If you’re looking for one of Tasmania’s most underrated natural attractions, Douglas Apsley National Park deserves a place on your itinerary. Located just north of Bicheno on Tasmania’s spectacular east coast, this beautiful national park is home to the crystal-clear Apsley Waterhole, a family-friendly walking track and a stunning gorge lined with towering dolerite cliffs.
We visited with our young children, who were just two and four years old at the time, and it quickly became one of our favourite places in Tasmania. Whether you’re simply looking for an easy swimming spot or want to tackle the longer Apsley River Gorge Walk, this guide covers everything you need to know before visiting Douglas Apsley National Park.
Quick answer: Is Douglas Apsley National Park worth visiting?
Yes. Douglas Apsley National Park is one of Tasmania’s most underrated national parks. The short walk to Apsley Waterhole is suitable for most families, while the longer Gorge Walk rewards visitors with spectacular cliffs, waterfalls and natural swimming holes. It’s an easy day trip from Bicheno and one of the best free outdoor experiences on Tasmania’s east coast.
At a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Bicheno |
| Best for | Swimming, hiking, families |
| Waterhole walk | 10 mins |
| Gorge Walk | 6 km return |
| Time needed | 2-3 hours |
| Camping | Free bush camping |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dogs | No |
| National Park Pass | Required – get it here |
The main walks at Douglas Apsley National Park
Let’s start with the walk down to the Apsley River waterhole and scroll down a bit further for information on the Gorge Walk, camping, the Leeaberra Track and more.
Apsley River Waterhole Loop Track
The Douglas Apsley National Park Loop Track is a short 10-minute walk that leads to the very picturesque Apsley waterhole. It’s only around 1.2 km return (600 metres one way) and there are no steep sections. You will need to make your way to the southern access point of the National Park on Rosedale Road to do this track.
Once you have had a play at the waterhole, simply return the exact same way you walked in.
Apsley River Waterhole and Gorge Walk
The Apsley River Waterhole and Gorge Walk at Douglas Apsley National Park is nearly 6km return (2.8km one way), taking around 2-3 hours. My phone tracked this walk as 7.17km, so it’s possible that the 6km may start from the Apsley River Waterhole mentioned above … or my phone tracker could be wrong.
The walk sets out on an easy ten-minute path down to the Apsley River waterhole. This spot is extremely picturesque and ideal for a quick dip to cool down upon return. I say quick because the water is freezing cold. You could easily spend half a day here just lounging around in the Summer months.
After crossing the waterhole by picking over the rocks, the walk is dry as you head away from the river into an open forest. This initial ascent is made somewhat easier by a series of carefully placed rocks and once you are at the top, the hardest part is over.
The walk is fairly flat for a while before descending very gradually as you head back towards the Apsley River. There is a steep descent down into the gorge, which is again made easier by the rocks. I wouldn’t let young kids do this section by themselves, as there’s a big drop off if they fall.
Chilling out at the gorge before heading back is mandatory. The gorge is magnificent with high dolerite cliff walls and huge boulders to lounge around on. There are waterholes and mini-waterfalls just waiting to be discovered. As you sit on your chosen boulder, taking in the picturesque surroundings, you really feel that you have found a little piece of untouched paradise in Douglas Apsley National Park.
When it’s time to head back…
When it’s time to head back, you can either return the way you came, as we did, or you can boulder hop and scramble along the sides of the partially dry river bed until you reach the Apsley River Waterhole that you crossed at the beginning of the walk. Tackling it this way is challenging and probably only suited to active teenagers if you are visiting with kids.
There is no clear path if you choose to return this way and it will add hours to your hike. There is also a good chance of needing to retract your steps and cross the opposite bank if you come across an impassable section. You should attempt this after or during rain as it could get dangerous.
The Leeaberra Track
The Leeaberra Track is a 28km multi-day hike over three days and as a result, is for experienced hikers only. The starting point for this track is in the northern section of Douglas Apsley National Park at Thompsons Marshes. Thompsons Marshes can only be reached by high clearance 4WD using the Forestry ‘E’ Road 24km north of Bicheno or by foot.
This walk offers stunning views and beautiful waterfalls. More information on the Leeaberra Track can be found on the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife website.
Camping at Douglas Apsley National Park
There is a small yet free bush camping area near the Apsley Waterhole, around a ten-minute walk from the carpark off Rosedale Road in the south of the park. Composting toilets are available nearby, but campers will need to bring their own food, water, tent, and a fuel stove.
For those tackling the Leeaberra tracks that begin in the north of the park, there are free remote bush campsites on the Douglas River near Tevelain Falls and Heritage Falls.
Find more information on camping at Douglas Apsley National Park on the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Website.
Getting to Douglas Apsley National Park
The Douglas Apsley National Park is located on the East Coast of Tasmania. Drive along the Tasman Highway and around 4km north of Bicheno, turn into Rosedale Road. Drive another 7km on a mostly unsealed road to the carkpark.
You can easily get through here in a standard 2WD vehicle although the road is apparently subject to flooding.
Best time to visit Douglas Apsley National Park
Douglas Apsley National Park can be visited year-round, although each season offers a different experience.
Summer is the most popular time to visit, thanks to the refreshing swimming holes along the Apsley River. The water is incredibly clear, although don’t expect it to be warm. Even on hot days, it’s refreshingly cold.
Autumn and spring offer pleasant walking temperatures with fewer visitors, making them excellent seasons for hiking the Gorge Walk.
Winter can also be beautiful, particularly after rain when the waterfalls are flowing strongly. Keep in mind that unsealed roads may become muddy or temporarily inaccessible after heavy rain, so it’s worth checking local conditions before setting out.
Can you swim at Apsley Waterhole?
Yes! Swimming is one of the main reasons people visit Douglas Apsley National Park.
The Apsley Waterhole is a beautiful natural swimming hole with crystal-clear water surrounded by smooth granite rocks. It’s only around a ten-minute walk from the car park, making it perfect for families or visitors who don’t want to complete the longer Gorge Walk.
We spent quite a while here after finishing the hike. The water was freezing cold but incredibly refreshing after the hike. Even if you don’t plan on swimming, it’s a lovely place to sit, relax and enjoy a picnic.
Is Douglas Apsley National Park suitable for kids?
We think so. Our children were just two and four years old when we visited. While they couldn’t manage the full walk by themselves, they happily tackled many sections before taking turns in the child carrier.
The walk to Apsley Waterhole is suitable for most families with young children, while the Gorge Walk is better suited to active families with older children who are comfortable walking on uneven terrain.
Parents should supervise children carefully during the steep descent into the gorge and around the waterholes, particularly after rain when rocks may become slippery.
Facilities
Facilities within Douglas Apsley National Park are limited but adequate for a day visit. Available facilities include:
- Composting toilets near the camping area
- Free bush camping
- Picnic areas
- Walking tracks
There is no drinking water available, so make sure you bring plenty with you. Mobile reception can also be patchy throughout the park.
What to pack
For the best experience we recommend bringing:
- Swimmers
- Towel
- Plenty of drinking water
- Snacks or a picnic lunch
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Walking shoes with good grip
- Camera
- Insect repellent during warmer months
- First aid kit
Is it worth visiting?
Douglas Apsley National Park may not receive the same attention as Freycinet National Park or the Bay of Fires, but that’s part of its appeal. It’s peaceful, scenic and offers one of Tasmania’s most beautiful natural swimming holes without the crowds.
Whether you’re travelling with young children, planning a Tasmania road trip or simply looking for somewhere to cool off on a hot summer’s day, the Apsley Waterhole and Gorge Walk are well worth adding to your itinerary. For our family, it ended up being one of the unexpected highlights of exploring Tasmania’s east coast.
FAQs
The Apsley River Gorge Walk is approximately 6km return and takes around 2-3 hours depending on how long you spend exploring the gorge.
Yes. Swimming is one of the highlights of visiting Douglas Apsley National Park. The water is crystal clear but very cold, even during summer.
The short walk to Apsley Waterhole is suitable for most families. The longer Gorge Walk is better suited to older children or younger kids in a child carrier due to some steep and uneven sections.
Yes. There is a small free bush camping area near the southern entrance with composting toilets. Campers need to bring their own water and supplies.
Generally yes, provided conditions are dry. The final section is unsealed and may become difficult after heavy rain.
Allow at least half a day if you plan to complete the Gorge Walk and enjoy a swim. If you’re only visiting the Apsley Waterhole, around one to two hours is usually enough.
Where to next?
📌 Save this article to Pinterest so you’ll have it handy when planning your own trip.
Let me know what you think!