The reserve contains a large proportion of Tasmania's extensive peatlands and some of the largest dune fields in the State.

Heath and scrub communities occupy the coast and plains. Scattered throughout the area are sedgeland communities, often dominated by buttongrass. These areas also contain numerous orchid species and a variety of wildflowers. Forests grow inland on the richer soils of the plateau country.

The grasslands are ideal habitat for Bennett's wallabies, Tasmanian pademelons and wombats. Tasmanian devils, brushtail possums and spotted-tailed quolls are most often seen at dusk.

The area is home to a rich variety of bird life including the majestic wedge-tailed eagle. Species you are most likely to see in the hinterland include yellow-tailed black cockatoos, white-bellied sea eagles, currawongs, striated pardalotes, blue-winged parrots, superb blue wrens, swallows and honeyeaters. Along the coast are red-capped plovers, fairy terns, ruddy turnstones, Pacific gulls and the pied and sooty oyster catchers.

Of particular interest to keen bird watchers are three rare species: ground parrots on the plateau country, hooded plovers on beaches and orange-bellied parrots on their migratory path to south-west Tasmania from interstate.

The Arthur-Pieman is a big, open land, shaped and nurtured by thousands of generations of Aboriginal families. Their descendants continue to maintain the traditions.

The region we know today as the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area forms part of the homelands of four clans from the North West nation, peerapper, manegin, tarkinener and peternidic. Their stories are embedded in the landscape.Today, this area provides a spiritual connection for Tasmanian Aboriginal people and a valuable window into one of the oldest living cultures in the world.

Described by the Australian Heritage Commission as 'one of the world's greatest archaeological regions', it is an area extraordinarily rich in Aboriginal shell middens, hut depression sites, artefacts and rock engravings. One quarter of the ceremonial stone arrangements recorded in Tasmania are found in this area together with one of the many known Tasmanian petroglyph sites.

Please respect the cultural landscape when travelling throughout Tasmania as many places are living museums, a window into the past that cannot be replicated.

Since then the area has attracted miners, ranchers, foresters and fishers who have sought to make a living from the tough landscape. Remnants of this historic cultural heritage include the Balfour-Temma tramway, the Balfour telegraph, the Balfour track and the Sandy Cape Lighthouse.

Successive generations of campers, bushwalkers, surfers, off-road enthusiasts and shack owners have developed a special affinity with the area. They nurture their coastal lifestyle and are proud of their unique community.

From the north: The Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area begins just south of the township of Marrawah, where the C214 road heads south towards Arthur River and beyond.

From the south: From Corinna, the Western Explorer (C249) leads to the junction of the C214. Turn left to travel to Couta Rocks on the coast. At Corinna a vehicle barge crosses the Pieman River. The service operates on demand between 9am-5pm in winter and 9am-7pm in summer. Phone Corinna on (03) 6446 1170 for details.

Conventional vehicles can travel along the main arterial roads from Corinna through to Couta Rocks, and from Marrawah through to Temma. Access roads to the coast and from the Couta Rocks intersection to Temma are gravel and condition varies.

There is no access for conventional vehicles to the southern part of the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area past Temma​.​

Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.

For those following the main roads, C214 is a sealed road, C249 and arterial roads are gravel. Please keep to marked tracks while driving within the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area.

Whilst a parks pass is not required to access the Arthur-Pieman Conversation Area, drivers planning to use 4WD tracks require a Recreational Driver Pass. These are available from the Parks Pass Portal, or in person at the Parks and Wildlife Service office at Arthur River.

The latest Arthur-Pieman Recreational Driving Guide is included in the cost of a driver pass. It contains detailed maps of the vehicle tracks and routes as well as important information on preparing for your visit, safe driving tips, facilities within the Arthur-Pieman, and the natural and cultural heritage of the reserve.

Boat access to the ocean is via the beaches by 4WD vehicle and a long trailer pole. Ensure you are equipped with the appropriate safety equipment for open water. A boat ramp at Arthur River provides river access only.

Beach driving is swell dependent and not recommended with 4 metre plus swells.

Sea conditions are wild and unpredictable. Swimmers, surfers, fishers and boating enthusiasts need to exercise caution. It is not possible to take a boat over the shallow sandbar at the mouth of the Arthur River. Pieman Heads is equally dangerous.

Many tracks require experienced drivers in high-clearance vehicles. Stay off tracks that appear too wet and observe track condition and track closure signs.

If you are planning your first 4WD trip, consider taking a 4WD course in your own vehicle to become familiar with using recovery gear. Why not watch the Recreational Driving Video before you visit the Arthur-Pieman? It provides vital safety information and some sound advice on four-wheel driving technique.

Within the reserve, the Arthur River area has a good range of facilities to choose from. The Peppermint and Manuka Campgrounds have accessible toilet facilities. Take care on grassy areas.

Gardiner Point day use area and viewing platform are also accessible and include a barbeque area and toilet facilities. 4WD access in the reserve provides many sightseeing opportunities.