Field Guide
National Parks
RUGGED MOUNTAINS AND ANCIENT RAINFORESTS MAKE THE WEST COAST ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S LAST TRUE WILDERNESS FRONTIERS.
Yet, despite the remoteness, it’s easy and safe for people to enjoy. While you’re on the West Coast you’ll never be far from a national park (which also just happen to be a World Heritage Area).
There are loads of ways to experience our national parks, but remember, a Parks Pass is needed. Visiting our parks is a great way to escape convenience and excess. Take the time to look at the plants, animals, lakes, streams and plants.
Breathe in the fresh air.
Even those who aren’t outdoorsy can take in the beauty of the national parks – driving into the West Coast from the South, you’ll be on the Lyell Highway. Here the views out the car window are breathtaking and there’s short walks and picnic facilities along the way.
When visiting our wilderness and remote areas please be considerate of both the environment and other users. Respect wildlife. Dispose of all waste properly.
Despite being in a rainforest the West Coast is often threatened by bushfires. Please use a fuel stove rather than a campfire. This is one instance where “making your own path” isn’t recommended.
We want to ensure our environment remains untouched and in pristine conditions for future generations.
A tip for cyclists – bikes are only allowed on roads open to motorised vehicles so keep off the walking tracks.
There are also only a few recreational vehicle tracks, with some like the Bird River track popular. Be mindful of weather conditions as some tracks are often closed in rough weather.
Highlights
Hogarth Falls
Starting in People's Park, this walk will take you through an example of mixed forest. Among the towering gum trees you will also find species typical of temperate rainforest such as leatherwood, sassafras and myrtle. Platypus can sometimes be seen in the creek below the falls.
Spray Tunnel
Ever walked through a 100 m long abandoned railway tunnel? Just outside of Zeehan in Tasmania's west is the Spray Tunnel Loop, an easy one-hour return walk that passes through the Spray Tunnel, a 100 m long abandoned train tunnel that leads to what was the Spray Silver Mine.
Stitt Falls
A short, 30m walk from the road will take you to a purpose-built lookout where you can witness Stitt Falls flowing. Dogs are welcome if kept on a leash and please supervise children as there is flowing water.