Tasmania's Wilderness: Australia's Best-Kept Secret

Separated from mainland Australia by the 240-kilometer expanse of Bass Strait, Tasmania is a land apart—a place where wilderness dominates and nature exists on a grand scale. While it's Australia's smallest state, covering just 68,401 square kilometers, Tasmania holds an astonishing 40% of that area as national parks and reserves. This island state boasts some of the most pristine and diverse ecosystems on the planet, from ancient rainforests and alpine plateaus to windswept coastal heaths and deep river valleys.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore Tasmania's wilderness areas, unique wildlife, and extraordinary natural attractions, revealing why this island state is increasingly recognized as one of the world's premier destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area

At the heart of Tasmania's natural treasures is the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA)—a vast protected region covering approximately 1.58 million hectares, or about 20% of the entire state. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982 and expanded several times since, the TWWHA meets seven out of ten possible criteria for World Heritage listing—a rare distinction shared by only a handful of sites worldwide.

This remarkable area encompasses six national parks and numerous conservation areas, including:

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Home to some of Tasmania's most iconic scenery, this park features the jagged peaks of Cradle Mountain rising above glacial lakes, ancient rainforests, and alpine heathlands. The park is the starting point for the famous Overland Track, a 65-kilometer multi-day hike that traverses some of Australia's most spectacular mountain terrain.

The landscape here was sculpted by ancient glaciers during the last ice age, creating a dramatic topography of sharp peaks, deep valleys, and cirque lakes. The diversity of vegetation is remarkable, from lush rainforests dominated by myrtle beech and sassafras to subalpine woodlands of snow gums and pencil pines—some of which are over 1,000 years old.

Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

This park protects the watershed of the Franklin and Gordon rivers—pristine waterways that wind through deep gorges and dense temperate rainforests. The Franklin River became internationally famous in the early 1980s when environmentalists successfully campaigned to prevent the construction of a hydroelectric dam that would have flooded much of this wilderness area.

Today, the Franklin River offers one of the world's great wilderness rafting experiences, with a challenging multi-day journey through remote gorges accessible only by water. For those seeking less adventurous options, the park can be explored via several short walks from the Lyell Highway, which traverses the park from east to west.

Southwest National Park

Tasmania's largest national park is also one of its most remote, covering over 600,000 hectares of pristine wilderness in the island's southwest corner. This is truly wild country, with vast expanses of buttongrass moorlands, ancient forests, rugged mountain ranges, and wild coastlines pounded by the full force of the Southern Ocean.

Access to much of the park is limited to experienced hikers, but scenic flights offer breathtaking views of this vast wilderness, including the distinctive quartzite ridge of the Western Arthur Range and the remote Port Davey Marine Reserve. The South Coast Track, a challenging 85-kilometer wilderness hike, traverses the southern edge of the park between Melaleuca and Cockle Creek.

Tasmania's Unique Wildlife

Tasmania's geographical isolation and diverse habitats have created a haven for wildlife, including several species found nowhere else on Earth. The island's relatively limited human development and extensive protected areas provide crucial habitat for many animals that have become threatened or extinct on the Australian mainland.

Tasmanian Devil

The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is perhaps the island's most famous endemic species—a carnivorous marsupial about the size of a small dog, known for its powerful jaws, black fur, and spine-chilling nocturnal screams. Once common across Australia, devils are now found in the wild only in Tasmania.

Unfortunately, this iconic species faces a significant threat from Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), a contagious cancer that has caused population declines of more than 80% in some areas. Conservation efforts include captive breeding programs, disease research, and the establishment of disease-free populations on isolated peninsulas and offshore islands.

Other Endemic Mammals

Tasmania is home to several other mammal species found nowhere else, including:

• Eastern Quoll: This cat-sized marsupial predator is extinct on the Australian mainland but remains relatively common in Tasmania's forests and open country.
• Tasmanian Pademelon: A small, muscular wallaby that inhabits forest edges throughout the island.
• Tasmanian Bettong: A rabbit-sized marsupial that builds distinctive dome-shaped nests of grass and twigs.

Bird Life

Tasmania's diverse habitats support a rich variety of bird species, including 12 found nowhere else. Among these endemic birds are:

• Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagle: A larger subspecies of Australia's largest raptor, now endangered due to habitat loss and persecution.
• Orange-bellied Parrot: One of the world's rarest and most endangered birds, with fewer than 50 individuals remaining in the wild. These small, migratory parrots breed only in Tasmania's remote southwest before flying to mainland Australia for winter.
• Forty-spotted Pardalote: A tiny, endangered forest bird restricted to white gum forests in a few locations, primarily on islands off Tasmania's east coast.

Exploring Tasmania's Natural Wonders

While the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area encompasses many of the island's most spectacular landscapes, Tasmania offers numerous other natural attractions that showcase its extraordinary diversity. Here are some of the most remarkable locations outside the TWWHA:

Freycinet National Park

Located on Tasmania's east coast, Freycinet National Park features the dramatic pink granite peaks of The Hazards, pristine white-sand beaches, and the perfect curve of Wineglass Bay—consistently rated as one of the world's most beautiful beaches. The contrast between the smooth pink-hued granite mountains, turquoise waters, and white sand creates a landscape of extraordinary beauty.

The park offers numerous walking tracks, from short strolls to challenging overnight hikes. The most popular walk leads to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, providing the classic postcard view of the bay's perfect crescent. More adventurous visitors can continue down to the beach itself or undertake the full Freycinet Peninsula Circuit, a 30-kilometer walk that circumnavigates the peninsula.

Bay of Fires

Stretching along Tasmania's northeastern coast, the Bay of Fires is known for its crystal-clear waters, pristine white beaches, and distinctive orange-lichen-covered granite boulders. The name was given by Captain Tobias Furneaux in 1773, who saw Aboriginal fires along the coast, though many visitors assume it refers to the fiery orange lichen on the rocks.

This region offers excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and beachcombing, with numerous secluded coves to explore. The Bay of Fires Lodge Walk is a guided four-day experience that combines comfortable eco-lodge accommodation with daily walks through this spectacular coastal landscape.

Tarkine Wilderness

The Tarkine in Tasmania's northwest is Australia's largest temperate rainforest and one of the world's great wild places. This vast region encompasses about 477,000 hectares of rainforest, mountain ranges, wild rivers, and a rugged coastline battered by the Roaring Forties winds.

The Tarkine is a living link to the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana, with some plant species that have remained virtually unchanged for millions of years. It's also a stronghold for rare and threatened wildlife, including Tasmanian devils relatively unaffected by facial tumor disease.

While portions of the Tarkine remain challenging to access, several roads and walking tracks provide opportunities to experience this extraordinary wilderness. The Tarkine Drive is a 205-kilometer loop road that showcases the diversity of the region, from lush rainforests and wild rivers to dramatic coastal scenery.

Wilderness Activities and Experiences

Tasmania offers a wealth of opportunities to immerse yourself in its natural wonders, from adrenaline-pumping adventures to contemplative nature experiences. Here are some of the best ways to explore the island's wilderness:

Hiking and Bushwalking

Tasmania is a paradise for hikers, with thousands of kilometers of trails ranging from short nature walks to multi-day wilderness treks. Beyond the famous Overland Track, consider these remarkable walking experiences:

• Three Capes Track: A 48-kilometer, four-day coastal walk featuring dramatic dolerite cliffs, diverse ecosystems, and architect-designed huts on Tasmania's Tasman Peninsula.
• Maria Island Walk: A gentle four-day guided walk on a car-free island national park, combining wildlife encounters, convict history, and pristine beaches with comfortable accommodation and gourmet food.
• Walls of Jerusalem National Park: A remote alpine wilderness of glacial lakes, ancient pencil pine forests, and distinctive dolerite peaks named for their biblical associations.

Wildlife Watching

Tasmania offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, with many species active during daylight hours:

• Maria Island: Often described as a "wildlife ark," this island national park is home to abundant wildlife, including wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils introduced as part of a conservation program.
• Mount Field National Park: Just over an hour from Hobart, this accessible park offers excellent opportunities to see pademelons, Bennett's wallabies, and platypuses, particularly around dusk at the Tall Trees area and Lake Dobson.
• Narawntapu National Park: Known as the "Serengeti of Tasmania," the open grasslands of this northern park support large numbers of forester kangaroos, wombats, and wallabies, especially in the evenings.

Water-Based Adventures

Tasmania's pristine waterways and dramatic coastlines provide the setting for unforgettable aquatic experiences:

• Gordon River Cruises: Journey into the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area on a cruise from Strahan, with opportunities to see ancient Huon pine forests and learn about the region's convict history.
• Sea Kayaking: Explore the sheltered waters of Bathurst Harbour in the remote Southwest National Park, paddle beneath the towering sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula, or glide through the tranquil coves of Freycinet National Park.
• Wild River Rafting: For the adventurous, a multi-day rafting expedition on the Franklin River offers an unparalleled wilderness experience, navigating rapids and gorges through landscapes accessible only by water.

Conservation Challenges and Sustainability

While Tasmania's wilderness areas remain remarkably intact compared to many other parts of the world, they face various threats that require ongoing conservation efforts:

Climate Change

Tasmania's alpine environments and fire-sensitive vegetation communities are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns increase the risk of catastrophic wildfires, threaten species with narrow climate tolerances, and may alter the distribution of plant and animal communities.

The devastating wildfires of 2016 and 2019 burned significant areas of fire-sensitive alpine vegetation in the Central Plateau and Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, including ancient pencil pine and cushion plant communities that evolved in the absence of fire and may take centuries to recover—if they can recover at all.

Introduced Species

Tasmania has fewer introduced pest species than mainland Australia, but those present can cause significant environmental damage. Feral cats threaten native wildlife, while introduced deer compete with native herbivores and damage sensitive vegetation. Invasive weeds such as gorse and ragwort threaten native plant communities in some areas.

Development Pressures

The growing popularity of Tasmania as a tourism destination has led to increased pressure for development within and adjacent to protected areas. Balancing access and visitor experiences with wilderness preservation represents an ongoing challenge for land managers.

Sustainable Tourism

As visitors, we can help preserve Tasmania's wilderness by following these principles:

• Stay on marked trails to prevent damage to sensitive vegetation
• Carry out all waste, including biodegradable items
• Use fuel stoves rather than campfires in vulnerable alpine and rainforest environments
• Support tourism operators with strong environmental credentials
• Consider visiting outside peak periods to reduce pressure on popular sites
• Follow quarantine procedures when moving between different areas to prevent the spread of plant diseases and weeds

Practical Information for Visitors

When to Visit

Tasmania's weather can be unpredictable in any season, but different times of year offer distinct experiences:

• Summer (December-February): The warmest and driest period, ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. This is peak tourist season, so popular areas can be crowded.
• Autumn (March-May): Often provides stable, mild weather with beautiful autumn colors in deciduous beech forests. Easter can be busy, but other times offer a good balance of pleasant conditions and fewer visitors.
• Winter (June-August): Cold and wet, with snow on higher mountains. Many alpine areas may be inaccessible, but winter brings a special beauty to the rainforests and the chance to see spectacular waterfalls in full flow.
• Spring (September-November): A season of rapid change, with wildflowers blooming and rivers running high from winter rains and spring snowmelt. Weather can be very changeable, with strong winds common.

Getting Around

Tasmania's wilderness areas are dispersed across the island, and having your own vehicle provides the most flexibility for exploration. Major car rental companies operate at Hobart and Launceston airports and in the main cities.

For those without a vehicle, several tour operators offer guided experiences to the most popular natural areas, ranging from day trips to extended wilderness journeys. Some remote areas, such as the Southwest National Park, are accessible only by light aircraft or on foot.

Essential Gear

Tasmania's weather can change rapidly, particularly in mountain areas, so appropriate clothing and equipment are essential:

• Waterproof and windproof outer layers
• Warm insulating layers, even in summer
• Sturdy footwear suitable for rough, wet terrain
• Sun protection (the UV radiation in Tasmania can be intense, even on cloudy days)
• Insect repellent (mosquitoes and march flies can be abundant in some areas)
• Water bottle and purification method for longer walks
• Navigation tools (maps, compass, or GPS) for backcountry trips

Conclusion

Tasmania's wilderness represents one of Earth's last great temperate wilderness areas—a place where ancient forests stretch to the horizon, rugged mountains rise from pristine lakes, and wildlife thrives in habitats largely unchanged by human intervention. Beyond its ecological significance, this extraordinary landscape offers something increasingly rare in our hyperconnected world: genuine solitude and the opportunity to experience nature on its own terms.

Whether you're undertaking a challenging multi-day wilderness trek, kayaking on a mirror-calm forest-fringed lake, or simply standing in awe before the sculpted peaks of Cradle Mountain, Tasmania's natural wonders have a profound capacity to inspire, rejuvenate, and connect us to something larger than ourselves.

As we face the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss on a global scale, Tasmania's wilderness reminds us of what we stand to lose—and what we must fight to preserve. By visiting these areas with respect and care, we can contribute to their conservation while experiencing some of the most remarkable landscapes our planet has to offer.