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AU Discover Tasmania > Activities and Attractions > Wilderness Areas > National Parks and Reserves > Douglas-Apsley National Park
Douglas–Apsley covers an area of 16,080 hectares (39,735 acres) close to the Freycinet Peninsula and the popular beachside holiday towns of Tasmania’s mild east coast.
A multiple-use history of farming, mining and trapping probably saved this area from large-scale logging before it became a national park in 1989. Its particular vegetation responded well to the frequent burns undertaken by the trappers to bring on new growth and attract wildlife. Today its diversity of plants and animals is one of its greatest appeals.
The northern and southern ends of Douglas–Apsley are joined by the three-day Leeaberra walking track. However, if you are after a short walk, drive into the southern end, where there’s a picturesque waterhole and gorge. This is a great place to cool off on one of those warm east-coast days when leaves crackle underfoot and the scent of eucalyptus fills the air.
There is a small bush camping area near the Apsley Waterhole, 10 minutes’ walk from the car park off Rosedale Road. For those walking the Leeaberra Track there are remote bush camp sites near Heritage Falls and Tevelein Falls, both on the Douglas River.
There is no charge for camping, but as in all parks, a valid Parks Pass is required.
One of the lovely things about this park is its proximity to other popular and attractive destinations. Its subtle beauty and tranquillity make it the perfect foil for Freycinet National Park’s glamour and international celebrity.
The southern entrance to Douglas–Apsley is only three kilometres (two miles) north of the popular seaside town of Bicheno, where you’ll find a full range of accommodation and services. Freycinet is 38 kilometres (23.5 miles) further on.
Douglas-Apsley National Park is approximately halfway up Tasmania’s east coast, approximately 90 minutes’ drive from Launceston and a slightly longer drive from Hobart. To get to the southern end, turn off the Tasman Highway (A3) onto Rosedale road three kilometres (two miles) north of Bicheno. The northern entrance is via a Forestry E road 24 kilometres (15 miles) north of Bicheno. Travel along this road for 4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles) to a junction and take the left fork along the E road. Travel a further one kilometre (0.6 miles) to another junction and take the right fork. The car park is 500 metres (0.3 miles) from this fork.
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