Leave No Trace Tips for Tasmania's National Parks
One of the reasons we love living in Tasmania (and sharing it with visitors) is its spectacular wilderness areas. We’ve got everything from ancient rainforests to tarn-studded alpine plateaus and pristine rivers - the “Apple Isle” really is a special place.
Many people come to Tasmania specifically to explore its national parks, whether that means a wander around Cradle Mountain’s Dove Lake or a multi-day trek through the spectacular Walls of Jerusalem. And while these places provide an incredible opportunity to experience nature at its wildest, they are also under increasing pressure as tourism numbers rise.
We strongly believe that visiting wild places is a privilege that comes with responsibility, and that responsibility is best explained through Leave No Trace principles. For us, this is more than simply taking your rubbish home with you.
“Leave No Trace” means travelling responsibly, protecting fragile vegetation and soils, respecting Aboriginal cultural heritage and keeping wildlife wild. It sounds like a lot to take in!
To make things easier, the Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service (PWS) officially promotes 7 Leave No Trace principles, adapted to the state's unique environments.
In this article, we’ll highlight each and share ways to minimise your impact while exploring Tasmania's national parks…or any wilderness area you visit.
1. Plan Ahead Before You Go
One of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental impact on any wilderness area is to prepare properly before leaving home. That way, you’re less likely to “improvise” in the wild and end up causing unnecessary damage.
Start by checking the official information for the park or walking track you plan to visit. The Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service website is a great place to start.
Rules can vary between locations, particularly regarding camping, fires, toilets and water availability. Don’t assume that every Tasmanian national park or wilderness area is the same!
When doing your research, check for any track closures and temporary restrictions, as well as seasonal rules around campfires and “fuel-stove only areas”. Also, check whether you need a Parks Pass in that area and if campsites or trails require advance bookings or permits (some are paid, some are free).
It’s also a good idea to research the specific environmental concerns of the area you plan to visit, such as root rot (Phytophthora cinnamomi).
Remember that water availability and treatment requirements vary between parks. Check before you leave and don’t assume that pristine looking water is safe to drink!
2. Walk and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Tasmania's landscapes might look tough and durable, but many of its plants and soils are incredibly fragile. Alpine vegetation, mosses and other slow-growing plants can take years to recover from trampling….even if it’s just one person!
So even if it’s really muddy and even if you see that other people have created unofficial routes, always walk on the designated trail. By staying on established tracks, you’ll be helping to concentrate environmental impact in an existing corridor, instead of causing greater damage.
The same goes for camping, and this is why the Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service has designated campsites and established tent platforms in some areas. Please use them if they are there!
If not, it’s best to pitch your tent on gravel or sandy surfaces, ideally on sites that have already been created. Never clear vegetation to make space for a tent or expand on existing campsites. If you move rocks to temporarily secure your tent, always return them to their original location before leaving.
It’s also important to camp well away from lakes, rivers and streams. PWS recommends camping at least 50 metres from water sources to help protect them from contamination and reduce disturbance.
Never wash dishes, clothes or yourself directly in a lake or stream. Again, do so at least 50 metres from a water source, preferably without soap or detergent.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Believe it or not, there’s no rubbish collection in the wilderness! So if you carried it in, carry it out.
This includes obvious rubbish such as food packaging, tissues and tea bags, as well as any food scraps that are biodegradable. Don't throw an apple core or banana peel into the bush simply because it’s "natural." Introduced food can attract wildlife and does not belong in the ecosystem.
Before leaving your campsite or picnic spot, do a final sweep of the area to make sure you haven’t left any rubbish or spilled food behind.
And while we’re talking about waste, let’s talk about human waste. It can easily contaminate waterways, introduce pathogens into sensitive environments and generally create unpleasant conditions for other visitors.
So if a park provides a toilet, use it…even if you’re not comfortable with long-drop conditions.
Some remote walks in Tasmania may have sections without toilet facilities. In those circumstances, it’s important to know the appropriate procedure before you leave…and come prepared!
Where a toilet isn't available, PWS advises that all faecal waste should be buried in a hole 15–20 cm deep and at least 100 metres from water, camps and tracks. After doing your business, the hole should be covered up and disguised. Carrying a small trowel is a very good idea!
Toilet paper can be buried in the hole, but personal hygiene products should be carried out with you.
4. Leave What You Find
Just because cultural artefacts aren’t behind museum glass, it doesn’t mean they should be touched or removed. Many of Tasmania’s walks travel through areas that are of cultural significance to Aboriginal people, with rocks, plants, shells and other natural objects considered sacred.
You can help to preserve the island’s heritage by looking at cultural and historic artefacts without touching, moving or removing them. And that extends to all natural objects you come across. Never take things out of wilderness areas as a memento of your trip. Instead, leave them exactly where you found them.
5. Minimise Campfire Impacts
A campfire might seem like an essential part of an Australian camping experience. But in Tasmania, it isn't appropriate everywhere.
Many Tasmanian wilderness areas are designated “fuel-stove only areas”, where open fires are prohibited. In these locations, you must carry and use an appropriate fuel stove if you plan on doing any cooking or heating water.
Even where fires are permitted, a portable stove is a lower-impact option as escaped campfires can cause widespread environmental damage.
If you light a fire where it is permitted, always use an established fireplace (don’t create your own) and keep the fire as small as possible. Never collect firewood from within Tasmania's national parks and reserves. Small bags of firewood can usually purchased in towns near protected areas.
Before lighting a fire, always check current fire restrictions and local regulations. Don't assume that because fires were permitted on your last visit, they're permitted today.
Tasmania can and does impose seasonal restrictions and the Tasmania Fire Service can declare Total Fire Bans. During a Total Fire Ban, outdoor fires are prohibited everywhere and this includes many types of portable stoves. The risk of starting a bushfire is just too great.
6. Respect Wildlife
Observing Tasmanian animals in the wild is one of the highlights of visiting the state’s national parks. In our experience, you might be lucky enough to encounter wallabies, wombats and echidnas, as well as pademelons and a variety of native birdlife.
While it can be tempting to feed wildlife to encourage closer viewings, this can alter natural behaviour, make animals dependent on humans and potentially make them sick. So please don’t do it!
The best way to enjoy wildlife sightings is always from a respectful distance. If the animals come to you, that’s a bonus!
It’s also important that you don’t leave food accessible to wildlife, particularly if you’re overnighting in tents. Some animals quickly learn that campsites mean food. That's bad for both wildlife and future visitors.
Keep all food securely stored and don’t leave scraps or spills around your tent that might attract animals. When you leave, pack all rubbish away and take it with you.
7. Be Considerate of Your Hosts and Other Visitors
Whether you’re visiting one of Tasmania’s national parks or a non-protected wilderness area, it’s important to respect local residents, pastoralists and Aboriginal custodians. Think of them as your hosts and consider the way you would like your home treated if you were opening it up to guests.
Only access private or restricted areas if you have the appropriate permission to do so and follow any rules/requests set out by people responsible for the area. Again, think how you would like others to behave in your backyard and make that the benchmark.
It’s also important to be mindful of other visitors and respect their enjoyment of Tasmania's natural environment. Rather than playing music loudly through speakers and creating unnecessary noise, let the sounds of nature take centre stage.
This isn't only about other hikers and campers. Loud human activity can also disturb wildlife and make sightings far less likely.
In our experience, a quiet evening around camp can be one of the most memorable parts of a Tasmanian adventure. It’s something that’s hard to replicate back home.
A Simple Leave No Trace Packing List for Tasmania
Before heading into a Tasmanian national park or wilderness area, consider packing:
For waste
• Reusable rubbish bag
• Food packed with minimal packaging
• Small zip-lock bags for wet or dirty waste
• Toilet paper and personal hygiene supplies
For camping
• Lightweight tent
• Sleeping gear (mat and sleeping bag)
• Portable fuel stove and fuel
• Reusable cookware
• Water bottle/containers
For hygiene
• Hand sanitiser
• Small towel
For navigation and safety
• Map
• Compass
• GPS/navigation device
• Charged phone
• First-aid kit
• Personal Locator Beacon (PLB )for remote treks
The Golden Rule: Leave It Better Than You Found It
With all of these rules and regulations in place, you could be forgiven for thinking the Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service is discouraging visitors. But that’s definitely not the case.
The Leave No Trace principles are about encouraging people to experience these places in a way that allows the next person to enjoy them too. It’s about resisting the temptation to make your own mark on the landscape, even if that is a more “convenient” option for you.
If you can leave a place with nothing behind except footprints on an established track (and take nothing away except photographs and memories), then we think you’ve done your part.
Please note: For current regulations, closures, fire restrictions, camping information and park-specific advice, check the official Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service website before your trip. Conditions and restrictions can change, so official information should always take priority.