Regarded as the gateway to Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area, the West Coast is known for its rugged mountains, ancient rainforests, unpredictable weather, rich convict heritage and historic mining towns.
For a true taste of this rugged corner of Tasmania, brave the infamous Franklin River on a white-water rafting expedition, cruise the majestic Gordon River and wander past 1,000-year-old Huon pines in one of the world’s last temperate rainforests.
The West Coast is home to rainforest nature trails and an abundance of majestic waterfalls. The Franklin River Nature Trail, Horsetail Falls, Nelson Falls and Hogarth Falls are all suited to any age or ability and Tasmania’s highest waterfall, Montezuma Falls is nothing short of breathtaking.
For the more experienced, Frenchmans Cap is regarded as one of Tasmania’s most challenging multi-day walks. Reach the top and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Mt. Ossa, the Arthur Range and Macquarie Harbour all from the summit.
Situated on Macquarie Harbour, Strahan is the largest town in the region with the infamous Hells Gates and Sarah Island, one of the harshest penal colony settlements in Australia also nearby.
