The Franklin – Gordon Wild Rivers National Park lies in the
heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It is a region
of dramatic mountain peaks, beautiful rainforest, deep river valleys
and spectacular gorges. The park is famous for the wild and pristine
rivers that twist their way through the wilderness. The Franklin River
itself has become synonymous with Australia’s largest
conservation battle – the battle to save the Franklin from a
proposed hydro-electric power scheme which would have flooded the river.
The Lyell Highway winds for 56 kilometres through the heart of the
Franklin – Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Take your time to
enjoy the drive through the park. Along the Lyell Highway there are
several short walks and picnic stops along the way that will allow you
to discover the grandeur and beauty of the Wild Rivers region.
How to get there:
The Lyell Highway (A10) connects Hobart in the south-east of
Tasmania with Queenstown in the west. It runs through the
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.From Hobart, travel west for
2 1/2 hours via the Lyell Highway, or south a similar distance from
Launceston via Longford and Poatina on the Lakes Highway (A5).
King William Saddle marks the boundary of the park, and indeed a
dramatic change in the geology and vegetation of western Tasmania.
Nelson Falls marks the western boundary of the park. The Lyell Highway
may occasionally be closed by snow in winter.The park can also be
accessed via the lower Gordon River on one of the daily cruise boats
that operate out of the west coast village of Strahan.
Wild Rivers National Park is also accessible by boat from the west
coast township of Strahan. Cruises operate daily to Heritage Landing on
the forest-clad banks of the lower Gordon River. The remarkable
reflections of the rainforest in the dark, tannin-stained waters of the
lower Gordon are a highlight of any visit to this region. Some cruises
also call in at the historic penal settlement of Sarah Island, allowing
you to roam around the convict ruins.
Scenic flights from Strahan also provide visitors with the opportunity
to fly over the dramatic landscapes of the Wild Rivers. While in
Strahan, the West Coast Information and Booking Centre is a perfect
place to discover the rich and diverse history of the west coast
– a history of such importance on a global scale that it played
an important part in the listing of the Tasmanian Wilderness World
Heritage Area. The centre is a wealth of information, so try to spend a
few hours here, or come back the next day to continue your visit.
Tickets are valid for 24 hours.
Walks
Walks within this park range from short, easy strolls to the demanding 4 or 5 day walk to Frenchmans Cap.
It is recommended that walking boots or strong shoes be worn on all
walks, due to the rough terrain. For longer walks previous bush
navigation experience and the use of appropriate maps and notes are
recommended.
Day Walks
Important! Before planning any walks, be sure to check the weather. A good map is essential.
Franklin River Nature Trail
After the steep descent from Mt Arrowsmith the highway crosses the
Franklin River, one of the few remaining wild rivers in Australia. The
Franklin flows through numerous deep gorges and some of the wildest
country in the State. A one kilometre, easy grade nature trail winds
through stunning cool temperate rainforest and introduces visitors to
two wild rivers: the Franklin and the Surprise. Interpretive signs
raise some issues about ‘wilderness’ and what it means to
different people. The trail is suitable for wheelchairs. Picnic tables
and toilet facilities are provided, making it an ideal place to stop
for lunch or a break.
Day Walks
Frenchmans Cap Walking Track
Three kilometres west of the Franklin River bridge the walking track to
Frenchmans Cap begins. A pleasant five minute stroll along this good
dry track will bring you to the Franklin River. Across the Franklin,
walkers will encounter a wash-down station used to help reduce the
spread of Phytophthora root rot – a disease that can destroy our
native forests.For experienced bushwalkers the return trip to the
summit of Frenchmans Cap takes four to five days. See our outdoor
recreation pages for full track notes for Frenchmans Cap.
Donaghys Hill Wilderness Lookout Walk
Stop here for a spectacular wilderness panorama, taking in the Franklin
River valley and Frenchmans Cap. It is only a 30-40 minute return walk
on a well-graded track. The majestic Frenchmans Cap (1443 m) dominates
its surroundings and often retains some of its snow well into summer.
Even when the snow has melted it remains white and shiny due to the
quartzite rock which makes up the half-dome peak. This unusual
formation was said to resemble a cap worn by Frenchmen – hence
the name.
Collingwood River
This is the starting point for raft or canoe trips down the Franklin
River, of which the Collingwood is a tributary. It is a pleasant place
to stop for a breath of fresh air and a stroll along the river bank. A
short, 5 minute walk along the eastern bank of the river will bring you
to the junction of the Alma and Collingwood rivers. Basic campsites are
available, but there are no facilities. In summer, you may see rafting
parties setting out for trips down the Franklin River. Ahead of them
lie two weeks of inspiration and adventure through the wild river lands
of the Tasmanian wilderness.
Nelson Falls Nature Trail
About four kilometres west of Victoria Pass you will come to the Nelson
River bridge and the lovely Nelson Falls Nature Trail. At the start of
the trail, a display reveals the rich history of the men and women who
once lived and worked in the area. A pleasant 20 minute return walk
along a well-graded track takes you through cool temperate rainforest
to the spectacular Nelson Falls. Signs along the way will help you to
learn more about these ancient forests and the animals that inhabit
them.
Major Attractions
