Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is located in Tasmania, Australia, within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This rugged, remote park covers approximately 4,465 square kilometers and lies in the central western region of Tasmania. Nearby towns include Queenstown to the west and Derwent Bridge to the east, with Hobart, Tasmania's capital, located roughly 200 kilometers southeast of the park. Established in 1981, the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is best known for its role in the historic environmental movement to save the Franklin River from being dammed in the 1980s. This successful campaign, which culminated in a landmark legal victory, helped protect the pristine wilderness and led to its UNESCO World Heritage listing. The park has several parking areas, particularly at popular entry points like the Franklin River Nature Trail and Donaghys Hill Lookout. Parking is generally free, but visitors need a Tasmanian Parks Pass, which can be purchased online or at visitor centers. The park is home to an array of native wildlife, including the Tasmanian devil, spotted-tail quoll, eastern quoll, and platypus. Bird species such as the pink robin, black currawong, and endangered orange-bellied parrot are also found here. The park’s vegetation ranges from temperate rainforests of myrtle, leatherwood, and sassafras, to alpine moorlands with cushion plants. The Gordon River and Franklin River are iconic landmarks, offering dramatic vistas and popular spots for rafting. Frenchmans Cap, a prominent peak, is a challenging trek with stunning views. Public transport to the park is limited. While private vehicles are the most common mode of access, tours from Hobart and Strahan offer guided visits to the park’s highlights.