Positive Impact - Tips for Treading Lightly in Southern Tasmania

Southern Tasmania is a sanctuary of untamed beauty.

As a visitor, your journey here is not just about exploration; it’s an opportunity to contribute positively to our community and the delicate balance of our environment.

Almost 25% of Tasmania is protected temperate wilderness. This vast expanse was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1982. Dramatic sea cliffs, cascading waterfalls, caves and unique rock formations will captivate you. Serene rivers, glacial tarns, and majestic alpine peaks await.

The Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Mount Field National Park, Southwest National Park and Hartz Mountains National Park are all in our Southern region.

Explore Australia’s most southern point, Cockle Creek, in the South East Cape. The next stop is Antarctica. Be a conscious consumer. Be a guardian of our remarkable ecosystem and spectacular wild places. Tread lightly, and give back.

Choose Regeneration:

Choose touring experiences that support regeneration; rebuilding wildlife habitat, assisting the marine world, connecting with regenerative farming, making cultural connections or travel as a fundraiser.

Keep Southern Tasmania Clean & Recycle Right:

Please ensure your waste is separated into specific bins for paper, plastic, glass, and organic materials. Responsible recycling helps preserve resources and promotes a cleaner, more sustainable Tasmania.

Safety in the Outdoors & be prepared:

Bring a warm waterproof jacket and headwear. Sturdy boots are your best option for exploring Southern Tasmania. Watch this helpful video from Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife here.

Stick to the Paths:

Preserve Southern Tasmania’s beauty by staying on designated paths, both for your own safety and to protect sensitive regions. To minimise impacts and erosion, avoid creating multiple trails (track-braiding) and maintain respectful coexistence with local ecosystems.

Volunteer:

Seek out opportunities to provide invaluable assistance to the work and activities of Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service and the Beacon Foundation.

Drive Carefully:

Road conditions vary and can be winding, steep and icy. Don’t underestimate the time it takes to drive around safely. Wildlife is abundant, native animals wander onto the road, especially between dusk and dawn. Please slow down and take care. If using an Electric vehicle, details of fast public charger locations can be found here. Additional locations provided by private businesses can be found here.

National Parks:

Invest in the sustainability of Tasmania’s National Parks. A valid parks pass is required for entry to all Tasmanian national parks. Choose from a range of pass options to best meet your needs. Purchase your Parks pass ahead of time here.

Show Respect:

Travel with an open heart and mind. Tasmania has a deep and complex history. Tasmania’s Aboriginal cultural heritage provides a spiritual connection for Tasmanian Aboriginal people today and valuable information about one of the oldest living cultures in the world. Show respect to the Tasmanian Aboriginal people, and honour their 40 thousand years of uninterrupted care, protection and belonging to these islands. Acknowledge the Aboriginal people who continue to care for this country today. Listen to their stories, songs, art and culture.

Walks:

Check out Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks. Whether choosing from the best of Southern Tasmania’s day walking opportunities or multi-day hikes like The Overland or Three Capes Track, always be sure to register your visit.

Consume Consciously:

Back in ethical brands to reduce waste, particularly single-use plastics. Choose carbon-positive businesses whenever possible.

Help Protect Nature, Wildlife and Environment:

Please tread lightly, respect sensitive habitats, and refrain from feeding native animals. You can support research on threatened Tasmanian species, and native wildlife in need by donating to Friends of Bonorong, Handfish Conservation Project, Pennicott Foundation, Landcare Tasmania, and the Tasmanian Land Conservancy, Greening Australia and WWF.

Share Your Knowledge:

Promote responsible travel to sustain Tasmania’s natural beauty and foster harmony between nature and the community through your positive actions.

Wilderness areas:

Please take good care when visiting the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area (TWWHA) Most UNESCO World Heritage sites meet only one or two of the ten criteria for this status. The TWWHA meets seven out of ten criteria. Weather conditions can change quickly and frequently, especially in alpine areas. Snow, rain, wind and sun are all possible at any time of the year, and bushfires can occur between October and March. Please observe all track signs, they are provided for your safety. The entire area is Fuel Stove Only (no open fires) and visitors are required to clean their boots, gear and vehicles before entering the area to prevent the spread of vegetation infections.