Maydena is perhaps the Derwent Valley's most forgotten town. Granted, on the outside, it may seem nothing more than a stopover town in decline, but the little-known Tasmanian town of 198 (2021) is home to Australia's first pedal railway.

Get in

Maydena is only accessible by car. It, like many other destinations in the Derwent Valley, are only accessible via the Gordon River Road (B61) from New Norfolk. From Hobart, it's a 75–90-minute drive, while it's a 45-minute drive from New Norfolk. From Mount Field National Park (including the nearby settlement of National Park), it's a 12-minute drive west.

In the rare case you're visiting Maydena from the east, the town is a 60-minute drive from Strathgordon (≈72 km), and a 70-minute drive from Scotts Peak Dam (≈66 km).

See and do

• 1 Railtrack Riders, 3 Mayne Street (head office), ☏ +61 427 206 864, info@railtrackriders.com.au. If there's one thing the town probably deserves more spotlight for, it's for being home to Australia's only pedal railway. There are two-, three- and four-seaters available, though the four-seaters are specifically designed with children under 40 kg (88 lb) and under 10 in mind. From Maydena, you can choose to either pedal west to 1 Florentine or east towards Fitzgerald (Pig & Whistle). There is also a station at National Park though it has been temporarily closed since the COVID-19 pandemic. (updated Apr 2023)
• 2 Maydena Bike Path, 34 Kallista Rd, ☏ 1300 399 664 (domestic). F–M 8:30AM–5PM. An MTB park with over 73 trails. (updated Apr 2023)
• Junee Caves State Reserve is accessible via a short nature trail. While it's relatively off the beaten path, it is home to Australia's deepest cave, 1 Niggly Cave (JF-237).

Eat

• 1 Fika Time Cafe/Restaurant & General Store, 38a Kallista Rd, ☏ +61 427 145 015, fikatimecafe@mail.com. Th–Tu 9AM–3PM. A licensed venue with some great Australian, Swedish, and Austrian food, in addition to what you'd find at a small town's general store. (updated Apr 2023)

Sleep

• 1 Blue Square Maydena Accommodation, 20 Kallista Rd, ☏ +61 402 440 608. Self-catered accommodation. Includes a wood heater. (updated Apr 2023)

Go next

Routes via Maydena

Southwest National Park ←

W B61 E

→ Mount Field National Park → New Norfolk