Exploring Narawntapu National Park: Wildlife, Walks, and Coastal Beauty
Narawntapu National Park, located on Tasmania’s northern coast, lies 260 kilometres from Hobart and just 20 kilometres east of Devonport. This unique park offers a mix of natural beauty, rich history, and abundant wildlife, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking memorable bushwalks or a peaceful escape. Known for its open plains and thriving marsupial populations, Narawntapu is often referred to as one of Tasmania’s best places to spot wildlife up close. Visitors are likely to encounter Forester kangaroos, Bennetts wallabies, and pademelons grazing in the grasslands near Springlawn, the park’s main entrance.
The park’s landscapes are as varied as its wildlife. Coastal heathlands and grasslands blend seamlessly with wetlands and dry sclerophyll woodlands, creating a rich habitat for birdlife. You’ll hear and see green rosellas, black cockatoos, wrens, honeyeaters, and even raptors soaring above. At Springlawn Lagoon, a short walk from the main entrance leads to a bird hide, perfect for observing waterbirds such as herons, swans, and cormorants without disturbing them. Interpretive signage in the hide provides fascinating details about the local species, making it an educational stop for nature enthusiasts.
Narawntapu’s walking trails cater to all experience levels, whether you’re looking for a casual stroll or more challenging hikes. For sweeping views over the coast, the Archers Knob track is a rewarding option, while the Springlawn Nature Walk is an easier route to enjoy at dusk when the park’s marsupials are most active. Inland fire trails near Springlawn offer bushwalkers a change of scenery, winding through forests and leading to viewpoints overlooking Bass Strait and the Western Tiers. For families, the long, sweeping stretches of Bakers Beach are ideal for beachcombing or a relaxing picnic, with plenty of facilities like barbecues and toilets nearby.
The peaceful waters of Bakers Beach and Springlawn Beach invite swimmers and fishers, though the beaches are unpatrolled, so care should be taken. For an overnight adventure, the park offers some of Tasmania’s best camping spots, where visitors can fall asleep to the sounds of the nearby ocean and wake to the sights of grazing wildlife.
Narawntapu’s human history is just as rich as its natural features. The area was home to Aboriginal communities for thousands of years, and evidence of their connection to the land remains in the form of shell middens and artefact scatters, protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1975. The name Narawntapu, which replaced the park’s original name of Asbestos Range National Park in 1999, honours the Aboriginal heritage of the region.
Whether you’re interested in the park’s cultural history, its thriving ecosystems, or simply the chance to enjoy its many walking trails, Narawntapu National Park offers an unforgettable experience. Want to find the best trails in Narawntapu National Park for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the best trails for walking, hiking, running, and more.
