The Tasmanian Wilderness is one of the last great temperate wildernesses on earth — a vast World Heritage Area covering around a fifth of the island state, where jagged dolerite peaks rise above glacial lakes, ancient rainforests cloak the valleys, and wild rivers run through some of the most pristine country on the planet. From the iconic, accessible beauty of Cradle Mountain to the remote, roadless heart of the south-west, it is a landscape of extraordinary natural and cultural significance, home to plants and animals found nowhere else. This guide covers Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair, the wild rivers and ancient forests, the Overland Track and the south-west, how to experience it, when to go and where to stay.
About the Tasmanian Wilderness
The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is one of the largest conservation reserves in Australia, sprawling across roughly a fifth of the island — some 1.5 million hectares of pristine temperate wilderness. It is one of only a handful of places on earth inscribed on the World Heritage list for meeting so many of its criteria, recognised for both its outstanding natural values — its geology, its ecology, its untouched landscapes — and its profound cultural significance to the palawa people, whose connection to this Country stretches back tens of thousands of years.
Within its bounds lie some of the most remarkable landscapes in the country: the glaciated peaks and alpine moors of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair; the deep gorges and wild waters of the Franklin and Gordon rivers; the vast, roadless buttongrass plains and rugged ranges of the Southwest National Park; and ancient rainforests of myrtle, sassafras and the extraordinary Huon pine, among the oldest living things on earth. This is a refuge for Tasmania's distinctive wildlife and a place of silence, scale and wild beauty increasingly rare in the modern world.
For visitors, the wilderness offers everything from accessible day walks amid iconic scenery to remote, challenging expeditions — a chance to experience one of the planet's last great wild places.
Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair
The jewel of the wilderness, and its most accessible and iconic part, is Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. At its northern end, the jagged silhouette of Cradle Mountain rises dramatically above the mirror-still waters of Dove Lake, and the celebrated Dove Lake circuit — a roughly two-hour walk around the shore beneath the peak, past ancient rainforest and alpine heath — is one of Australia's great short walks and an unmissable experience. The park offers tracks for every level, from easy boardwalks like the Enchanted Walk to the challenging summit climb, alongside abundant wildlife: wombats graze the moorlands, and wallabies, pademelons and echidnas abound. At the park's southern end lies Lake St Clair, Australia's deepest natural freshwater lake, carved by ancient glaciers and ringed by forest and mountains. Together they form the most rewarding introduction to the Tasmanian Wilderness.
Wild Rivers and the Gordon
The Tasmanian Wilderness is a land of wild rivers, none more famous than the Franklin and the Gordon, whose pristine waters run through deep, forested gorges in the heart of the World Heritage Area. The campaign to save the Franklin from damming in the early 1980s was a landmark in Australia's conservation history, and the river remains free-flowing and wild — a renowned destination for multi-day rafting expeditions through spectacular, remote country. The mighty Gordon River is more easily experienced on a cruise from Strahan on the west coast, gliding up the tranquil, tea-coloured river — its dark, still surface perfectly reflecting the ancient rainforest — into the wilderness, with stops to walk among Huon pines thousands of years old. These wild rivers, whether rafted or cruised, offer some of the most beautiful and pristine river scenery on earth, and a powerful sense of untouched wilderness.
Ancient Forests and Huon Pines
The valleys and gorges of the Tasmanian Wilderness shelter some of the most ancient and remarkable forests on the planet — cool temperate rainforests of myrtle beech, sassafras, leatherwood and tree ferns, descendants of the forests of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, that have grown here for tens of millions of years. Most extraordinary of all is the Huon pine, a slow-growing tree unique to Tasmania's wild west and south, prized for its golden, scented, rot-resistant timber; some individual Huon pines are over 2,000 years old, and stands of them are reckoned among the oldest living organisms on earth. Walking through these ancient, mossy, fern-filled forests — at Cradle Mountain, along the Gordon River, or in the rainforests of the west — is a journey into deep time, and one of the most atmospheric and humbling experiences the wilderness offers.
The Overland Track and the Wild South-West
For the adventurous, the Tasmanian Wilderness offers some of the finest wild walking in the world. The famous Overland Track — a roughly 65-kilometre, six-day trek from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair — leads through the alpine heart of the wilderness, past glacial lakes, ancient rainforest, buttongrass moors and Tasmania's highest peaks, and ranks among Australia's greatest multi-day walks (requiring booking and preparation). Beyond it, the vast, roadless Southwest National Park protects one of the largest tracts of untouched temperate wilderness left on earth — a remote realm of rugged ranges, wild coasts and trackless buttongrass plains, accessible only on foot, by light aircraft or by sea, and the preserve of experienced, well-equipped expeditioners. Scenic flights over the south-west reveal its staggering scale and beauty. This is true wilderness, pristine and humbling, for those prepared to seek it out.
Wildlife of the Wilderness
The Tasmanian Wilderness is a stronghold for the island's distinctive wildlife, much of it found nowhere else. Wombats are a highlight, often seen grazing unbothered on the moorlands of Cradle Mountain, and wallabies, pademelons, echidnas and platypus are common across the wilderness. The forests and plains shelter the famous, endangered Tasmanian devil and the spotted quolls, though these are largely nocturnal and elusive; wildlife sanctuaries near Cradle Mountain offer the chance to see devils and learn about conservation efforts. Birdlife is rich, including endemic species, and the pristine, predator-light environment — Tasmania has no foxes and few feral predators — makes the wilderness one of the best places in Australia to encounter native animals in the wild. Dawn, dusk and the moorlands around Cradle Mountain offer the finest wildlife watching.
Suggested Tasmanian Wilderness Itinerary
Day one — Cradle Mountain. Walk the iconic Dove Lake circuit beneath Cradle Mountain, spot wombats on the moorland, and explore the ancient rainforest on the easier boardwalk trails.
Day two — the west coast and Gordon River. Travel to Strahan and cruise the tranquil Gordon River into the wilderness, walking among ancient Huon pines and learning the story of the wild rivers.
Day three — Lake St Clair and the forests. Explore Lake St Clair, Australia's deepest lake, and its surrounding rainforest walks, or take a scenic flight over the remote south-west for a sense of the wilderness's vast scale.
Where to Stay for the Tasmanian Wilderness
Accommodation clusters around the accessible edges of the wilderness. Cradle Mountain village, at the park entrance, offers a range of lodges, cabins and a luxury wilderness retreat, ideally placed for the Dove Lake walks and wildlife — the best base for most visitors. The west-coast town of Strahan, gateway to the Gordon River, has hotels, cottages and holiday units. Lake St Clair offers lodge and cabin accommodation at the park's southern end. Across the wilderness fringes, eco-lodges, wilderness retreats and campgrounds let you stay close to nature, while gateway towns provide further options. For the remote interior and the Overland Track, accommodation means wilderness huts and tents. Book ahead, especially in the peak summer season, as options are limited and demand high.
Best Time to Visit the Tasmanian Wilderness
The wilderness can be visited year round, but conditions vary greatly and the weather is famously changeable. Summer (December–February) offers the warmest temperatures, the longest days and the most reliable conditions for walking — the peak season and the best time for the Overland Track and high-country walks. Autumn (March–May) brings the spectacular turning of the fagus, Australia's only native deciduous tree, which blazes gold and red across the alpine areas in late April. Spring (September–November) is fresh, green and lively with new growth. Winter (June–August) is cold, with snow dusting the peaks, dramatic moody landscapes and very short days. Whatever the season, the wilderness weather can shift rapidly from sun to rain, wind and cold, so come prepared for all conditions, even in summer.
Getting to and Around the Tasmanian Wilderness
The wilderness is reached from Tasmania's main centres. Cradle Mountain is about two to two and a half hours' drive from both Launceston and Devonport (the ferry port), and roughly four to four and a half hours from Hobart. Strahan, for the Gordon River, is on the west coast, several hours' drive from the main cities. A car gives the most flexibility for reaching the accessible parks and touring the island, though the roads to the wilderness can be winding. At Cradle Mountain, a shuttle bus runs from the visitor centre to Dove Lake. Much of the wilderness, however, is roadless, accessed only on foot, by boat or by light aircraft. For visitors without a car, guided tours handle the transport and logistics, a convenient way to experience the highlights of this vast, wild region.
The Battle to Save the Wilderness
The Tasmanian Wilderness is not only a place of extraordinary natural beauty but the site of one of the most significant conservation struggles in Australian history. In the early 1980s, a plan to dam the wild Franklin River for hydro-electricity galvanised a national environmental campaign of unprecedented scale. Thousands of protesters travelled to the remote south-west to blockade the works, hundreds were arrested, and the issue became a defining national debate — ultimately decided in 1983 when the High Court of Australia ruled to protect the river, in a landmark case that reshaped environmental law and politics in the country.
The Franklin remains free-flowing and wild to this day, and the campaign to save it helped secure the World Heritage listing of the wider wilderness and cemented its place in the national consciousness. This history gives the Tasmanian Wilderness a meaning beyond its scenery: it stands as a symbol of what conservation can achieve, and of the value a society places on wild places. As you cruise the Gordon River, gaze over the south-west, or walk beneath ancient peaks, it is worth remembering that much of this pristine country survives because people fought to protect it. That legacy of hard-won protection, and the responsibility it places on all who visit to tread lightly, is woven through the wilderness experience today.
Ancient Forests and Living Fossils
The Tasmanian Wilderness shelters some of the most ancient and remarkable life on earth, a living connection to the deep past. Its cool temperate rainforests of myrtle beech, sassafras and leatherwood are descendants of the forests that cloaked the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana, when Australia, Antarctica and South America were joined; walking through these mossy, fern-filled forests is a journey back tens of millions of years. Most extraordinary of all is the Huon pine, a slow-growing tree unique to Tasmania's wild west and south, some individuals over 2,000 years old, and certain clonal stands reckoned among the oldest living organisms on the planet.
The wilderness is also a stronghold for Tasmania's distinctive wildlife, much of it found nowhere else and thriving in this predator-light environment — Tasmania has no foxes and few feral predators. Wombats graze the moorlands of Cradle Mountain, often within easy view, while wallabies, pademelons, echidnas and platypus are common, and the forests shelter the famous, endangered Tasmanian devil and the spotted quolls, largely nocturnal and elusive. The endemic, deciduous beech known as the fagus — Australia's only native deciduous tree — blazes gold and red across the alpine areas each autumn, a spectacle unique to these mountains. This combination of ancient forests, living fossils and distinctive wildlife makes the wilderness not just beautiful but scientifically and ecologically irreplaceable.
Planning Your Tasmanian Wilderness Visit
The Tasmanian Wilderness ranges from easily accessible to genuinely remote, so plan according to how deep you wish to go. Cradle Mountain is the most accessible and rewarding introduction, about two to two-and-a-half hours' drive from Launceston or Devonport (the ferry port) and around four to four-and-a-half hours from Hobart, with day walks for all levels; the Gordon River is cruised from the west-coast town of Strahan; and Lake St Clair lies at the park's southern end. Much of the wilderness, however, is roadless, reached only on foot, by boat or by light aircraft.
Whatever the season, come prepared for all weather — the wilderness is notoriously changeable, and conditions can shift rapidly from sun to rain, wind and cold even in summer, so carry layers, waterproofs and sturdy boots. Summer (December–February) offers the warmest, longest days and the best walking conditions, and is the peak season; late April brings the spectacular turning of the fagus; winter dusts the peaks with snow. Walk the iconic Dove Lake circuit at Cradle Mountain (using the park shuttle to reach the start), watch for wombats at dawn and dusk, and book the Overland Track and peak-season accommodation well ahead, as options are limited. For those without a car, guided tours handle the transport and logistics. Above all, tread lightly — this is one of the world's last great wild places, and keeping it pristine is the responsibility of everyone who comes.
Walking the Wilderness: Tracks for Every Level
Walking is the finest way to experience the Tasmanian Wilderness, and the World Heritage Area offers tracks for every level, from gentle boardwalk strolls to one of the world's great multi-day treks. At Cradle Mountain, the most accessible part, easy options abound: the short, magical Enchanted Walk through mossy rainforest, the boardwalk sections of the Dove Lake circuit beneath the jagged peak (the full loop a rewarding two-hour walk), and the King Billy and Weindorfers Forest walks among ancient trees. These let almost anyone experience the wilderness's beauty, with wombats often grazing nearby. More challenging day walks climb to Marions Lookout or, for the fit and well-prepared, to the summit of Cradle Mountain itself.
For serious walkers, the wilderness offers some of the finest multi-day wild walking on earth. The famous Overland Track — a roughly 65-kilometre, six-day trek from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair — leads through the alpine heart of the wilderness, past glacial lakes, ancient rainforest, buttongrass moors and Tasmania's highest peaks, and requires booking, fitness and preparation. Beyond it lie the demanding routes of the remote Southwest, including the rugged South Coast Track and the climb of Frenchmans Cap, for experienced, self-reliant adventurers only. Whatever your level, the golden rule is to come prepared: the wilderness weather is famously changeable, so carry layers, waterproofs and sturdy boots even in summer, check conditions before you set out, and on the longer routes carry everything you need to be self-sufficient in country where help can be far away.
Why Visit the Tasmanian Wilderness?
The Tasmanian Wilderness offers a rare and precious thing — a vast, genuinely pristine temperate wilderness, one of the last great wild places on earth, accessible enough that anyone can experience its edges and wild enough to humble the most seasoned adventurer. Where else can you walk beneath a jagged peak reflected in a glacial lake, glide up a mirror-still wild river past trees 2,000 years old, watch wombats graze ancient moorlands, and gaze over a trackless wilderness that stretches beyond the horizon? Dual-listed for its natural and cultural values and covering a fifth of an island, it is a landscape of deep time, silence and staggering beauty. For travellers who seek wilderness in its truest form, the Tasmanian Wilderness makes a compelling case as one of the most extraordinary destinations in Australia, and the world.
Insider Tips for the Tasmanian Wilderness
Walk the Dove Lake circuit at Cradle Mountain for the most iconic, accessible wilderness experience, and use the park shuttle to reach the start. Come prepared for all weather, even in summer — the wilderness is notoriously changeable, so carry layers, waterproofs and sturdy boots. Visit in late April for the spectacular turning of the fagus. Take a Gordon River cruise from Strahan for an easy way into the deep wilderness and its ancient Huon pines. Watch for wombats and wildlife at dawn and dusk on the moorlands. Book the Overland Track and peak-season accommodation well ahead. And tread lightly — this is one of the world's last great wild places, and keeping it pristine is the responsibility of all who visit.
Explore the Tasmanian Wilderness with Cooee Tours
Prefer to leave the planning to us? Discover curated Tasmanian Wilderness touring, taking in Cradle Mountain, the ancient forests and the wild rivers at a relaxed pace. As Cooee Tours is Brisbane-based, our Tasmanian Wilderness experiences are delivered in partnership with trusted local operators.
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