Top National Parks in Tasmania
Strap on your walking boots and heed the call of the wild in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness of Tasmania. From bushwalking and wildlife-watching safaris to thrilling rafting excursions—Tasmania’s national parks are the perfect backdrop for an outdoor adventure. Here are five of the best national parks in Tasmania.
Mount Field National Park
Just an hour’s drive northwest of Hobart, Mount Field National Park is the oldest in Tasmania, and a popular choice for a day trip, made easy with included transport and a guide. Highlights include natural wonders such as Russell Falls, Lake Dobson, Junee Cave, and Mount Field itself, and tours often follow the Pandani Grove and Tall Trees trails, as well as visiting nearby attractions such as Bonorong Wildlife Park or Something Wild Wildlife Sanctuary.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Overlooked by the mighty Cradle Mountain, the Lake St. Clair National Park is a dramatic expanse of rugged mountains, glacial lakes, and wildflower valleys, and home to the Overland Track, one of Australia’s most famous long-distance hiking trails. Most day tours leave from Launceston, about a 2.5-hour drive away, and include guided walks through the park or the chance to spot native wildlife like echidnas, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils.
Freycinet National Park
The windswept beaches, pink granite mountains, and rocky coves of Tasmania’s east coast are at their most enchanting within the boundaries of the Freycinet National Park. Visit on a day trip from Hobart and marvel at the views over Wineglass Bay, Coles Bay, and The Hazards mountain range, or take the scenic route from Hobart to Launceston, stopping at the park, Cradle Mountain, and Port Arthur along the way.
Southwest National Park
Southwest National Park is Tasmania’s largest national park and a big part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, sprawling along the island’s southwestern coast. The remote landscapes need time to explore, so choose to visit on a multi-day camping tour or fly in from Hobart and enjoy unbeatable aerial views of the bushlands, rivers, sea cliffs, and islets.
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
With four rivers—the Franklin, Gordon, Jane and Denison—flowing through its heart, it’s no surprise that Wild Rivers National Park is best explored from the water. Set sail from Strahan on a cruise (some with lunch of traditional Tasmanian foods included) around the jagged peaks, rainforest blanketed gorges, and historic islands.
