Tasmania Wilderness: Australia's Hidden Gem

Tasmania, Australia's island state, offers a wilderness experience unlike anywhere else in the country. With almost half of its territory protected as national parks and reserves, Tasmania showcases Australia's natural beauty in its most pristine form—ancient rainforests, rugged mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes, and unspoiled coastlines. This guide explores the best wilderness experiences in Australia's southernmost frontier.

Tasmania: A Natural Wonder

Separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait, Tasmania's isolation has preserved its natural environments and unique ecosystems. The island's diverse landscapes range from alpine plateaus and temperate rainforests to white-sand beaches and dramatic coastal cliffs. With clean air, abundant wildlife, and a commitment to conservation, Tasmania offers nature lovers an unspoiled paradise to explore.

When to Visit

Tasmania's wilderness can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering a different experience:

• Summer (December-February): Ideal for hiking and beach activities with mild temperatures (15-23°C/59-73°F) and longer daylight hours
• Autumn (March-May): Experience spectacular fall colors, especially the "fagus" (deciduous beech) turning gold in April-May
• Winter (June-August): Snow-capped mountains, cozy fireplaces, and fewer crowds (temperatures range from 3-11°C/37-52°F)
• Spring (September-November): Wildflowers bloom and waterfalls flow at their peak with refreshing temperatures

Note that alpine areas can experience snow and extreme weather at any time of year, so always check conditions before hiking, even in summer.

Top Wilderness Regions

1. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, this iconic national park features ancient rainforests, alpine heathlands, and the jagged peaks of Cradle Mountain rising above the mirror-like Dove Lake.

Must-experience activities:

• The 6-day Overland Track, Australia's premier alpine walk (booking essential)
• Day hikes around Dove Lake (2-3 hours on a well-maintained track)
• Summit Cradle Mountain for panoramic views (7-8 hours return, challenging)
• Wildlife spotting at dusk—wombats, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils
• Canoeing on the serene Lake St Clair, Australia's deepest lake

Insider tip: Stay overnight at Cradle Mountain to increase your chances of spotting wildlife and experiencing the mountain in different lights. The Cradle Mountain Lodge offers accommodation ranging from backpacker-style to luxury cabins.

2. Freycinet National Park

On Tasmania's east coast, Freycinet National Park is known for its dramatic pink granite mountains, secluded bays, and the perfect curve of Wineglass Bay, consistently rated among the world's top beaches.

Must-experience activities:

• Hike to the Wineglass Bay Lookout (1.5 hours return) for the iconic postcard view
• Continue down to Wineglass Bay beach (3 hours return) for pristine white sands
• Complete the Hazards Beach Circuit (5-6 hours) for varied coastal scenery
• Kayak the sheltered waters of Coles Bay with pink granite cliffs as your backdrop
• Take a scenic flight over the peninsula for a breathtaking perspective

Insider tip: Visit Honeymoon Bay early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the spectacular light on the Hazards mountains.

3. Southwest National Park

The largest national park in Tasmania offers true wilderness experiences in a remote, untamed landscape. Accessible primarily by foot, boat, or light aircraft, this park represents Tasmania at its wildest.

Must-experience activities:

• Boat cruise on Bathurst Harbour, a pristine waterway three times the size of Sydney Harbour
• The South Coast Track, a challenging 7-day wilderness hike for experienced bushwalkers
• Scenic flight over the Southwest Wilderness from Hobart or Cambridge
• Climb Mount Anne for views across this vast wilderness (3 days, for experienced hikers)

Insider tip: Par Avion's Southwest Wilderness Camp offers a rare opportunity to stay in this remote region with guided activities and comfortable "glamping" accommodations.

4. Mount Field National Park

One of Tasmania's oldest and most accessible national parks, Mount Field showcases diverse ecosystems from temperate rainforest at lower altitudes to alpine moorland on the higher plateaus.

Must-experience activities:

• Walk to Russell Falls, one of Tasmania's most photographed waterfalls (25 minutes return)
• Tall Trees Walk through giant swamp gums, some over 80 meters high
• Pandani Grove Nature Walk around Lake Dobson for unique alpine plants
• Skiing or snowboarding at Mount Field's small ski field in winter
• Night walks to spot glow worms and nocturnal wildlife

Insider tip: Visit in autumn to see the spectacular turning of the "fagus" (deciduous beech), Australia's only native deciduous tree, as it transforms to gold and russet colors.

5. Tasman Peninsula and Maria Island

These coastal wilderness areas feature some of Australia's most dramatic sea cliffs, fascinating geology, and abundant marine life.

Tasman Peninsula highlights:

• The Three Capes Track, a 48km premium walking experience with purpose-built cabins
• Sea kayaking beneath 300-meter-high dolerite cliffs
• Boat cruises to witness sea caves, blow holes, and wildlife including seals and dolphins
• The historic Port Arthur convict site, where wilderness and heritage meet

Maria Island highlights:

• Car-free island accessed by ferry with historic ruins, wildlife, and stunning landscapes
• The Painted Cliffs, sandstone formations with spectacular iron oxide patterns
• Summit Bishop and Clerk for panoramic views (3-5 hours return)
• Wombats, Cape Barren geese, and Tasmanian devils in natural surroundings

Wilderness Walking and Hiking

Tasmania's Great Walks

Tasmania is home to several world-renowned multi-day walks:

• Overland Track (65km, 6 days): The classic Tasmanian wilderness experience through Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
• Three Capes Track (48km, 4 days): A premium coastal walk with dramatic sea cliffs and comfortable hut accommodation
• South Coast Track (85km, 6-8 days): A remote wilderness challenge for experienced hikers
• Walls of Jerusalem Circuit (40km, 3-4 days): Alpine lakes and ancient pencil pine forests in a less-visited wilderness area
• Maria Island Walk (43km, 4 days): A gentler option combining wildlife, history, and beautiful beaches

For the Great Walks, advance booking is essential, especially for the Overland Track (bookings open 6 months in advance) and Three Capes Track. The peak season (December-April) can book out months ahead.

Day Walks for Everyone

Not ready for a multi-day hike? Tasmania offers countless spectacular day walks for all fitness levels:

• Beginner: Russell Falls (Mount Field), Dove Lake Circuit (Cradle Mountain), Cape Tourville Lighthouse (Freycinet)
• Intermediate: Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit (Freycinet), Mount Amos (Freycinet), Organ Pipes (Mount Wellington/kunanyi)
• Advanced: Mount Anne (Southwest), Western Arthurs Traverse (Southwest), Frenchmans Cap (Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers)

Essential hiking tips:

• Tasmania's weather can change rapidly—always carry warm and waterproof clothing
• Sign the walker registration book at trailheads and let someone know your plans
• Carry plenty of water, food, a first-aid kit, and a topographic map
• Consider a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for remote walks
• Check the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service website for track conditions and alerts

Unique Wildlife Experiences

Tasmania's isolation has helped preserve species that have disappeared or become rare on mainland Australia.

Iconic Tasmanian Wildlife

• Tasmanian Devil: Australia's largest carnivorous marsupial, now endangered due to facial tumor disease
• Wombats: Often seen grazing at dusk in many national parks, especially Cradle Mountain and Maria Island
• Platypus: These elusive monotremes can be spotted in rivers and lakes across Tasmania
• Eastern Quoll: Extinct on the mainland but still found in Tasmania
• Sea Eagles and Wedge-tailed Eagles: Tasmania is a raptor stronghold
• Marine Life: Seals, dolphins, whales (seasonal), and diverse seabirds

Best Wildlife Viewing Locations

• Cradle Mountain: Wombats and wallabies are almost guaranteed around Ronny Creek at dusk
• Maria Island: Known as "Noah's Ark" of Tasmania for its abundant wildlife
• Mount Field: Platypus spotting at dusk at the Platypus Viewing Shelter on Lake Dobson Road
• Bruny Island: White wallabies, seabirds, and marine mammals
• Conservation sanctuaries: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary near Hobart and Devils@Cradle offer guaranteed viewing of Tasmanian devils

Insider tip: Join a night spotlighting tour at Cradle Mountain or Mount Field to see nocturnal species like quolls, possums, and Tasmanian devils in their natural habitat.

Water-Based Wilderness Experiences

Wild Rivers

Tasmania's rivers offer adventures through pristine wilderness:

• Franklin River: One of the world's great wilderness rafting trips (10-14 days)
• Picton River: White water rafting through temperate rainforest (half or full day)
• Gordon River: Serene cruises through the UNESCO-listed wilderness from Strahan

Coastal Adventures

• Sea kayaking: Freycinet Peninsula, Tasman Peninsula, and Bruny Island offer protected waterways with spectacular coastal scenery
• Boat cruises: Wildlife-focused tours around Bruny Island or the dramatic Tasman Peninsula
• Diving: Giant kelp forests (some of the last remaining in the world) and diverse marine life

Sustainable Wilderness Tourism

Tasmania leads Australia in eco-tourism and sustainable travel practices, with many operators certified by Ecotourism Australia.

Eco-friendly Accommodation Options

• Luxury eco-lodges: Saffire Freycinet, Pumphouse Point (Lake St Clair)
• Wilderness retreats: Cradle Mountain Lodge, Bay of Fires Lodge
• Off-grid cabins: Hundred Acre Hideaway (Bruny Island), Tombolo Freycinet
• Responsible camping: Numerous national park campgrounds with minimal facilities

Leave No Trace Principles

When exploring Tasmania's wilderness, follow these principles:

• Stay on marked trails to prevent erosion and damage to sensitive vegetation
• Carry out all waste, including food scraps
• Use fuel stoves instead of campfires in most areas
• Respect wildlife by observing from a distance
• Use biodegradable soap and wash at least 50 meters from water sources
• Take only photographs, leave only footprints

Getting Around Tasmania's Wilderness

Transportation Options

• Self-drive: The most flexible way to explore Tasmania, with many wilderness areas accessible by sealed roads
• 4WD: Required for some remote areas, especially in the western and southwestern regions
• Guided tours: Range from day trips to multi-day expeditions with expert interpretation
• Park shuttle: Cradle Mountain has a shuttle bus system to reduce traffic in the park

Insider tip: For a truly unique perspective, consider a scenic flight over the Southwest Wilderness or a helicopter tour to otherwise inaccessible areas like the Southwest Cape.

Practical Information

• Park passes: Required for entry to national parks (available as daily or holiday passes)
• Road conditions: Some wilderness areas involve driving on gravel roads—check vehicle rental restrictions
• Mobile coverage: Limited or nonexistent in many wilderness areas—download maps offline
• Weather preparedness: Pack for all seasons, even in summer

Wilderness Photography Tips

Tasmania offers endless opportunities for spectacular nature photography:

• Golden hour: The softer light of early morning and late afternoon enhances the rich colors of the wilderness
• Weather drama: Don't shy away from moody conditions—Tasmania's wilderness is often at its most photogenic in atmospheric weather
• Night sky: Tasmania's dark skies are perfect for astrophotography, especially in remote areas
• Reflections: The still waters of Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair, and Gordon River create perfect mirror images
• Wildlife patience: Early morning and dusk provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities

Best photography locations:

• Dove Lake with Cradle Mountain backdrop
• Wineglass Bay Lookout in Freycinet
• Russell Falls in Mount Field
• Cape Raoul's dramatic dolerite columns
• Bay of Fires' red lichen-covered rocks

Sample Wilderness Itineraries

7-Day Tasmanian Wilderness Highlights

Day 1: Hobart – Mt Wellington/kunanyi – Mount Field National Park
Day 2: Mount Field – Lake St Clair
Day 3-4: Cradle Mountain National Park (day walks and wildlife spotting)
Day 5: Drive to Freycinet National Park via north coast
Day 6: Freycinet National Park (Wineglass Bay and coastal walks)
Day 7: Maria Island day trip – return to Hobart

14-Day Comprehensive Wilderness Journey

Day 1-2: Hobart and surrounds (Mount Wellington, MONA)
Day 3: Bruny Island wilderness and wildlife
Day 4-5: Tasman Peninsula (Three Capes day walks)
Day 6: Maria Island
Day 7-8: Freycinet National Park
Day 9: Bay of Fires
Day 10-12: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Day 13: West Coast wilderness (Strahan, Gordon River)
Day 14: Return to Hobart via Mount Field

Cultural Connection to the Wilderness

Tasmania's wilderness holds deep cultural significance for both Aboriginal Tasmanians and European settlers.

Aboriginal Heritage

The Tasmanian Aboriginal people have lived in harmony with the island's wilderness for over 40,000 years. Their connection to country can be explored through:

• Aboriginal-guided walks that share traditional knowledge and stories
• Cultural sites such as the petroglyphs (rock carvings) at Preminghana on the northwest coast
• The ningina tunapri exhibition at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart
• Visiting tiagarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Museum in Devonport

Conservation History

Tasmania has been at the forefront of environmental conservation in Australia, with landmark campaigns like:

• The successful fight to save Lake Pedder in the 1970s
• The Franklin River blockade of 1982-83, which prevented the damming of this pristine river
• Ongoing efforts to protect the Tarkine/takayna region in the northwest

Visit the Wilderness Gallery at Cradle Mountain to see how artists have interpreted Tasmania's wild places, or join a tour with guides who participated in these historic conservation efforts.

Tasmania's wilderness offers a rare opportunity to experience nature in its most pristine form. From ancient rainforests and alpine plateaus to dramatic coastlines and unique wildlife, the island state showcases a different side of Australia's natural beauty. Whether you're an avid hiker seeking multi-day challenges or a nature lover looking for accessible wilderness experiences, Tasmania's diverse landscapes provide unforgettable adventures in some of the world's cleanest air and most unspoiled environments. As you explore this remarkable island, you'll discover why it has earned its reputation as Australia's ultimate wilderness destination.