Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers

About Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers

Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is a pristine wilderness area in Tasmania's west. The park protects some of the last wild rivers in Australia and contains ancient rainforest ecosystems. It features dramatic mountain peaks, deep river valleys, and is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Fauna

The park provides habitat for numerous endemic and threatened species. Notable residents include the Tasmanian devil, spotted-tailed quoll, and eastern quoll. The region supports diverse bird life, including the endangered orange-bellied parrot, wedge-tailed eagle, and various endemic honeyeaters. Aquatic ecosystems harbor platypus, native fish species, and the endangered Tasmanian giant freshwater crayfish. The park also provides refuge for several frog species, including the threatened Tasmanian tree frog, and various endemic invertebrates.

Flora

The park supports diverse vegetation communities, including some of the world's oldest living plants. Ancient Huon pine trees, some over 2,000 years old, grow along river valleys. Cool temperate rainforest dominates much of the park, featuring myrtle beech, sassafras, and leatherwood trees. Alpine areas support unique cushion plants and hardy shrubs adapted to extreme conditions. The park also contains extensive buttongrass moorlands, while the understory features numerous fern species, including the endemic King Billy pine and pencil pine communities.

Geology

The park showcases dramatic geological features formed over millions of years. The landscape is characterized by quartzite mountains, deep river valleys, and limestone caves. The Franklin River has carved through ancient quartzite and conglomerate rock formations, creating spectacular gorges. The park contains evidence of glacial activity from the last ice age, including U-shaped valleys, moraines, and glacial lakes. The region's geology also features distinctive buttongrass moorlands formed on acidic soils and dolerite peaks that create the park's rugged skyline.

History

The park area has been home to Aboriginal people for over 35,000 years, with the Lairmairrener and Toogee people being the traditional custodians. European exploration began in the 1800s, with early expeditions seeking Huon pine for shipbuilding. The park gained international attention during the Franklin Dam controversy of the 1980s, when environmentalists successfully campaigned to prevent the damming of the Franklin River. This landmark conservation victory led to the area's inclusion in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area in 1982, protecting its natural and cultural values for future generations.

Notable Features

Key attractions include the iconic Franklin River, renowned for white-water rafting and its pristine wilderness state. The Frenchmans Cap, a distinctive white quartzite peak rising 1,446 meters, offers challenging hiking opportunities and spectacular views. The Gordon River, famous for its mirror-like reflections and river cruises, showcases ancient rainforest along its banks. Donaghys Hill Wilderness Lookout provides panoramic views of the Franklin River valley and surrounding mountains. The park also contains significant Aboriginal heritage sites, including cave paintings and middens, particularly in the lower Gordon River area.

Climate & Weather

Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park experiences a cool temperate climate with high rainfall throughout the year. Annual precipitation can exceed 2,500mm, making it one of Tasmania's wettest regions. Summers (December-February) are mild with temperatures ranging from 10-25°C, while winters (June-August) are cold with frequent snow on higher peaks and temperatures often dropping below freezing. Weather conditions can change rapidly due to the park's mountainous terrain, and visitors should be prepared for rain, wind, and sudden temperature changes at any time of year.