Franklin-Gordon Rivers National Park

The Franklin-Gordon Rivers National Park almost wasn't available. A plan to dam the Franklin and create a hydro-electric power station would have flooded the gorge and destroyed one of the world's most be au tiful areas.

The conservationists won and now you can cruise the Franklin in a chartered boat or enjoy the views from your car as the road winds some 60 kilometres through the park which is about the same distance from Hobart or Launceston and takes some 2½ hours. This is rugged terrain with magnificent rainforests, steep gorges and wild rivers. There are picnic and camping areas.

Walking tracks offer trips ranging from short and easy treks to a 5 day adventure. You can travel along the Franklin river by canoe or raft. You can take a scenic flight over the area. A boat cruise to the former penal settlement of Sarah Island shows you how tough a life many endured in the early days of European Australia. This is Huon Pine country, historical aboriginal land and is rated a World Heritage area.