Work has begun to redevelop the long-closed Dismal Swamp tourist site in Tasmania’s far north-west.
The attraction, on the edge of the takayna/Tarkine Wilderness and about a 90-minute drive from Burnie, has sat empty since 2020.
The state and federal governments announced the latest stage on Thursday, backed by a $12.5 million federal commitment first promised at the 2022 election.
The redevelopment forms part of a broader Tarkine Experience Hub, which also includes the proposed Wave Breaker cave experience, branded ‘The Wild Edge Project’.
A feasibility study is being commissioned to assess whether a cave system beneath the cliffs near Cape Grim could be safely accessed.
Tasmanian company Skyscape was engaged in November 2025 to manage repairs, develop a concept and help find an operator.
The project is being overseen by a steering committee of government, regional and industry stakeholders.
Early works include removing outdated infrastructure, restoring safe access, securing the site and upgrading essential services such as car parking, water and sewerage.
The government wants the swamp to become an experience-based hospitality and community destination, built around cultural and nature-based tourism.
It said engagement with potential operators and investors was “now underway”, ahead of a formal approach to market.
Tourism Minister Jane Howlett said the redevelopment would create investment opportunities and support local jobs.
“Dismal Swamp has long been an iconic part of Tasmania’s north-west and it’s exciting to see work progressing to transform the site into a world-class visitor hub,” Howlett said.
Federal Braddon MP Anne Urquhart said reactivating the site would draw more visitors and encourage them to stay on the coast for longer.
“This is exactly the kind of investment our regions need, building on our natural strengths and securing a strong future for our communities,” Urquhart said.
Progress has been slow. In September 2024, the government opened an expressions-of-interest process to find an operator for a proposed ‘Tarkine Adventure Hub’.
That search did not produce a publicly named operator, with Skyscape brought on more than a year later.
