Tasmanian Wilderness

Step into one of the last great temperate wildernesses on Earth. The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is a vast, ancient landscape of button-grass plains, towering gum forests, wild rivers and jagged mountain ranges. It feels primordial – the air is crisp and clean, the silence broken only by the call of a currawong or the rush of a waterfall. This is a place for serious walkers, wildlife enthusiasts and anyone craving raw, untamed nature.

Highlights & What to See

• Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park – The iconic heart of the wilderness. Tackle the Overland Track (a 6-day trek) or do the shorter Dove Lake Circuit for postcard-perfect views of Cradle Mountain reflected in glacial waters.
• Southwest National Park – Australia’s most remote park. Fly into Melaleuca or take a boat up Bathurst Harbour to explore the rugged coastline, quartzite peaks and ancient Huon pines. Keep an eye out for the endangered orange-bellied parrot.
• Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park – Famous for the Franklin River, a world-class rafting destination. Even if you don’t paddle, the Gordon River cruise from Strahan offers a serene glide through mirrored rainforest.
• Hartz Mountains National Park – Less crowded but equally dramatic. Walk to Hartz Peak for panoramic views of the south-west wilderness and, in spring, carpets of alpine wildflowers.
• Wildlife encounters – Spot Tasmanian devils, wombats, pademelons and echidnas. The Tarkine region (north-west) is a stronghold for the elusive platypus.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly absorb the wilderness, allow at least 5–7 days. A typical itinerary: 3–4 days for Cradle Mountain and the Overland Track (or day walks), 2 days for the Gordon River cruise and Franklin River area, plus a day exploring Hartz Mountains or the Tarkine. If you’re short on time, a 3-day whirlwind from Launceston can cover Cradle Mountain and a day walk, but you’ll want to return.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Launceston – The gateway city, with its excellent food scene and Cataract Gorge just minutes from the centre.
• Strahan – Charming harbour town on Macquarie Harbour, base for Gordon River cruises and Huon Pine tours.
• Hobart – Tasmania’s capital, rich in history and culture; combine with a drive through the Derwent Valley to reach the wilderness.
• Freycinet National Park – On the east coast, famous for Wineglass Bay – a contrast to the wild west with white sand and turquoise water.
• Bay of Fires – Stunning coastal scenery with orange-lichen-covered granite boulders and pristine beaches, ideal for a relaxing end to a wilderness trip.

Please check official sources for current details.