How many times have we all driven through Hadspen on our way to somewhere else? If you’re anything like us, probably more times than you can count. Yet on a beautiful winter morning, we decided to slow down, leave the car behind and discover what we’d been missing.
Our walk began at South Esk Lions Park, where the first thing that struck us was just how peaceful it was. We wandered through beautifully maintained parklands, beneath towering gum trees and alongside the South Esk River. It was hard to believe we were only moments from the Bass Highway. Within minutes, the noise of passing traffic had faded into the background, replaced by the sound of flowing water. Almost without noticing, our own journey had slowed to the pace of the river.
Letter to the Editor
We’ve always enjoyed being close to water. There is something about a flowing river that seems to soak up some of the madness of everyday life. Watching the river find its way around every rock and fallen branch, never fighting the obstacles in its path but simply flowing past them, we couldn’t help but wonder if there’s a lesson in that for all of us. Every bend in the trail revealed another quiet place to pause, whether it was a picnic table beside the water, a view across the rapids or simply a bench to sit and watch the river continue on its way.
One of Hadspen’s greatest treasures is its connection to the South Esk River. With numerous public access points, walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and open green spaces, it’s easy to understand why this riverside setting is so well loved by locals and visitors alike.
The North Coast Post: BSB 633 000 · Account number: 2366 8 9535
Hadspen is also where two significant rivers meet. The Meander River begins beneath the Great Western Tiers and winds its way through the heart of our valley before meeting the South Esk at Hadspen. Rather than marking the end of its journey, this is where two rivers continue their journey together, shaping the landscapes and communities of northern Tasmania. Long before European settlement, these waterways were important places for Tasmania’s Aboriginal people, providing food, water and places to gather. Looking west, the Great Western Tiers, or kooparoona niara—the Mountains of the Spirits—remain a place of deep cultural significance and a constant presence on the horizon.
As we continued our walk, Hadspen’s rich history quietly unfolded around us. Looking across the river to the historic Entally Estate, passing the beautifully restored Red Feather Inn and admiring the churches that have watched over the town for generations, it became clear that Hadspen’s story is woven through both its people and its landscape.
By the time we arrived back at the car, we’d only been walking for a little over an hour, yet it felt much longer—in the best possible way. Sometimes we become so focused on reaching our destination that we forget to enjoy the path that gets us there. Perhaps that’s what rivers teach us. They quietly soak up some of the madness of life as they continue their journey, never hurrying, simply finding their way.
Hadspen gave us that reminder, and for that alone, it’s well worth taking the time to stop.
