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Exploring Tasmania’s National Parks: A Journey Through Wild, Unspoilt Wilderness
17 June 2026
Tasmania is one of Australia’s most spectacular nature destinations, famous for its ancient rainforests, alpine peaks, dramatic coastlines, glacial lakes, wild rivers and abundant native wildlife. For travellers looking to experience Australia’s natural beauty at its best, Tasmania’s national parks offer unforgettable scenery in every direction.
From the rugged mountains of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park to the white sands of Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park, Tasmania is made for travellers who want fresh air, beautiful walks, wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes.
If you would love to experience Tasmania’s national parks without the stress of planning everything yourself, explore guided Tasmania holiday options here:
Why Tasmania’s National Parks Are So Special
Tasmania is home to 19 national parks, with a large portion of the island protected as national parks, reserves and conservation areas. These protected landscapes preserve some of the most important natural and cultural environments in Australia.
Many of Tasmania’s most famous wilderness areas are part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, recognised for its outstanding natural beauty, ancient landscapes and deep cultural significance to Tasmanian Aboriginal people.
For visitors, this means Tasmania offers an incredible variety of experiences in a compact island destination. You can walk through ancient rainforest in the morning, see alpine lakes by lunchtime and finish the day beside a wild river or dramatic coastline.
1. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
No Tasmania national parks itinerary is complete without visiting Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Located in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, this iconic park is known for its jagged mountain peaks, glacial lakes, alpine moorlands and ancient rainforest.
The most famous view is Cradle Mountain rising behind Dove Lake, one of Tasmania’s most photographed natural scenes. The area is also a wonderful place to spot wildlife, including wombats, wallabies and native birds.
Popular experiences include:
Dove Lake Circuit
One of Tasmania’s best short walks, the Dove Lake Circuit offers beautiful views of Cradle Mountain, peaceful forest sections and lakeside scenery.
Short rainforest and waterfall walks
Travellers who prefer easier walks can still enjoy the beauty of the region through shorter tracks near the visitor areas.
The Overland Track
For experienced walkers, the Overland Track is one of Australia’s most famous multi-day hikes, travelling through spectacular alpine wilderness from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair.
Want to experience Cradle Mountain with a guided itinerary?
Book a Cradle Mountain Day Tour from Launceston
View the 2 Day Cradle Mountain Tour
2. Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay
Located on Tasmania’s sunny east coast, Freycinet National Park is one of the state’s most popular coastal destinations. It is best known for Wineglass Bay, a sweeping curve of white sand and turquoise water framed by the pink granite peaks of the Hazards Range.
The walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout is one of Tasmania’s most rewarding short walks, offering that famous postcard view over the bay. Visitors can also explore Honeymoon Bay, Cape Tourville, Friendly Beaches and the surrounding coastal scenery.
Popular experiences include:
Wineglass Bay Lookout
A must-do walk for first-time visitors to Tasmania. The lookout offers panoramic views across one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches.
Cape Tourville Lighthouse Walk
A short and scenic walk with coastal views, granite cliffs and the chance to spot seabirds or marine life.
Hazards Beach and coastal walks
For travellers with more time and fitness, Freycinet offers longer walking options through coastal bushland and beaches.
Ready to visit one of Tasmania’s most famous coastal national parks?
Book a Wineglass Bay & Freycinet National Park Day Tour
3. Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
For a true wilderness experience, Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is one of Tasmania’s most powerful landscapes. Located in the west of the island, this World Heritage-listed region is known for deep river valleys, ancient rainforest, rugged mountains and wild waterways.
The Franklin and Gordon Rivers are central to the park’s identity. This area is ideal for travellers who want to experience Tasmania’s remote western wilderness and learn more about the natural and conservation history of the region.
Popular experiences include:
Gordon River cruising
A Gordon River cruise from Strahan is one of the best ways to experience the rainforest, reflections and quiet beauty of Tasmania’s west coast wilderness.
Short rainforest walks
Visitors can enjoy accessible walks through mossy forest, ancient trees and peaceful river landscapes.
West coast touring
The journey through Queenstown, Strahan and the surrounding wilderness is a highlight of many Tasmania touring holidays.
Explore Tasmania’s west coast and wilderness with a guided small group tour:
View the 5 Day Western Tasmania Wilderness Small Group Tour
View the 10 Day Tasmanian Wonders Coach Tour
4. Tasman National Park
On Tasmania’s south-east coast, Tasman National Park is famous for its towering sea cliffs, rugged coastline, sea caves, rock formations and dramatic ocean views. This is one of the best places in Tasmania to experience coastal wilderness close to Hobart.
The Tasman Peninsula is also home to some of Tasmania’s most significant history, making it easy to combine natural scenery with a visit to Port Arthur.
Popular experiences include:
Cape Raoul Track
A spectacular walk offering views of dolerite cliffs, open ocean and the wild Tasman Peninsula coastline.
Three Capes Track
One of Tasmania’s best-known multi-day walks, showcasing dramatic sea cliffs and coastal scenery.
Coastal lookouts and natural formations
Visitors can enjoy views of locations such as Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and the Blowhole.
For travellers who want to combine coastal scenery, history and wildlife, a Tasman Peninsula or Port Arthur tour is a great addition to a Tasmania holiday.
5. Mount Field National Park
One of Tasmania’s oldest and most accessible national parks, Mount Field National Park is an easy day trip from Hobart and a beautiful introduction to Tasmania’s forests and waterfalls.
The park is best known for Russell Falls, one of Tasmania’s most photographed waterfalls. Visitors can also enjoy tall trees, fern-filled rainforest and alpine scenery in the higher sections of the park.
Popular experiences include:
Russell Falls
A short and easy walk leads to this beautiful waterfall, making it a great option for a wide range of travellers.
Tall Trees Walk
A peaceful walk through some of Tasmania’s impressive giant eucalypts.
Rainforest scenery
Mount Field is a wonderful place to experience Tasmania’s lush forest landscapes without travelling far from Hobart.
You can experience Mount Field on a guided day tour here:
Book the Mount Field to MONA Day Tour
Tasmania’s Marine and Coastal Wilderness
Tasmania’s natural beauty does not stop at the shoreline. The island is surrounded by rich marine environments, coastal reserves and protected waters that support kelp forests, seabirds, seals, dolphins and an incredible variety of marine life.
Places such as Maria Island, Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsula offer some of the best opportunities to experience Tasmania’s coastal landscapes, wildlife and marine scenery. Whether you prefer walking, cruising, wildlife spotting or photography, Tasmania’s coastline is just as memorable as its mountains and rainforests.
Do You Need a National Parks Pass in Tasmania?
Yes. A valid Tasmania Parks Pass is required to enter Tasmania’s national parks. Passes help support conservation, park facilities, walking tracks and visitor services.
Some guided tours include national park entry fees, while others may require you to arrange your own pass. Always check the inclusions on your chosen tour before travelling.
When you book through Tasmania Tours, each tour page outlines the key inclusions so you can plan with confidence.
Explore Tasmania Tour Packages
Best Tasmania Tours for National Parks
A guided Tasmania tour is one of the easiest ways to experience the state’s national parks, especially if you want to visit multiple regions without hiring a car or planning every detail yourself.
Popular Tasmania national parks tour options include:
3 Day The BIG 3 Tasmania Tour
Visit Cradle Mountain, Freycinet National Park and Port Arthur across three action-packed days.
6 Day Coast & Cradle Mountain Small Group Tour
A great option for travellers wanting to combine Tasmania’s east coast, cities and Cradle Mountain.
8 Day Tasmania in a Circle Small Group Tour
A popular small group itinerary covering many of Tasmania’s premier highlights.
12 Day Tasmania Winter Wonders Tour
A seasonal Tasmania holiday featuring winter landscapes, national parks and regional touring.
13 Day Complete Tasmania Small Group Tour
A comprehensive Tasmania tour for travellers who want to see more of the island in comfort.
Plan Your Tasmania National Parks Holiday
Tasmania’s national parks offer some of the most spectacular scenery in Australia. From the alpine beauty of Cradle Mountain to the coastal perfection of Wineglass Bay, the wild rivers of the west and the dramatic cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula, every region offers something different.
Whether you are travelling as a couple, solo traveller, group of friends or family, a guided Tasmania tour can help you make the most of your time on the island.
Places on popular Tasmania tours can sell quickly, especially during peak travel periods, so booking early is recommended.