Narawntapu National Park (parks.tas.gov.au; day pass per person/vehicle $24/48) – once moonlighting under the less appealing name of Asbestos Range National Park – presents a combination of open plains, wetlands and woodlands in which almost the full suite of Tasmanian native creatures thrives.
At dusk especially, marsupials including Forester kangaroos, Bennett's wallabies and pademelons emerge to graze on the neatly trimmed lawns at Springlawn, offering some of the easiest wildlife viewing in the state. Popular walking trails, all setting out from the park visitor center at Springlawn, include a climb to 114m Archers Knob (two hours return) for a view over the park and beyond, a short stroll to a Bird hide peeping across the lagoon at Springlawn, or a 21km coastal traverse that runs the shoreline length of the park (seven to nine hours).
Long Bakers Beach is good for sandy strolls, while Badger Beach has perhaps the best swimming, but at all times careful attention should be paid to tide times. Equine adventures with Cradle Country Adventures (cradleadventures.com.au; from $399) include a three-hour ride along Bakers Beach and a three-hour Grass Tree Bush Ride. It can also arrange overnight accommodation at historic Bakers Beach Homestead.
