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Why Tasmania tops our list for wilderness experiences

Jen Adams | July 23, 2016 | 4:57 am | 17 Comments

We are spoiled for so many things here in Australia… The outback, the beaches, the tropics…. But one of my favourite places to escape to on holiday is the wilderness. Pristine landscapes covered in a dense patchwork of vegetation from rainforests to highlands, with unspoiled habitats and rich and diverse plants and animals. Locations that almost feel untouched by humans.

Tasmanian wilderness experiences
Pristine wilderness

I love to stay somewhere as close to nature as possible and spend our days out exploring it. Biking, hiking, swimming…. Simply immersing ourselves in the fresh air and breathtaking sights, sounds and smells.  Nothing is more invigorating.

Tasmanian wilderness experiences
Tassie’s wild nature

Tasmania has to be one of the best examples in the country. With more than 40% of its land reserved as national parks and world heritage wilderness, you are spoiled for choice with destinations that have barely been touched by people. The protection of their natural assets is one of Tassie’s prides and joy – and we, as visitors, reap the benefits.

Tasmania wilderness experiences
Tasmania’s magnificent natural wilderness is everywhere such as here in Stanley

It’s cooler climate means that Tasmania is perfect for so many wilderness experiences – the heat doesn’t stop you from getting physical like it does in more northern climes. So quite literally, the sky is the limit for the ways you can get out and explore the Tassie wilderness, and here are some of our favourite things to do.

  1. Bushwalking/hiking

Nothing is easier or more accessible than simply pulling on a pair of sturdy walking shoes and hitting the trails. Cradle Mountain has to top the list for walking opportunities. Not only is there the famous, multi-day Overland Track hike, but also the network of walks that can be easily done in a day or less. One of our favourites is the 6km circuit around Dove Lake. To simply appreciate the postcard-like picture of the national park with its iconic peaks, this is a must. Much of it is boardwalk, leaving you free to simply appreciate the views which include Cradle Mountain, the ancient Ballroom Forest, and the occasional platypus or echidna.

Tasmania wilderness experiences
Walk around Dove Lake in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Another favourite walk is the track to the Wineglass Bay lookout, in Freycinet National Park. Best done at sunrise or sunset when the nearby Hazards glow pink, the walk is only around 45 minutes and you are rewarded with views over one of Australia’s most famous beaches. Extend you walk and head down to the beach itself after the ascent and you might even have it all to yourself.

Tasmania wilderness experiences
Walk the Blue Tier in the state’s North East

Finally, a walk in the Blue Tier Plateau in the states North-East might be a little less known, but is very much worth the effort. Just a little inland from the popular Bay of Fires region, there are a network of walking trails in this sub-alpine plateau which is around 600m above sea level. Our walk there took us past the Blue Tier Giant, Australia’s widest living tree with a girth of 19.4m.

Tasmania wilderness experiences
Views from the top of the Blue Tier

At the top of the 2 hour return circuit were views stretching out to the sea, and I might also add that our 5 year old daughter was easily able to complete the walk at the time.

  1. Kayaking

Another Freycinet favourite… kayaking the coastline. Departing from the small village of Coles Bay near Freycinet National Park, this sea kayaking adventure lets you explore wilderness that would otherwise be unreachable.

Tasmania wilderness experiences
Freycinet kayak adventure, the best way to discover this wilderness

Skim over pristine waters so clear you can see the marine life below, enjoy unique views of The Hazards above you. Wildlife may even join you on your journey as you weave along the coastline.

  1. Biking

Even just outside Tasmania’s capital cities, there are incredible wilderness experiences to be found. Mt Wellington overlooks the city of Hobart and on a fine day, the views from the top are mind-boggling.

Tasmania wilderness experiences
Bike down Mt Wellington with views over Hobart

Our favourite way to get back down is by mountain bike, a thrilling adventure that takes you 21km through sub-alpine landscapes and mountain rainforest all the way to the sea.

  1. Boating

Being an island, Tasmania is surrounded by opportunities to experience life on the water – and we love exploring some of its best wilderness locations by boat.

Tasmanian wilderness experiences
South Bruny National Park from the water

From the award winning Bruny Island Cruises, a 3 hour eco-cruise around the rugged Bruny Island coastline, witnessing some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs, deep sea caves and South Bruny National Park, to some of the inland adventures, such as the Gordon River Cruise near Strahan, an amazing insight into Tasmania’s natural wilderness deep within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

  1. Swimming

Swimming might be a little trickier in the state of Tasmania thanks to its cooler waters, however, there are still plenty of opportunities to get yourself wet.

Tasmanian wilderness experiences
Go exploring Tassie’s underwater wilderness

We donned steamer wetsuits to snorkel in The Gulch at the entrance to the Bay of Fires, and discovered a distinctive underwater wilderness. Our main goal was to find abalone but we also discovered unique varieties of kelp and the rare weedy seadragon.

Tasmanian wilderness experiences
Bay of Fires

A perfect way to warm up afterwards was a coastal walk along the Bay of Fires beaches afterwards…. Fine white sand, turquoise waters and red-lichen covered rocks form the most iconic landscape and the best part of all, is that you often have it all to yourself.

  1. Camping & Caravanning

One of the best ways to experience nature is to sleep in it! I love the way camping and caravanning allow you to feel like you never truly go ‘inside’ – even though you are protected by the nylon of the tent or the caravan/campervan walls. You can still hear the sounds of the environment throughout the night – birds, waves, wind, trees… It’s such a departure from your ordinary life that you truly appreciate where you are.

Tasmanian wilderness experiences
Camping in the wilderness is one of the best experiences

Tassie has some of the best located Holiday Parks that I have experienced. The BIG4 Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain is right on the edge of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and we were surrounded by pristine bushland and even had some local wallabies and their joeys greet us at our campsite.

Tasmanian wilderness experiences
The beach opposite BIG4 lluka on Freycinet

The BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet is directly opposite Muirs Beach on Coles Bay, affording incredible access to the world-class wilderness right on your doorstep.

7.  Relaxing!

Of course, a holiday in the wilderness is not just for people who like to get active. It is also perfect for those who just want to relax. The natural environment couldn’t be better for refreshing the mind and soul as you simply enjoy being amongst it. Escaping civilisation and surrounding yourself with the wild, from the fresh air, to the forests, the sights and sounds of nature and sometimes, even just getting ‘off the grid’.

Tasmanian wilderness experiences
Beautiful Bruny is the perfect place to relax in the wilderness

Bruny Island, one of our favourite spots in Tassie, is perfect for this. Enterprising locals are so incredibly proud of their little patch of paradise and they are crafting amazing food and wine opportunities out of the local environment. So you can relax, take in the stunning scenery, and enjoy local cheese, cider, oysters and more, without lifting much more than a finger.

Tasmanian wilderness experiences
Relax in the Bay of Fires

St Helens and the Bay of Fires is also high on the list – simply wander (or lie on, depending on the time of year) the iconic beach, framed by the turquoise water, white sand and red-lichen covered boulders and relax. Take some just-caught-that-day seafood back to your accommodation and tuck in. Or jump on the glass bottomed boat, a little further south in Bicheno, to discover the incredible underwater wilderness at your leisure.

What are your favourite wilderness experiences? Tell us in the comments below!

PrintTasmania has some of the most diverse, remote and wild outdoor experiences in Australia. Over a third of the island is protected as parks, reserves and world heritage areas. Within hours of your arrival, fiercely diverse landscapes become your constant companion, as outdoor escape turns into an epic adventure. Go behind the scenery and discover Tasmania today.

About Jen Adams

Places We Go is Jen's dream come true. As the founder, she simply wanted to 'share the world with the world'. With the tag line “It’s not just the places we go, but the people we meet that capture our heart” Jen knows that it's always the locals that bring our travels alive.

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Comments

  1. Thies says

    July 23, 2016 at 9:54 am

    What’s easier: Building a bridge / tunnel or towing it closer to Mainland Australia to increase tourism ?

    Reply
    • Emma De Fry says

      July 25, 2016 at 11:42 pm

      Taking the Spirit of Tasmania Thies! It’s so super easy! But we agree, Tassie is so super special!

      Reply
  2. Samantha says

    July 23, 2016 at 4:41 pm

    i would love to win this trip as tasie is my fav place to go and it is such an amazing place to send time with family please please give me this chance xx

    Reply
  3. Andrew Lang says

    July 23, 2016 at 5:45 pm

    Hi Jen,

    Just saw your programme about the East Cast of Tasmania. I looked at your past stuff on the Bay of Fires. Although based in Melbourne, we have a place at Scamander and spend time there each year. We discovered the Bay of Fires Eco Tour, which goes from Binalong Bay and travels up to Eddystone Point and Back..We are yet to see whales ourselves but have seen pods of dolphins on our trips with them.

    Also there is a small place on the Upper Scamander Road called Eureka Farm – It has fresh fruit in season, but has a great jams etc and a Worcestershire sauce that is amazing.

    I have no connection with these businesses but they are part of our holidays in that part of the world.

    Andrew Lang

    Reply
  4. Rowena Jason says

    July 24, 2016 at 12:31 am

    Love this programme. If we cannot watch on the day, we always record to watch the next day. Tasmania brought back lovely memories for us. Would love to revisit one day.

    Reply
    • Emma De Fry says

      July 25, 2016 at 11:44 pm

      It truly is a special place Rowena isn’t it – so glad we could bring back some memories for you and hope you can get back there one day to experience it again!

      Reply
  5. Peter newby says

    July 30, 2016 at 5:02 pm

    The diversity of tasmania’s environment is extraordinary. I have climbed cradle mountain, stood at the edge of lake pedder, walked to so many waterfalls, cruised lakes and rivers, and every place is fantastic. and I love the food experience of Tasmania! But, i need to visit again to do more walks, eat more food, and say “WOW” a whole lot more.

    Reply
  6. Ronny Tidy says

    August 19, 2016 at 8:04 am

    We are coming ( back) October

    Reply
  7. Nan Catmur says

    August 19, 2016 at 8:21 am

    Need to see my home state… such a beautiful place <3

    Reply
  8. Wendy Leabeater says

    August 19, 2016 at 8:32 am

    Beautiful Dove Lake!

    Reply
  9. Marilyn Clayton says

    August 19, 2016 at 9:22 am

    Love Love Tasmania

    Reply
  10. Veronica Jones says

    August 19, 2016 at 9:42 am

    Love Tasmania.

    Reply
  11. Karen Hooper says

    August 19, 2016 at 9:07 pm

    Got married at Cradle Mountain. Had photos taken right here

    Reply
  12. Sarah Jane Smith says

    August 20, 2016 at 6:42 am

    Never been to Tassie but we have planned our drive holiday over there in Jan…..so excited!

    Reply
  13. Samara Lewis says

    August 20, 2016 at 10:17 am

    I’d love to travel to Tassie and see the wilderness there

    Reply
  14. Belinda Weihen says

    September 8, 2016 at 12:04 am

    Matthew Rath

    Reply
    • Matthew Rath says

      September 8, 2016 at 1:12 am

      I’ll be there this weekend!!!!

      Reply
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