The walk is particularly appealing for photographers and families, although care is required around the slippery rocks and steep-sided sinkholes.
| Location | Trowutta Caves State Reserve, North-West Tasmania |
| Distance | Approximately 1 km return |
| Time | Approximately 20–30 minutes return |
| Difficulty | Easy–Moderate |
| Track Type | Return |
| Elevation Gain | Minimal |
| Track Surface | Natural forest track, gravel, rocks and potentially muddy sections |
| Suitable for Children | Yes – close supervision required around the arch and sinkholes |
| National Park Pass | Not generally required |
Trowutta Arch is located within the Trowutta Caves State Reserve in Tasmania’s far north-west. The reserve protects an unusual karst landscape containing caves, sinkholes and other features formed through the gradual erosion and collapse of soluble rock. The walk begins from a small parking area and immediately enters dense forest. The track is short and easy to follow, descending gently beneath large tree ferns, myrtle and other rainforest vegetation. After around 10 to 15 minutes, the forest opens suddenly at the enormous Trowutta Arch. The arch separates two collapsed sections of an ancient cave system. One side contains dense rainforest while the other features a dramatic sinkhole filled with striking green water.
The track follows a well-defined path through cool temperate rainforest. Much of the walk is relatively gentle, although the surface can be uneven, muddy and slippery after rain. Closer to the arch, walkers encounter exposed rocks and rougher ground. Anyone exploring immediately around the arch should take particular care because wet limestone and moss-covered rocks can be extremely slippery. The sinkholes also have steep sides and are not suitable for climbing down into.
The Trowutta Arch Walk is a short walk that should be manageable for most people with a reasonable level of mobility. There is very little elevation gain and the walking distance is only around one kilometre return. However, the natural track surface, tree roots, mud and slippery rocks mean it is more demanding than a sealed urban walking path. Good walking shoes are recommended, particularly following wet weather.
The major attraction is the enormous natural arch itself. The formation is part of a karst landscape created by the collapse of an ancient underground cave system. Walking beneath the rock arch into the sheltered rainforest beyond is one of the most memorable short-walk experiences in north-west Tasmania.
Beside the arch is a deep sinkhole containing still green water. The pool is sheltered beneath the surrounding rainforest canopy, giving the area an almost otherworldly appearance. The colour and reflections can change depending on weather, rainfall and available light.
The forest surrounding Trowutta Arch is almost as impressive as the geological formation itself. Large tree ferns, mosses, fungi and rainforest trees create a particularly lush environment, especially after periods of rain.
Trowutta Arch is one of the most photogenic locations along the Tarkine Drive. Overcast conditions can actually be excellent for photography because the softer light makes it easier to capture details within the dark rainforest and beneath the arch.
Top Tip: Take your time around the arch. Although the walk itself may only require 20 to 30 minutes, allowing extra time for photographs and exploring the forest makes the visit much more rewarding.
Trowutta Arch forms part of an extensive karst landscape in north-west Tasmania. Karst landscapes develop where water gradually dissolves soluble rock beneath the surface, creating underground cavities, caves and drainage systems. Over very long periods, sections of these underground caverns can collapse. Trowutta Arch is the surviving portion of one of these collapsed cave systems, while the nearby depressions are sinkholes created by the same geological processes.
Yes. The short distance makes Trowutta Arch suitable for many families with children. However, close supervision is essential once you reach the arch because of the steep-sided sinkholes, slippery rocks and uneven ground. Young children may also require assistance on muddy or rocky sections of the track.
Trowutta Arch is located within a protected reserve, so visitors travelling with dogs should check current Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service requirements before visiting. Do not assume that dogs are permitted simply because the walk is outside a national park.
Trowutta Arch is located south of Smithton in Tasmania’s far north-west. From Smithton, travel towards Trowutta before following local roads towards the Trowutta Caves State Reserve and the signed Trowutta Arch access road. The final section of the drive includes an unsealed road. Conditions are generally suitable for conventional vehicles in normal weather, but drivers should take additional care after heavy rain. Trowutta Arch is also commonly visited as part of the Tarkine Drive, which links a number of rainforest walks, lookouts and geological attractions throughout north-west Tasmania.
A small parking area is available near the beginning of the walking track. Parking is relatively limited, so avoid blocking access roads or other vehicles during busy periods.
Facilities at Trowutta Arch are very limited. Visitors should not expect the facilities normally found at larger national park visitor areas. Bring your own drinking water and anything else required for your visit.
Trowutta Arch can be visited throughout the year. The rainforest is particularly lush following rain, when mosses, ferns and fungi thrive. However, wet weather also makes the track and rocks considerably more slippery. Summer generally provides longer daylight hours, while autumn and winter can produce particularly atmospheric rainforest conditions.
Trowutta Arch is an excellent addition to a day exploring the Takayna / Tarkine region.
Other nearby attractions include:
The Trowutta Arch Walk is an excellent example of how some of Tasmania’s most memorable natural attractions require very little walking. In around 20 to 30 minutes, visitors can experience dense temperate rainforest, giant tree ferns, unusual karst geology, an enormous natural arch and a striking green sinkhole. The combination of rainforest and geology gives the area a character quite unlike most other short walks in Tasmania. For anyone travelling through Smithton, Stanley or the Tarkine region, Trowutta Arch is an easy detour and one of the most rewarding short walks in Tasmania’s far north-west.
An easy rainforest walk to a striking water-filled limestone sinkhole in the Tarkine.
A gentle boardwalk loop through cool temperate rainforest in the Tarkine.
