Tasmania: Wilderness, Culture and Trails

Wilderness and cultural significance

The Tasmanian Wilderness covers more than 1.58 million hectares, almost a quarter of the Australian island state of Tasmania. It provides habitat for endemic, rare and threatened species, including the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle and the orange-bellied parrot. Its size and biodiversity give the island a distinct natural character.

For Tasmania’s Aboriginal people, the Tasmanian Wilderness is also a valuable cultural landscape. They have lived there for around 40,000 years. Nature and cultural significance are therefore among the different perspectives that can shape a stay in Tasmania.

The work of the First Peoples Art and Culture team at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery also offers a way to engage with culture and history. The team cares for a collection of more than 12,000 objects from around the world. In Lutruwita/Tasmania, it works with First Peoples on projects and exhibitions that promote self-determined cultural expression and support cultural continuity.

Hikes, forests and winter days

The region around Cradle Mountain has been shaped over the past two million years by glacial erosion and deposition. For those who want to explore this landscape on foot, the Overland Track is an alpine hike through the centre of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The route is 65 kilometres long and described as a six-day hike: a multi-day undertaking, not just a short walk.

A different kind of outdoor activity awaits at Blue Derby in northeastern Tasmania. There, 125 kilometres of purpose-built enduro trails wind through forests of tree ferns and myrtle beech trees. The trails are suitable for all skill and fitness levels; trail conditions can vary. As the network continues to develop, its size may also change. Here, cycling trails offer a clear contrast to a multi-day alpine hiking experience—two very different ways to enjoy the island actively.

Mount Mawson ski area is located in Mount Field National Park and operates for winter sports during the winter months. Snow and the season affect operations. If you’re planning to visit at a time when winter sports are important to you, check conditions before your visit.

Coastal landscapes and cultural heritage

The sea cliffs in Tasman National Park are the highest in Australia. The park can be explored by car, from the water, on foot and even by helicopter. On foot, the Tasman Coastal Trail heads south to Fortescue Bay. The region therefore combines a striking coastal landscape with a range of ways to discover it.

Port Arthur is Australia’s largest and most intact convict settlement, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 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.

Factor experiences into your travel plans

Even a short outing can offer a clear focus: a sealed, wheelchair-accessible path leads to Russell Falls in 15 minutes. Check access before you travel. Alongside the multi-day Overland Track hike, this example shows how much the time required for a visit to natural attractions can vary.

A valid park pass is required to access all national parks in Tasmania. Pass rules and fees can change; check the current conditions before your visit. Then compare accommodation locations with the experiences that matter most to you. This way, you can choose your base according to your personal priorities instead of treating all the options as similar outings.

Explore more destinations

Explore more destinations: Ross, Launceston, Hobart, Gladstone, Nelson Bay, Devonport, Coles Bay, Richmond, Moina, Cradle Mountain, Strahan, Swansea, Queenstown, Huonville, Dover, St Helens, White Beach, 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, Claude Road, Tyenna, Mole Creek, Lulworth, Loccota, Grassy, Bothwell, Windermere, Primrose Sands, Coningham, Bridgewater, Port Latta, Moonah, Chudleigh, Howth, Triabunna, Upper Blessington, Quamby Brook, 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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