Situated at the centre of the extensive World Heritage Area of Tasmania, the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park contains an incomprehensible depth of natural history. Bordered by the craggy flat-topped Mt Rufus and Frenchmans Cap, the park is a maze of steep gorges and sloping valleys. Thick pines carpet the foot of these peaks broken by the occasional cluster of rustling eucalyptus. The constant flow of water sourced from ancient glaciers that once stood proud across the land has cut away cliffs and sheer bluffs that make for dramatic landscapes. It is most notable for the rivers it’s named after, the Franklin and Gordon Rivers which hurtle past canyons and lazily wind through towering trees that flank the waters. For the fit, the best way to appreciate the sheer force and power of the river is to raft downstream, navigating past grade 3, 4 and occasionally grade 6 rapids. As the only major naturally formed river in Tasmania, it is sure to feature on the bucket lists of seasoned rafters.

If adventure sports aren’t your thing, rent a car and drive along Lyell Highway. The 56km stretch will bring you past countless trails and lookouts designed to help you spot the abundant wildlife slinking beneath the shadows of trees. The Franklin River Nature Trail will bring you past the riverbanks where you can admire the dense canopy tinged brown. The Nelson Falls Natural Trail is more approachable, running beneath overhanging ferns as slivers of water trickle along the sides in the direction of thin creeks and runoffs from the main rivers. At the end of the walk, you will be welcomed by the loud rush of water as the trail opens out to a pool and a 30m-tall waterfall slipping past the green tinted rocks covered in moss and algae. The Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is nature let loose, guarding 3000 year-old treasures and reminding us what of what Mother Earth is capable of.