DISCOVER TASMANIA'S SPECIAL PLACES
Tasmania is an island of wonders, with pristine rivers and forests;
rugged highlands and coastline, distinctive animals and plants that together
reveal a unique natural heritage. History too - with its stark Aboriginal,
convict and industrial aspects - is more evident in Tasmania than in any
other part of Australia. This remarkable natural and cultural heritage
has led to a large part of Tasmania being recognized as a World Heritage
Area - a place of global significance. Combined with the many national
parks and other reserves around the state, this gives Tasmania one of the
finest park systems in the world. Because of the island's compact
size, many of the reserves are within easy reach. However there is
so much to see and do it's worth allowing plenty of time to discover and
enjoy Tasmania's special places. Top
ASBESTOS RANGES
Asbestos Range is a coastal park featuring long unspoilt beaches and
coastline, abundant wildlife and wildflowers, and a fascinating variety
of coastal walks. Located between Port Sorell and Greens Beach on
the north coast, the park is no more than an hour from any northern centre,
and about 3 hours from Hobart. There are camping areas, picnic tables,
fireplaces, toilets, bore water and firewood. A boat ramp is provided
at Bakers Point and an information shelter at Springlawn. Top
BEN LOMOND NATIONAL PARK
Set on a high, island-like plateau, Ben Lomond National Park has spectacular
views over northern Tasmania. During the snow season it offers the
longest natural ski slopes in Tasmania, but at any time of the year the
park is home to an abundant array of plant, animal and birdlife.
It offers an especially fine display of summer wildflowers. At the
alpine village there are public amenities and ski-hire facilities.
Separate ski-field charges apply. Top
CRADLE MOUNTAIN - LAKE ST. CLAIR NATIONAL PARK
This highland park is famous for its superb mountain peaks and lakes,
its atmospheric forests and its wild alpine moorlands. There are
two main visitor access points. In the north, at Cradle Valley, there's
an award-winning visitor centre which will inspire even the unadventurous
to try one of the many fabulous nature walks. Likewise at the southern
end, on the shores of Lake St Clair, there's a new visitor centre with
full facilities for all kinds of visitors. At the lake there are
chances to meet the local wildlife, take short nature walks or cruise the
lake on a launch. The two ends of the park are joined by the famous
80km Overland Track, a 5-7 day trip for bushwalkers. Both ends of
the park have camping and cabin accommodation, and full day-visitor facilities.
Top
DOUGLAS-APSLEY NATIONAL PARK
Douglas-Apsley National Park, just inland of the east coast town of
Bicheno, features rivers, gorges and waterfalls surrounded by dry forest
and pockets of rainforest. The tranquil Apsley Waterhole is reached
by taking the Rosedale Road off the Tasman Highway (A3) north of Bicheno.
Above the waterhole is a fine new lookout with views up and down the lightly
forested river valley. Further into the park is the surprisingly
challenging Leeaberra Track, a two and a half day walk that traverses the
park from north to south. Facilities in this new park are still being
planned and built, but there are picnic tables and shelters, pit toilets
and water at Apsley Waterhole. Top
FRANKLIN-GORDON WILD RIVERS NATIONAL PARK
While the heart of this wilderness park can only be reached by rafters
and bushwalkers, road travellers can easily view mountains, rivers, waterfalls
and forests from a number of easy-access walks. These include Nelson
Falls, Donaghys Hill (with spectacular views of the Franklin River and
Frenchmans Cap) and the Franklin River Picnic Area (with its delightful
river walk in a rainforest environment). Picnic tables, toilets,
information shelters, sign-posted walks, lookouts and barbecues are some
of the facilities provided. At the western end of the park, cruise
boats travel from Strahan across the Macquarie Harbour and up the magnificent
Gordon River. At heritage Landing a short walk leads to a 2 000 year
old Huon pine tree. Top
FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK
Tasmania’s premier coastal park features striking granite peaks, sheltered
blue waters, white sand beaches and rocky shores. The magnificent
scenery is complemented by a wide range of flora and fauna, and the park
is well-equipped with picnic and camping facilities. Walks range
from extended overnight trips to short and easy nature walks. The
park has many safe swimming and snorkelling spots, and is near facilities
for boating, fishing and scuba diving. There is also ample and varied
accommodation nearby. Top
MOLE CREEK KARST NATIONAL PARK
This new park is one of the first karst (limestone landscape) national
parks in Australia. Set in the green and forested hills beneath the
stunning Western Tiers, the surface features gives few clues to the spectacular
landscapes hidden beneath. Much of the water flowing off the Tiers
disappears into a network of underground streams that have created caves
with superb calcite formations. The park also features cave fauna
found nowhere else in the world, plus a diverse range of flora resulting
from the calcium-rich soils. King Solomons and Marakoopa Caves are
both open to the public for guided tours. Picnic facilities and toilets
are provided. Top
MARIA ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
A beautiful island-national park featuring a wonderful blend of history,
scenery and wildlife. Once a convict settlement, the island now offers
a tranquil setting for walks that range from strolls through the remains
of Darlington township to excursions to fascinating natural features like
the Painted Cliffs and the Fossil Cliffs or BIshop and Clerk (the highest
mountain on the island). Wildlife is abundant and tolerant of human
visitors. Near Darlington visitor facilities include a shelter with
gas barbecues, a large camping area and basic but limited bunk-style accommodation.
More remote camping is also available. Top
HARTZ MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Located just 84 km south of Hobart, Hartz Mountains National Park offers
a taste of mountain wilderness within easy reach. Walks range from
the half-day climb to Hartz Peak, with its spectacular views, to the short
duckboarded walk to Lake Osborne, a highland tarn set against the rugged
Devils Backbone. Near the park entrance is the Waratah Lookout with
a nearby picnic area, facilities and information. Top
SOUTH BRUNY NATIONAL PARK (PROPOSED)
Set at the southern end of beautiful Bruny Island, this proposed national
park will take in some spectacular and varied coastal scenery. From
the rugged cliffs of Fluted Cape and Tasman Head, to the heath-covered
Labillardiere Peninsula, and the wild headlands of Cloudy Bay, the area
has many moods. An abundance of sea-birds and marine mammals can
be seen around this coast, including penguins, muttonbirds, albatrosses,
gannets, fur seals, whales and dolphins. Top
SOUTHWEST NATIONAL PARK
The largest of our national parks is mostly remote wilderness, with
breathtaking mountains, rivers, forests and coastline. The Gordon
Road via Maydena offers access to the forests, high peaks and buttongrass
plains of its northern side. Walking tracks here range from the short
and delightful Creepy Crawly walk to extended wilderness expeditions.
The area also has facilities for boating, camping and picnicking.
The eastern portion of the park, near Cockle Creek, offers safe swimming,
boating, fishing, camping and walking. The Southwest can also be
reached by light plane and boat. Top
STRZELECKI NATIONAL PARK
Strzelecki National Park is in the rugged south-west corner of Flinders
Island. Features include wild and lonely beaches and red granite
mountains. walking tracks into the 700 m high mountains yield extensive
views over the Bass Strait Islands to mainland Tasmania. The sand
of the beaches is spectacularly white. The island is also a haven
for sea birds. Campsites have picnic tables and toilets. Top
MOUNT FIELD NATIONAL PARK
Little over an hour from Hobart, Mt. Field National Park has something
for everyone. The lower parts of the park feature beautiful waterfalls
and magnificent forests, while the highlands have peaks, lakes and an abundance
of fascinating alpine vegetation. Walks range from the wheelchair
accessible Russell Falls track through to alpine wilderness walks.
The alpine area also has southern Tasmania's only ski-fields. Full
visitor facilities are found near the Russell Falls area, while the ski-fields
have a public shelter, basic hut accommodation, and ski facilities.
Top
MOUNT WILLIAM NATIONAL PARK
Situated in the far north-east, Mt William National Park is a remote
and peaceful coastal park featuring long, lonely beaches and an abundance
of wildlife. Kangaroos, wombats, wallabies, echidnas and other wildlife
are easily viewed from the Forester Kangaroo Drive. Spectacular wildflower
displays are also seen in spring and early summer. The area has a
number of beaches and bays ideal for rambling, swimming, boating and fishing.
There are campsites, picnic facilities, boat launching sites and horse
trails (permits required). Top
ROCKY CAPE NATIONAL PARK
Rocky Cape National Park, on Tasmania's north-west coast, features
a rocky coastline punctuated by fine sandy beaches. A walking track
traverses the whole park, offering a pectrum of local scenery and habitats.
In spring and summer that are spectacular display of wildflowers.
The area also contains a number of Aboriginal middens and rock shelters.
Visitors are provided with picnic tables, toilets, wood barbecues and boat
launching. Top
WALLS OF JERUSALEM NATIONAL PARK
The rugged Walls of Jerusalem National Park is found 90 km south of
Devonport. Accessible only by steep foot track, this highland park
protects a unique mixture of flora, fauna and scenery. The central
part of the park is like a dramatic amphitheatre with numerous lakes and
patches of pencil pine forest surrounded by high mountain walls.
Biblical names have been given to many features in the park. The
park offers walking tracks and remote bush camping for experienced walkers
carrying what they need on their backs. Top
OTHER RESERVES
There are nearly 300 other reserves around the state. The following
few give some idea of the variety of special places found outside of our
national parks. Please note: National Park passes do not provide
entry to other reserves for which a fee is charged. Top
ARTHUR-PIEMAN PROTECTED AREA
Remote, rugged and windswept, this west coast reserve protects large
tracts of wild bushland and sweeping coastline. There are basic camping
and boating facilities, but limited access for vehicles.
HASTINGS CAVES STATE RESERVE
Hastings Thermal Pool and nearby Newdegate Cave combine the allure
of warm swimming and the intrigue of a deep cave with a superb forest setting.
Separate entry fees apply.
HIGHFIELD HISTORIC SITE
The original Van Diemans Land Company homestead from 1827 is restored
and open for viewing daily. Separate entry fees apply.
PORT ARTHUR HISTORIC SITE
One of Australia's most significant historic sites, Port Arthur housed
the states major penal settlement from 1830 to 1877. Tours of the
site are offered several times a day. Separate entry fees apply.
SEVEN MILE BEACH PROTECTED AREA
Close to Hobart yet uncrowded, this long beach is ideal for swimming,
windsurfing or just relaxing. A Visitor Centre provides information
about the area.
TREVALLYN STATE RECREATION AREA
Lake Trevallyn, the South Esk River and pleasant bushland combine to
form a park that’s ideal for picnics and water activities, all within easy
reach of Launceston. Top
ENTRY FEES
Park entry fees apply to all National Parks in Tasmania. Daily
(24 hour), Holiday (up to 2 months), and Annual passes are
available from National Parks, Travel Centres and selected outlets.
DRIVE SAFELY AT NIGHT
Unfortunately many native animals are killed on Tasmania's roads. Drivers
can help prvent this by driving a little slower at dawn and dusk or at
night, especially in bushy or forested areas.
KEEP WILDLIFE WILD
Feeding wildife does them no favours. Apart from making them a nuisance
to humans, it can be fatal for the animals, causing diseases such as lump
jaw. Please keep wildlife wild - let them feed themselves.
BUSHWATCH
Keep an eye on Tasmania's bushland. If you see any suspicious activities
please phone Bushwach - Freecall 1800 005 555