St Marys Pass

St Marys Pass State Reserve near Cornwall on Tasmania's east coast protects a scenic mountain pass landscape where the Esk Highway climbs through forested ranges between the Tasman Highway on the coast and the Midlands Highway in the interior. The pass through the St Marys Range provides a dramatic transition between the dry coastal east and the wetter inland ranges, with forested slopes, rocky outcrops, and views across the coastal lowlands. The reserve captures the character of the east coast ranges at this important transportation corridor, protecting the forest vegetation that clothes the pass.

The forested slopes of St Marys Pass support fauna typical of east Tasmanian mixed woodland and forest environments. The endemic green rosella, yellow-throated honeyeater, and Tasmanian scrubwren inhabit the forest, while the yellow-tailed black cockatoo is occasionally seen feeding in the coastal vegetation types. Tasmanian pademelons and Bennett's wallabies graze the forest margins. The reserve's forest provides habitat connectivity along the east coast ranges, supporting movement of wildlife between the more extensive reserves of the northeast and the coastal lowlands. Reptiles including blue-tongued lizards are present in the sunny forest openings.

The vegetation of St Marys Pass transitions from dry sclerophyll forest typical of the east coast, with blue gum, black peppermint, and stringybark eucalypts, to wetter forest communities in sheltered aspects of the pass. The botanical character of the pass reflects the transitional position between the dry east and wetter interior. Native orchids, wattles, and diverse understorey shrubs contribute to the plant diversity. The forest provides important habitat for migratory birds using the coastal ranges as movement corridors.

The St Marys Range is composed primarily of Jurassic dolerite capping older sedimentary rocks, with the pass itself cutting through a relatively lower section of the range. The geological structure has influenced the drainage pattern and vegetation of the area. The views from elevated points within the reserve show the relationship between the dolerite-capped ranges and the sedimentary lowlands of the east coast.

St Marys Pass experiences a transitional climate between the dry east coast and wetter interior ranges. Annual rainfall is moderate, averaging perhaps 800 to 1,000 millimetres, and temperatures are mild maritime with coastal influence. The pass position means that easterly and westerly weather systems can both affect the area, creating variable conditions. Fog occasionally settles in the pass, and the road can be slippery in cold conditions.

The St Marys Pass was a significant route for early European explorers and settlers traversing between the east coast and the midlands, with the Esk Highway eventually formalising this route. The area was part of the traditional range of Pyemmairrener Palawa people. European pastoral activities extended across the surrounding ranges and valleys during the colonial period.

St Marys Pass State Reserve was established to protect the scenic and natural values of the mountain pass landscape, providing roadside vegetation protection for one of the east coast's significant travelling routes. The reserve contributes to the broader network of protected areas along the east coast ranges.

The pass provides scenic views over the east coast lowlands and the ranges on either side of the route. Short walks explore the forested slopes on both sides of the road. The reserve is commonly experienced as a scenic stopping point on the drive between the coast and inland towns. The dramatic change in vegetation character as travellers ascend and descend the pass illustrates the ecological significance of the transitional landscape.

St Marys Pass State Reserve is located on the Esk Highway between St Marys and Cornwall, accessible as a stopping point on the drive between the northeast coast and inland Tasmania. Basic facilities may be provided at viewpoint areas. The reserve is most commonly experienced as a scenic drive and rest stop rather than a walking destination. A national parks pass may be required. St Marys provides basic services.

Conservation management at St Marys Pass focuses on protecting the roadside forest vegetation from invasive species and weed colonisation along the road corridor. The reserve provides an important wildlife crossing for animals moving between forested areas on either side of the highway, and vegetation maintenance ensures this connectivity function is maintained.