Recently updated on January 22nd, 2020 at 06:43 pm
Tasmania’s greatest draw is undoubtedly the island’s extraordinary wildlife and dramatic scenery. Rugged mountains and cliffs contrast with the ancient rainforest and white-sand bays, with 3,000-year-old endemic trees, tumbling waterfalls and historic Aboriginal sites hidden amidst them. Then there’s the unique wildlife, like the platypus and the Tasmanian Devil. Follow our guide to seek out the most astounding natural beauty that lies within the Tasmanian wilderness.
Mount Field National Park
Just a short journey from Hobart, Mount Field National Park is one of Tasmania’s best-known areas of natural beauty. Ranging from eucalyptus temperate rainforest to alpine moorland, which rises up to 1,434 metres above sea level, the landscape here is extraordinarily diverse, while wildlife thrives amidst the swamp gum forest and tree ferns, and on the mountain slopes. Here, visitors can follow trails through the rainforest to waterfalls and through fern forest where some of the world’s tallest trees grow, while looking out for wombats, platypuses, bandicoots and the island’s most iconic creature, the Tasmanian Devil.
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
Lying within the pristine Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park encompasses rainforest and mountains, with deep river valleys and gorges carving through them, where wild rivers amble by Tasmania’s endemic Huon Pines (also known as the King Billy pine), some of which are over 3,000 years old. Nature trails lead the way to scenic viewpoints, the 30-metre high Nelson Falls and historic sites that reflect Tasmania’s Aboriginal past. Set out on a Gordon River Cruise from Strahan on the west coast to Heritage Landing and the dramatic Hell’s Gates in Macquarie Harbour where the river meets the ocean.
Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park
This spectacular national park in Tasmania’s central highlands is also within the protected Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, and it’s just as ecologically diverse, too. Ancient forest is home to the King Billy pine, with alpine heath, glacial lakes and icy streams running down from the mountains. Naturally, Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair – the deepest lake in Australia – garner the most attention. The most famous hiking trail is the Overland Track, with many more scenic trails to follow, as well as the Aboriginal Cultural Walk, which leads the way to the Aboriginal historic sites that are dotted throughout Cradle Valley. Late spring and summer are an especially rewarding time to visit, when wildflowers grow by the lake and in the forest.
Cataract Gorge
Despite being just a short walk along the Tamar River from the centre of Tasmania’s riverside city of Launceston, Cataract Gorge is a pocket of this island’s characteristically spectacular wilderness. Follow a walking trail along the gorge, and step across a suspension bridge for views over the river and forest.
Freycinet National Park
Unlike Tasmania’s other national parks, this protected land occupies a section of the coast. Freycinet Peninsula, which lies on the eastern side of the island, is made up of pink granite peaks and idyllic bays, including the famously scenic Wineglass Bay. Hiking trails wind through the coastal reserve to pristine white sand beaches and wildlife-rich lagoons such as Moulting Lagoon, a wetland sanctuary for black swans and water fowl, among other abundant birdlife. Dolphins can also be spotted off the coast of this national park.
Tasman National Park
On the rugged Tasman Peninsula, this national park combines soaring 300-metre high cliffs and dramatic rock formations such as Tasman Arch, The Blowhole and the curious Tessellated Pavement, with panoramic sea views, all of which makes it a distinct and truly spectacular setting. Follow the national park’s scenic walking trails, explore the secluded bays and visit the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site.
Discover the stunning Tasmanian wilderness on the Perfect Tasmania trip with Trafalgar.
Image credits: Cover photo of Wineglass Bay © iStock / Shane Pedersen. Mount Field National Park © iStock / Shmenny50. Gordon River © iStock / Kelichi Hiki. Cradle Mountain – Lake St clair National Park © iStock / Shane Pedersen. Cataract Gorge © Flickr / blair_25. Wineglass Bay © iStock / Shane Pedersen. Tasman Arch © iStock / bennymarty.