The Ultimate Travel Guide To Narawntapu National Park

With a stunning diversity of landscapes – from long, wide beaches to heathland and lagoons – to the profusion of animal life that lives here, this hidden gem of a park in Tasmania’s north will get under your skin. extraordinary.

With diverse natural landscapes including coastal heathlands and grasslands, wetlands and woodlands, inlets, islands, dunes and lagoons, and bordered by long, sweeping beaches that fringe Bass Strait, Narawntapu is a pocket-sized national park that – at just 4500 hectares – packs a punch and leaves an indelible impression.

This coastal refuge in northern Tasmania, just east of Devonport, boasts wide open plains that are home to an abundance of wildlife; it is one of the best places in the state to spot all manner of marsupials, from the Forester kangaroo to the Bennett’s wallaby, plus pademelons, and birds such as honeyeaters, green rosellas and black cockatoos. Stay the night to enjoy the creature comforts of some of the best camping Tasmania has to offer.

See sunset at Griffiths Point, at the western end of Bakers Beach.

Narawntapu National Park must-see sights

Archers Knob

Archers Knob lookout rewards walkers with spectacular views that highlight the park’s diverse landscapes: from wetlands to heathlands to blue crescents of ocean. Walk the nine-kilometre circuit (one of Tassie’s 60 Great Short Walks), which returns via Bakers Beach, through paperbark swamp to the Springlawn bird hide, before taking the zigzag track up to the lookout.

Springlawn

The gateway to the park complete with visitor centre and campsite (one of four throughout the park), Springlawn encompasses lagoon landscapes, open grasslands, coastal vegetation and paperbark swamp – where waterbirds congregate. Its open expanse means it’s a perfect place to witness the wanderings of the park’s marsupial residents at dusk.

Bird Hide

Take the Bird Hide Walk, more of a stroll, from Springlawn through banksia scrub and paperbark swamp to the bird hide. Here you’ll spot – depending on the time of the year – a motley crew of birds including ducks, swans, herons, cormorants, bitterns and grebes, and be greeted with the symphony of both the paperbark swamp and the lagoon itself.

Bakers Beach

Bakers Beach is one of a series of long, wide stretches of coastline that Narawntapu National Park harbours. Once setting the stage for speed events run by Australia’s first motorcycle club, today it invites more leisurely pursuits: a day spent beachcombing, horse riding, swimming or simply strolling, while the waters of Bass Strait lap at your feet.

Horse ride while the waters of Bass Strait lap at your feet.

Point vision track

This 15-kilometre return track for experienced bushwalkers will lead you, via steep inclines with views out to the park and distant ranges beyond, to the highest accessible summit on the Asbestos Range, at 370 metres. Once at the top you’ll be met with spectacular coastal views taking in the Port Sorell estuary, where the freshwaters of the Rubicon River and Franklin Rivulet meet the saltwater of Bass Strait.

Coastal Traverse

Make a whole day of taking in Narawntapu National Park’s spectacular coastal border by traversing from Bakers Beach to Greens Beach (or vice versa). Along this 21-kilometre (one-way) stretch, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking coastal scenery and opportunities for dipping a rod or your toes. A detour to West Head makes for some of the most glorious coastal panoramas going from its clifftop lookout.

Horse riding

Narawntapu is one of just a few parks and reserves in Tasmania that permits horse riding, and what better way to take in the coastal scenery here than by trotting along in the saddle? There are two trails to choose from: along the pristine beach or through the coastal bush and past stands of Australian grass tree. Organise your ride through Cradle Country Adventures.

Narawntapu National Park wildlife

Oystercatcher

Narawntapu National Park is a paradise for birds – from the water birds that flourish on the shores and lagoon at Springlawn to the coastal birds including gulls, terns and oystercatchers; the north-east of the park forms the Rubicon Estuary Important Bird Area, which supports over one per cent of the world’s population of pied oystercatchers: a large black-and-white wader that grows up to half a metre in length and is a common sight on Australian beaches, it is unmistakable with its blood-orange bill and eye rings.

water birds at Narawntapu National Park — Narawntapu National Park is a paradise for birds.

Tasmanian devil

In 2015 Narawntapu became home to a world-first when 19 immunised Tasmanian devils were released into the park; it was the first time a vaccine against the cancer threatening the species was tested in the wild and marked an important milestone in the endeavour to save the local mascot from extinction. Listen out today for the nocturnal screeches, grunts and growls of this shy marsupial.

Other Marsupials

Known on the mainland as the grey kangaroo, the Forester kangaroo is Tasmania’s only kangaroo and packs a fair punch – a male can reach over two metres in height when upright. This local kangaroo is currently found in a restricted number of isolated populations in central and north-eastern Tasmania, especially Mt William National Park, Maria Island National Park and Narawntapu National Park.

Here, you are bound to see them resting and grazing on open grassland at Springlawn, alongside Bennett’s wallabies, pademelons and quolls. The park’s once-healthy wombat population has declined in the last decade due to mange, although Narawntapu has proven an important site for University of Tasmania researchers working to manage the disease statewide.

Kangaroos grazing Springlawn — Kangaroos grazing on open grassland at Springlawn.

Getting to Narawntapu National Park

The main section of the park, Springlawn and Bakers Beach, is accessible 30 minutes east of Devonport and the ferry terminal, or north west from Launceston.

Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

Where to stay

Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart. — Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

1. Bruny Island

Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. — Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

2. Mount Wellington

At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

2. Port Arthur

Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area. — Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

3. Launceston

You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. — Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart. — Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

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The ultimate travel guide to Narawntapu National Park