My Weekend Away: farmer and activist Matthew Evans

Your ultimate Tassie weekend destination?
Corinna, a bush retreat on an old town site, tucked into the edge of the incredible Tarkine wilderness in Tassie’s west. It’s a world away from our day-to-day life: no phone reception, just wildlife, an ancient rainforest and a river, along with enough of the necessities to make it a real break (a pub, warm rooms with kitchenettes).

Matthew Evans.

Who do you go with?
Family. It’s great for walking and if you’re with other families, you can share accommodation at one of the buildings. At night there’s no telly, so it’s about being present with those you love.

Best time of year?
Autumn or spring, when it’s not peak season and not so cold that you get pushed inside the whole day. But pack a raincoat.

Disconnect or stay plugged in?

I’m definitely a disconnector. I adore cooking, but the rest of it? Low-tech, immersed in nature. That’s the best short break.

Insider tip?

Don’t arrive too late, because to get to the resort from the south you’ll need to get the “Fatman” barge across the Pieman River – and it stops in late afternoon.

Best don’t-miss feature?
If you drive over from the east, be sure to stop at Lake St Clair to do some of the day walks. Within minutes you’re in a place unlike anywhere else in Australia.

A favourite memory?
Taking a kayak downstream to where a metal barge sank trying to get out too much Huon pine, then walking back; Corinna will pick up the kayaks for you. My partner and I meandered back through the forest, filling our lungs with the purest air in the world. The smells were primal, the place gorgeous.

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