V I S I T I N G - N AT I O N A L P A R K S
Franklin Gordon - Wild Rivers
To Zeehan
CRADLE MTN LAKE ST CLAIR
NATIONAL PARK
Nelson Falls
Nature
Trail
Strahan
B24
Donaghys Hill
Lookout
iver
Frenchmans
Cap
Bronte Park
Derwent
Bridge
King
Saddle
Franklin River
Nature Trail
Tarraleah
A10
r
Pillinger
Rive
Kelly
Basin
Franklin - Gordon
Wild Rivers
National Park
Frank
lin
Highlights
Go
N
0
10
kilometres
rdo
n
MOUNT
FIELD
NATIONAL
PARK
Ri
Lake
Gordon
r
ve
The Franklin-Gordon Wild
Rivers National Park was
proclaimed in 1981. This park
together with the Cradle
Mountain-Lake St Clair and
the Southwest National Parks,
were declared as the Tasmanian
World Heritage Area in 1982.
The World Heritage Area is
one of only three remaining
temperate wilderness areas
in the Southern Hemisphere
and is home to flora and fauna
endemic to Tasmania..
B11
Co
llin
Ri gw
ve o
r od
Queenstown
To Hobart
A10
WALLS OF
JERUSALEM
NATIONAL
PARK
Bird R
This is a region of mountain
peaks, temperate rainforest,
and gorges. Tis park protects
some of Tasmania’s wildest
rivers, the Franklin, Jane,
Gordon and Denison. The
park was also the scene of
one of Australia’s largest
conservation battles during
the 1980s, the fight to save
the Franklin River from being
flooded by the proposed
hydro-electric dam.
To Deloraine
NATIONAL PARK
Maydena
Strathgordon
B61
TA S M A N I A
Hobart
Getting there
The Lyell Highway (A10) winds for 56 km through the
north of the park, providing the easiest access to the
park. From Hobart it is 192 km (3 hrs) to King William
Saddle, which is the north-eastern entrance to the park.
Nelson Valley on the north-western side is about 27
km (30 mins) from Queenstown. The Park can also be
reached at Bird River about 44 km south of Queenstown
on a largely unsealed road, with the last 5 km being 4WD
only.
Park entry fees apply to all national parks. Along the
Lyell Highway, national parks fees apply for stops longer
than 15 minutes. Parks passes are available from Service
Tasmania Shops state-wide (Mon -Fri 9 am-5 pm), or
from Parks & Wildlife Offices at Lake St Clair, Strahan and
Queenstown.
SOUTHWEST
NATIONAL PARK
Lake
Pedder
SOUTHWEST
NATIONAL
PARK
In winter the roads may be icy or covered by snow,
Drive carefully at night as you may be sharing the road
with wildlife.
The park can also be accessed from the Lower Gordon
River by cruise boats operating daily from Strahan.
Activities
There are several picnic spots and short walks along the
way.
Walks within the park range from short easy strolls
to the demanding 4 or 5 day walk to Frenchmans Cap,
suitable for experienced hikers only.
Kelly Basin - 3 to 4 hours return. Following Bird River
a walk down the former railway route to Kelly Basin and
the historic town of Pillinger.
Depar tment of Pr imar y Industr ies, Par ks Water and Environment
Walks
Time
Short walks
Franklin River Nature Trail
5 or 25 min walks
Donaghys Lookout
40 mins return
Nelson Falls
20 mins return
Longer walks
Kelly Basin
3 - 4 hrs return
Frenchmans Cap
4-5 days
Franklin River Nature Trail Frenchmans Cap is a demanding 4-5 day trip suitable
only for experienced walkers with navigation experience.
Read Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area
Essential Bushwalking Guide & Trip Planner to gather
information on gear required for extended walks.
Other activities include:
Collingwood River is the starting point for Franklin River
rafting and kayaking trips. Such trips require careful
preparation and are suitable for experienced paddlers
only.
It is possible to explore the rugged Mt McCall track by
4WD, but a permit is required from the Queenstown
office of the Parks & Wildlife Service.
Facilities
The main visitor facilities are at Franklin River. This day
use area includes information and interpretation panels,
picnic tables, and toilets with disabled access. There are
also picnic tables at Bird River.
Camping is permitted at Kelly Basin, but campers must
walk 2 hrs carrying all their equipment In order to
protect the park from wildfires, the Wild Rivers National
Park has been declared a fuel stove only area.
There are no shops in the park. Fuel, food, meals and
accommodation are available at Queenstown, and
Derwent Bridge. Lake St Clair has food, meals and
accommodation only. Water is available in many streams
in the park. As a precaution it is recommended that the
standard procedure of boiling for three minutes prior to
drinking be followed.
Photo: Joe Shemesh
Caring for the environment
Please observe the Minimal Impact Bushwalking (MIB)
code. Keep to marked tracks and use toilets if provided.
Where there are no toilets dig a hole 15 cm deep at least
100 m away from campsites, water and tracks. Bury all
faecal waste and toilet paper.
Do not feed the wildlife.
Weather
This area receives over 2500 mm of rain a year. The
weather can change very quickly and it can snow or hail
at any time of the year. Up-to-date weather forecasts are
available from the Bureau of Meteorology on the intranet
www.bom.gov.au or phone 1300 659 216.
More information
TASMAP 1:100,000 topographic map;
Frenchmans Cap Map & Notes.
Parks & Wildlife Service Website
www.parks.tas.gov.au; Great Short Walk Booklet.
Contact
Lake St Clair Visitor Centre Ph: 03 6289 1172
(7 days)
Queenstown Field Centre Ph: 03 6471 2511 (Monday - Friday and weekends - if unattended, please
leave a message on the answering machine)
What to bring
Warm and waterproof clothing is essential in all seasons.
In summer take a hat and sunscreen. If you are walking
in to Frenchmans Cap you will need sturdy boots, a
fuel stove, tent, map, compass and adequate food. Please
register before you go.
Ensure you have enough fuel to travel between
Queenstown and Derwent Bridge 90 km (1.5 hrs).
Internet: www.parks.tas.gov.au
Depa r t me n t o f Pr i m a r y I n du s t r i e s , Pa r ks , Wa te r a nd Env iro nm e nt
June 2010 © State of Tasmania