Tasman National Park: 4 Exciting Things to Know

National parks are full of biodiversity, wildlife, trails, etc. One of the famous Tasmanian parks of Australia is the Tasman National Park. It is located on the Port Arthur highway near Tasman Island.

It has a spectacular coastline, sea cliffs, pirates bay, capes track, totem pole, sandy beaches, colourful coastal heathlands, sea stacks, well-graded trails, and tessellated pavement.

This national park is rich in natural diversity and is home to many threatened species. This national park is equally rich in flora and fauna. The native wildlife are fairy penguins, wedge-tailed eagles, fur seals, blue penguins, and swift parrots.

1. Geography of the Park

Tasman National Park is spread over an area of 107.5 km sq located in the southern coastal regions. Tasman Island has columnar dolerite cliffs that reach up to 980 ft above sea level at the Cape Pillar. These are Australia’s highest sea cliffs.

Dolerite is the rarest type of rock found only in mainland Australia. This national park has monumental rock formations, rock holes, Waterfall Bay, Fortescue Bay, and Pirates Bay. You can easily view this process from the Southern Ocean.

You can also observe the Candlestick, Cathedral Rock, Totem Pole, and Tasman Arch from the southeastern corner.

2. The Tasman Peninsula

The Tasman Peninsula is located in the southeast of Tasmania. It connects Tasmania with the East Bay Neck. Ocean waters surround it from all directions. In the north direction, it has Norfolk Bay, south and west by Storm Bay, and the east order by the Tasman Sea.

The famous attractions near the Tasman peninsula are the Port Arthur historic site and sandy beaches. 

3. Best Trails

Tasman National Park is full of natural beauty. It is located near the Tasman peninsula so visitors can enjoy many fascinating trails and natural sceneries.

Some of these natural places are Waterfall Bay, Fortescue Bay, Cape Pillar Walking Track, Crescent Bay, cape Hauy Track, Three Capes Track, Canoe Bay, Remarkable Cave, cape Raoul Track, mount brown, Dolerite Cliffs, Totem Pole, Devils Kitchen.

You can enjoy hiking, camping, walking, and biking in this national park. There is a campground office which will inform you about the camping. Those offices clear the elevation gain of the trails.

3.1. Crescent Bay Track

Crescent Bay is a trail that is 9.2 km long and ends up at Mount Brown. Its elevation gain is 287 meters. Walking on this track and completing it takes only 2-3 hours, so you can enjoy it as free time if you want to freshen up in 2-3 hours.

This place is known as the gem of this area because it has many crystals, clear water, and giant dunes. The views are panoramic, and you can see rocky mountains and the coastlines of the seashore.

3.2. Tasman Coastal Trail

Tasman Coastal Trail is a fascinating coastal journey. You have to walk through the forests and heathland. If you reach the top of the rail, you can see the fantastic top views of Cape Hauy and Waterfall Bay.

This track takes you to the highest point of the Tasman peninsula, 571 meters in Tatnells Hill. Take essential things like prescribed medicines, food items, and water bottles while hiking on this trail.

 

3.3. Bivouac Bay

Bivouac Bay Walk is 10 km long. It is the grade 3 hike situated in the Tasman National Park. It takes around 4-5 hours to complete the walk.

It is a good place to go hiking and enjoy nature. Enjoy the time to the fullest by forgetting yourself in your heart. Many facilities are available at Bivouac Bay, such as Camping, a boat ramp, drinking water, a picnic, and a toilet. There is a fee for park entry, so do not forget that.

Things to be taken care of are you have to supervise your children. There are also unpatrolled beaches and unprotected track edges, so be aware of them. Pets are not allowed here. You can take your bicycle to enjoy the place by relying on yourself.

3.4. Remarkable Cave Track

A remarkable cave track lies just after Maignon Bay. First, enjoy the beautiful views and lookouts of the Maignon Bay and then step into the Remarkable cave. This cave is tunnel-shaped and formed by crashing waves.

It is near the car park so you can reach here by walking. There are many ancient sandstone cliffs in the Remarkable cave track. You get amazed by the spectacular views of Penguin rocks and wild waves pounding on the dramatic coastline.

3.5. Three Capes Track

Three Capes Track is a 4-day, 3-night track that is connected, and they are one-way track that is 48 km long. It starts from Port Arthur and ends up at Fortescue Bay. This track takes around four days to complete.

There are many places from which the Three Capes track passes, such as Mount Fortescue, Cape Hauy, Arthurs Peak, Cape Pillar, and Ellarwey Valley, and it ends up in Fortescue bay. This track has a 3-night stay, so there are huts to live in.

3.6. Cape Hauy Track

Cape Hauy track is a short, steep hill area with a rough surface. This track is moderately challenging, and you will also experience bushwalking during this trail. It is 9.4 km long and will take around 4 hours to complete.

The track is the first part of the Three Capes track, and you can enjoy the walk through the undulated woodlands on this trail. There are a lot of seabirds and eagles, so you can take pictures of birds.

3.7. Mount Fortescue Bay

Fortescue Bay has a campground with long, towering forests that meet the sea. It is the second-day track of the Three Capes track. The two main campgrounds of Fortescue Bay are Mil Creek Campground and Banksia Campground.

You can carry some necessary things for camping along with you.

3.8. Cape Raoul Track

Cape Raoul Track is a very long and rough track. It is a 15.6 km long track, followed by the heathland and light forests. There is a surprise for the walkers as there is a newly refurbished track. This track starts in the woods and ends up on the cliff edge. This track shows you the impressive and breathtaking views of the Park.

3.9. MacGregor Peak Track

MacGregor Peak Track is a challenging track in the Tasman National Park. This track passes through the lush temperate rainforest and takes you to MacGregor Peak.

You can see many species of plants in the rainforest. Due to heavy rain, the area remains moist, so you can see a lot of leeches on this track. It would help if you had a map during this track.

4. Wildlife

Tasman National Park protects many animals, birds, and plants. Many species of flowering plants are found there. A herbaceous flowering plant has three species, which are found here.

You can also see the rarest shrub in this national park, Cape Pillar Sheoak. This shrub grows in the restricted area of Tasman Island to the Tasman Peninsula. Many endangered species of plants are found here.

Different species of birds are also found in this park. There is a conservation range of woodland birds in which the endangered species of birds are kept. The endangered species are owned and maintained by wildlife service providers.

Some bird species you can find there are the spotted Pardalote, Australian fur seal, Swift Parrot, etc.

FAQs

What is the location of Tasman National Park?

It is located in the southeastern part of Tasmania, Australia. It’s situated on the Tasman and Forestier Peninsulas and includes the Tasman Island.

What are the main attractions in Tasman National Park?

Tasman National Park offers visitors many attractions, including Remarkable Cave, Cave Pillar, Waterfall Bay, Tasman Island, Fortescue Bay, wildlife, hiking, rock climbing, and much more.

Are there camping facilities available in Tasman National Park?

Yes, there are camping facilities available. One of the most popular camping areas is Fortescue Bay, which has both powered and unpowered sites and basic facilities like toilets, showers, barbecue areas, and a boat ramp.

How can I reach Tasman National Park?

The park is accessible by both car and public transport. Please note that if you’re driving, some park areas are only accessible by 4WD vehicles. Always check the latest road conditions and park access information before you set out.

Can I engage in water activities such as swimming or snorkelling in Tasman National Park?

You can participate in water activities such as swimming and snorkelling there.

What wildlife can be found in Tasman National Park?

It is home to a variety of wildlife. You may encounter some species: birds and reptiles, Flora, marine life, and insects.

Final Note

Tasman National Park has a rugged coastline in the southern ocean. It is like a deep chasm, which means a deep cleft in the earth’s surface.

There are many unique places in the Tasman Peninsulas: Fortescue Bay Campground, Cape Pillar, Tasman Arch, Sea Cliffs, cape Hauy, Capes Track, Three Capes Track, cape Raoul, rocky coastline, Dolerite Cliffs, Safety Cove, Tasman Blowhole, devils kitchen, tessellated pavement and so on.

There are many eucalyptus forests. You can also enjoy a short walk, birdwatching, and watching a herd of wild animals.