The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area includes a number of national parks in western and southwestern Tasmania with a total area of 1.4 millionha. The most important constituents of the area are Cradle Mountain/Lake St Clair National Park, South West National Park and Franklin Lower Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, which were included in UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1982. Walls of Jerusalem National Park, the Central Plateau Conservation Area and Hartz Mountains National Park (see Geeveston) were added in 1989.
Topography
The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area takes in an immense expanse of almost unchanged natural landscape, with mighty rivers and rugged mountains, which reflects the whole course of the
earth's history.
This dramatic landscape, with its grandiose peaks of schist and quartzite (Frenchman's Cap, Federation Peak), its columnar dolerite formations (Precipitous Bluff, Mount Ossa) and its tumultuous rivers (Franklin, Gordon), came into being during and after the last ice ages. With the melting of the ice the level of the sea rose several meters, drowning the broad estuaries of the rivers and giving rise to such beautiful natural harbors as Port Davey and Bathurst Harbor in southwestern Tasmania.
The vegetation of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area includes Alpine heathland, great open forests of eucalyptus and expanses of cool temperate rain forest and moorland. The Huon pines found here are among the oldest plants on earth - anything up to 2000 years old.
In this area too are traces of early human existence (caves and ice age occupation sites of the Aborigines, ancient rock paintings) and remains of the convict period in the 19th C.
Climate
Given its relatively high altitude, this land of rocks and lakes is subject to sudden bouts of bad weather. The unpredictable weather conditions (a high annual rainfall of up to 2500 mm, strong west winds, cold spells with snow even in summer) complicate the planning of a journey in this area.
Development and preservation
The development of this territory and the provision of facilities for visitors should not be prevented but must be so arranged that this unspoiled region can be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. This has led in recent years to a ban on the construction of any more dams which would drastically alter the natural landscape.
Lyell Highway
The Lyell Highway, constructed in 1932 as a link between the mining town of Queenstown and Hobart, is the main access route to the central and northern parts of the World Heritage Area.
Gordon River Road
The Gordon River Road runs from Hobart by way of Maydena to Lake Pedder, which before the area was put under statutory protection was enlarged by the construction of dams. From this road there are magnificent views.
Scotts Peak Road
The Scotts Peak Road is the starting point for a number of long bush and mountain walks (Mount Anne Track, Western Arthurs Peak, Federation Peak.
Walking trails
From the Lyell Highway there are trails to the rain forests on the banks of the Franklin River, the Nelson Falls and Donaghys Hill Wilderness Lookout (views of Franklin valley and Frenchman's Cap). Recherche Bay is the starting point of the South Coast Track, which leads to Bathurst Harbor and through South West National Park to the south end of Lake Pedder.
The world-famous Overland Track (for which five days should be allowed) runs south from Cradle Valley to Lake St Clair, the deepest lake in Tasmania and the source of the Derwent River.
Only those with much experience of the arts of survival should undertake a cross-country trip through the Tasmanian wilderness, and even they should never go alone. There are organized tours (walking, climbing, in all-terrain vehicles, canoeing and boating) which give close-up experience of this great empty territory with less risk.
White-water rafting
There are white-water rafting runs on the Collingwood and Franklin Rivers.
Sightseeing flights
Sightseeing flights, with landings at places of particular interest, are run (weather permitting) from Hobart.
Hobbies & Activities category: Hiking opportunity; Natural area; Region with significant interests; Scenic site or route; UNESCO World Heritage Site; Wildlife area, bird sanctuary
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