Tasmania National Parks

Hiking through the incredible wilderness and spotting distinctive Australian wildlife are some of the top things to do in the national parks of Tasmania, but the adventures don’t end there. Take a guided walk from Freycinet to hear historic tales and taste local flavours as you explore with a regional expert. Make a trip to Australia’s best-preserved convict station on Maria Island and take a moment to witness the sandstone patterns of the Painted Cliffs.

Climb Cradle Mountain for incredible panoramas and stand on the mystical tree-lined shores of Lake St Clair, the deepest freshwater lake in Australia. Uncover a colourful underwater world when you dive into the ocean at the foot of Mount William. Go white water rafting in Franklin-Gordon Rivers. Or make the most of a winter visit on the snow-covered slopes of Mount Field and the toboggan runs of Ben Lomond National Park.

Taking a walk is a simple activity that yields enormous rewards when it comes to Tasmania’s national parks. Cross 40 miles of lush alpine scenery on the Overland Track of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair. Trek 28 miles through diverse landscapes on the Three Capes Track through Tasman National Park. Wander granite mountains, shimmering bays, and remote beaches along the Freycinet Peninsula. Get lost among the blue gum forests and mountain peaks of Strzelecki on Flinders Island.

Looking for a challenge? Take on the demanding wilderness environment and steep slopes of the South Coast Track through Southwest National Park. Prefer something simpler? Choose from 60 Great Short Walks including Apsley River Waterhole and Gorge in Douglas-Apsley National Park, Archers Knob in Narawntapu, and the Enchanted Walk in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

Tasmania’s national parks are amazing places to visit for humans. They’re also home to some of Australia’s most fascinating, adorable, and unique wildlife. Head north to Flinders Island and the sanctuary of Strzelecki National Park to walk among wallabies, wombats, pademelons, and potoroos. Spot grazing marsupials on the plans of Narawntapu, Australia's Serengeti. Find rare white wallabies and cute little penguins on the shores of South Bruny.

Scour the trees of Southwest National Park for orange-bellied parrots, spy wedge-tailed eagles in the Tarkine Wilderness, or sail to the bird watcher’s paradise of Maria Island. Search for Tasmanian devils on Cradle Mountain, possums by Mount William, and platypuses, quolls, and echidna in Mount Field. Incredible Australian wildlife adventures are waiting for all the family when you visit the diverse habitats of Tasmania’s national parks.

The best time to visit Tasmania and its 19 national parks is any time that fits with your itinerary. Temperatures vary across the island depending on altitude and proximity to the coast. Summer, from December to February, experiences temperatures up to 25°C around Hobart and the coast and 17°C on the central plateau. June to August are the wettest and coolest winter months bringing snow and ski season to the mountains but remaining a pleasant 5°C to 15°C in coastal regions.

September to November brings spring and a new vibrancy of colour to the lush green parks across the island while the yellow and brown leaves of autumn create a romantic atmosphere among the island’s forests and heathlands from March to May. Wear layers and comfortable outdoor shoes and you can enjoy carefree exploration of the stunning landscapes of Tasmania’s national parks whichever, and whenever, you choose to visit.