Nature writer Andrew Darby on what he learned from his rambles through the wilds of Tasmania, communing with the world’s oldest surviving trees. In particular, his ‘buttock clenching’ ascent up a 60-metre-tall eucalyptus known as The Vibe Tower.

Nature writer, Andrew Darby spent more than 20 years as a Fairfax correspondent based in Tasmania.

His stories involved the natural beauty of the bush, including visits to wild places and to the people who protect them, but it was deadline-driven and he couldn’t spend the time he wanted to.

In 2017 Andrew was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.

He underwent immunotherapy and was given a maximum 18-months to live. 

It has been eight years since he entered his “second life”.

Andrew was determined to fully inhabit his beloved Tasmanian bush, so he went by himself to commune with ancient trees.

These are some of the world’s oldest surviving trees, like King’s Lomatia; some of the biggest trees, like a 60-metre-tall eucalyptus known as The Vibe Tower; and Andrew’s favourite, the dignified Pencil Pine.

The Ancients: Discovering the world’s oldest surviving trees in wild Tasmania is published by Allen & Unwin.

This episode of Conversations touches on wild Tasmania, ancient trees, Pencil Pine, King's Lomatia, King Billy Pine, Giant Eucalyptus, Peter Dombrovskis photography, Walls of Jerusalem National Park, Pool of Siloam, epic hike, solo hike, stage four lung cancer, immunotherapy, second life and loving nature, hikes of Australia.