This huge national park in southwest Tasmania has been classified as a World Heritage Area. Much of the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is pure wilderness with virtually no roads and very few hiking trails, making it a difficult place to explore. However there are several short walks that originate from various points along the Lyell Highway (A10) that are very accessible.
Frenchmans Cap track (46km, 4-5 days) is no stroll in the park, this epic hiking trail is one of the most arduous in Australia and it is recommended that you practice on several other overnight hikes before attempting this one. A detailed map and hiking guide is available from Service Tasmania shops (tel 1300 135 513) for $9.
It is possible to raft the Franklin River, which rates among the world’s best white water rafting trips. However rafting the Franklin is a very expensive activity with rafting trips costing over a thousand dollars. Rafting here is no ordinary day-trip, and rafting expeditions on the Franklin River can last anywhere from five to eleven days and the price does include the seaplane back to Strahan.