Douglas-Apsley National Park

Deep in the dry eucalypt forests of eastern Tasmania, Douglas-Apsley National Park is a hidden gem of wild rivers, lush gorges, and ancient rainforest pockets. This park offers a genuine wilderness experience with fewer crowds than the more famous national parks, making it a perfect detour for nature lovers and self-drive explorers. Here, you can swim in crystal-clear waterholes, hike through diverse landscapes, and discover the park's rich Aboriginal heritage and convict-era history.

Highlights & What to See

• Apsley Waterhole – A stunning natural swimming hole fed by the Apsley River, with deep green water and smooth dolerite rocks perfect for sunbathing and picnicking.
• Douglas River Gorge – A dramatic river canyon carved through ancient rock, offering scenic views and the chance to spot platypuses at dawn or dusk.
• Lee's Paddock Nature Walk – A short, easy walk through dry forest to a historic homestead site, showcasing the park's pastoral past and Aboriginal cultural sites.
• Denison Rivulet – A beautiful fern-lined creek with cascades and small waterfalls, ideal for a refreshing dip after a bushwalk.
• Raptor Refuge – Keep an eye out for wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons soaring above the cliffs; the park is a haven for birdlife.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a half-day exploring the park, focusing on the Apsley Waterhole and one or two short walks. If you're keen on hiking the longer Douglas River Track (around 4 hours return), budget a full day to fully immerse yourself in the gorge scenery. The park is best visited between October and April when the weather is warm and the waterholes are inviting. Combine with a morning or afternoon in nearby Bicheno or St Marys for a relaxed east-coast itinerary.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bicheno – A charming coastal town with a blowhole, penguin tours, and excellent seafood, just 25 minutes north.
• St Marys – A historic town at the foot of the St Marys Pass, known for its alpine-like scenery and the famous St Marys Fruit Shed.
• Freycinet National Park – Home to the iconic Wineglass Bay, about an hour's drive south, perfect for multi-day exploration.
• Bay of Fires – Stunning white-sand beaches and orange-lichen-covered granite boulders, an hour north, ideal for coastal walks and photography.
• Mount Elephant Pancake – A quirky natural rock formation and lookout near St Marys, offering panoramic views of the coast.

Please check official sources for current details.