National park · Australia

Douglas-Apsley National Park

Go for a half-day: walk the 1.2 km Loop Track to Apsley Waterhole, a short drive north of Bicheno. Check Tasmania’s current parks-pass rules before setting out; save the 28 km Leeaberra Track for a self-sufficient multi-day hike.Go for a half-day: walk the 0.7 mi Loop Track to Apsley Waterhole, a short drive north of Bicheno. Check Tasmania’s current parks-pass rules before setting out; save the 17 mi Leeaberra Track for a self-sufficient multi-day hike.

Not field-verifiedChecked Sep 2026

Map to the park

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Directions

From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

110 km²42 sq mi

approximate

Established

1989

Best months

Oct–Mar

UNESCO

None

Rules in force · 7

Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.

At a glance

Country: Australia
Area: 110 km²42 sq mi; About 110 km²; boundary figures vary (check).
Established: 1989
Best months: Oct–Mar
Permits: Not needed

Douglas-Apsley National Park protects dry eucalypt forest, ridges and the Apsley River gorge a few kilometres north of Bicheno. The short Loop Track leads to Apsley Waterhole; longer options include the gorge walk and the 28 km Leeaberra Track, which takes 2.5–3 days. There is no lodging in the park; two campsites are listed by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife.

Decide

Why go, which months, and what lives here when

At a glance

Status

No UNESCO listing; national park since 1989.

Size and age

110 km²42 sq mi · national park since 1989

About 110 km²; boundary figures vary (check).

Why go

A free park with a short, easy walk to a clear river waterhole and gorge.
Dry eucalypt forest and dolerite ridges that most east-coast visitors drive past.
A genuine 28 km overnight walk for fit, self-sufficient hikers.A genuine 17 mi overnight walk for fit, self-sufficient hikers.
Quiet compared with Freycinet, 40 min south.

When to go

12-month verdict

JanBest
FebBest
MarBest
AprGo
MayGo
JunCaution
JulCaution
AugCaution
SepGo
OctBest
NovBest
DecBest

JanWarm, dry; waterhole good for a dip
FebWarm and settled
MarMild; quiet
AprCooler; some rain
MayWet tracks; short days
JunCold, wet; snow possible on ridges
JulColdest; ice on rock
AugWet; frosty mornings
SepWarming; wildflowers start
OctMild, drier; good walking
NovWarm and dry
DecWarm; busy school holidays nearby

Wildlife and nature calendar

Seasons shift by weeks each year

Wildlife and nature calendar for Douglas-Apsley National Park
What	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Tasmanian birds (honeyeaters, scrubwrens, robins)All year · Several honeyeater and flycatcher species live in the dry forest.	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
WildflowersSep–Nov	no	no	no	no	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	yes	no
Snakes (copperhead)Oct–Mar · Active on warm days; watch where you step off-track.	yes	yes	yes	no	no	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	yes

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

How to get there

From Bicheno

Drive 3 km north on the Tasman Highway, turn left onto Rosedale Road and follow it to the park.Drive 1.9 mi north on the Tasman Highway, turn left onto Rosedale Road and follow it to the park.

20 min

From Freycinet National Park

Drive south on the Tasman Highway through Bicheno, then Rosedale Road.

1 h

From Hobart

Drive the Tasman Highway north via Orford and Swansea to Bicheno, then Rosedale Road.

2.5–3 h

From Launceston

Drive the Tasman Highway east via St Helens and Scamander, then south to Rosedale Road.

2.5–3 h

Zones and sectors

Zones of Douglas-Apsley National Park
Zone	What is there	Access
Apsley Waterhole and gorge	The river, waterhole and gorge reached by the short Loop Track.	Walk from the car park; check current track conditions.
Central forest and ridges	Forest and ridgelines crossed by the Leeaberra Track.	On foot; check current track conditions and plan for a multi-day walk.
Tevelein Falls area	A campsite on the Leeaberra route.	Check current access and facilities with Tasmania Parks and Wildlife.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation

Approximate positions from the Rosedale Road car park to the gorge and the long-track campsite, for orientation only.

1Bicheno · Town≈-41.875, 148.304Map ↗
2Apsley Waterhole car park · Gate≈-41.863, 148.186Map ↗
3Apsley Waterhole · Beach≈-41.863, 148.186Map ↗
4Apsley Gorge · Viewpoint≈-41.857, 148.169Map ↗
5Tevelein Falls campsite · Sleep≈-41.790, 148.210Map ↗

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Top experiences

TrailsEasyCheckLoop Track to Apsley WaterholeA 1.2 km return walk from the car park to the waterhole.

TrailsModerateCheckApsley GorgeA longer walk into the gorge; check the official track information and conditions before setting out.

TrailsHard2.5–3 daysLeeaberra TrackA 28 km route through the park. Check current conditions and requirements; plan to carry the supplies needed for a multi-day walk.

ViewpointsEasyCheckApsley WaterholeA river waterhole reached by the Loop Track. Check local conditions before swimming.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Entry fees and permits

AUD ranges · check

Fees for Douglas-Apsley National Park
Item	Range	Per	Note
Park entry	Free	person	No staffed gate fee is listed; whether a Tasmania parks pass applies depends on current pass rules (check).
Camping	Free	night	Two campsites are listed; current charges and booking details (check).
Bicheno accommodation	AUD 120–300	night	2026 estimate for a double room or cabin.

Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.

Park entry no permit

No staffed gate fee is listed. Check Tasmania Parks and Wildlife’s current parks-pass requirements before driving in.

Leeaberra Track no permit

Check current track, camping and registration requirements with Tasmania Parks and Wildlife before starting this multi-day walk.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more

Camping: The park has campsites at Apsley Waterhole and Tevelein Falls. Check current camping and booking details with Tasmania Parks and Wildlife.
Leeaberra Track: Check current track conditions and any requirements with Tasmania Parks and Wildlife before starting the multi-day route.
Water: Check current water availability and treatment advice before relying on natural water sources.
Pets: Check Tasmania Parks and Wildlife’s current rules before bringing a pet.
Rubbish: Take your rubbish with you.

Where to stay

Near the park

Bicheno

Motels, holiday parks and cabins 20 min south; the practical base for the park.

In the park

Apsley Waterhole campsite

Basic camping near the waterhole; check fees and whether booking is required before you rely on it.

In the park

Tevelein Falls campsite

Remote site on the Leeaberra Track with no facilities; check current camping rules.

Safety

Remote multi-day walk high

For the Leeaberra Track, check official conditions, carry suitable navigation and supplies, and tell someone your route and return plan.

Changing weather medium

Check the forecast and carry clothing suitable for wet and cool conditions.

Gorge and river conditions medium

Check conditions before walking; avoid entering the river when water is high.

Accessibility

The Loop Track is short but has uneven ground; check current access information before visiting.
The gorge and Leeaberra routes are longer walks; check official track descriptions for terrain and access details.

Visiting lightly

Stay on marked tracks and follow park guidance.
Carry out rubbish and food scraps.
Use the designated campsites and follow current fire rules.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to enter Douglas-Apsley National Park?

No staffed gate fee is listed for Douglas-Apsley. Tasmania’s parks-pass requirements can vary, so check the current rules before driving in. Camping charges and booking details should also be checked with Tasmania Parks and Wildlife.

What are the best hikes in Douglas-Apsley National Park?

For a short visit, take the 1.2 km return Loop Track to Apsley Waterhole. The gorge offers a longer walk; check its official track details. The 28 km Leeaberra Track takes 2.5–3 days and is for prepared, self-sufficient hikers.

When is the best time to visit Douglas-Apsley National Park?

The supplied sources do not establish a best season. Check local weather and current track conditions before choosing dates.

Can I camp in Douglas-Apsley National Park?

Two campsites are listed, at Apsley Waterhole and Tevelein Falls. Check current facilities, fees and booking requirements with Tasmania Parks and Wildlife.

Do I need a parks pass for Tasmania?

Check the current Tasmania Parks and Wildlife pass rules for Douglas-Apsley and any other parks on your itinerary.

How do I get to Douglas-Apsley National Park?

From Bicheno, head north on the Tasman Highway, turn onto Rosedale Road and follow it to the park. Check road and access conditions before you travel.

Deep dive

Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go