Narawntapu National Park

In 2000, the name of this park was changed from Asbestos Ranges to its Aboriginal title, Narawntapu, in recognition of its long and significant place in the history of Tasmania's Aboriginal people. Its 4,349 hectares (10,746 acres) span the northern coast west from Greens Beach on the mouth of the Tamar River to Bakers Beach just across the Rubicon River from the holiday village of Port Sorell.

With such a variety of habitats in the park, birdlife is varied and prolific. You are likely to see ducks, waders, sea birds, honeyeaters and, in the dry eucalypt forests, impressive black cockatoos and brilliant green rosellas. There is a bird hide in the melaleuca at the lagoon for observation.

Forester kangaroos, Bennetts wallabies, pademelons and wombats graze on the plains at dawn and dusk. They are relatively comfortable in the presence of people and will often allow you to approach them for close observation. Please don't feed them, however, as they are susceptible to a debilitating disease called lumpy jaw if fed items that are not part of their natural diet.

The park is also popular for swimming, boating and line fishing. Horse-riding is permitted, provided approval has been granted by a ranger.

Walks in Narawntapu vary from long coastal hikes to short walks to lagoons and bird hides.

Camping is permitted at Springlawn, the horse yards, Bakers Point and Griffiths Point, all in the western section of the park. A self-registration system for campers operates from the Springlawn information hut. Unpowered sites are $5.50 per adult per night while powered sites are $10 for the first adult, $5 for each additional adult and $2.50 per child.

The western part of the park is in an ideal location to be combined with a tour of the vineyards of Tasmania's premier wine-growing region, the Tamar Valley.

The eastern part of the park is close to the holiday town of Port Sorell and a host of attractions in Latrobe, including the Australian Axeman's Hall of Fame, Mount Roland Cheeses, the Warrawee Forest Reserve platypus tour , the Platypus Experience at the Lucas Hotel and the House of Anvers Chocolate Factory.

Narawntapu National Park is less than an hour's drive from Launceston. To get to the eastern part, turn off the West Tamar Highway at York Town onto the C721. To get to the main section (the western section) from the B71 east of Devonport (or the B72 north of Westbury, which becomes the B71), take the C740, which is signposted as the turnoff to the park.

• National parks and reserves
• Preparing to walk in the outdoors
• Park entry fees

• Phone: (03) 6428 6277
• Fax: (03) 6428 6060

• Exeter Visitor Information Centre (Tamar Valley)
  Main Road
  Exeter
  Phone: 1800 637 989
  Email: exeter@tasvisinfo.com.au
  
• Devonport Visitor Information Centre
  92 Formby Road
  Devonport
  Phone: (03) 6424 4466
  Email: tourism@dcc.tas.gov.au