Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park Tasmania
Explore ancient rainforests, dramatic gorges, and the iconic Franklin River in this World Heritage wilderness.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for reflections
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park Tasmania
Best Time
Best light for reflections
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient rainforests, dramatic gorges, and the iconic Franklin River in this World Heritage wilderness.
"This cruise was simply magnificent. The information was great, the food was delicious and the scenery was superb."
🚗 Allow Ample Travel Time
Roads are winding and slow. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the scenic drive and arrive safely.
🦌 Drive Cautiously
Wildlife is abundant, especially at dawn and dusk. Watch for animals on the road to prevent accidents.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nelson Falls
Lyell Highway
A picturesque tiered waterfall accessible via a short, easy walk through lush rainforest.
Gordon Dam
Strathgordon
An impressive feat of engineering offering stunning views and a walk down to the dam wall.
Franklin River Cruise
Various departure points
Experience the tannin-stained waters and temperate rainforests of this iconic river.
Lake Rhona
Southwest Tasmania
A serene lake offering early morning vibes and opportunities for hiking in a remote setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wilderness Pace
World Heritage Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Allow Ample Travel Time
Roads are winding and slow. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the scenic drive and arrive safely.
🦌 Drive Cautiously
Wildlife is abundant, especially at dawn and dusk. Watch for animals on the road to prevent accidents.
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Tasmanian weather is unpredictable. Bring layers for sun, rain, and wind, even in summer.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many walks are available, from short strolls to longer hikes. Good footwear is essential for exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Allow Ample Travel Time
Roads are winding and slow. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the scenic drive and arrive safely.
🦌 Drive Cautiously
Wildlife is abundant, especially at dawn and dusk. Watch for animals on the road to prevent accidents.
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Tasmanian weather is unpredictable. Bring layers for sun, rain, and wind, even in summer.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many walks are available, from short strolls to longer hikes. Good footwear is essential for exploring.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Mobile reception can be spotty. Download maps beforehand to navigate the park effectively.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the park's stunning natural beauty, from the ancient rainforests and waterfalls to the impressive Gordon Dam. The Franklin River cruises are highlighted as a magnificent and relaxing experience, offering delicious local food and informative commentary. Many appreciate the park's World Heritage status and the efforts to preserve its pristine wilderness.
"This cruise was simply magnificent. Our weather was good which helped but the cruise itself was fantastic. The information was great, the food was delicious and the scenery was superb. Everyone should do this cruise if they can."
Sharon RATCLIFFE
"Put this on your to do list when in Tassie, the cruise was relaxing and spectacular in its own wilderness, with stopovers in a rain forest walk and the infamous Sara Island.
The lunch provided was excellent and plentiful, with succulent local smoke salmon the draw card for me. The boat is clean and new, and you can even go onto the bridge and have a chat with the skipper and admire what $9,000,000 can buy."
Phil “Tas” B
"Stunning scenery, beautiful walks. Absolutely gorgeous National Park. So much wildlife, you need to drive very carefully, especially at night. Give yourself plenty of time as the road is very windy and slow but very scenic. Will definitely be coming back!"
Rosie Sheb'a
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is accessible by car. From Hobart, the drive to Strathgordon (near Gordon Dam) takes about 2.5 hours via winding, scenic roads. 
Public transport options are very limited within the national park itself. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle for exploring the various attractions and trailheads.
A popular route includes driving to Gordon Dam, visiting Nelson Falls, and potentially taking a Franklin River cruise. Allow a full day or more to experience these key areas.
Entry to Tasmanian National Parks generally requires a park pass. You can purchase these online or at visitor centers. Check the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service website for current fees and options.
The drive from Hobart to the heart of the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, specifically to areas like Gordon Dam, is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, booking Franklin River cruises in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, as they can fill up quickly.
Nelson Falls is accessible year-round, with no specific opening or closing hours as it's an outdoor natural attraction. The walk is generally safe during daylight hours.
Yes, you can walk down the steps to the Gordon Dam wall for a closer look. Be prepared for approximately 200 steps.
Several tour operators offer guided experiences, including river cruises and day trips that cover key park highlights. These can provide valuable insights into the park's history and ecology.
You can purchase a Tasmania National Park Pass online through the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service website or at various visitor centers and entry points across Tasmania.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key highlights include Nelson Falls, Gordon Dam, and a Franklin River cruise. The park also offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting.
Yes, the walk to Nelson Falls is a short, easy 10-minute loop suitable for most fitness levels. Longer, more challenging hikes are also available for experienced trekkers.
The park is home to diverse wildlife, including wallabies, wombats, and various bird species. Keep an eye out during your drives and walks.
Swimming in the Franklin River is generally not recommended due to its cold temperatures and strong currents. It's best enjoyed from the shore or via a cruise.
Slow down immediately and stop if necessary. Never feed wildlife, and give them plenty of space.
📸 📸 Photography
Nelson Falls offers beautiful waterfall shots, while Gordon Dam provides dramatic landscape perspectives. Early mornings at Lake Rhona can yield stunning reflections.
Early mornings often provide the best light for capturing reflections on lakes and rivers, and for softer, more diffused light on the rainforest.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions and waterfall photography.
The tannin-stained waters of the Franklin River, the ancient Huon Pines, and the dramatic scale of Gordon Dam are unique photographic subjects.
Variable weather can be a challenge, so protecting your gear is important. Low light in the dense rainforest can also require careful exposure settings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities can be spread out. Driving cautiously is paramount due to wildlife, so make it a game for kids to spot wallabies or birds from the car. Consider a Franklin River cruise if your budget allows; many are family-friendly and offer engaging commentary that can captivate younger audiences. The sheer scale of Gordon Dam can also be impressive for children, sparking curiosity about engineering and nature.
Ensure children are supervised closely near water bodies and on any walking trails.🚗 Road Trippers & Self-Drivers
Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, and consider carrying a spare tire. Pack a picnic to enjoy at designated spots, as dining options are limited. The flexibility of a road trip allows you to tailor your visit, perhaps spending more time at Gordon Dam or taking a longer hike.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Research trail conditions and difficulty levels beforehand, and always inform someone of your hiking plans. Wildlife spotting is a major draw; early mornings and late afternoons are often best. Bring binoculars and a good field guide. The Franklin River itself offers incredible kayaking and rafting opportunities for experienced adventurers, but for most, a cruise provides a fantastic overview of its wild beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient Rainforests and Huon Pines
The experience of walking through these ancient forests is often described as deeply serene, akin to forest bathing. The air is crisp, the silence profound, and the sheer scale of the trees is awe-inspiring. The tannin-stained waters of the Franklin River, a defining feature of the park, add to the mystical atmosphere, reflecting the dense surrounding vegetation.
Conservation efforts have been crucial in protecting this fragile environment. The park's designation as part of the World Heritage Area ensures its preservation for future generations, allowing visitors to witness a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for millennia.
Exploring Gordon Dam and its Engineering Marvel
The views from the dam are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding wilderness and the vast expanse of Lake Gordon. The sheer drop and the engineering precision are often highlighted by visitors. It's a place that sparks conversation about the balance between development and conservation, especially given the park's environmental significance.
While the dam itself is an impressive sight, its location within the wild rivers park means it's surrounded by the very wilderness it helps to manage. The contrast between the man-made structure and the ancient natural landscape is striking, making it a unique point of interest for many visitors.
The Iconic Franklin River
Experiencing the Franklin River is often done via a cruise, which offers a relaxing yet awe-inspiring way to immerse yourself in the park's wilderness. These cruises provide commentary on the river's natural history, its ecological importance, and the significant campaigns that led to its protection. Visitors often praise the informative nature of these tours and the breathtaking scenery.
Beyond cruises, the river is a destination for dedicated rafters and kayakers, though its wild nature requires significant experience and preparation. For most visitors, however, appreciating its beauty from the riverbanks or from a boat offers a profound connection to this vital natural asset.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit