February 11, 2025
Welcome to our Jersey Gypsy column, where Valentina, our in-house travel reporter, explores the world in search of tales.
Following weeks of diving, dining, and seeing famous sites around mainland Australia, I was left with an open agenda and the question, “What next?”
Something unusual was what I was longing for: an opportunity to venture into nature and off the usual route. Narawntapu National Park, also known as the Serengeti of Tasmania, was the destination of my last-minute Google search.
It seemed like the ideal place to relax for a day, or longer if the wallabies lived up to the promise, with its expansive plains, wetlands, and plethora of species.
I had heard stories about pademelons, wombats, and kangaroos roaming around freely. Nothing, however, had prepared me for the unexpected confrontation with what I can only refer to as the Mike Tyson of the marsupial world, or for how close I would get to them.
A Day Exploring Narawntapu National Park
It’s like walking into a living postcard when you enter Narawntapu National Park. From birds flying between trees to kangaroos grazing in the distance, its expansive vistas are a hive of activity. The proximity to the animals, however, is what truly makes this park unique.
Narawntapu felt like a backstage pass to Mother Nature’s finest show for someone like me, who is accustomed to seeing wildlife from a secure (and frequently far away) vantage point.
Getting There: The Journey to Narawntapu
I began my vacation to Narawntapu National Park with a picturesque drive down the northern coast of Tasmania. I took a short flight from Melbourne to Devonport, where I boarded a ferry to go closer to my final location.
I was reminded of my recent trip to the Great Barrier Reef by the way the water shimmered in the brilliant sky, and I could sense the same thrill building.
The drive to Narawntapu was as gorgeous as I had imagined once I arrived on the island. I passed expanses of farmland and rolling hills along winding roads, the kind that make you want to stop and take in the scenery.
As I pulled up close to Springlawn, I was already enthralled with Tasmania’s untamed appeal and excited to see if Narawntapu would live up to its moniker as Tasmania’s Serengeti.
My first trip was the Springlawn visitor center. It was small but friendly, and the rangers were quite helpful in helping me find the best places to see wildlife and hikes that matched my degree of ambition (or lack thereof). I headed out to explore the park with my marked-up map, a huge jug of water, and a hazy sense of direction.
First Impression of Narawntapu: A Wildlife Wonderland
The richness of life was the first thing that caught the eye. The vast grasslands, even close to the visitor center, were a hive of activity, with wallabies dashing through the grass, kangaroos relaxing in the distance, and vibrant birds gliding overhead on invisible gusts of wind.
I wasn’t watching from my couch this time, but it felt like I was entering a scene from a nature documentary.
The sounds of the park filled my ears as I continued down the trail away from the tourist center. I stopped and looked around the trees to see what had just sped by because of the soft rustling of the leaves, the distant cries of birds, and the thump-thump of something running through the thicket.
I had to pause every few feet to absorb everything. The huge, furless visitor left a family of wallabies grazing nearby entirely unimpressed, pausing to watch me gushing about how adorable and cuddly they were.
As if staged for the ideal wildlife introduction, a group of pademelons—tiny, incredibly adorable marsupials I had previously only seen in pictures—hopped stealthily among the trees nearby.
The Kangaroo Encounter: A Close Call
The trail wound into a bright clearing that seemed almost too ideal, as if it had been set up for a film sequence. I was engrossed in the moment, enjoying the way the light came through the trees, when I heard a rustling sound.
A Forester kangaroo was standing just out of reach, gazing at me as if I had ruined its afternoon plans, when I turned around.
I was surprised at how big it was. It had a posture that virtually shouted, “This is my neighborhood,” and it was powerful and lean.
My thoughts briefly flashed to all the cartoons and movies I had ever seen that boasted about kangaroos punching like boxers.
Even though it’s a cheesy stereotype, I couldn’t help but imagine this kangaroo throwing up its dukes as I stood there, face to face with it. I was unsure whether to laugh or flee, but I came to the conclusion that the best course of action was to avoid startling it with abrupt movements.
Fortunately, the kangaroo showed little interest in sparring. It only tilted its head, flicked an ear toward me, and then jumped away with the effortless grace of a dancer leaving a party they never wanted to attend in the first place after a couple of the longest seconds of my life.
I became aware of how fortunate I was to have been present after the adrenaline surge passed and my heart stopped racing.
Although the boxer kangaroo is a cultural cliché, the genuine thing was incredibly magnificent, powerful, and inquisitive.
Exploring the National Park: Trails, Views, and More
You don’t want to speed through Narawntapu. Because of its beauty, you must slow down, take a deep breath, and allow the scenery to develop naturally. I found myself walking deliberately slowly as I strolled along the paths, not only to take it all in but also because it seemed like there was something new to discover with each step.
I began with the Bird Hide Walk, a mild path that took me through a forest of paperbark and onto a boardwalk with a view of the wetlands. From dragonflies soaring just above the river to birds yelling in tunes I couldn’t name but wished I could, the air was alive with life.
I once saw a flock of black swans floating like kings and queens across the water’s surface, their reflections glistening in the warm light.
I then took on the Archer’s Knob trail, feeling more confident. The vistas at the summit made the hike much more difficult than I had anticipated, but it was well worth the effort.
I wanted to take a hundred pictures of the patchwork of greens, blues, and gold that extended from the grasslands to the glittering seashore, but I also wanted to just stand there and take in the moment.
A timid echidna trudged across the trail as I passed, its spiny back glinting in the sunlight. It’s a little strange if you’ve never seen an echidna up close, like I did. Their long, slender snouts and spherical, spine-covered bodies make them resemble something from a Star Wars film.
The genuine essence of Narawntapu was revealed during these more sedate times spent by oneself on a route, encircled by the sounds of nature. Even while the scenery and fauna are breathtaking, it’s not just about them.
It’s about feeling as though you’ve entered a world that is delighted to have you join it, even if only briefly.
Dusk at Narawntapu: A Magical Finale
The entire park seemed to let out a breath as the sun started to drop, falling into a cadence that looked timeless and old.
As Narawntapu shifted in the gentle, golden sunset light, I strolled carefully back toward Springlawn, hesitant to leave but glad to get rid of my too-new hiking boots.
And it changed. The fields, which had been silent in the afternoon heat, were suddenly bustling with activity.
The grass was covered in long, elegant shadows as more kangaroos leaped out into the open clearings. Wallabies grazed in groups, noses twitching, completely unfazed by the humans scattered along the trail.
In order to avoid disturbing the scene in front of me, I chose a place to sit for a while at the edge of a clearing. The air was cooler now, carrying that earthy scent of dusk that felt so grounding. Somewhere nearby, a bird let out a call sharp but melodic and I realized how much quieter the world had become, as if everything was winding down for the night.
Then I noticed it: a wombat.
I won t lie; I d been hoping to see one all day, and it was even better than I hoped. The little guy emerged from the shadows with an almost comical waddle, looking more like a walking ottoman than a real creature, and I was completely enchanted. It didn t seem to notice me or care, and I was glad for the chance just to watch.
As the sky shifted from orange to lavender and the first stars began to blink through the twilight, I finished my trek back toward the visitor center. Most of the other hikers had already left, but I had stayed a little longer, unwilling to break the spell.
Narawntapu gifted me a day filled with wonder, a perfect conclusion in an Australian adventure already rich with unforgettable moments likeriding the Ghanand visitingpopular Aussie restaurants.
It was nature at its most raw and beautiful a memory etched in sunlight, wildlife, and the gentle rhythm of Tasmania s wild heart.
Narawntapu Park Info Guide
Planning a trip to Narawntapu National Park? Here are a few things I wish I d known before I went and some tips to help you make the most of your visit.
What to Pack
Best Times to Visit
Early mornings and late afternoons are the golden hours at Narawntapu. This is when the wildlife is most active, and you re more likely to spot kangaroos, wombats, and wallabies grazing in the open.
During the hottest parts of the day, most creatures are keeping to the shade as much as possible.
What to Expect
Tips for Respecting the Park
Reflecting on the Wild Wonders of Narawntapu
Narawntapu National Park ended up being much more than a detour on my Australian adventure it was a reminder of how profound even the simplest moments in nature can be.
From squaring up against a Forester kangaroo to witnessing the quiet waddle of a wombat at dusk, every part of the day felt like a gift.
This park invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly immerse yourself in its tranquility. Whether you re a seasoned hiker, an animal lover, or just someone looking for a slice of peace, Narawntapu offers a rare opportunity to reconnect with nature and rediscover a sense of self.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat!
FAQs About Narawntapu National Park
What Is Narawntapu National Park?
Narawntapu is a coastal national park on Tasmania s northern coast, known for its open grasslands, wetlands, and abundant wildlife. Often called the Serengeti of Tasmania, it s one of the best places to see kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and more in their natural habitat.
When Is the best time to visit Narawntapu Park?
Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to visit Narawntapu, as it is ideal for wildlife activity. If you re hoping to see wombats, aim for dusk when they re the most active.
Can You Pet or Feed the Animals?
No, you can t pet or feed the animals at Narawntapu National Park. The animals here are wild and should be admired from a distance. Feeding them is strictly prohibited as it can harm their health and disrupt their natural behaviors.
Is the Park Suitable for Kids?
Absolutely! With gentle trails and plenty of wildlife to see, Narawntapu is an excellent place for families. Just remind the little ones to stay quiet and respectful around the animals.
How Do You Get to Narawntapu National Park?
Getting to Narawntapu National Park is easy. It s about a 30-minute drive east of Devonport or an hour from Launceston. You can drive to the main entrance near Springlawn, and parking is available.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Narawntapu National Park?
To visit Narawntapu National Park, you ll need a valid park pass, which starts at around $20 per vehicle or $10 per individual for a daily pass. Multi-day or annual passes are also available if you re exploring more parks in Tasmania.