Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

The Nelson Falls are an easily accessible waterfall in the **Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park** in Tasmania, Australia. Located directly off the Lyell Highway, they offer straightforward access to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A short, well-maintained walking track leads you through an *ancient temperate rainforest*, whose dense vegetation and biodiversity reflect Tasmania's long geological history.After about a 20-minute walk, you reach a viewing platform from which you can admire the waterfall as it plunges over a rock edge into a clear basin. The National Park region gained worldwide attention in the 1980s through a successful environmental protection campaign, underscoring its immense ecological significance.Our Tip: Ideally, visit Nelson Falls after heavy rainfall to experience the waterfall at its maximum flow. For undisturbed photos and to fully enjoy the tranquility of the location, an early morning visit is recommended. The track is short and easily walkable for most visitors.

The Confluence, where the Franklin River and Gordon River meet, is an iconic spot in the heart of the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park in Tasmania. Here, two of Australia's most pristine rivers converge, forming a breathtaking wilderness landscape. This point gained worldwide fame in the 1980s through the successful campaign to save the Franklin River from damming, a pivotal moment for the Australian environmental movement. Here, you'll experience raw, untouched nature, surrounded by dense rainforest and steep gorges. The silence and seclusion are profoundly impressive. Our tip: The best way to reach the Confluence is often as part of a multi-day rafting tour on the Franklin River, which guarantees an intense nature experience. Pay attention to the changing light conditions in the morning for particularly atmospheric photos and allow enough time to let the tranquility of this special place wash over you.

The Bird River Track, also known as the Kelly Basin Walk, leads you deep into Tasmania's history within the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. You'll hike along the former railway line that once connected the remote mining settlement of East Pillinger with Kelly Basin harbour. This settlement was an important hub for the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company in the early 20th century, before it was abandoned and reclaimed by the rainforest.Along the way, you'll discover fascinating remnants of the past: rusted tracks, old machinery, and the foundations of former buildings, now overgrown with lush vegetation. It's a poignant blend of human history and pristine wilderness. Our tip: Plan your visit during the drier months (summer and autumn) to make the hike more pleasant and have better views of the relics. Sturdy footwear is essential. For impressive photos, the moss-covered ruins and dense rainforest backdrop are ideal.