Separated from mainland Australia by the 240-kilometer expanse of Bass Strait, Tasmania is a place apart – an island of extraordinary natural beauty where wilderness still dominates and ancient landscapes remain largely untouched by human development. Sometimes called "the Apple Isle" for its once-prominent fruit industry, Tasmania could just as easily be known as "the Wilderness Isle" for the remarkable proportion of its land that remains in a pristine, natural state.
An Island of Wild Landscapes
Tasmania may be Australia's smallest state, but it boasts an astonishing diversity of landscapes within its compact 68,401 square kilometers. More than 42% of the island is protected in national parks and reserves, including the vast Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, which covers nearly 20% of the state.
This island at the edge of the world offers travelers the rare opportunity to experience multiple wilderness environments in close proximity – from misty mountain ranges and ancient rainforests to pristine white-sand beaches and dramatic coastal cliffs. What makes Tasmania truly special is that these wild places remain genuinely wild, yet are surprisingly accessible to visitors willing to venture beyond the beaten path.
The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area
At the heart of Tasmania's wilderness experience is the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA), one of the largest temperate wilderness areas remaining in the Southern Hemisphere. Covering 1.58 million hectares, this remarkable conservation zone meets seven out of ten criteria for World Heritage listing – a distinction matched by only two other places on Earth.
The TWWHA encompasses six major national parks and numerous conservation areas, protecting landscapes of extraordinary evolutionary significance. Within this wilderness sanctuary, visitors can encounter:
Ancient Gondwanan Rainforests
Some of Tasmania's forests represent living links to the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana, with species like the slow-growing Huon pine – which can live for 3,000 years – providing a direct connection to prehistoric times. Walking among these moss-covered giants in places like the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park offers a humbling glimpse into Earth's ancient past.
Alpine Plateaus and Mountain Ranges
The rugged central highlands of Tasmania feature remarkable alpine landscapes dotted with glacial lakes and weathered peaks. Cradle Mountain, with its distinctive jagged profile reflected in the mirror-like surface of Dove Lake, has become an iconic Tasmanian image. The 65-kilometer Overland Track that runs from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair is one of Australia's premier wilderness walks, traversing stunning alpine terrain and rainforest valleys.
Pristine Rivers and Waterways
Tasmania's rivers flow largely unimpeded from source to sea – a rarity in today's developed world. The Franklin River, which runs through deep gorges in the heart of the wilderness, became the focus of Australia's most significant environmental campaign when plans to dam it were successfully opposed in the early 1980s. Today, rafting its wild waters offers one of Australia's most exhilarating wilderness experiences.
Coastal Wilderness
Along Tasmania's southern and western coasts, the wilderness meets the sea in a spectacular collision of landscapes. In Southwest National Park, the South Coast Track takes hardy hikers through 85 kilometers of some of the world's most pristine coastal wilderness. Meanwhile, at Freycinet National Park on the east coast, the perfect curve of Wineglass Bay consistently ranks among the world's most beautiful beaches, despite being accessible only by a strenuous hike or boat.
Remarkable Wildlife
Tasmania's isolation has allowed it to maintain populations of species that have disappeared or become endangered on the mainland. The island serves as a refuge for many of Australia's iconic animals and is home to species found nowhere else on Earth.
Tasmanian Devils
The Tasmanian devil, the world's largest surviving carnivorous marsupial, has become emblematic of the island. These feisty nocturnal scavengers, with their distinctive facial markings and bone-chilling screams, face their own survival challenges due to a contagious facial tumor disease. Conservation programs throughout Tasmania offer opportunities to view these unique creatures while supporting efforts to ensure their survival.
Endemic Species
Tasmania hosts twelve bird species found nowhere else, including the endangered forty-spotted pardalote and the Tasmanian native hen. The Tasmanian pademelon (a small wallaby), the eastern quoll (extinct on the mainland), and numerous invertebrate species are also unique to the island.
Marine Life
The waters surrounding Tasmania support extraordinary marine biodiversity, from the giant kelp forests off the east coast to the seal colonies of the Tasman Peninsula. Seasonal visitors include migrating southern right whales, humpbacks, and even occasional orcas.
Experiencing Tasmania's Wilderness
Tasmania offers wilderness experiences for every level of adventurer, from comfortable guided tours to challenging expeditions into remote backcountry.
Iconic Walking Tracks
Tasmania's network of multi-day walking tracks represents some of the finest wilderness hiking in the world:
- The Overland Track (65km, 6 days) – traversing the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
- Three Capes Track (48km, 4 days) – a premier coastal walk with architect-designed huts along the dramatic sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula
- South Coast Track (85km, 6-8 days) – a challenging remote walk through the Southwest National Park, requiring a light plane flight to the starting point
- Walls of Jerusalem Circuit (4-5 days) – exploring the highland plateau and ancient pencil pine forests of the Central Plateau
Day Experiences
For those with limited time or who prefer shorter adventures, numerous day walks and experiences offer a taste of Tasmania's wilderness:
- Dove Lake Circuit at Cradle Mountain (6km, 2-3 hours)
- Russell Falls and Tall Trees walk at Mount Field National Park (2km, 1 hour)
- Wineglass Bay Lookout in Freycinet National Park (2.6km return, 1-1.5 hours)
- Cruise on the pristine Gordon River from Strahan, accessing the heart of the wilderness by water
- Scenic flight over the Southwest Wilderness, offering a spectacular aerial perspective of inaccessible landscapes
Wilderness Lodges
Tasmania has pioneered the concept of sensitive wilderness accommodation, with several award-winning eco-lodges that offer immersive natural experiences with minimal environmental impact. Properties like Cradle Mountain Lodge, Saffire Freycinet, and the Bay of Fires Lodge demonstrate that comfort and conservation can coexist, providing luxury amid remote settings.
Conservation Challenges
Tasmania's wilderness faces ongoing challenges despite its protected status. Climate change threatens sensitive alpine environments and increases fire risk in ancient forests that aren't adapted to frequent burning. Introduced species like feral cats impact native wildlife, while development pressures continue to test the boundaries between conservation and economic interests.
The spread of Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease presents a specific threat to one of Tasmania's iconic species, while controversies over tourism development within national parks highlight the tension between increasing visitation and preserving wilderness values.
Yet Tasmania also demonstrates the power of community activism in protecting wilderness. The successful campaign to save the Franklin River from damming in the 1980s marked a turning point in Australian environmental consciousness, and today's Tasmanian conservation movement continues to advocate for the preservation of wild places.
Responsible Wilderness Tourism
As interest in Tasmania's natural wonders grows, responsible tourism practices become increasingly important. Visitors can minimize their impact by:
- Staying on designated tracks and camping areas
- Carrying out all rubbish (including biodegradable waste in sensitive areas)
- Respecting wildlife by maintaining distance and never feeding animals
- Supporting local conservation initiatives and Indigenous-led tourism experiences
- Choosing tour operators with strong environmental credentials
- Practicing "Leave No Trace" principles in wilderness areas
Tasmania's Wilderness: A Place Like No Other
In a world where truly wild places are increasingly rare, Tasmania stands as a remarkable testament to the power and beauty of nature left to its own devices. The island offers not just scenery but transformation – a chance to reconnect with the natural world in its most authentic form.
From the mist-shrouded peaks of Cradle Mountain to the pristine beaches of the Bay of Fires, from the ancient rainforests of the Tarkine to the wild rivers of the southwest, Tasmania's wilderness landscapes provide both sanctuary and adventure. They remind us of what has been lost elsewhere and what can still be preserved with conscious care and appreciation.
At Aussie Adventures, we believe that experiencing Tasmania's wilderness creates advocates for its protection. Our carefully designed Tasmanian journeys balance adventure with education, comfort with authenticity, and access with conservation. Whether you're seeking a challenging multi-day trek or a gentle introduction to Tasmania's natural wonders, we can guide you through Australia's remarkable final frontier – a place where wilderness still reigns and nature's voice speaks loudest.