The deep south-western wilderness of Tasmania is so far from civilisation that flying there aboard a light aircraft to begin one of our kayaking expeditions is just the start of the adventure.
This Southwest National Park is 618,000 hectares of classified World Heritage Wilderness that UNESCO say offers "superlative natural phenomena and exceptional natural beauty".
Golden-green mountainous ridges rise steeply from sandy-white quartzite coves. Small islands appear to float on the dark and reflective water that ultimately merges with the salty southern ocean.
Beneath our kayaks, tannin-stained freshwater floats above heavier tidal salt water and these two opposing layers have created a diverse underwater environment that exists nowhere else in the world. The tannin limits sunlight penetration, restricting plant growth but allowing colourful, delicate marine invertebrates to thrive.
Four major rivers and numerous creeks weave their way through gorges and along open plains, and kayaking amongst these wild moors, deep valleys, mountain lakes and rugged glacial peaks will take your breath away. Summer visitors may even be lucky enough to spot the highly endangered Orange-Bellied Parrot during its breeding season. Discover more about our summer kayaking expediitons.
