A Guide to Tasmania National Parks

Tasmania is much more than an island — indeed, the great Tasmanian wilderness is a love letter to nature itself. With 42% of the land so far protected and 19 national parks, this Australian treasure promises rolling meadows to hikers, animal-stalking lawns for wildlife enthusiasts and fresh-air baths for any other soul seeking the same — top-grade air, if I may add!

Be it dolerite cliffs, wombat spotting at dusk, or sipping on a glass of wine while eyeballing the Wineglass Bay sunset, Tasmania’s parks offer a blend of drama, serenity, and a pinch of peculiar charm.

Tasmania National Parks: The Quick Overview

Size, Stats, and Superlatives

• • 19 parks, 8 of which are UNESCO World Heritage-listed.

• • Covers 21.5% of the state—that’s 14,680 km² of pure wilderness.

• • Home to ancient wonders: 4,000-year-old Huon pines and a self-cloning shrub older than human civilization.

• • Wildlife galore: Tasmanian devils, echidnas, pademelons, and birds you won’t find anywhere else (hello, Forty-spotted Pardalote!).

Climate: Four Seasons in One Hike

Tasmania’s weather is as wild as its landscapes. Pack for snow in summer and sunburns in spring. The best time to visit? October to April for long, mild days. But winter lovers, don’t skip Ben Lomond—it’s Tasmania’s snow sports hub.

Top National Parks to Explore

1. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Why visit? Alpine lakes, wombat sightings, and the legendary Overland Track (65 km of glacial valleys and rainforests).

• • Don’t miss: Dove Lake Circuit for Instagram-worthy reflections of Cradle Mountain.

• • Local secret: Visit Devils @ Cradle sanctuary to meet Tasmanian devils up close.

2. Freycinet National Park

Why visit? Wineglass Bay—a crescent of white sand so perfect, it’ll ruin other beaches for you.

• • Don’t miss: The Hazards Beach walk at sunset (pink granite peaks + turquoise water = magic).

• • Local secret: Camping spots here are ballot-drawn in summer—plan ahead!

3. Tasman National Park

Why visit? Coastal drama: 300m sea cliffs, the Three Capes Track, and penguin rafts waddling ashore.

• • Don’t miss: The Blowhole—where waves erupt like geysers.

• • Local secret: Try hang-gliding over Pirates Bay for a bird’s-eye view.

4. Mount Field National Park

Why visit? Waterfalls, snow gums, and Tasmania’s oldest park. Russell Falls looks straight out of a fairy tale.

• • Don’t miss: The Tarn Shelf Circuit in autumn—glacial lakes framed by golden foliage.

• • Local secret: Spot eastern quolls after dusk near Lake Dobson.

5. Maria Island National Park

Why visit? A car-free paradise with convict history, painted cliffs, and wombats galore.

• • Don’t miss: The Fossil Cliffs—4 km of 300-million-year-old marine fossils.

• • Local secret: Rent a bike to explore the island’s 20 km length in a day.

Wildlife Wonders: Meet the Locals

Tasmania’s parks are like a real-life David Attenborough episode. Keep your eyes peeled for:

• • Tasmanian devils: Nocturnal, feisty, and loud. Listen for their screeches after dark.

• • Wombats: These chunky vegetarians leave square-shaped poop (nature’s weirdest party trick).

• • Echidnas: Spiky ant-eaters that waddle through daylight hours.

• • Little penguins: Catch their sunset parade at Tasman National Park’s beaches.

Visitor Guidelines and Travel Tips

Tasmania National Park Pass & Permits

• • Holiday Pass: $93.15 for 2 months (vehicle entry).

• • Cradle Mountain Shuttle: $29.10/day—book ahead in peak season.

• • Pro tip: Seniors and concession holders get discounts!

Safety & Etiquette

• • Check alerts: Park closures and fire bans pop up often. Visit parks.tas.gov.au for updates.

• • Leave no trace: Pack out ALL waste (yes, even apple cores).

• • Wildlife rules: Don’t feed animals—wallabies may look cute, but human food harms them.

Gear Up Like a Pro

• • Layer up: Thermal base layers + waterproof jacket = Tasmanian survival kit.

• • Footwear: Sturdy boots for muddy trails and rocky coasts.

• • Tech hack: Use the Take a Local app for offline maps and audio stories—no signal? No problem!

Unique Experiences You Can’t Miss

1. 1. Walk through time: The Tarkine Rainforest—a 450,000-acre wilderness with ancient myrtles.

1. 1. Sleep under the stars: Camp at Fortescue Bay (Tasman NP) or Lake St Clair.

1. 1. Sip local: Post-hike wines at Tamar Valley vineyards—Tassie’s cool-climate drops are legendary.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Get Wild!

Tasmania national parks aren’t just destinations—they’re invitations to slow down, breathe deep, and let nature surprise you. Whether you’re a hardcore hiker or a picnic-in-the-park type, there’s a trail, a view, or a wombat with your name on it.

And remember, with a Tasmania National Park pass and the Take a Local app, you’ll unlock stories that turn a scenic drive into a time-travel adventure. Who needs a tour guide when you’ve got decades of local wisdom in your pocket?

Ready to explore? Download your tours, grab your park pass, and let Tasmania’s wild heart steal yours.