Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

Deep in the heart of Tasmania's remote southwest, the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is a raw, ancient wilderness of rainforest-clad gorges, dramatic quartzite ridges, and rivers that carve through millennia-old rock. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed park is a mecca for paddlers, hikers, and anyone craving a true off-grid adventure. The Franklin River itself is legendary among rafters, but even if you stay dry, the park's walking tracks and river cruises offer unforgettable encounters with temperate rainforest, towering Huon pines, and the haunting silence of one of Australia's last great wild places.

Highlights & What to See

• Franklin River Rafting: For experienced paddlers, a multi-day rafting trip through the Franklin's rapids is a bucket-list adventure. The gorge walls close in, and the sense of isolation is profound.
• Frenchmans Cap: This iconic quartzite peak dominates the skyline. The challenging multi-day walk to the summit rewards with panoramic views over the park's endless forest.
• Donaghys Hill Wilderness Walk: A short, steep loop through myrtle and sassafras rainforest to a lookout over the Franklin River valley — perfect for a taste of the wilderness in a few hours.
• Gordon River Cruises: From Strahan, boat tours glide into the lower Gordon River, past mirror-still reflections of ancient rainforest and the haunting remains of the old Huon pine logging era.
• Nelson Falls: A gentle 20-minute walk through lush fern glades leads to a tiered waterfall cascading 60 metres over mossy rock — a photographer's dream in soft light.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give the park at least a full day if you're just doing short walks and a cruise from Strahan. For serious walkers or rafters, budget 3–5 days: two days for the Frenchmans Cap circuit, or 7–10 days for a full Franklin River descent. Most travellers base themselves in Strahan (30 minutes from the park's eastern edge) and do a mix of day walks and a half-day Gordon River cruise. If you're short on time, the Donaghys Hill walk and a cruise make a satisfying day trip, but the park rewards those who linger.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Strahan — the charming harbour town is the gateway to the park, with historic pubs, boat tours, and the must-do West Coast Wilderness Railway.
• Queenstown — a former mining boomtown with a stark, lunar-like landscape and the fascinating Galley Museum.
• Lake St Clair — Australia's deepest lake and the southern end of the Overland Track, just a couple of hours' drive east via the Lyell Highway.
• Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park — combine with the Franklin for a comprehensive southwest wilderness itinerary; Cradle's alpine plateaus are a world away from the rainforest gorges.
• Hobart — the state capital is a 4.5-hour drive east, but worth tagging on for MONA, Salamanca Market, and Mount Wellington views.

Please check official sources for current details.