The northern region includes several, distinctly different national parks, including Mole Creek Karst, a network of limestone caves, Narawntapu, a haven for native wildlife and wukalina/Mt William and Ben Lomond National Parks. Ben Lomond is one of Tasmania’s only ski destinations, however, it is more popular among locals than tourists as snow is never a guarantee!
If exploring the wilderness in the north, you can start close to Launceston. There are three of the 60 Great Short Walks around Launceston and those with young families may want to check out Hollybank Forest, a short walk nearby to the Hollybank Adventure Park, where big and little kids over 8 can enjoy zip lining over the valley after a walk in among the forest.
Mole Creek Karst National Park
A little further to the west of Launceston, the Liffey Falls and the Meander Falls tracks are both a minor detail on the way to the Mole Creek Karst National Park. The park is home to two caves that are open to the public and provide a great opportunity to understand the karst features of the region, which includes underground streams, gorges, sinkholes and caves. A guided walk inside the caves is a must, providing the opportunity to view glow worms in their natural habitat as well as fantastic underground crystal formations.
Narawntapu National Park
To the north of Launceston, the Narawntapu National Park is renowned amongst locals for its peace and tranquility as well is the number of native wildlife you’re almost guaranteed to come across whilst in the park. The park is home to large numbers of Forester kangaroos, Bennetts wallabies and common wombats. Whilst many locals use it for camping, it is also a lovely spot for a picnic!
wukalina/Mt William National Park
In the opposite direction, you will find the wukalina/Mt William National Park on the north eastern tip of Tasmania. Here too, you will find a huge amount of wildlife, including an abundance of birdlife. Bird watchers visiting Tasmania will delight in huge birds of prey, such as the white-bellied sea eagles and wedge-tailed eagles, as well as smaller bird species, including honeyeaters, robins, wrens, finches and pardalotes. Migratory birds can also be found in the park and along the coast line. The park is home to many walks, perhaps most notably, the wukalina walk, a four day Aboriginal owned and operated guided walk that provides an authentic cultural experience that provides an insight and deeper understanding of the palawa people and the landscape in which we live.
Ben Lomond National Park
Inland, and a little further south is Ben Lomond, a winter playground for many a local! From around mid-July to early September, the ski slopes are open from 9 am to 4.30 pm, 7 days a week. The slopes are family friendly and a fun day out and most of the runs are suitable for beginner to intermediate users, but be aware that it is a requirement for all vehicles to carry chains from June through to September. In the warmer summer months, Ben Lomond shows off unique flora and the wildflowers are particularly appealing.
For information and assistance with purchasing on National Parks Passes, contact us.
Image Credits: Chi Kueng Renault Wong (Mole Creek Caves), Jess Bonde (Kangaroos on Springlawn, Narawntapu National Park), Rob Burnett (wukalina walk), Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett (Jacob’s Ladder)