The Western Wilderness

The Western Wilderness of Tasmania is one of Australia's most untouched and untamed regions. It’s a landscape of rugged mountains, deep valleys, and pristine lakes that have never been developed or disturbed by humans. The South West Wilderness is one of the most remote and inaccessible areas in Australia, parts of the wilderness are more than 50 km from the nearest road. No vehicular roads penetrate beyond the edges of the wilderness, so the only access to the south-west of the area is by foot, air or sea. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled holiday or just a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the Western Wilderness will surely provide what you’re looking for. Let’s take a closer look at this incredible region.

The Landscape

The Western Wilderness is located in the western part of Tasmania, an island state off the coast of mainland Australia. This area is home to some of the world’s oldest forests, with trees that are thousands of years old. It also includes vast wetlands and mountain ranges, such as Mount Field National Park and Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. These protected areas are home to many rare species of plants and animals — including many endangered species — that can only be found in this corner of the world.

Outdoor Activities

The Western Wilderness is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts as it offers plenty of activities such as hiking, camping, kayaking, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, bird watching and more! There are countless trails for adventurers to explore or simply just enjoy nature in its rawest form. For those who prefer something less strenuous, there are plenty of spots to relax near lakeside beaches or take in breathtaking views from lookouts throughout the region.

National Parks & Reserves

The Southwest National Park is part of a continuous chain of five National Parks which cover almost a quarter of Tasmania’s land mass, including the Hartz Mountains National Park, the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, and the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. Together with a few other smaller parks and areas, form the World Heritage Area.

"Liffey Falls State Reserve is nestled within cool temperate rainforest on the slopes of the Great Western Tiers. Framed by the dominant species of Tasmania's cool temperate rainforests - myrtle, sassafrass and leatherwood. The Liffey Falls State Reserve was included within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area in 1989, a tribute to the globally significant value of the region."

Accommodations & Services

If you're planning on visiting the Western Wilderness you can find accommodations ranging from rustic cabins to luxury hotels. You'll also find restaurants serving up local specialties like seafood dishes prepared with ingredients caught right off Tasmania’s coastline! In addition, there are many tour operators offering all sorts of experiences in the area such as guided hikes and boat rides through some of its most iconic sites like Wineglass Bay or Lake Pedder National Park.

Check the Weather

The area is subject to snow, ice, strong winds, heavy fog and cloud cover at any time of year, but especially in the mid-year months, which means any trip into the wilderness should be taken with caution. The superb views are regularly obscured by low level cloud and potentially dangerous weather occurs because the wilderness fronts the wild Southern Ocean.

No matter what kind of experience you're looking for in your travels around Tasmania's beautiful wilderness areas, you'll be sure to find it here! The rugged terrain provides ample opportunities for adventurers seeking a challenge while picturesque views give those seeking relaxation an unforgettable experience. From cozy accommodations to delicious dining options—there's something for everyone to enjoy when exploring Tasmania's wild western frontier!