Tasmania, Australia's island state, is a land of extraordinary wilderness, where ancient forests meet rugged mountains and pristine coastlines. Often overlooked by visitors to mainland Australia, this compact island packs an incredible diversity of landscapes and experiences that make it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. From the jagged peaks of Cradle Mountain to the crystalline waters of Wineglass Bay, Tasmania's unspoiled wilderness offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Southern Hemisphere.
Cradle Mountain rises majestically above Dove Lake, one of Tasmania's most iconic natural landmarks.
The Land That Time Forgot
Tasmania is a biological treasure trove, home to some of the most ancient plant species on Earth. Nearly 40% of the island is protected in national parks and reserves, including the vast Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area which covers almost 20% of the state. This extraordinary conservation area encompasses six national parks and features landscapes that have remained largely unchanged since the Gondwana supercontinent.
What makes Tasmania truly special is its accessibility. Despite being home to some of the world's most pristine wilderness areas, many of these natural wonders can be reached with just a short drive from major cities like Hobart and Launceston. This means you can wake up in a comfortable hotel, enjoy a gourmet breakfast featuring local produce, and be hiking through an ancient rainforest or standing on a deserted beach by mid-morning.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
At the heart of Tasmania's wilderness experience lies Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, home to some of the island's most spectacular mountain scenery. The jagged dolerite peaks of Cradle Mountain rising above the mirror-like surface of Dove Lake create one of Australia's most recognizable landscapes.
The Dove Lake Circuit
This 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) track is the perfect introduction to the Cradle Mountain area, offering stunning views of the mountain and surrounding landscape. The well-maintained boardwalk path takes you through cool temperate rainforest, including the enchanting Ballroom Forest where ancient myrtle beech trees create a mystical atmosphere with their gnarled trunks covered in moss. Along the way, you'll pass unique features like Glacier Rock, a massive boulder deposited during the last ice age, and the charming Boat Shed, a historic wooden hut that features in countless photographs of the area.
The Overland Track
For those seeking a more immersive wilderness experience, the world-famous Overland Track offers a 65-kilometer (40-mile) journey through the heart of the park. This six-day trek takes hikers from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, Australia's deepest freshwater lake, passing through landscapes of extraordinary diversity. From alpine plateaus and ancient rainforests to glacier-carved valleys and pristine lakes, the track offers a full spectrum of Tasmania's natural environments. While challenging, the trail is well-maintained with basic hut accommodation along the route, making it accessible to experienced hikers with proper preparation.
Hiking Tip
Tasmania's weather is notoriously changeable, especially in alpine areas. Always carry warm, waterproof clothing, even on short walks, and check weather forecasts before setting out. For the Overland Track, bookings are essential during the peak season (October to May) and hikers must walk from north to south.
Freycinet National Park
On Tasmania's east coast, Freycinet National Park offers a dramatic contrast to the mountains and forests of the interior. Here, pink granite mountains known as The Hazards plunge into the crystalline waters of the Tasman Sea, creating one of Australia's most photogenic coastal landscapes.
Wineglass Bay
The jewel in Freycinet's crown is undoubtedly Wineglass Bay, a perfectly curved crescent of white sand backed by dense bushland. The bay's name derives from its distinctive shape, though there's a darker history tied to the whaling industry that once operated in the area, turning the waters blood-red like wine. Today, however, it's recognized as one of the world's finest beaches, with its powder-white sand and azure waters framed by the pink-hued Hazards mountains.
The classic view of Wineglass Bay comes from the lookout, reached by a 45-minute uphill walk from the car park. The more adventurous can continue down to the beach itself, where you might have this pristine paradise all to yourself, especially if visiting in the quieter months outside summer. For the ultimate experience, take the full-day Hazards Beach Circuit which combines Wineglass Bay with the equally beautiful but less-visited Hazards Beach on the western side of the peninsula.
The perfect curve of Wineglass Bay, framed by the pink granite mountains of the Hazards, is one of Tasmania's most iconic views.
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
In the heart of Tasmania's west coast wilderness lies the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, home to some of the last truly wild rivers in Australia. This remote and rugged landscape played a pivotal role in Australia's environmental movement in the early 1980s when plans to dam the Franklin River sparked nationwide protests. The successful campaign to save the river marked a turning point in Australian conservation efforts and preserved this extraordinary wilderness for future generations.
Franklin River Rafting
For the ultimate wilderness adventure, a rafting expedition down the Franklin River offers an experience like no other. This challenging 10-14 day journey takes you through a pristine landscape untouched by roads or development, with towering gorges, ancient rainforest, and rapids ranging from gentle flows to adrenaline-pumping white water. The river journey is considered one of the world's great wilderness expeditions, but it's only suitable for those with good fitness levels and a sense of adventure. Several operators offer guided trips with all equipment provided, making this once-in-a-lifetime experience accessible to those without extensive rafting expertise.
The Franklin River Nature Trail
For those who prefer to keep their feet dry, the Franklin River Nature Trail offers a more accessible way to experience the wild rivers region. This 25-minute loop walk takes you through cool temperate rainforest to the edge of the Franklin River, where you can witness the powerful flow of water that has carved its way through the landscape over millennia. The trail is easily accessible from the Lyell Highway, making it a perfect introduction to the west coast wilderness even for those with limited time.
Maria Island National Park
Off Tasmania's east coast, Maria Island offers a unique combination of natural beauty, fascinating history, and abundant wildlife. This car-free island sanctuary is accessible by ferry from Triabunna and can be explored as a day trip or a multi-day adventure.
Wildlife Sanctuary
Maria Island is often described as Tasmania's Noah's Ark, serving as a sanctuary for numerous native species including some that are endangered on the mainland. The island is home to abundant wombats, Bennett's wallabies, Tasmanian pademelons, and Cape Barren geese. It's also one of the best places in Tasmania to see Tasmanian devils in the wild, following a successful program to establish a disease-free population on the island. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the diversity of species, from sea eagles soaring above the cliffs to the endangered forty-spotted pardalote in the woodland areas.
Painted Cliffs and Fossil Cliffs
The island's geological features are equally impressive. The Painted Cliffs display striking patterns of orange, red, and yellow created by iron oxide in the sandstone, which has been weathered by sea spray and wind over millions of years. At Fossil Cliffs, you'll find one of the world's richest marine fossil sites, where countless shellfish fossils are embedded in limestone cliffs, evidence of the island's ancient underwater past.
Wildlife Viewing
Tasmania's wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk. For the best viewing opportunities, stay overnight in national parks or join guided night walks. Always maintain a respectful distance from wild animals and never feed them, as human food can be harmful to their health.
Planning Your Tasmania Wilderness Adventure
When to Visit
Tasmania's wilderness areas are beautiful year-round, but each season offers a different experience:
- Summer (December-February): Warm days with extended daylight hours make this the most popular time for hiking and outdoor activities. However, popular spots like Wineglass Bay can get crowded.
- Autumn (March-May): Perhaps the most pleasant time to visit, with stable weather, fewer crowds, and the spectacular display of fagus (deciduous beech) turning gold and russet in late April to early May.
- Winter (June-August): The mountains are often snow-capped, creating dramatic scenery. While some high-altitude trails may be inaccessible, lowland areas remain open and visitor numbers are much lower.
- Spring (September-November): Waterfalls are at their most impressive, wildflowers bloom, and baby wildlife emerges. Weather can be changeable but rewarding for photographers and nature lovers.
Getting Around
Tasmania's compact size makes it ideal for a road trip, with most major attractions within a few hours' drive of each other. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the island's wilderness areas. For more remote regions like the west coast, a 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially in winter. If you prefer not to drive, numerous tour operators offer guided experiences ranging from day trips to multi-day wilderness expeditions.
Accommodation
Tasmania offers accommodation options for every preference and budget:
- Wilderness Lodges: For a touch of luxury amid nature, properties like Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge and Freycinet Lodge offer comfortable accommodation within or adjacent to national parks.
- Camping: National parks have designated campgrounds with varying facilities. Bookings are essential in popular areas, especially during summer.
- Historic Accommodations: Many historic properties have been converted into charming B&Bs, particularly around Hobart and Launceston.
- Hiker Huts: The Overland Track and other multi-day walks have basic hut accommodation, but bookings are essential during the walking season.
Tasmania's wilderness offers an extraordinary contrast to the rest of Australia—a cool, green island where ancient forests meet rugged mountains and pristine coastlines. Whether you're seeking challenging adventures or gentle encounters with nature, Tasmania's wild places provide some of the most authentic and rewarding wilderness experiences in the world. In an era when truly untouched places are increasingly rare, Tasmania stands as a reminder of how the natural world once was, and why it's worth preserving.