Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, this national park protects Tasmania's great western rivers - the Franklin, Gordon, Jane and Denison - and the remote mountain ranges from where they rise. The Lyell Highway passes through the national park on its way to Queenstown. It's worth taking the time to stop and explore the rainforest bordering the road. Look out for signs to several excellent short walks. The Franklin River Nature Trail, 60 kilometres east of Queenstown has picnic tables, toilets and excellent walks through stunning rainforest to the Franklin and Surprise rivers, while further west, Donaghys Hill Lookout offers more stunning, panoramic wilderness views. And four kilometres west of Victoria Pass is the Nelson Falls Nature Trail, an easy boardwalk through ancient rainforest to a spectacular 30 metre waterfall. The Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is also accessible by boat. Daily cruises depart from Strahan to explore the densely forested banks of the lower Gordon River, downstream from where the Gordon and Franklin Rivers meet.