Tasmanian Wilderness

Tasmanian Wilderness is a World Heritage property in Tasmania, Australia, inscribed in 1982 for its outstanding natural and cultural values. The area covers a very large mosaic of parks and reserves noted for glaciers, temperate rainforests, alpine plateaus and karst systems.

The property comprises multiple parks offering distinct experiences: glacially sculpted peaks and lakes at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair, deep river gorges and wild river canoeing in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers area, and extensive roadless highlands in the Southwest National Park. Popular activities include multi-day trekking, wildlife observation and visiting glacier-formed lakes and temperate rainforests.

Additional highlights include spectacular fjord-like river valleys and iconic glacier-fed rivers, accessible walking tracks such as sections of the Overland Track, and karst caves in the Mole Creek area. Many features are remote, so trips frequently require overnight camping or guided operators and careful seasonal planning.

The landscapes were shaped by repeated glaciation and long-term geological processes; European scientific interest and formal protection began in the 20th century and expanded into a consolidated World Heritage Area in 1982. Archaeological and cultural studies document a deep record of Aboriginal use of the region over many millennia.

The property extends across the western and south-western portion of Tasmania, covering large tracts of interior and coastal ranges. Nearest major regional centres for access include Hobart and Queenstown, with smaller gateway towns such as Strahan and Queenstown serving as common starting points for different park areas.

• Scale: The World Heritage Area covers roughly 1.4 million hectares across western and south-western Tasmania, making it one of the largest temperate wilderness areas on Earth.
• Aboriginal heritage: Contains archaeological sites and rock art that demonstrate Aboriginal presence in Tasmania for more than 20,000 years, so cultural values are integral to the property.
• Access and remoteness: Many parts are remote and roadless; travel requires planning, formally managed access in some zones, and seasonal preparation for weather and track conditions.

What to See#

• Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park contains glacially carved peaks and lakes, with well-known walking tracks such as the Dove Lake shoreline and sections of the Overland Track.
• Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park: Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park preserves deep river gorges and rapids of the Franklin and Gordon river systems, noted for wild river landscapes and remote wilderness canoeing and kayaking opportunities.
• Southwest National Park: Southwest National Park comprises a vast roadless interior of buttongrass plains, alpine plateaus and extensive peatlands forming one of the largest contiguous temperate wilderness areas in the world.
• Walls of Jerusalem National Park: Walls of Jerusalem National Park is an alpine plateau of dolerite peaks, tarns and endemic plants, used for backcountry hiking and mountaineering.
• Mole Creek Karst National Park: Mole Creek Karst National Park contains extensive limestone cave systems and karst features significant for their geology and cave fauna.
• Hartz Mountains National Park: Hartz Mountains National Park comprises highland plateaus, small glacial lakes and montane vegetation in the southern part of the World Heritage Area.

Major access points are Hobart, Queenstown and Strahan. From Hobart, drives to southern entry points (eg. Southwest National Park) take several hours on sealed and unsealed roads. The West Coast (Strahan, Queenstown) is accessed via the Lyell Highway (A10). Many hikes and river trips require boat shuttles or multi-day logistics; arrange transport or guided trips in advance.

• If hiking remote tracks, register plans with local park authorities - section patrols are infrequent.
• Hire a local guide for glaciated and alpine parts (weather and conditions change rapidly).
• Plan long transfers: some wilderness lodges require hours on unpaved roads; allow buffer time for flights to Hobart or Launceston.
• Respect cultural protocols: many parts of the area are of deep significance to Tasmanian Aboriginal communities.