Tasmanian Wilderness

Written by Viator, September 2010

RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Good Views / Viewpoint, Nature & Wildlife, Walking/Hiking

The Australian island state of Tasmania is celebrated for its pristine wilderness, attracting nature lovers and bushwalkers from all over the world.

In fact, Tasmania’s entire wilderness heart is protected as a World Heritage Area, stretching from legendary Cradle Mountain south of Devonport all the way to the coast south of Hobart, and Queenstown and Strahan on the west coast.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is Tasmania’s most famous natural attraction, a walker’s wonderland of hilltop lakes, wild rivers, rainforest and sheer mountain climbs. Trekkers head here to take on the Overland Track bushwalk, running for 65km (40 miles) and usually taking around six days to complete.

While you’re visiting Tasmania’s west coast, ride the rails from Queenstown to Regatta Point aboard the West Coast Wilderness Railway for a wilderness view with a difference. The century-old railway line travels through rainforest and across gullies, with onboard guides and a choice of premier-class seating for a luxury wilderness experience.

On the east coast, Freycinet National Park packs the biggest punch, known for its world-famous coastal bushwalks. Wineglass Bay, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, is tucked away in Freycinet, and the prodigious amount of wildlife living here includes cute wallabies, wombats and cockatoos.

Even in the island’s capital, Hobart, the wilderness isn’t far away, with the stunning hilltop panoramas of Mount Wellington right on the city’s doorstep. It’s a totally different climate up here, often windy and snow-topped. Whether you climb, cycle or bus it, the panoramic views from the summit are stunning, stretching all the way south to the sea and Bruny Island.

For more wilderness close to Hobart, Mount Field National Park is only an hour’s drive away by car but feels like a totally different world, with mossy rainforest, eucalypt forests and the spectacular Russell Falls.

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All Tasmanian Wilderness Reviews

Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Cradle Mountain National Park Day Tour from Launceston

Excellent tour made even better by the minibus driver, Stan, who added a 'wealth of knowledge' to a very full day to Cradle Mountain. He was obviously very proud of his island and conveyed that love with a very informative chat all the way from Launceston to the National Park! We stopped along the way at Railton (town of wall topiary) and coffee and cake at Sheffield (town of wall murals) before heading into the spectacular scenery of Cradle Mountain. We had plenty of time at Dove Lake for lunch and a walk at the water's edge. It's a tour I won't forget in a hurry, absolutely wonderful! A visit to Waldheim, home of Gustav Weindorfer, pioneer and acknowledged founder of the park was 'a must', and we all felt priviledged to share this national treasure. I could have stayed longer but alas, it was soon time to leave. We still managed to stop-off on the way back to a cheese farm/shop at Elizabeth Town to sample the goodies of Ashgrove Diary. A memorable tour with lots of extras thrown in for good measure, highly recommended!

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Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Mount Wellington Tour from Hobart

Just loved the view at the top. This tour is highly recommended as it included a lot of stops that other tours didn't . Great commentary!

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Reply by Viator, March 2013
Doing what: Mount Wellington Descent Cycling Tour departs Hobart

Great,views on a sunny day, and a fantastic tour, would book again.

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