Tasmania, the island state of Australia, is calling for those who seek adventure at heart. High rocky peaks rise above the horizon, crystal glacier lakes mirror the primordial forests, and the shoreline is a canvas of formidable cliffs and coves. But for the real thrill-seekers, the only way to explore this tropical dream is on foot through its jungle core.
On the Trail of Wonder
Tasmania has a range of tracks, which are in good condition and suitable for trekkers of all abilities. The famous Overland Track that spans six days and 65 kilometers passes through Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. Here, Cradle Mountain reigns supreme, its steep, rocky slopes mirrored in the calm waters of Dove Lake. Hikers may come across several wild animals such as the wombat feeding on alpine grasslands, or catch a glimpse of the endangered Tasmanian Devil foraging in the bushes.
Anyone looking for a shorter walk but with great coastal views should try the Three Capes Track. Vertical rocks tower from the blue sea, and sandy beaches invite for a swim. Look out for dolphins surfing in the water; listen to the cries of birds flying overhead.
A Symphony of Wildlife
Wildlife in Tasmania is diverse and many of the species found here are endemic to Australia and threatened. The legendary Tasmanian Devil that will yell loudly can also be seen hunting for its food at evenings. Occasionally, the mammal with a bill like a duck and the body of an otter can be spotted walking on water of streams. The region is home to wallabies and pademelons which are smaller marsupials related to kangaroos and have soft brown or grey fur.
Bird watching enthusiasts will have a field day on this route. Numerous parrots of bright colors, beautiful honeyeaters, and the famous kookaburra that chuckles can be seen in the skies. You may be lucky to see the elusive peregrine falcon flying overhead or the sinister looking wedge-tailed eagle gliding on the thermals.
Vivid Impressions
However, Tasmania provides a lot more than just the spectacular hiking trails for travelers. Paddle through a glacial lake at daybreak with the rising fog obscuring the tops of peaks, and the only thing disturbing the tranquility of the water – your kayak. This is an experience that you are sure to remember for the rest of your life.
For some culture enthusiasts, there are guided historical tours conducted around a heritage structure built by convicts where you can learn more about the island’s rich and sometimes complex history. In the evening, explore the local cuisine and try fresh seafood which had been caught by fishermen the same day. Tasmania is also famous for its pinot noir wine. Just picture sipping that glass with friends while seated in front of a warm fire at a campsite, with the stars above as bright as daylight.
A Walk Through Time
Tasmania itself has a lot more than great views and interesting animals along the trail. These are time-space travels that take you back through the glacial lakes formed thousands of years ago and the eucalyptus trees that marked the changes of the island. At times you may come across places which have a brief history of the aboriginal people and their paintings on the rocks can still be seen which depicts the soul of the place. The convict-built bridges are still in existence as monuments of a dark history, every bend in this road revealing another facet of Tasmania.
A Trek That Transforms
Trekking across Tasmania is one of those things that you never forget once your boots have been back on the pavement. It is an opportunity to get back to the roots in a way that cannot be achieved while staying in a car. It will be the most physically engaged you have ever been, sometimes past your comfort level and you will find an inner fighter in you. That feeling of achievement once you get to the top of a mountain or a deserted island is incomparable. But more importantly, you’ll build memories that will be cherished for the rest of your life. Therefore, put on your hiking shoes, take your rucksack, and set off on your very own Tasmanian odyssey. This is the wild, free spirit of adventure of this island, where not only the body but the soul is taken on a journey.
A Legacy of Conservation
This will make you wonder about how delicate this ecosystem is and why they need protection while walking through the dense and tall trees of the ancient rainforests. Tasmania is blessed with natural beauty and it is our duty to make sure that it is preserved for future generations. The fact that you are actively participating in this effort and are not merely a passive viewer adds another level of meaning to your quest.
There are several national parks in Tasmania where one can participate in conservation activities. Some volunteers may assist with weed eradication, tracking animal movements, or engage in other forms of citizen science that support groundbreaking studies on wildlife. Just selecting an eco-tourism operator is sending a positive message about your responsible travel habits. So, if you want Tasmania’s wild nature to remain a place of mystery and an object for exploration in the future, pay attention to the choices you make.
