5 Tasmanian national parks you must visit
It might be small, but Tasmania has an incredible diversity of pristine natural wilderness not found anywhere else on earth. These are some of the best ntional parks you must visit next time you’re on the Apple Isle.
1. Freycinet National Park
Tasmania’s oldest national park, Freycinet was officially designated in 1916. It really has everything – towering forests, rugged pink granite mountains, soaring sea cliffs and white sand beaches, including Australia’s prettiest crescent-shaped bay, the stunning Wineglass Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for sea eagles or tottering little penguins along the shore. If you don’t fancy roughing it, Freycinet is also unmatched in terms of luxury accommodation and after a day of exploring you can retire to the plush Saffire Freycinet lodge.
2. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
The jagged peak of Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s most recognisable landmarks and is the centrepiece of this park. The environment here is made up of lush temperate rainforest and alpine mountains dotted with cascading waterfalls and tranquil lakes. It’s also one of the best places in the state for wildlife with abundant wombats, possums, quolls, echidnas and wallabies, and even some elusive Tasmanian devils. Try one of the great multi-day hikes in the park, including the famed Overland Track.
3. Tasman National Park
The word ‘dramatic’ can be overused in travel circles, but there really is no other way to describe the Tasman National Park. It clings onto the edge of the Tasman Peninsula off the southeast coast, close to historic Port Arthur, and striking rock formations meet the pounding ocean. If you’re feeling brave, you can stand on the edge of Australia’s highest sea cliff, some 300 metres above the water. The newly opened Three Capes Track runs for 46 kilometres through the park’s stunning natural landscapes.
4. Maria Island National Park
The whole of Maria Island, off the east coast of Tasmania, is included within the national park, which also includes a marine national park extending out into the waters. There are no vehicles or shops on the island, just peaceful beaches, open forests, rolling grassland and rocky slopes. It is also home to the country’s most intact convict probate station, giving a fascinating insight into the island’s history.
5. Bay of Fires Conservation Area
While technically not a national park in its own right, this glorious region along the northeast coast of Tasmania is too good to miss. Impossibly blue waters lap against sparkling white sands while huge, orange flecked granite boulders dot the landscape and look like they have been dropped from the sky. Lonely Planet chose this region as one of the world’s top destinations only a few years ago, yet you can go for days and never see another person.
What’s your favourite Tasmanian national park? Share in the comments below.