Western Wilderness Overview

The scenic splendor of Tasmania’s western wilderness is carved out by the dramatic: the deep glaciers of Lake St. Clair, the magnificent slopes of Cradle Mountain, and the epic Overland Track that runs between the two. One of the world’s great temperate zones, it’s also one of its last. Most of the land in this region of Tasmania is protected as part of the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, but logging and mining still threaten the areas just outside the official national park borders. While the region’s well-trammeled trails justifiably attract plenty of visitors, most of the west is unspoiled; lush rainforest, forbidding crags, windswept moors, and swirling rivers have been left almost untouched by civilization.

Tense Times For The Tentless. Less-touristed areas of Tasmania—including many of the national park areas in the west—are often the most difficult places to find a cheap bed. The budget accommodation options that do exist are usually smaller than their city counterparts and book up quickly in high season, forcing budget travelers into overpriced alternatives. While tent sites are usually available on short notice (except during holiday weekends), be sure to book ahead whenever possible when traveling tentless into Tasmania’s western wilderness.

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