Guide to Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

Travellers come for one word: wilderness. This is one of the most untouched corners of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, defined by glacier-carved gorges and rainforest older than Gondwana. Rafting the legendary Franklin River in Tasmania is a bucket-list rite of passage, while softer adventures include Gordon River cruises in Tasmania from Strahan, which pause at the moss-green boardwalk of Heritage Landing in Tasmania.  

On land, an ever-growing network of Franklin-Gordon hikes—from Donaghys Hill to Frenchman's Cap—delivers some of Tassie’s best walks and gives you access to some of Tassie’s most stunning rivers and waterfalls. Add rare wildlife, rich Aboriginal heritage and the park’s storied “No Dams” conservation triumph, and you’ve got an outdoor playground that still feels gloriously wild. 

Things to do Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers

• Raft the Franklin River, Tasmania – sign up for a 7–10-day white-water expedition and ride rapids through untouched rainforest that was saved from damming in the 1980s, earning lifelong bragging rights.   

• Cruise Gordon River, Tasmania – board an electric catamaran in Strahan, slip into mirror-flat water, then hop off for the Huon-pine boardwalk at Heritage Landing Tasmania and convict stories on Sarah Island.   

• Hit the hiking menu – from the 20-minute Nelson Falls stroll to the multi-day Frenchman's Cap epic, no visit would be complete without checking out some of the best walks in Franklin-Gordon National Park.  

• Snap Donaghys Hill at sunset – a one-hour return climb off the Lyell Highway rewards you with widescreen views across the Tasmanian wilderness to quartz-white Frenchmans Cap.  

Best walks in Franklin-Gordon National Park

• Frenchman's Cap Track – 54 km return, 3–5 days, Grade 5 (hard) 
  The bucket-list trek for seasoned hikers: a demanding alpine adventure that climbs to 1,446 m for jaw-dropping views over the Tasmanian wilderness and the white-quartz summit of Frenchman's Cap. A real test of legs and logistics, but absolutely one of the best walks in Franklin-Gordon National Park for bragging rights. 

• Donaghys Hill Lookout – 2.7 km return, ~1 hour, Grade 2 (easy–moderate) 
  A quick burst up a well-formed track to a rocky viewing platform reveals panoramic vistas of the Franklin and Collingwood rivers, with Frenchman's Cap gleaming on the horizon. Perfect if you’re road-tripping and want a taste of those classic Franklin-Gordon hikes without the multi-day commitment 

• Franklin Nature Trail – 1 km loop, 25–30 min, Grade 1 (easy, wheelchair-friendly) 
  Boardwalk and compacted gravel weave through dripping moss-laden rainforest beside the iconic Franklin River. Interpretive signs, picnic tables and easy access straight off the Lyell Highway make it an ideal leg-stretch (and campervan coffee stop). 

• Nelson Falls Walk – 700 m return, 20 min, Grade 1 (easy) 
  A flat, family-friendly timber boardwalk delivers you to a spectacular fan of cascading water framed by ancient myrtle beech. Listed among Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks and a no-fuss highlight on any Tasmania road trip stop. 

• Heritage Landing Rainforest Boardwalk – ~600 m loop, 20–30 min, Grade 1 (easy) 
  Reachable only via Gordon River cruise from Strahan, this elevated path drifts through silent, lichen-draped forest where 2,000-year-old Huon pines tower overhead. Short, serene and uniquely accessed by boat—proof that some of the best walks in Franklin-Gordon National Park start on the water. 

How long should I spend at Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park?

Give yourself one to two full days if you’re sticking to the Lyell Highway highlights—perfect for a sampler of the things to do in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers, such as the Franklin Nature Trail, Nelson Falls, Heritage Landing Tasmania and a Gordon River cruise. Keen hikers or paddlers should budget three to five days to tackle longer Franklin-Gordon hikes like Frenchman's Cap or a guided white-water expedition, while hardcore river-rats on full-length rafting trips often spend up to ten days off-grid. The park will happily soak up whatever time (and energy) you throw at it. 

What animals are in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park?

Wildlife spotting here is off-the-charts. After dark, you might glimpse Tasmanian devils or the elusive eastern quoll; by day, keep an eye out for echidnas nosing through buttongrass and platypus rippling river margins. Bird-watchers can tick off wedge-tailed eagles riding thermals, green rosellas flitting between myrtles, and, if you’re fortunate, the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot passing through on migration. Remember, this is their turf—keep cameras ready, engines slow, and snacks locked away.