Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Nature reserve in western Tasmania, Australia
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is a nature reserve in southwestern Tasmania that centers on two major river systems, the Franklin and Gordon, which flow through deep gorges carved into the landscape. The park encompasses roughly 4,500 square kilometers and combines dense forests, steep valleys, and waterways that define the character of this remote region.
The park was established as a protected area in 1908, but gained international prominence in the 1980s when environmental campaigns successfully blocked the proposed Franklin Dam construction. This movement became a turning point in conservation efforts, making the river and surrounding landscape symbols of wilderness protection.
Indigenous communities have deep ties to these lands, with archaeological sites scattered throughout showing occupation dating back to the ice age. These cultural connections remain active today, shaping how people understand and relate to the wilderness.
Access to the park is primarily via the Lyell Highway, which cuts through this remote landscape and serves as the main route through the region. Visitors should prepare for rough weather and limited facilities, as the park is sparsely developed and far from urban services.
The park is home to several large carnivorous marsupials including the Tasmanian devil, along with platypus and echidnas, species rarely found together in remote wilderness. This unusual mix of animals creates a remarkable habitat where visitors might encounter creatures found nowhere else in such abundance.
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