12 Of Tasmania’s Best National Parks You Need To Visit

Tasmania may be the smallest Australian state, but what she lacks in size, she makes up for with a load of remarkable national parks. Tasmania is synonymous with natural spectacles, rugged wilderness and legendary gourmet food, but few of us know that the Apple Isle boasts 19 national parks, covering a whopping 40% of the island. Across Tasmania, the parks are full of untouched ancient rainforests, imposing coastal landscapes and breathtaking alpine moorlands; nature is what Tassie does best.

Urban List has taken it upon ourselves to round up the best of Tasmania’s national parks that will secure The Apple Isle a special spot in your heart. So, grab your bucket list and start taking notes—here are our picks of the best national parks to check out in Tasmania in 2025.

Tasman National Park

Studded with towering sea cliffs and mysterious forests, Tasman National Park is one of Tasmania’s finest. Located on the rugged Tasman Peninsula, this dramatically beautiful park is home to Australia’s highest sea cliffs, which majestically rise from the Tasman Sea and culminate in towering dolerite spires. Dark forests grow along the coastline, creating a contrasting blanket of green against the raging waves below. To truly appreciate its beauty, get your calf burn on with the Three Capes Track. Traversing 46 kilometres of untouched beauty, you'll wander through a myriad of diverse landscapes and be astounded by one of Tasmania’s best national parks.

Image credit: Tourism Tasmania | Jason Charles Hill

Rocky Cape National Park

Small but mighty, Rocky Cape National Park may lack the scale of Tasmania’s larger national parks, but it more than makes up for it in raw beauty. Located 188km west of Launceston, this rugged coastal oasis is a striking tapestry of twisted rock formations, rock pools, and sheltered beaches—shaped over millions of years. Its greatest treasure, however, lies in its deep Aboriginal heritage, with ancient rock shelters and artefacts dating back thousands of years. Best explored on foot, the park offers a bunch of scenic walks suitable for all levels like the 1.6km Banksia Grove and Caves Circuit, where you’ll traverse the coastline and heath-covered hills,l explore caves, go rock-hopping and marvel at an ancient Aboriginal cultural living site. While camping isn’t permitted, nearby Rocky Cape Retreat makes for a cozy base.

Mount Field National Park

You didn’t really think we would have a list of Tasmania’s best national parks without including the oldest national park, did you? Mount Field National Park is Tasmania’s first national park and is your go-to park for all seasons, with its ever-changing landscape and diverse vegetation. During autumn, the mountain slopes come alive with brilliant, fiery colours, while in winter, you can carve up the the snow-dusted slopes as they transform into ski fields. Make sure you hit the famous, three-tiered Russell Falls, which is arguably one of Tasmania’s most impressive waterfalls—you'll feel it thundering in your chest before you see it. It even featured on Australia’s first stamp, so you know it’s pretty epic. However you like your nature, there’s definitely going to be something for you to feast your eyes on at Mount Field.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

If a six-day, 65-kilometre alpine hike sounds like your thing, firstly, we aspire to be as motivated as you, and secondly, you’ll want to make time for Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The jewel in the national park’s crown is the Overland Track, which covers 65 kilometres of the rugged national park and is an unforgettable journey through Tasmania’s alpine heart. This legendary track is revered for the diverse landscapes you will traverse and the abundant flora and fauna (read: adorable wombats). Another jewel of Cradle Mountain National Park is the iconic Cradle Mountain. Often shrouded in cloud, the jagged contours of the mountain dramatically frame Dove Lake below making for epic photo opps. The national park is also home to the mystical Lake St Clair, which is Australia’s deepest freshwater lake and certainly one of its most beautiful.

Image credit: Tourism Tasmania | Jason Charles Hill

Freycinet National Park

Renowned for its pink granite mountains, pure white beaches and azure bays, Freycinet National Park is truly a place of unparalleled natural beauty and a strong contender for one of Tasmania’s best national parks. Dramatic blush-hued mountains rise commandingly over the calm, blue waters of Wineglass Bay, making for one of Tasmania’s most photographed views, so make sure you get your shot. The Hazards Mountain Range will give you instant goosebumps, especially at sunrise and sunset. 

And if you’re of the more adventurous disposition, the Freycinet Peninsula makes for a beautiful two-day walk. While you can definitely do this one yourself, it's well-worth teeing up with Freycinet Walking Tour. Your guide will give you a half-day guided tour of The Freycinet Walk (a 10km walk you'll conquer in around five-and-a-half hours) track and will pack a lot of local knowledge you won't be able to pick up on your own. You'll also get morning tea, coffee, hot chocolate, museli bars, antipasto spreads, freshly baked bread and more snacks along the way.

Image credit: Tourism Tasmania | Lauren Bath

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Walls Of Jerusalem National Park

For the intrepid—and seasoned—trekkers among us challenge yourself to hike the harsh but magical scapes of the Walls Of Jerusalem National Park. Set 120km south-west of Launceston, this remote wilderness isn’t accessible by road. To reach it, you'll need to park off the gravel Mersey Forest Road, shoulder your pack—well-stocked with food, water, and a tent if you're staying overnight—and hit the trail.

The trail from the car park to the park entrance will take you around 3.5 hours, but trust us, it’s worth the calf burn. As you get closer, prepare to be stopped in your tracks by the park’s dramatic beauty: craggy peaks, ancient pencil pine forests, and mirror-like lakes, all accompanied by the soothing sounds of birdsong and flowing water. From the boundary, it’s an easy 3km stroll to the Dog Creek campsite where you can have a well-earned rest while basking in that fresh Tassie air

Strzelecki National Park

For those of you who like to choose your holiday destination based on how many cute and cuddly critters you can find, we hear you loud and clear. Say hello to Strzelecki National Park—this remote wildlife sanctuary on Flinders Island is home to a huge resident animal population of wombats, wallabies, potoroos, pademelons and over 100 species of birds. Points for every cute animal selfie you can snap. Aside from its abundance of wildlife, Strzelecki National Park is renowned for its coastal scenery, sapphire beaches and the iconic 756-metre granite summit of the Strzelecki Peaks. We recommend lacing up your boots and embarking on a hike that allows you to appreciate the myriad of landscapes that seamlessly move from blue gum forests to sparkling waters to mountainous peaks. Mother Nature, you’ve outdone yourself.

Image credit: Tourism Tasmania | Luke Tscharke 

Maria Island National Park

Get your dose of history, wildlife and natural beauty all rolled into one at Maria Island National Park. Now that’s what we call bang for your buck. Accessible only by ferry, Maria Island lies just off Tasmania’s East Coast and is home to Australia’s most preserved convict station—history buffs you're in for a treat. Explore the island's wealth of natural spectacles, like the Painted Cliffs, which showcase the power of nature in their weathered contours and beautifully patterned sandstone facade. Budding bird watchers will be stoked with too, with spectacular cliffs providing a perfect vantage point for watching birds swoop and dive beneath the waves. Maria Island is a truly special place where rich human history, towering cliff tops and abundant wildlife come together to create a tranquil sanctuary, just beckoning you to explore—and keep coming back.

Ben Lomond National Park

No trip to Tasmania would be complete without a thorough exploration of Ben Lomond National Park. Striking alpine plateaus compete for attention with dolerite cliffs and the stark, treeless landscape will leave you with no doubt that this is one of Tasmania’s most magnificent national parks. Ascend the sharply winding alpine road, known as Jacob’s Ladder, which will take you to the spectacular summit of Ben Lomond, but be warned—the hair-rising, precipitous road is not for the faint of heart. At 1500 metres high, it is a breathtaking view and you’ll find yourself with your head literally in the clouds. Winter is Ben Lomond’s time to shine and you can expect snow sports enthusiasts to flock here during the winter months to test their skills of skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing.

Image credit: Tourism Tasmania | Matthew Donovan

Bay Of Fires Conservation Reserve

She’s one of Australia’s most famous beaches and trust us, she does not disappoint. Named by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s ‘Most Beautiful Beaches’, there’s no doubt the Bay of Fires lives up to—and even exceeds—this reputation. Test your balance as you climb and hop from one striking orange lichen-encrusted boulders to another. The contrast against the sparkling turquoise waters and sugar-white beaches look almost too pristine to be true. The Bay of Fires Conservation Area covers a series of magnificent bays along Tassie’s northeast coast, each boasting many secluded inlets and hidden beaches to explore. Imagine watching the wonders of a fiery Bay of Fires sunrise from your own private beach. Go on, add it to your bucket list.

Southwest National Park

A list of Tasmania’s best national parks wouldn’t be complete without its largest—and perhaps most wild national park. Covering a massive 600, 000 hectares, Southwest National Park is truly the heart of the Tasmanian wilderness and has long been a favourite of adventurers, thanks to its sprawling mountain ranges, untracked forests and expanses of button grass plains. If you’re feeling particularly fit, consider tackling the multi-day South Coast Track. Considered one of Tasmania’s most challenging wilderness walks, you’ll conquer rocky headlands, wild rivers and challenging inclines, before ending at Australia’s southernmost point for a true ‘end of the Earth’ experience. Do yourself a favour—visit Southwest National Park and immerse yourself in the raw power of this wilderness landscape.

Image credit: Tourism Tasmania | Jason Charles Hill

Mount William National Park

If you’re out here scoping out a secluded paradise to spend a few days doing very little—or nothing at all—then Mount William National Park is calling your name. Nestled in the far northeast corner of Tasmania, the park was first established to help conserve Tasmania’s coastal heathlands, which come ablaze with colourful wildflowers during the warmer months. It’s hard not to fall in love with this slice of paradise when you wander along the seemingly endless powder-white beaches with not another person in sight. If you feel like getting your blood pumping, dive below the ocean’s surface and explore the abundance of colourful marine habitats. Mount William National Park is ticking all the boxes as one of Tasmania’s best national parks.