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TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park TASMANIA - South West National Park tasmania tasmanian national parks, parks, camping, australian hospitality, South West National Park Mount Field National Park Mount Field National Park is one of Tasmania's oldest and popular parks. There are beautiful forests and many lakes as well as a windswept highland plateau , covered in snow during the winter months. On the lower slopes more than 25 species of eucalyptus can be seen while on the higher slopes there are Snow Gums, Pencil Pines and Dwarf Mountain Pines. Access to the park is easy and there are many good bushwalks, one of the most popular being a 10 minute walk to Russell Falls which drops 50m into a cool gorge, lush with ferns and rainforest. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park Covering 1280 square kilometres, Cradle Mountain National Park contains some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Australia. Lake St Clair on the south-east side of the park is the main attraction and starting point for Tasmania's most famous walk, the 80km Cradle Mountain track. On the way to the Cradle Valley at the other end of the park, the track has some of the most incredible scenery as it passes spectacular mountains and lakes, and is suitable for reasonably fit people with no experience provided they are well equipped and part of a professionally guided group. Franklin-Lower Gordon Wild Rivers National Park Franklin-Gordon Rivers National Park at the epicentre of Tasmania's acclaimed World Heritage area. Being a wilderness area the best way to see this park is by either white water rafting down one of the wild rivers or via cruise boat or seaplane from Strathan. Hobart Region National Parks Hartz Mountains National Park Covering an area of 8470ha of rugged highlands, Hartz Mountain National Park is the closest world heritage area to an Australian capital city. The park is covered with alpine heathland dissected by wild rivers and dotted with pretty lakes whose origins go back to the glaciers. Mt Hartz's dolerite peak (1254m) dominates the landscape and along with other peaks is snow covered most of the year. The park is popular with snow lovers and is beautiful in spring when the bright red waratah blooms. There are several good bushwalking tracks which lead to Mt Picton and Federation Peak. East Coast Tasmania National Parks Mount William National Park Mount William National Park serves as a refuge for the Forester kangaroo, the only large kangaroo left in Tasmania. The main road through the park, called Forester Kangaroo Drive, was specially built for viewing animals. A total area of 13 812ha includes beaches, heathland and dry scleropyll forests. There is an abundance of wildlife and a number of plant communities found nowhere else in Australia. Ben Lomond National Park Ben Lomond National Park is situated 60km south-east of Launceston, an easy one hour drive along the picturesque North Esk River Valley. The park lies more than 1 300 metres above sea level on a large plateau above Tasmania's northern midlands, and is the country's major ski field offering excellent downhill and cross country skiing in the winter. Spectacular wildflowers and wildlife may be seen on the many beautiful alpine walks. Douglas Apsley National Park Situated in the middle of the East Coast, Douglas Apsley National Park is Tasmania's newest park. Spectacular river gorges, waterfalls, tranquil pools, large stands of dry eucalypt and pockets of rainforest combine to make a visit to the park a memorable experience. Freycinet National Park Situated 212km north-east of Hobart Freycinet National Park is accessed through the town of Coles Bay. Three spectacular rugged red granite peaks, Amos, Dove, and Mayson are surrounded by charming bays, white beaches and rocky headlands. There many good walks including a day walk around the peninsula with a lunch stop at Cookes Beach and a walk to the top of the Hazard's which offers fantastic views. Maria Island National Park Located six kilometres offshore the island is accessed either by a short ferry ride from Triabunna or by light aircraft. Maria Island was Tasmania's second penal settlement and later became a convict probation station, grazing property, the site for vineyards, and a cement works. Finally the island was declared a National Park and wildlife sanctuary, mainly for the breeding of threatened indigenous wildlife. The two halfs of the island are linked by a sandy isthmus and covered mainly with eucalypt forests, interspersed with coastal heath, while the east coast is mainly rugged steep cliffs. There are dedicated camping grounds on the island or alternatively accommodation is available in the bunkhouses of the former penitentiary. All provisions must be taken to the island as there are no shops. North Coast Tasmania National Parks Rocky Cape National Park Situated in the North West corner of Tasmania, this park offers small sheltered beaches and sweeping views over Bass Strait. The banksia dotted hillsides boast many varieties of orchid and spectacular wildflowers in the spring. Remnants of Aboriginal life include several caves containing paintings and middens up to 9 000 years old. Asbestos Range National Park Asbestos Range National Park, in the centre of the North Coast, covers the coast from Port Sorell to the mouth of the Tamar River. Beautiful unspoilt beaches, long stretches of sand dunes and coastal heathland make up this park which is an important habitat for many of Tasmania's largest marsupials. Cataract Gorge Reserve William Collins when he explored the Gorge in 1804, described its natural beauty as unsurpassed in the world. The First Basin on the southern side features a swimming pool and an open area surrounded by bushland and becomes Launceston's 'beach' in summer. In contrast, the shady northern side named the Cliff Grounds is a Victorian garden with ferns and exotic plants. Dividing the two areas is the South Esk River and the Gorge can be crossed on the Alexandra Suspension Bridge, or swinging bridge, built in 1895, or on a well formed path established where an original ford crossed the South Esk. Alternatively the crossing can be made on the chairlift which contains in its length, the longest single span in the world. The Cataract Gorge Reserve abounds with walking trails and lookouts which fully explore the beauty of the area. The most spectacular way to enter the reserve is on the Kings Bridge-Cataract Walk, a path which clings to the Cliff face of the Gorge. It was built in the 1890's for the benefit of Launceston's citizens and visitors and was the city's most popular promenade in Victorian times. The path offers excellent views of the dolerite columns along the cliffs and during winter the drama of the furious floods is an exciting spectacle. The Duck Reach Trail leads through an almost untouched landscape past the Second Basin and close to the remains of the Duck River Power Station which was Australia's first municipal hydro-electric power station.