Wilderness is often described as nature in its most untouched form, a landscape where ecosystems function largely without human interference. It is not merely about forests, mountains or rivers; true wilderness is a sense of remoteness and tranquility that you won’t get in the urbanscape.
Tasmania is blessed with that in abundance, with more than 40% of the island sitting within national parks or reserves, and a significant chunk of its southwest and west is UNESCO World Heritage-listed. This is a place that was largely left alone when the rest of Australia was being cleared and settled.
There are countless ways to experience Tasmania’s wild side. You can choose quiet cruises through rainforest-lined waterways, physically demanding hikes or choose several days away from civilisation. And these are among the finest wilderness experiences in Tasmania…
Gordon River Cruises
Deep within Tasmania’s wild west lies the Gordon River, one of Australia’s most remarkable wilderness waterways. The river flows through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area near Strahan, approximately 4.5 hours by road from Hobart.
Gordon River cruises take you through different points like the Hell’s Gates, the notoriously narrow entrance connecting the Macquarie Harbour to the Southern Ocean. You’ll also have a stop at Heritage Landing to see the ancient Huon pines. The cruises also run on a hybrid electric system to keep engine noise low on the river. So, for travellers who want to experience Tasmania’s wilderness without strenuous physical effort, this is one of the easiest options.
Cradle Mountain Hike
Up in the north-west, Cradle Mountain looms as one of Tasmania’s most iconic landmarks within the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It is 140+ kms from Launceston (a 2hr drive) and roughly 80+ kms from Devonport. The summit track is a 12.8km return with 600 metres of elevation gain, rated Grade 5 and classified as suitable only for very experienced bushwalkers. It takes around six to eight hours to finish the hike. And if this isn’t wilderness, nothing is!
But after the climb, from the summit, hikers are treated to sweeping views across mountains, lakes, and vast tracts of protected wilderness stretching to the horizon—and that alone justifies all the physical exhaustion.
Franklin River Rafting
If Tasmania’s wilderness had an unofficial proving ground, the Franklin River would be a strong contender. Flowing through some of the most remote landscapes in the state, the river gained international attention during the environmental campaigns of the 1980s that ultimately helped protect it from dam development.
Multi-day rafting expeditions usually begin near Queenstown on Tasmania’s west coast. These trips are not casual sightseeing excursions; this is an experience where participants paddle through powerful rapids, camp beside the river, and spend days disconnected from roads, mobile signals and modern conveniences.
Maria Island Walk
Maria Island is a car-free national park off Tasmania’s east coast, accessible by ferry from Triabunna. If you’re visiting the island, it is better to make it a multi-day exploration. There is the famous guided four-day experience that covers 34km across the island, with nights split between exclusive bush camps and Bernacchi House, a heritage-listed property in Darlington dating to the 1880s.
On the island, you might find wombats, wallabies, Tasmanian Devils, and more, giving you company. You can also choose between climbing Mt Maria or ascending Bishop and Clerk through rare cloud rainforest.
Wineglass Bay Tour
Situated within Freycinet National Park on Tasmania’s east coast, Wineglass Bay is one of Australia’s most photographed natural attractions, yet photographs rarely capture the scale of the landscape. Visitors usually reach the area via a 2.5hr drive from Hobart.
The classic experience begins with the walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, where the famous crescent-shaped beach reveals itself between granite peaks and turquoise waters. And for a deeper wilderness experience, continue beyond the lookout and descend to the beach itself. Walking on the sand, surrounded by forest-covered mountains and clear waters, offers a completely different perspective from the viewpoint above.
So, in Tasmania wilderness is not a backdrop for a holiday photo, it is the OG attraction. Whether it is cruising along an ancient river, standing on a windswept summit, or walking through landscapes that have changed little over thousands of years, these experiences offer a rare chance to step outside the pace of modern life and reconnect with something far tranquil, older and bigger.
