Trekking Through Tasmania's Wilderness

Tasmania, Australia's southernmost state, is a wilderness lover's paradise. This heart-shaped island, separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait, offers some of the most pristine and diverse natural environments you'll find anywhere in the world. With nearly 40% of the state protected as national parks, reserves, and World Heritage areas, Tasmania provides unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventures, stunning hiking trails, and encounters with unique wildlife.

The Wild Heart of Australia

Often referred to as the "Natural State" or the "Apple Isle," Tasmania stands apart from the rest of Australia with its temperate climate, rugged mountain landscapes, ancient rainforests, and spectacular coastlines. The island's isolation has helped preserve its natural environments and the unique species that inhabit them, creating a true wilderness experience that's becoming increasingly rare in our modern world.

The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area covers approximately 1.6 million hectares—about 20% of the entire island—and encompasses six national parks and numerous conservation areas. This vast protected region contains some of the last temperate rainforests in the world, dramatic dolerite mountains, pristine alpine lakes, and deep river valleys.

Epic Hiking Trails

The Overland Track

The crown jewel of Tasmanian hiking is undoubtedly the Overland Track, a 65-kilometer, six-day journey through the heart of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. This iconic trek takes hikers through diverse landscapes including buttongrass moorlands, ancient rainforests, eucalypt woodlands, and alpine meadows.

The trail begins at the magnificent Cradle Mountain and concludes at Australia's deepest natural freshwater lake, Lake St Clair. Along the way, hikers can take side trips to summits such as Cradle Mountain, Mount Ossa (Tasmania's highest peak at 1,617 meters), and the Acropolis for breathtaking panoramic views.

During peak season (October 1 to May 31), hikers need to book in advance, walk north to south, and pay a fee to help maintain the track and its facilities. Outside these months, hikers can walk in either direction but should be prepared for snow, ice, and challenging alpine conditions.

Three Capes Track

For those seeking a coastal wilderness experience, the Three Capes Track offers a 48-kilometer, four-day journey along the dramatic sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula. This relatively new track (opened in 2015) features comfortable eco-cabins along the route, making it more accessible for hikers who prefer not to carry camping equipment.

The track showcases the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere, with dolerite columns rising dramatically from the turbulent Southern Ocean. Highlights include Cape Pillar, Cape Hauy, and views toward Cape Raoul (which is not actually on the track despite the name). The trail is meticulously constructed with boardwalks and stone steps to protect the fragile environment while providing comfortable hiking.

Walls of Jerusalem

For a more remote backcountry experience, the Walls of Jerusalem National Park offers spectacular alpine hiking without the crowds often found on more popular tracks. Unlike Cradle Mountain or the Three Capes, there are no roads into the park—access is solely by foot.

The landscape features dramatic dolerite peaks with biblical names like King David's Peak, Solomon's Throne, and Damascus Gate, rising above ancient pencil pine forests and alpine tarns. The park can be explored as a challenging day walk or as a multi-day wilderness experience for more seasoned hikers.

Unique Wildlife Encounters

Tasmania is home to extraordinary wildlife, including many species found nowhere else on Earth. The island's isolation has allowed unique evolutionary paths, while its relatively cool climate has provided refuge for species that once roamed the mainland.

While hiking through Tasmania's wilderness, keep an eye out for these iconic animals:

• Tasmanian Devil: This carnivorous marsupial, about the size of a small dog, is now found in the wild only in Tasmania. Although they have a fearsome reputation with their bone-crushing jaws and eerie screams, they're actually shy creatures that are most active at night.
• Wombats: These barrel-shaped marsupials are common in many Tasmanian national parks. Look for their distinctive cube-shaped droppings and large burrows.
• Platypus: These egg-laying mammals can be spotted in many Tasmanian lakes and streams, particularly at dawn and dusk when they're most active.
• Bennett's Wallabies: Sometimes called red-necked wallabies, these mid-sized marsupials are commonly seen grazing at the edges of forests, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
• Echidnas: These spiny monotremes (egg-laying mammals) can often be spotted shuffling through undergrowth in search of ants and termites.
• Quolls: Both Eastern and Spotted-tail quolls can be found in Tasmania, though these carnivorous marsupials are largely nocturnal and rarely seen.

Birdwatchers will also find Tasmania a paradise, with 12 species found only on the island, including the forty-spotted pardalote, the orange-bellied parrot (one of the world's most endangered birds), and the Tasmanian native hen.

The Southwestern Wilderness

For the truly adventurous, southwestern Tasmania offers some of the most remote and challenging wilderness experiences in Australia. This region is largely trackless and requires advanced navigation and wilderness skills, but rewards explorers with landscapes that few people ever see.

The Southwest National Park, Tasmania's largest at over 600,000 hectares, encompasses vast swathes of pristine wilderness including the rugged Western Arthur Range, Federation Peak (considered Australia's most challenging mountain climb), and the remote Bathurst Harbour and Port Davey Marine Reserve.

Those without the expertise for independent exploration can experience this extraordinary wilderness through:

• Scenic Flights: Light aircraft or helicopter flights over the Southwest offer spectacular aerial views of this inaccessible region.
• Boat Cruises: Cruises on the Gordon River and into Bathurst Harbour provide access to remote wilderness areas.
• Guided Expeditions: Several companies offer guided multi-day walking or kayaking trips into the Southwest with experienced wilderness guides.

Practical Information

When to Visit

The best time to hike in Tasmania is during the warmer months from November to April, when days are longer and weather is generally more stable. However, even in summer, conditions in Tasmania's highlands can change rapidly, with snow possible at any time of year.

Winter hiking (May to October) is possible for experienced adventurers with appropriate gear and skills, but be prepared for snow, ice, short daylight hours, and closure of some services.

Essential Gear

Tasmania's changeable weather demands appropriate preparation. Always carry:

• Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants
• Warm layers (including wool or synthetic base layers)
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Hat, gloves, and sun protection
• First aid kit and emergency beacon
• Map, compass, and/or GPS (and know how to use them)
• Enough food and water for your planned trip plus emergency supplies
• Head torch with spare batteries

National Parks Pass

Entry to Tasmania's national parks requires a valid parks pass, which can be purchased online, at visitor centers, or at park entry stations. Various passes are available depending on the length of your visit and the number of people traveling:

• Daily pass: AUD $25 per vehicle/up to 8 people
• Holiday pass (8 weeks): AUD $80 per vehicle
• Annual pass: AUD $93 per vehicle (Tasmanian residents have different pricing)

Some popular walks, including the Overland Track and Three Capes Track, require separate booking and fees.

Tasmania's wilderness offers a rare opportunity to experience nature in its most pristine form. Whether you're undertaking a challenging multi-day hike through rugged mountains, spotting unique wildlife in ancient rainforests, or simply taking in the breathtaking vistas of untouched coastlines, Tasmania's natural landscapes will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. As you explore these precious environments, remember to tread lightly and help preserve these wilderness areas for future generations.