World Heritage Wilderness & Pristine Beauty
Tasmania is a nature lover's paradise, with nearly half of the island protected within national parks and reserves. Home to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area - one of only three mixed cultural and natural World Heritage sites in Australia - Tasmania offers some of the planet's most pristine and ancient landscapes.
From the iconic dolerite peaks of Cradle Mountain to the perfect curve of Wineglass Bay, from ancient temperate rainforests to alpine moorlands, Tasmania's 19 national parks showcase wilderness experiences unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Discover Tasmania's natural wonders with Cooee Tours - where expert guides reveal the secrets of this remarkable island.
Covering 1.58 million hectares (approximately 25% of Tasmania), this World Heritage Area contains some of the last expanses of temperate wilderness on Earth. It protects rare and unique plants and animals, ancient landscapes, and significant Aboriginal cultural sites dating back over 35,000 years.
📍 Central Highlands, 2 hours from Launceston
World Heritage Iconic PeakTasmania's most visited and photographed national park features the dramatic dolerite peaks of Cradle Mountain, ancient rainforests, glacial lakes, and the famous Overland Track - Australia's premier multi-day bushwalk.
Highlights: Cradle Mountain summit, Dove Lake circuit, Overland Track, wombats, platypus, wallabies, ancient King Billy pines
📍 East Coast, 2.5 hours from Hobart
Wineglass Bay Coastal ParadiseHome to the world-famous Wineglass Bay, consistently rated one of the world's top 10 beaches. The park features pristine white sand beaches, pink granite peaks known as The Hazards, and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Highlights: Wineglass Bay lookout and beach, Hazards Beach, Cape Tourville Lighthouse, sea kayaking, rock climbing, coastal walks
📍 Southwest Tasmania
World Heritage True WildernessTasmania's largest national park covering 618,000 hectares of remote wilderness. One of the world's last great temperate wilderness areas, featuring ancient Huon pines, wild rivers, and some of Australia's most challenging bushwalks.
Highlights: Port Davey, South Coast Track, Mount Anne, Bathurst Harbour, remote wilderness camping, ancient forests
📍 1 hour northwest of Hobart
World Heritage Diverse LandscapesTasmania's oldest national park (established 1916) showcases incredible diversity from tall swamp gums and tree ferns to alpine moorlands. Famous for Russell Falls, one of Tasmania's most photographed waterfalls.
Highlights: Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Lady Barron Falls, Mount Field West, alpine walks, autumn colours, winter snow
📍 Northeast Coast
Orange Rocks White BeachesNamed by Captain Tobias Furneaux in 1773, the Bay of Fires features stunning white sand beaches contrasted with granite rocks covered in bright orange lichen. One of Tasmania's most photographed coastal stretches.
Highlights: Binalong Bay, orange-lichened granite, pristine beaches, coastal camping, swimming, fishing, Bay of Fires Lodge Walk
📍 Central Plateau
World Heritage Alpine WildernessA spectacular alpine wilderness area featuring glacial lakes, dolerite peaks, ancient pencil pines, and unique cushion plants. Named for its towering dolerite cliffs that resemble ancient city walls.
Highlights: Herod's Gate, Solomon's Throne, King David's Peak, glacial lakes, endemic alpine plants, wilderness camping
📍 Tasman Peninsula, 1.5 hours from Hobart
Sea Cliffs Coastal DramaFeatures some of the Southern Hemisphere's highest sea cliffs, dramatic coastal formations, and the famous Three Capes Track. The park showcases Tasmania's rugged coastline at its most spectacular.
Highlights: Three Capes Track, Cape Hauy, Cape Pillar, Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen, Waterfall Bay, seal colonies
📍 West Coast
World Heritage Ancient WildernessProtects the wild and scenic Franklin and Gordon rivers flowing through pristine temperate rainforest. This park was at the centre of Australia's most significant environmental campaign in the 1980s.
Highlights: Franklin River rafting, Nelson Falls, Donaghys Hill Wilderness Lookout, ancient Huon pines, World Heritage rainforest
📍 East Coast, ferry from Triabunna
Car-Free Island Wildlife SanctuaryAn entirely car-free island accessible only by ferry, Maria Island is a wildlife sanctuary home to abundant wombats, kangaroos, Cape Barren geese, and Tasmanian devils. Features fascinating convict history ruins.
Highlights: Painted Cliffs, Bishop and Clerk peaks, wombats everywhere, fossil cliffs, historic Darlington settlement, cycling
Overland Track: Australia's premier 65km alpine walk from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair (6 days)
Three Capes Track: 46km coastal wilderness walk showcasing dramatic sea cliffs (4 days)
South Coast Track: Remote 85km wilderness track through Southwest National Park (6-8 days)
Bay of Fires Lodge Walk: Guided luxury walk along pristine northeast beaches (4 days)
Best time to visit: Summer (December-February) for multi-day walks and alpine areas; Autumn (March-May) for stunning colours; Winter (June-August) for snow and fewer crowds; Spring (September-November) for wildflowers
Getting around: Car rental recommended for park access. Some parks accessible via tours from Hobart and Launceston. Ferry required for Maria Island.
What to bring: Layered clothing (weather changes rapidly), waterproof jacket and pants, sturdy hiking boots, warm layers even in summer, sun protection, water, snacks, Parks Pass
Weather note: Tasmania experiences "four seasons in one day" - always prepare for sudden weather changes, especially in alpine areas
Tasmania is home to unique species found nowhere else on Earth. The island's isolation has protected endemic animals including the Tasmanian devil, eastern quoll, Tasmanian pademelon, and 12 species of birds found only in Tasmania. Ancient species like the platypus and echidna thrive in pristine waterways and forests.
Discover Tasmania's World Heritage wilderness with expert local guides who share deep knowledge of the island's ecology, geology, and history. From day trips to multi-day adventures, we create unforgettable experiences in Tasmania's most spectacular national parks.
Our Tasmania tours include: Small group experiences, expert naturalist guides, park entry fees, quality equipment for walks, and insider access to the best viewpoints and wildlife spotting locations.
Book Your Tasmania National Parks TourA Parks Pass is required for vehicle entry to most Tasmanian national parks. Available as 24-hour passes, 8-week Holiday Passes, or Annual Passes. Fees support conservation, track maintenance, and visitor facilities. Purchase online or at park entry stations and Service Tasmania outlets.