A landscape can be both a natural environment and a cultural heritage site: in Tasmania, this is especially evident in the Tasmanian Wilderness. It covers more than 1.58 million hectares—almost a quarter of the Australian island state of Tasmania. For the Tasmanian Aboriginal people, it is a valuable cultural landscape where they have lived for around 40,000 years. The vast expanse of wilderness and a long history of cultural continuity are thus part of a shared picture of the region.
Wilderness as a natural and cultural environment
Its importance as a habitat also shapes how we see it: the Tasmanian Wilderness provides a home for endemic, rare and threatened species, including the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle and the orange-bellied parrot. These animals make the region’s biodiversity tangible, so the wilderness is more than just a general measure of size. For a trip of discovery through Tasmania, this theme brings together landscape, cultural history and biodiversity—three perspectives that intersect particularly clearly in the Wilderness.
Waterfall and winter sports in Mount Field National Park
Mount Field National Park offers clear points of interest for two different kinds of trip. Russell Falls is accessible via a paved, 15-minute, wheelchair-accessible path. The duration, path surface and accessibility can help you plan your visit; check the current path conditions in advance.
Mount Mawson ski area is also in the national park and operates for winter sports during the winter months. Unlike the fixed time given for the Russell Falls path, winter sports here are seasonal: snow conditions and the season can affect operations. If you plan to include Mount Mawson in your trip, check current operating information before setting out.
Glacial landscape and a multi-day hike
Around Cradle Mountain, the landforms tell the story of a long geological process: glacial erosion and deposition have shaped them over the past two million years. Erosion removes material, while deposition lays it down again; together, they illustrate the region’s geological development over a long period.
The Overland Track also gives you a concrete sense of time, this time for planning your trip: the 65-kilometre alpine hike runs through the heart of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and is described as a six-day trek. Taken together, the distance and duration give a clear idea of the hike’s scale. For your planning, the six-day duration is just as important as the distance.
Sea cliffs, hiking trail and cultural heritage
The sea cliffs in Tasman National Park offer a different highlight: they are the highest in Australia. Visitors can explore the park by car, from the water, on foot and even by helicopter. This offers a choice of ways to explore, while a hiking trail provides a specific route: the Tasman Coastal Trail takes hikers south to Fortescue Bay. If you primarily want to explore on foot, this route is a useful guide.
Port Arthur offers another historical perspective. It is Australia’s largest and most intact convict settlement and part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Australian Convict Sites. This designation connects a specific place with the broader World Heritage context of the Australian Convict Sites. The Port Arthur Historic Site is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except on Christmas Day; check opening hours before your visit.
Mountain biking in northeast Tasmania
Blue Derby offers a different scale of nature experience on two wheels. In northeast Tasmania, it has 125 kilometres of purpose-built enduro trails through forests of tree ferns and myrtle beech trees. The trails suit all skill and fitness levels. Purpose-built mountain-bike trails run through rare landscapes across Tasmania; Blue Derby brings this interest to life with a specific trail distance and named forest setting. A comparison with the Overland Track makes the options clear: that route is a 65-kilometre, six-day alpine hike, while Blue Derby has a 125-kilometre enduro trail network. The network’s size may change as it develops, and trail conditions can vary; check the latest conditions before you ride.
Planning park visits
A park pass is also part of planning trips to national parks: a valid park pass is required to access all of Tasmania’s national parks. As pass rules and fees can change, check the current requirements before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Claude Road, Quamby Brook, Ross, Launceston, Hobart, Devonport, Gladstone, Nelson Bay, Richmond, Moina, Cradle Mountain, Swansea, Strahan, Queenstown, Huonville, Dover, St Helens, White Beach, Coles Bay, Port Sorell, Smithton, Port Arthur, Barrington, Fentonbury, Wynyard, Promised Land, Geeveston, Beaconsfield, Alonnah, George Town, New Norfolk, Somerset, Stanley, Lake St Clair, Westbury, Grove, St Marys, Longford, Burnie, Taranna, Kettering, Woodbridge, Bicheno, Deloraine, Little Swanport, Cygnet, Low Head, Ulverstone, Hagley, Castle Forbes Bay, Latrobe, Sheffield, Tullah, Port Huon, Greens Beach, Buckland, Derwent Bridge, Conara, Naracoopa, Zeehan, Bridport, Orford, Oatlands, Corinna, Weegena, Jackeys Marsh, Penguin, Carrick, Adventure Bay, Scamander, Westerway, Nubeena, Kayena, Fitzgerald, Eaglehawk Neck, Queens Domain, Pipers Brook, Camdale, Campbell Town, Campania, Prospect Vale, Spreyton, Whitemark, Lewisham, Currie, Seven Mile Beach, Moorina, Waratah, Dunalley, Ouse, Midway Point, Poatina, Ringarooma, Rosny Park, Scottsdale, South Arm Peninsula, Pipers River, Bronte Park, Thirlstane, Petcheys Bay, Cradoc, Sorell, Rowella, Ranelagh, Hillwood, Hawley Beach, Relbia, Copping, Tea Tree, Bagdad, Wilmot, Gardners Bay, Mount Stuart, Tinderbox, Deviot, Glengarry, Granton, Bream Creek, Lebrina, Glaziers Bay, Lalla, Plenty, Cranbrook, West Kentish, Meadowbank, Gravelly Beach, Winkleigh, Falmouth, Dennes Point, Robigana, Beauty Point, Ellendale, Branxholm, Austins Ferry, South Bruny, Wattle Hill, Sisters Beach, Southport, Sandford, Randalls Bay, Upper Blessington, Triabunna, Howth, Tyenna, Mole Creek, Lulworth, Loccota, Grassy, Bothwell, Windermere, Primrose Sands, Coningham, Bridgewater, Port Latta, Moonah, Chudleigh, Weldborough, Strathgordon, Tasman Council, West Tamar Council, Circular Head Council, Clarence City Council, Central Highlands Council, Kentish Council, Brighton Council, Rocky Cape, National Park, Rossarden, Kingborough Council, Colac Otway Shire, Corangamite Shire, Derwent Valley Council, South Gippsland Shire, Huon Valley Council, King Island Council, Northern Midlands Council, Glamorgan-Spring Bay Council, Central Coast Council, Sorell Council, Southern Grampians Shire, Swan Hill Rural City, Moreland City, Kingston City, Stonnington City.
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