Camplify Uncovered | Nathan Sawaya’s top 10 unmissable Tassie sights

Nathan Sawaya recently travelled through Tassie to test out van life across the Apple Isle. Along the way he scoped out the wild west coast, Bruny Island’s beaches and the alpine beauty of Cradle Mountain National Park. These are, for Nath, the unmissable sights every traveller should have on their list:

1.Trowutta Arch

Trowutta Arch can be found in the Tarkine Rainforest, in North West Tasmania, and is a popular day trip from Stanley. This rainforest is the second-largest expanse of cool temperate rainforest on the planet and you can’t help but feel like you’ve been transported into a different world when you enter.

2. The Nut

Set above a historic fishing village in Tasmania’s North West, The Nut transports visitors from the ocean to an ancient volcanic plug. The unusual headland, which juts 143 metres into the sky, features spectacular views across the Bass Strait. It’s well worth setting aside a morning to take the chairlift to the summit to really appreciate the sheer size of The Nut.

3. Dove Lake

The highlight of any Tasmania road trip is without a doubt Cradle Mountain. Rising above the Tasmanian wilderness, Cradle Mountain is an area of breathtaking natural beauty and inquisitive wildlife. Take the 10-minute bus ride to Dove Lake before completing the 6-kilometre walk.

4. Montezuma Falls

Montezuma Falls is arguably the best waterfall in Tasmania and, at 104 metres high, is widely known for being one of the tallest waterfalls in Australia. Hidden in the wilderness of Tasmania’s wild west coast, this incredible waterfall is still only a 3-hour return walk from the car park.

1. Gordon Dam

The Gordon River Dam might be the most imposing structure in Australia. This colossal dam towers 140 metres high and holds back 12,359,040 thousand cubic metres of water, which is 30 times the amount of water in Sydney Harbour! The walk to the Gordon River Dam is not for the faint hearted, but once you make it down, you’re treated to magnificent views of Australia’s largest lake.

6. Devils @ Cradle

When visiting Tasmania, one thing that should be on every traveller’s bucket list is seeing a Tasmanian Devil in real life. The Devils @ Cradle sanctuary is a breeding and conservation facility located within the Cradle Mountain National Park World Heritage area. A visit to the sanctuary will allow you to meet these extraordinary animals up close and learn why they are considered an endangered species.

7. Mt Wellington

Rising 1,271 metres above the city of Hobart, Mt Wellington is Tasmania’s most visited natural attraction. Take a 30-minute drive to the summit and witness wonderful views of the greater Hobart region, Bruny Island and the South West Wilderness. Depending on the weather, of course.

8. Bay Of Fires

The mere sight of the Bay of Fires has me dreaming of a Tasmania getaway ASAP! This 50-kilometre stretch of pristine coastline first hit the global spotlight when it was named in Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Places to Visit in the World. Known for its sweeping white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters and giant orange granite boulders, the Bay of Fires is one of the most beautiful spots in the country.

9. The Neck

Located on Tasmania’s fourth-largest island, The Neck is a narrow stretch of land that connects North and South Bruny Island. Park your car and walk 300 steps up the dunes to take in the sweeping 360-degree views of coastal beauty. Don’t forget to check out The Neck Beach, which was named by Tourism Australia as the sixth-best beach in the country.

10. Russell Falls

Often regarded as the most photographed waterfall in Tasmania, Russell Falls is only a 20-minute return walk from the car park. Located within the diverse Mount Field National Park, Russell Falls is surrounded by wet forests and cool temperate rainforests. Walk to Russell Falls at night to discover glow worms among the vegetation near the falls.

Sold on a trip to Tassie? Follow in Nath’s footsteps – or tyre tracks, rather – and book a van in either Launceston or Hobart.