One of my favourite places to visit in lutruwita/Tasmania is the Douglas Apsley National Park. Located on the East Coast, this national park is a real gem! Just a short ten-minute walk from the car park, you will find the very popular Apsley River Waterhole. This spot is extremely picturesque and ideal for a quick yet refreshing swim. On a sunny day, pack a picnic and spend your time lounging around on the warm stone pebbles in the tranquility of this beautiful park.
Douglas Apsley (Credit: Pete Harmsen)
If you have two to three hours spare and don’t mind a good hike, you can walk around the Apsley River Waterhole and Gorge. From the waterhole, you will head away from the river into an open forest. After about an hour of hiking up and over the ridgeline to the top of the gorge, you will arrive back down at the Apsley River. Here you will find high dolerite cliff walls, massive boulders, waterfalls and endless rock pools. While taking in these picturesque scenes, you will feel as if you have found a little piece of untouched paradise.
On your way back, you can decide to head back the way you came or add a couple more hours to your hike and make your way down the partially dry riverbed. There is no clear path if you choose to return this way, but you get to boulder hop and scramble your way downstream back to the Apsley River Waterhole. To be safe on the route, make sure not to attempt it after or during rain!
Once back at the Apsley River Waterhole, reward yourself with a swim in the beautiful turquoise waters and reflect on your exciting day.
Make sure to bring your National Parks Pass when visiting the Douglas Apsley National Park. If you need a new one, we are more than happy to help out over at the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre.
Madeline Broughan – Travel Advisor
Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre