The Distinctive jagged peaks of Cradle Mountain are now recognized as an international symbol of the state's natural environment. The second-highest mountain in Tasmania reaches 1,560 m (5,100 ft) at the northern end of the 161,000-ha (400,000-acre) this national park. The park then stretches 80 km (50 miles) south to the shores of Lake St Clair, the deepest freshwater lake in Australia.
In 1922, the area became a national park, founded by Austrian nature enthusiast Gustav Weindorfer. His memory lives on in his forest home Waldheim Chalet, now a heritage lodge in Weindorfer's Forest. Nearby at Ronny Creek is the registration point for the celebrated Overland Track, which traverses the park through scenery ranging from rainforest, alpine moors, buttongrass plains and waterfall valleys. Walking the track takes an average of five days, stopping overnight in tents or huts. At the halfway mark is Mount Ossa, the state's highest peak at 1,617 m (5,300 ft). In May, the park is ablaze with the autumn colors of Tasmania's deciduous beech Nothofagus gunnii, commonly known as "Fagus".
One Of Australia's great wild river systems flows through southwest Tasmania. This spectacular region consists of high ranges and deep gorges. The Franklin- Gordon Wild Rivers National Park extends southeast from Macquarie Harbor and is one of four national parks in the western part of Tasmania that make up the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The park takes its name from the Franklin and Gordon rivers, both of which were saved by conservationists in 1983.
Landscapes varying from waterfalls to temperate rainforests to mountains capped with dolerite and quartzite all fall with an area of 1,090,000 acres of the park. Just like the landscapes, flora in this region is varied. These include Huon pines, celery tops, horizontal scrub, lichens coated tress and pandani plants. The boat cruise from Strahan is the easiest way to commute in the wilderness. Guests can always unload and go for a short walk and watch the Huon pines. Experienced bushwalkers can also get to the rugged peaks o Frenchman's Cap. Whitewater rafters find the rapids in the Franklin River absolutely challenging. The link between Hobart and the western coast of Tasmania is called the Wild Way and it runs through the park. For those with greater skills or survival and better equipment, there are longer walks into the park, while or those not so advantaged, there are shorter walks to reach the river and the forest directly from the main road.
As one walks down a little over 45 miles on the Maydena Road and approaches Mount Field National Park, the scenic beauty makes this spot a popular tourist location. Well maintained walking tracks around Hobart offer an easy access to the diversity of flora and fauna of Tasmania, in a day long walk trail.
The most popular walk is also the shortest: the 10-minute trail to Russell Falls starts out from just within the park's entrance through a temperate rainforest environment. Lake Dobson car park is 15 km (9.5 miles) from the park's entrance up a steep gravel path. This is the beginning of several other short walks and some more strenuous day walks. The 10-km (6-mile) walk to Tarn Shelf is a bushwalker's paradise, especially in autumn, when the glacial lakes, mountains and valleys are spectacularly highlighted by the red orange hues of the deciduous beech trees. Longer trails lead up to the higher peaks of Mount Field West and Mount Mawson, southern Tasmania's premier ski slope.
In 1922, the area became a national park, founded by Austrian nature enthusiast Gustav Weindorfer. His memory lives on in his forest home Waldheim Chalet, now a heritage lodge in Weindorfer's Forest. Nearby at Ronny Creek is the registration point for the celebrated Overland Track, which traverses the park through scenery ranging from rainforest, alpine moors, buttongrass plains and waterfall valleys. Walking the track takes an average of five days, stopping overnight in tents or huts. At the halfway mark is Mount Ossa, the state's highest peak at 1,617 m (5,300 ft). In May, the park is ablaze with the autumn colors of Tasmania's deciduous beech Nothofagus gunnii, commonly known as "Fagus".
One Of Australia's great wild river systems flows through southwest Tasmania. This spectacular region consists of high ranges and deep gorges. The Franklin- Gordon Wild Rivers National Park extends southeast from Macquarie Harbor and is one of four national parks in the western part of Tasmania that make up the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The park takes its name from the Franklin and Gordon rivers, both of which were saved by conservationists in 1983.
Landscapes varying from waterfalls to temperate rainforests to mountains capped with dolerite and quartzite all fall with an area of 1,090,000 acres of the park. Just like the landscapes, flora in this region is varied. These include Huon pines, celery tops, horizontal scrub, lichens coated tress and pandani plants. The boat cruise from Strahan is the easiest way to commute in the wilderness. Guests can always unload and go for a short walk and watch the Huon pines. Experienced bushwalkers can also get to the rugged peaks o Frenchman's Cap. Whitewater rafters find the rapids in the Franklin River absolutely challenging. The link between Hobart and the western coast of Tasmania is called the Wild Way and it runs through the park. For those with greater skills or survival and better equipment, there are longer walks into the park, while or those not so advantaged, there are shorter walks to reach the river and the forest directly from the main road.
As one walks down a little over 45 miles on the Maydena Road and approaches Mount Field National Park, the scenic beauty makes this spot a popular tourist location. Well maintained walking tracks around Hobart offer an easy access to the diversity of flora and fauna of Tasmania, in a day long walk trail.
The most popular walk is also the shortest: the 10-minute trail to Russell Falls starts out from just within the park's entrance through a temperate rainforest environment. Lake Dobson car park is 15 km (9.5 miles) from the park's entrance up a steep gravel path. This is the beginning of several other short walks and some more strenuous day walks. The 10-km (6-mile) walk to Tarn Shelf is a bushwalker's paradise, especially in autumn, when the glacial lakes, mountains and valleys are spectacularly highlighted by the red orange hues of the deciduous beech trees. Longer trails lead up to the higher peaks of Mount Field West and Mount Mawson, southern Tasmania's premier ski slope.
About the Author:
Andrew is an avid traveler and an ardent eco-economics expert. He is author of a number of eco-economy and travel economy books and his latest book Tasmania Walks is sold worldwide.
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