National Parks & Reserves

Reserves are generally free to enter, however national parks like Rocky Cape and Cradle Mountain need a parks pass. Cradle Mountain has its own pass option and a shuttle service. Some things carry separate fees, such as camping, guided cave tours and the Recreational Driver Pass for off-road tracks in the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area. Before you set out, check the Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania website for current requirements.

Rocky Cape National Park. The South Cave, North Cave and lighthouse walks are 10 to 20 minutes return, and the Banksia Grove and Caves circuit from Sisters Beach takes about an hour. Cradle Mountain is better saved for a full day.

Cradle Mountain is about a 1.5-hour drive (approx. 80 km) from Devonport via Sheffield. Because of the winding roads and the need to use the visitor centre shuttle bus system inside the park, it easily takes a full-day trip.

From Burnie, Rocky Cape National Park is roughly 40 minutes west along the Bass Highway (about 50 km), and Dip Falls is around an hour to an hour and 20 minutes away (75 to 90 km). Both are on the same run west, so you can fit them into one day, with lunch in Wynyard, Boat Harbour or Stanley along the way.

Yes. Cradle Mountain is about 1.5 hours from the Devonport terminal, so an early start gets you there for the morning walks. Rocky Cape suits a gentler first day. Parks passes can be bought onboard the Spirit of Tasmania and online.

Plenty. At Rocky Cape, the North Cave and lighthouse walk is 10 to 20 minutes return. In takayna / Tarkine, Trowutta Arch is about 20 minutes from the road, and the Julius River circuits take 30 to 40 minutes. Dip Falls has four short walks, including one to the Big Tree.

Coverage is patchy in many parts of the parks and reserves, and it can drop out completely on longer walks and remote roads. Download your maps before you leave town and tell someone your plan.

Layers, a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, water and food. The weather can change fast, even in summer, so pack for cold and wet whatever the forecast says.

Mostly it’s the other way round. Keep your distance, don’t feed anything and watch where you step on warm days. All three of Tasmania’s snake species are venomous, and they’d rather be left alone. Wombats, wallabies and devils are most active around dusk and at night, so drive slowly on country roads.

Summer gives you the best odds of clear weather, though Cradle Mountain can see rain or snow at any time of year. Waterfalls like Dip Falls look best after rain, so a wet week isn’t a write-off.

Generally no. Dogs aren’t allowed in Tasmania’s national parks or most reserves, with an exception for assistance dogs. A few reserves and campgrounds do allow them. Check the Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania dogs in parks page before you go.

The main roads are, but some turn-offs aren’t. The road to Trowutta Arch has gravel sections and the final 2-3 kilometres of the Dip Falls road is also unsealed. The Western Explorer is a rough route and not suited to large vehicles or caravans. If you’re in a hire car, check what your agreement says about unsealed roads.