Mount William National Park
Rocks splashed orange with lichen, turquoise water and white-sand beaches form the distinctive palette of Mount William National Park.
Located in Tasmania's far north-east, the park is significant for the conservation of the state’s coastal heathlands and dry sclerophyll plants. It’s wildly colourful in spring and summer, when the park's open grasslands are ablaze with fields of native flowers. And the uniquely Australian Xanthorrhoea (also known as the grass tree), with its grass-like skirt and tall flower spike, is common throughout the park.
Stretch out on secluded squeaky-sand beaches before heading to an overnight camp.
Highlights
Life aquatic
As well as breathtaking walks, the park is known for its fishing, swimming and diving. The offshore reefs at Georges Rocks and Eddystone Point have excellent visibility and are among the best dive sites in the state, and anglers can take bream and Australian bass at Ansons Bay.
Animal attraction
There's a remarkable diversity of animals in the park, including Forester kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, Tasmanian devils, Bennett’s wallabies and pademelons. Plan a dusk stroll to see the locals.
On the wing
Birds are particularly abundant in the park, inhabited by honeyeaters, wrens, robins, finches and pardalotes. Yellow-tailed black cockatoos are common here; migratory birds such as mutton birds, silvereyes and swamp harriers drop by; and albatrosses, white-bellied sea eagles and wedge-tailed eagles soar overhead.
Walks
wukalina / Mount William Summit
This gentle walk (5hr return, 11km) starts at Stumpys Bay No 4 campground, with extensive views of the heath, coast and distant Bass Strait islands. There’s also a shorter, 90min version.
Cobler Rocks Walk
Start this walk (2hr return, 6km) at Stumpys Bay No 4 campground and enjoy a loop that passes lagoons teeming with wildlife as well as remote sweeping beaches with rocky outcrops.
Bay of Fires
Luxury guided walks in the area include the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk and the wukalina Walk, which include meals, accommodation and interpretation.
Need to know
Camping
It’s permitted throughout the park, with six designated campgrounds. Bookings are not taken. For beachside camping, head to one of the four campgrounds at Stumpys Bay or Top Camp near Musselroe Bay (4WD recommended).
Facilities
A day shelter with gas barbecues is located near campground No 4 at Stumpys Bay in the park's north, and picnic tables, fireplaces and pit toilets are located near most of the campgrounds. You’ll need to bring your own drinking water.
Accommodation
Not a camper? No problem - the nearest accommodation is at Gladstone (25min drive, 28km) or at Ansons Bay, which is at the park's edge.
Entry
A parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania’s national parks.
Where
Mount William National Park is a 2hr 15min drive (165km) north-east of Launceston via Gladstone. The southern end of the park can be reached via gravel road from St Helens.
More detail
Read more here.