Harbouring some of Tasmania’s most stunning scenery, from mountain peaks and gorges to temperate rainforest and moorland, this rugged pocket of green is home to Tasmania’s mighty Franklin and Gordon Rivers. Both Franklin River Rafting and Tasmania Expeditions run outstanding, multi-day rafting adventures through what is some of the most inaccessible territory in Australia. The latter also runs guided hikes, both here and in other wild corners of the island.

For more relaxed exploration, Gordon River Cruises runs evocative catamaran tours to Hells Gate (at the mouth of Macquarie Harbour) and along the Gordon River, lunch included.

A list of walks can be found on the park’s website. These include the wheelchair-accessible Nelson Falls walk (1.4km return), just off the Lyell Hwy (A10). Uncomplicated yet rewarding, the trail leads to a picturesque waterfall.

Practical Info

Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers lies in western Tasmania. Its main gateway towns are Queenstown and Strahan. The former is some 200km southwest of Davenport. The latter is around 225km southwest of Davenport.

Car: From Davenport, head southwest on the Ridgley Hwy (B18) and Murchison Hwy (A10). The park itself is traversed by the Lyell Hwy (A10), connecting Queenstown to Hobart.

parks.tas.gov.au