80WILDLIFE & NATUREIN TASMANIATasmania's landscape varies dramatically withinits small area. Parts of the north and the centralhighway are reminiscent of middle England withits gently undulating arable lands. However,with much of the island designated a WorldHeritage Area, it is the wild scenery with itsoften unique flora and fauna that really standsout. The mountainous inland glacial landscapesinclude Cradle Mountain and the Walls ofJerusalem National Parks while the Mount FieldNational Park is home to beautiful alpinescenery and eucalypt forests. The west coastconsists of steep, jagged cliffs and absolutewilderness as it receives the full fury of thesouthern oceans, whipped up over vastexpanses of seas by the 'roaring forties' winds,resulting in many ships foundering on wickedrocks. The east coast consists of mile after mileof white sand beaches, broken up by graniteheadlands, sheathed in orange lichen. Thesouthwest of Tasmania is well known for its wildrivers. The Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers NationalPark is home to two that thread for 75 milesthrough largely unexplored, pristine forestwilderness and is the last remaining bastion ofHuon pine, once highly valued for its shipbuilding qualities. The wildlife in Tasmania isdiverse and abundant, so you are likely to comeacross wombats, eastern grey and Bennett'swallabies, echidnas, Tasmanian Devils, quolls,parakeets, platypus, penguins and an array ofbirdlife. In order to really experience the wildlife,you are advised to get off the beaten track withone of the guided tours available. We haveselected four of the very best that will allow youto experience the wilderness in comfort.Franklin-Gordon RiversWorld Heritage CruiseSheer size and almost total isolation have kept theFranklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park virtuallyinaccessible to all but the hardiest of bushwalkersand kayakers. With more than one million hectaresof rugged mountains, wild rivers and one of theworld's last great temperate rainforests, it is hometo some of the oldest plants and rarest creatures inthe world. The luxury small ship 'Discovery' allowsjust 24 guests a magical experience visiting theremote river valleys and majestic gorges of thisWorld Heritage Park in comfort on a three daycruise that takes you, from Strahan (page 76),across Macquarie Harbour and 20 kilometresupstream into the heart of the wilderness. Includedare twilight walks through copses of Huon pine,kayaking near platypus, exploring the old penalcolony of Sarah Island and cruising out of HellsGate. Gourmet dining adds a further dimension tothis very special experience.Franklin-Gordon riverBay of FiresHeritage Cruise

TASMANIA 81Maria IslandMaria Island WalkTasmania's newest four day "Gourmet Walk" reallywill captivate you from the Hobart start pointonwards. The island has a compelling mix oftranquility, varied scenery, abundant wildlife and oneof Australia's best preserved convict settlements.Aboriginal ochre pits, ancient fossil cliffs as well asthe flora and fauna are really brought to life by yourinformative local guides. This walk features theindulgence of meals prepared with fine Tasmanianproduce and accompanied by regional wines servedat your magnificent beachfront wilderness camp.Your final night is spent in a National Trust Listedhouse, a magnificent banquet is a fitting finale.What makes the walk unique is the fantastic varietyof geography, flora and fauna that you willexperience in just four days, a real roller-coaster ofdiverse sights and sounds. Cape Barren gooseBay of Fires WalkAt the edge of Mount William National Park, themagnificent wilderness coastline known as the Bay ofFires (page 78) invites you to experience itsdramatic landscape and wildlife. Led by well-informed Tasmanian guides, small groups canexplore both the fascinating beach environment andthe rich diversity of the nearby woodlands. The firstnight of this three day walk is spent in a permanentbush camp set in the sand dunes just back from thebeach, while the following two nights are in thelovely Bay of Fires Lodge. You will spend the free dayrelaxing and kayaking up Ansons River in MountWilliam National Park, a haven for wildlife and hometo the largest population of eastern grey kangaroosin the state, as well echinadas, brush-tail possums,wombats, Bennett's wallabies and Tasmanian Devils.Birdlife too is abundant, with over 100 speciesoccurring in the park, including many varieties of seaand shore birds. The area is one of great significanceto the Aboriginal community and huge middens ofdiscarded shells are a reminder of days when tribeswould migrate to the coast in winter to forage forshellfish, mutton birds and seals. Up to 10,000years ago these Aboriginal tribes would cross theland bridge that once connected Tasmania to themainland. Today, looking north to Bass Strait, theremnants of this land bridge - the Islands of theFurneaux Group - can be clearly seen from thecoastline of this magnificent national park.Bay of Fires LodgeThis is the only building in this near-unknownwilderness paradise and has views up and down thepristine white sand beaches. In the lodge'smagnificent living area, with a large timber deck andopen fire, you'll enjoy delicious meals prepared withthe freshest local produce and accompanied by fineTasmanian wines. Solar power provides the lightingand hot showers in a building whose very conceptwas based on 'eco-sustainability'.Cradle Mountain Huts WalkCradle Mountain National Park is home to one ofthe southern hemisphere's great wilderness walks.The 64 kilometre track has traditionally beenenjoyed by only the most serious of walkers whohave taken all provisions with them on a gruellinghike that extends from Cradle Valley to Lake St Clairthrough spectacular landscapes. The CradleMountain Huts six-day walk follows the famousOverland Track and now allows walkers to enjoy thetrek while staying in five, comfortable, well-appointed huts. After a hard day's walk withstunning views you will find yourself at a rustic diningtable, in convivial company, for a hearty mealprepared by your guides with fine Tasmanian wineand cheerful conversation. Your twin-share roomsare in the only private huts in the area. The eco-friendly design ensures that your hot showers,cooked meals and local wines do not impact theenvironment while local guides will enhance thejourney with their knowledge and understanding ofthe flora, fauna, geology and history of the OverlandTrack and tales about the World Heritage Area.Bay of Fires