national parks
Tasmania’s east coast has some of the state’s most diverse and captivating national parks. Take your time to discover the World Heritage-listed cultural sites of Maria Island, walk the famous white beaches of Freycinet, explore the protected forests of Douglas Apsley, or experience the coastal heaths and abundant wildlife of Mt William.
maria island national park
Maria Island National Park, just off Tasmania’s east coast, is a haven for walking and cycling, a sanctuary for wildlife, and a living record of some of Tasmania’s most compelling history.
With no cars, shops, deadlines or demands, Maria Island is the perfect place to stop, take a break and slow down. Take the ferry from Triabunna across the Mercury Passage and spend time exploring the island on foot, or by bike. Swim at secluded beaches and bays, try snorkeling or diving in the marine reserve, go bushwalking or climb to the summit of Mt Maria or Bishop and Clerk. You’ll uncover the layered stories of this place—like the ancient geological record etched in in the stone at Fossil Cliffs, the convict history of the World Heritage-listed Darlington settlement, and the intertwining stories of the many people that have been drawn to Maria over generations.
For more information see Parks and Wildlife website
freycinet national park
Sticking out into the sea on Tasmania’s mild east coast is the rugged and beautiful Freycinet Peninsula.
Freycinet National Park is one of Tasmania’s oldest, best known and most loved national parks.
Characterised by the rugged granite mountains, coastal forests, clear oceans and fine white beaches of the Freycinet Peninsula, Freycinet National Park offers some of the state’s best bushwalking, wildlife encounters and coastal activities. Take one of the many great walks in the Park—from the short walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout to multi-day walking and camping experiences. Take a cruise or sea kayaking tour to explore the coastline and encounter the Park’s incredible bird and aquatic life.
When you’ve finished exploring Freycinet National Park, you can choose from a range of fantastic east coast accommodation close by, and experience the best regional food and wine, right on the edge of this wonderful coastal wilderness.
For more information see Parks and Wildlife website
douglas apsley national park
The grand, dry eucalypt forest of Douglas Apsley National Park, is one of the last remaining areas of untouched forest of its type in Tasmania.
Located inland from Bicheno, Douglas Apsley is a place of deep gorges and cascading waterfalls and a diverse eco-system of rare and endangered plants and animals—some of which are found nowhere else on earth. Take a short stroll or full day walk into the Park, visit the Apsley Waterhole and lookout, Apsley-Myrtle Rainforest Walk or stunning Heritage Falls and Leeaberra Falls. Or, for more experienced bushwalkers, take a challenging overnight or multi-day bushwalk for a longer exploration of the Park.
For more information see Parks and Wildlife website
mount william national park
Mt William is a stunning national park on Tasmania’s far north east coast.
Located north of St Helens, Mt William is a wonderful place for camping and walking. Spend time exploring the park’s incredible beaches, lush coastal heaths, peaceful lagoons and fertile wetlands. Wildlife and birdlife are abundant in this environment—over 100 species of birds are found here, along with diverse Tasmanian wildlife including echidnas, brushtail and ringtail possums, wombats, wallabies, pademelons and Tasmanian devils. The Park is also a sanctuary for Forester kangaroos, which are uncommon elsewhere on the island.
Take one of the many walks through the heaths and woodlands of the Park, which in spring and summer are alive with fragrant wildflowers. Explore vast sand dunes, walk the long, empty beaches that are famous for their fine white sand, and take long, rejuvenating swims in the clear, east coast sea.
For more information see Parks and Wildlife website
