THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
National Park · Tasmania

Pelion National Park

Pelion National Park is a rugged wilderness area in Tasmania known for its ancient rainforests, alpine landscapes, and premier hiking opportunities within the famed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park region.

National Park73,0004+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

73,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Pelion National Park

Pelion National Park is a rugged wilderness area in Tasmania known for its ancient rainforests, alpine landscapes, and premier hiking opportunities within the famed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park region.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Pelion National Park is located in the central highlands of Tasmania, Australia, forming part of the larger Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The park features a mix of dense temperate rainforests, subalpine moorlands, and rugged mountain peaks, including Mount Pelion East and Mount Oakleigh. The area is shaped by glacial activity, evident in its deep valleys and cirques, with diverse flora and fauna that thrive in its cool, wet climate. Pelion supports important species such as the Tasmanian devil, quolls, and wedge-tailed eagles, alongside unique plant communities including ancient myrtle beech and large stands of sassafras trees. Historically, the region has been inhabited by the Tasmanian Aboriginal people and later explored during European settlement for its challenging landscapes and resource potential. Today, Pelion National Park is best known for its iconic multi-day hiking routes, such as sections of the Overland Track, attracting outdoor enthusiasts globally. Visitors enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting, photography, and camping amidst pristine wilderness. The park’s dramatic scenery combined with well-maintained trails offers an immersive experience into Tasmania’s wild heart. Access to the park is often through the Cradle Mountain visitor area, and the region's unpredictable weather adds an element of adventure and caution for visitors. Pelion National Park provides a compelling destination for those seeking remote mountain landscapes rich in natural beauty and ecological significance.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Pelion National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Overland Track: Tasmania's Premier Wilderness Trek★ 9.3⌖ 10 miHiking
Overland Track

Overland Track: Tasmania's Premier Wilderness Trek

The Overland Track in Tasmania is a 65 km multi-day hike through diverse terrain, including alpine meadows and temperate rainforests. Moderate difficulty with well-marked trails, huts, and stunning wildlife sightings. Best hiked spring to fall with necessary permits and preparations.

Cradle Mountain: Tasmania's Rugged Masterpiece★ 9.2⌖ 20 miHiking
Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain: Tasmania's Rugged Masterpiece

Explore the rugged beauty of Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. Known for its jagged peaks and reflective lakes, this area offers hiking trails ranging from easy lake loops to challenging summit ascents. A must-visit for adventure seekers, it's accessible year-round but weather can be unpredictable.

Hiking the Overland Track in Tasmania's Wilderness★ 9.2⌖ 21 miHiking
Overland Track

Hiking the Overland Track in Tasmania's Wilderness

Explore the 65 km Overland Track in Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. A challenging multi-day hike through alpine peaks, rainforests, and moorlands. Encounter unique wildlife, stunning glacial lakes, and rugged landscapes for a rewarding wilderness adventure.

Cascade Wonder of Nelson Falls★ 8.5⌖ 31 miHiking
Nelson Falls

Cascade Wonder of Nelson Falls

Experience the beauty of Nelson Falls in Tasmania with a short, family-friendly hike that's easy for all ages. The 20-minute round trip is perfect for birdwatching and photography. Visit year-round to enjoy this accessible waterfall, but expect more visitors during summer.

Captivating Cascades at Step Falls★ 7.2⌖ 35 miHiking
Step Falls

Captivating Cascades at Step Falls

Explore Step Falls near Nietta, Tasmania, a stunning site with cascading waterfalls and unique rock formations. Ideal for hiking and photography. Best visited in spring and fall when the lush surroundings enhance the tranquility.

The Untamed Beauty of Franklin River★ 8.7⌖ 41 miWhite Water Rafting
Franklin River

The Untamed Beauty of Franklin River

Explore Franklin River's daunting rapids and serene pools in Southwest Tasmania's wilderness. It's a challenging spot for white water rafting and hiking with rare wildlife. Best visited in late spring to early autumn.

White Water RaftingView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Mount Pelion East: Prominent peak offering panoramic alpine views✦ Ancient rainforest ecosystems featuring myrtle beech and sassafras groves✦ Sections of the famous Overland Track hiking trail✦ Remote mountain tarns and crystal-clear alpine streams
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Pelion National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Pelion National Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Pelion National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Pelion National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Pelion National Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Pelion National Park
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Pelion National Park
Park Recreation

Backpacking

Available in Pelion National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Pelion National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Tasmanian National Parks pass required; Overland Track permits needed for peak season

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Pelion National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Waterfall Valley Hut Campsite

Popular camping area near the Waterfall Valley Hut along the Overland Track, offering basic facilities and scenic surroundings.

Pelion Plains Campsite

Remote highland campsite close to Pelion Plains hut, ideal for hikers seeking solitude and alpine scenery.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Pelion National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Lake St Clair Village
⌖ 18.85 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lake St Clair Village, Tasmania

A peaceful gateway to Tasmania’s wilderness offering access to rugged trails, pristine waters, and alpine landscapes for a variety of outdoor activities.

Summer to early Autumn (December to April)Explore Town
Derwent Bridge
⌖ 19.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Derwent Bridge, Tasmania

A remote gateway to Tasmania’s rugged wilderness featuring alpine landscapes and access to iconic hiking and skiing destinations.

Summer to early Autumn (December to April)Explore Town
Mole Creek
⌖ 21.73 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mole Creek, Tasmania

A gateway to stunning limestone caves and wild forest landscapes that appeal to hikers, cavers, and nature lovers.

Spring to early AutumnExplore Town
Meander
⌖ 23.20 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Meander, Tasmania

A peaceful rural town offering tranquil natural settings and easy access to Tasmania’s central wilderness, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking quiet exploration.

Spring to AutumnExplore Town
Cradle Mountain Village
⌖ 24.16 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cradle Mountain Village, Tasmania

A gateway village offering unmatched access to Tasmania’s rugged alpine wilderness with a focus on hiking, wildlife spotting, and scenic outdoor exploration.

Late Spring to Early AutumnExplore Town
Miena
⌖ 25.50 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Miena, Tasmania

A rugged highland retreat famed for angling, winter snow sports, and untamed wilderness in Tasmania’s Central Plateau.

Spring to Autumn for fishing and hiking; Winter for skiingExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Pelion National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.