Tasmania is the place to go for your adventure fix. The only question is, have you got game?
Long known for its amazing bushwalking amongst astonishing wilderness, the island state has grown up in a hurry in the adventure stakes. Much of the adventure has been here for years, but it’s now getting the plaudits it has deserved.
Quality options abound in adventure activities satisfying most interests.
Recently listed as National Geographic’s number one destination for adventure, I thought it’d be an opportune time to check out what is on offer here in Tasmania.
Bushwalking
Look to the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife website for all your needs including parks passes, walker registrations (if required), track information and directions etc for:
The Overland Track – the iconic Tasmanian walk.
The Three Capes Track – the stunning coastal track.
South Coast Track – The Big One. 85kms in true untamed southwest wilderness.
Walls of Jerusalem – explore the expanses of the central highlands
Frenchmans Cap – hike your way to the striking white quartzite peak of Frenchmans Cap.
Tarn Shelf at Mount Field NP – often acknowledged as one of the best day walks in Australia
READ about my Overland Track adventure HERE
Kayaking
The abundance and quality of waterways in and surrounding Tasmania are rightfully acknowledged by the kayaking community.
Venture to the Derwent Valley for a variety of adventures with Tassie Bound Adventure Tours whether it is kayaking down the River Derwent leisurely looking for platypus or attacking the rapids. Change it up with a serene paddle in the majestic Lake Pedder wilderness.
Paddle in crystal clear waters of Freycinet national Park on the east coast of Tasmania with Freycinet Adventures.
Get on the southern waterways down in the far far south with Esperance Adventures.
After a bigger adventure? Embark on an ocean kayak adventure with Roaring 40s in southwest Tasmania. The region has been named “the most magnificent paddling destination in Australia” by Australian Geographic Outdoor Magazine and “one of the world’s 10 epic sea kayak paddles” by Lonely Planet. Beat that!
Abseiling
The world’s highest commercial abseil at Gordon Dam in the Southwest wilderness run by Aardvark Adventures. 140m down. Are you brave enough? Of course you are.
READ about my abseil at Gordon Dam HERE
Mountain biking
MTB has taken over Tassie in recent years, building a diverse range of trails around the state. The sport has helped resuscitate communities with a fresh burst of energy and purpose.
Hit the trails of the old tin mining town of Derby in north east at Blue Derby. Although it has only been open a few years , it is already one of the world’s premier mountain bike networks.
“Send it” at Maydena’s gravity-focused mountain bike park in the Derwent Valley.
TNKTB aka The New Kid on The Block is found at St Helens on the east coast where you can hit the trails or take on “42km wilderness trail that starts sat the top of the Blue Tier and winds and wends all the way to Swimcart beach found in the internationally acclaimed Bay of Fires”. Pretty speccy.
Rafting / Sledding
The Mighty Franklin. The river that awoke Australia to conserving its wilderness. Join up with Franklin River Rafting to tackle the wild river herself. One of my all time adventure to-do’s.
The King River Rafting out of Queenstown on the west coast gives you the chance to be king for a day on the King River.
Ready for some whitewater sledding? The team at Meander Wilderness Experiences takes you on the Meander River for some body soaking river sledding.
Canyoning
The Cradle Valley is already renowned for its “magicalness”. Cradle Mountain Canyons take you on an obstacle course through canyons in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Backpacker tours
Backpacking in Tassie and want to see the “best of” Tassie in a fun and enjoyable way? These backpacking tours have you sorted!
Jump Tours will make Tassie rock when you roll with them on the Lap of Tassie tour where you will see and experience the highlights.
Get wild with Under Down Under where you can experience “Wild Places, Wildlife and Wild Fun” around the state.
Roadtripping
Tasmania is built for the “Map of Tassie” roadie. Get a car, get a motorbike, whatever, and do Tassie your way.
Follow National Geographic’s advice and get to Tasmania for your 2020 adventures.