1 Cairns and District, North Queensland
2 The Gold Coast, Queensland
3 The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
4 Great Ocean Road, Victoria
5 Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
6 The Kimberley, Western Australia
7 Blue Mountains, New South Wales
8 Sydney Harbour & Sydney Opera House
9 Tasmania's World Heritage Area
10 Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory
Much of the island of Tasmania is superb wilderness, and the state's relatively small size means these untouched areas are easily accessible.
Tasmania's wilderness is of such significant natural beauty that around 20 per cent - an incredible 1.38 million hectares - of the state is under World Heritage protection. This land of rugged peaks, wild rivers, moorland and remote coastline also contains many sites of Aboriginal significance, while the wildlife includes Tasmanian devils, echidnas and the elusive platypus.
One of the most accessible regions in the World Heritage Area is the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, just 170km from the capital, Hobart. The alpine scenery here is truly spectacular - high peaks that include Mount Ossa (1,617m), the state's highest mountain, lakes, alpine moorlands and rainforests. There are many hiking tracks here, the most famous of which is the five to ten day Overland Track in the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. To the south, the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is particularly famous for its adventurous Franklin River whitewater rafting. Even more remote and untamed wilderness is found in the Southwest National Park, the domain of forests, lakes and a long, deeply indented coastline. Experienced hikers will enjoy the challenge of this park's 85km South Coast Track. Much closer to Hobart and characterised by its heathlands and rugged dolerite ranges, is the Hartz Mountains National Park. November to April are the best months to go, but the weather can be unpredictable at any time, changing in minutes from warm and sunny to rain, or even snow.Url: www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au
Bus: From Hobart, Devonport and Launceston to some locations; driving is the best option
Air: To Southwest National Park
Accessible: Few
Admission: Parks: inexpensive
Other: Hobart, Launceston, Strahan
Info: Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, 134 Macquarie Street, Hobart (PHONE: (03) 6233 6191 HOURS: Mon-Fri 9-5)
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