Australia's Island Wilderness
Separated from mainland Australia by the 240-kilometer stretch of the Bass Strait, Tasmania is a land apart—both geographically and in character. Australia's island state is a place where wilderness dominates the landscape, where ancient forests meet dramatic coastlines, and where the air is said to be among the cleanest in the world.
Covering an area of 68,401 square kilometers (26,410 square miles), Tasmania may be small by Australian standards, but it packs an extraordinary variety of natural environments into its compact territory. Remarkably, nearly half of the island is protected in national parks and reserves, including areas that form part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area—a recognition of the island's exceptional natural and cultural values.
Diverse Landscapes and Ecosystems
What makes Tasmania truly special is the diversity and proximity of its landscapes. In a single day, it's possible to journey from alpine highlands through temperate rainforests to pristine beaches. Each environment hosts distinct ecosystems and offers unique adventures for nature enthusiasts.
Ancient Rainforests
Tasmania is home to some of the world's most pristine temperate rainforests, with trees dating back thousands of years. The cool temperate rainforests in the island's west and southwest contain ancient species like Huon pine, some specimens of which are over 3,000 years old, making them among the oldest living organisms on Earth.
The Tarkine (takayna) in the northwest is Australia's largest tract of temperate rainforest and one of the most significant temperate rainforests globally. Walking through these moss-covered forests feels like stepping back in time to a prehistoric era, with ancient trees draped in lichens and an understory of ferns creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
Alpine Highlands
Despite its relatively low elevation compared to mountain ranges on other continents, Tasmania's Central Highlands create a distinctive alpine environment. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, showcases this landscape at its most dramatic—with rugged peaks, glacial lakes, and alpine moorlands covered in cushion plants and hardy snow gums.
During winter, these highlands receive regular snowfall, transforming them into a snow-covered wonderland and offering an experience quite different from what many associate with Australia.
Coastal Wonders
Tasmania's 2,833 kilometers of coastline is as diverse as its interior. The east coast features white sandy beaches and the remarkable granite formations of Freycinet National Park, where the famous Wineglass Bay is consistently rated among the world's top beaches. In contrast, the west coast presents a more rugged face, with wild beaches pounded by the full force of the Southern Ocean's waves.
Perhaps most dramatic of all is the sea cliff coastline of the Tasman Peninsula in the southeast, home to some of the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. The dolerite columns of Cape Pillar rise a sheer 300 meters from the ocean, creating a breathtaking spectacle for those who make the journey to view them.
Iconic Hiking Experiences
With such remarkable natural environments, it's no surprise that Tasmania has developed a reputation as a world-class hiking destination. The island offers everything from short walks accessible to most visitors to multi-day wilderness treks that challenge even experienced hikers.
The Overland Track
Tasmania's most famous hiking route, the Overland Track, stretches 65 kilometers through the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. This six-day journey takes hikers through a variety of alpine and sub-alpine landscapes, past glacial lakes, through ancient rainforests, and across button grass plains.
The track can be walked in either direction, though most hikers start at Cradle Mountain in the north and finish at Lake St Clair in the south. Along the route, basic hut accommodation is available, though hikers must carry tents as backup. During the peak season (October to May), hikers must book in advance, follow a north-to-south route, and pay a fee to help maintain the track and its facilities.
Three Capes Track
A more recently developed premier hiking experience is the Three Capes Track on the Tasman Peninsula. This 48-kilometer journey takes four days and showcases the peninsula's spectacular sea cliffs and coastal environment. Unlike the more rustic Overland Track, the Three Capes features well-designed communal cabin accommodation with cooking facilities, meaning hikers only need to carry food, clothing, and personal items.
The track has been designed with innovative features like artistic installations and contemplation seats at scenic locations, creating a uniquely Tasmanian hiking experience that combines natural wonders with cultural storytelling.
Walls of Jerusalem National Park
For those seeking a more remote wilderness experience, the Walls of Jerusalem National Park offers alpine hiking without the infrastructure or crowds of more established tracks. Named for its biblical-inspired rock formations, this highland plateau features alpine lakes, ancient pencil pine forests, and stunning mountain vistas.
Unlike the Overland and Three Capes tracks, there are no huts or marked routes within much of the park, making this a destination for experienced hikers comfortable with navigation and wilderness camping. The reward for this self-sufficiency is the opportunity to experience one of Tasmania's most pristine alpine environments with minimal human impact.
Unique Wildlife Encounters
Tasmania's isolation has helped preserve populations of animals that have declined or disappeared on the mainland, making it a sanctuary for Australian wildlife. The island is also home to several endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.
Tasmanian Devils
Perhaps the most iconic of Tasmania's wildlife is the Tasmanian Devil, the world's largest surviving carnivorous marsupial. These distinctive animals, with their black fur, powerful jaws, and eerie screams, were once common across Australia but are now found only in Tasmania. The species faces threats from a contagious facial tumor disease, making conservation efforts crucial.
While devils are nocturnal and can be challenging to spot in the wild, several wildlife sanctuaries across Tasmania offer opportunities to see these fascinating creatures up close, including Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary near Hobart and Devils @ Cradle near Cradle Mountain.
Endemic Birds
Tasmania is a paradise for birdwatchers, with 12 species found only on the island. These endemic birds include the endangered Forty-spotted Pardalote, the Green Rosella, and the imposing Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagle. The southwest wilderness areas are particularly important for rare species like the Orange-bellied Parrot, one of the world's most endangered parrots that breeds only in this remote region.
Marine Life
The waters surrounding Tasmania teem with marine life, including fur seals, dolphins, and seasonal visitors like southern right whales and humpback whales. Particularly special are the little penguins (also known as fairy penguins), the world's smallest penguin species, which can be observed returning to coastal colonies at dusk in locations like Bicheno and Low Head.
Conservation Challenges and Successes
Tasmania's wilderness areas have not always been protected, and their conservation represents the outcome of decades of environmental activism and changing public attitudes.
The Franklin River Campaign
Perhaps the most famous environmental battle in Australian history centered on Tasmania's Franklin River in the early 1980s. Plans to dam the river for hydroelectric power sparked nationwide protests and ultimately led to a landmark High Court case that established the Commonwealth government's power to protect areas of outstanding natural value. The Franklin River flows free today as part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, a testament to the power of environmental activism.
Ongoing Conservation Efforts
Today, conservation efforts focus on protecting Tasmania's unique ecosystems from threats including climate change, introduced species, and human development. Particular attention is being paid to the Tasmanian Devil facial tumor disease, with quarantine programs and the establishment of disease-free insurance populations on the mainland and on Maria Island off Tasmania's east coast.
Restoration projects are also underway in areas previously impacted by mining, forestry, and hydro development, aiming to rehabilitate damaged ecosystems and reconnect fragmented wilderness areas.
Practical Tips for Wilderness Explorers
For travelers planning to experience Tasmania's wilderness, careful preparation can make the difference between a memorable adventure and a challenging ordeal.
Weather Considerations
Tasmania's weather is notoriously changeable, particularly in alpine areas where conditions can shift rapidly from sunshine to snow—even in summer. The island's west coast receives among the highest rainfall in Australia, while the east coast enjoys a much drier climate. When hiking, be prepared for all conditions regardless of the season, with waterproof clothing, warm layers, and sun protection essential equipment.
Best Time to Visit
Each season offers a different wilderness experience in Tasmania:
- Summer (December-February): The peak tourist season offers the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours, ideal for hiking and coastal activities. However, popular areas can be crowded, and accommodation more expensive.
- Autumn (March-May): Perhaps the most reliable season weather-wise, with calm, clear days, impressive autumn colors in deciduous beech forests, and fewer visitors than summer.
- Winter (June-August): The quietest season for tourism, with snow on the highlands and crisp, clear days interspersed with stormy periods. Many alpine tracks require winter hiking experience during this season.
- Spring (September-November): A time of renewal with wildflowers blooming across the island, waterfalls at their most impressive, and gradually warming temperatures, though spring weather can be particularly variable.
Safety in the Wilderness
Tasmania's wilderness should be approached with respect for its remoteness and potential hazards:
- Always register your hiking intentions with park authorities using the logbook system at major trailheads
- Carry emergency communication equipment such as a personal locator beacon (PLB) for remote areas
- Study detailed maps and track notes before setting out
- Check the latest weather forecasts and park alerts
- Carry sufficient water and food, plus emergency supplies
- Be aware that mobile phone coverage is non-existent in many wilderness areas
Respectful Tourism
As visitors to Tasmania's precious wilderness environments, travelers have a responsibility to minimize their impact and help preserve these areas for future generations.
Leave No Trace Principles
The internationally recognized Leave No Trace principles are especially important in Tasmania's sensitive wilderness areas:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly (pack out all trash)
- Leave what you find (no collecting of plant material or rocks)
- Minimize campfire impacts (use fuel stoves instead of fires in most areas)
- Respect wildlife (observe from a distance, never feed)
- Be considerate of other visitors
Cultural Respect
Tasmania has a rich Aboriginal heritage dating back more than 40,000 years. The Tasmanian Aboriginal people maintained a continuous presence on the island until European colonization, which had devastating impacts on their population and culture. Today, their descendants continue to maintain deep connections to country across Tasmania.
Visitors should respect the cultural significance of sites such as shell middens, rock markings, and cultural landscapes. Supporting Aboriginal tourism enterprises provides an opportunity to learn about the cultural dimensions of Tasmania's wilderness from its traditional custodians.
The Tasmanian Experience
Beyond its spectacular natural features, what makes exploring Tasmania's wilderness truly special is the sense of connection it fosters—connection to nature in its most primal and untamed state, to ancient lifeforms that have persisted for millennia, and to the raw elements of wind, water, and stone.
In an increasingly developed and digitally connected world, Tasmania offers something increasingly rare: genuine wilderness. Here, in places like the Southwest National Park or the Walls of Jerusalem, you can walk for days without crossing a road or seeing a building. The night skies blaze with stars undiminished by light pollution, and the only sounds are those of wind, water, and wildlife.
For those willing to venture beyond the comfortable and the convenient, Tasmania's wilderness provides not just adventure but perspective—a reminder of our place within the greater natural world and the importance of preserving these wild places for generations to come.
