Part 2 - Walks for your Tasmanian West Coast Road Trip

Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

Distance - From Strahan to Queenstown 42min/42km

A Wilderness Oasis just an hour from Strahan, the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is a sanctuary of untamed beauty. Along the Lyell Highway, easily accessible short walks provide glimpses of the park's most famous feature: the majestic Franklin River.

Franklin Nature Trail

Begin your journey of exploration with the wheelchair-friendly Franklin Nature Trail, an ideal stopover for a brief respite, picnic, and even a toilet break. This 25-minute return walk covers a smooth, even surface with no steps or steep sections, making it accessible to all, including wheelchair users with assistance.

As you follow the partially board walked path, you'll find yourself immersed in a pristine mossy rainforest. In late summer, the air is filled with the delightful fragrance of leatherwood flowers. The highlight of this short loop track is undoubtedly when you reach the banks of the Franklin River. This once-famous river was at the center of a controversial dam project that threatened to submerge its entire course. However, the river was saved, and today it stands as a tranquil testament to the wild beauty of nature.

Exploring the Franklin River

The Franklin River is one of the most renowned waterways in the Wild Rivers National Park. A walk along its banks provides a glimpse into the cool temperate rainforest that thrives throughout the park. Along the way, you'll encounter informative interpretation signs that shed light on the park's many natural values and the rich history of the region.

Donaghys Hill

Donoughys Lookout. Image credit - West Coast Council, Ollie Khedun.

A Photographer's Paradise and those seeking captivating wilderness views, the 40-minute return journey to Donaghys Hill is a must. Suitable for most ages, this track features a compacted surface, occasional steps, and a gentle hill section. As you ascend the 1.1 km one-way track through forests and scrub, you'll eventually reach the high lookout perched on rocky Donaghys Hill.

From this vantage point, on clear days, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas that extend down into the Franklin River valley and out to the impressive Frenchmans Cap and its neighboring peaks. Your camera will be your best companion on this picturesque journey.

Nelson Falls: Nature's Spectacle

Nelson Falls. Image credit - Tourism Tasmania, Graham Freeman.

Nelson Falls, a delightful set of cascading waterfalls, awaits visitors on a 20-minute return walk from the Lyell Highway. This is the final stop between Derwent Bridge and Queenstown, making it an ideal leg-stretching point.

The mossy forest surrounding the falls features sassafras, myrtle, and an array of ferns, hinting at the region's abundant rainfall. These falls are a sight to behold year-round, but they become a roaring torrent of beauty after heavy rain. Your return journey follows the same track, allowing you to soak in the mesmerizing scenery once more. As you stroll along the boardwalk to Nelson Falls, you'll encounter interpretation panels that reveal the secrets of the ancient plants that adorn the path. Learn about at least seven species of ferns and embark on a journey back in time when Tasmania was part of the great supercontinent of Gondwana.

Among the towering forest trees, you'll encounter ancient species that once dominated the Australian landmass. Today, these species are confined to the wetter regions of Tasmania and southeastern Australia. The park's cool temperate rainforests are a living testament to the enduring legacy of these ancient botanical wonders.