Douglas-Apsley National Park

Douglas-Apsley National Park is a protected area in Australia.

Douglas-Apsley National Park at a Glance

Location
Tasmania & Bass Strait Islands, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-41.772137, 148.192170
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
April to October (dry season in the north). Year-round in southern parks.

Getting to Douglas-Apsley National Park

Nearest airport: Friendly Beaches Airfield, 26 km away.

Nearest international airport: Hobart Airport (HBA), 131 km away.

Weather & Climate in Douglas-Apsley National Park

The warmest temperatures in Douglas-Apsley National Park occur in January, averaging 15.4°C (up to 20.4°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 7.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 48.0mm. Average humidity: 80.5%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 15.4°C (rainfall: 124.0mm)
  • February: 14.7°C (rainfall: 116.6mm)
  • March: 13.6°C (rainfall: 146.2mm)
  • April: 11.4°C (rainfall: 85.3mm)
  • May: 9.1°C (rainfall: 48.6mm)
  • June: 7.5°C (rainfall: 120.6mm)
  • July: 7.0°C (rainfall: 48.0mm)
  • August: 8.0°C (rainfall: 90.7mm)
  • September: 9.1°C (rainfall: 83.7mm)
  • October: 10.0°C (rainfall: 203.9mm)
  • November: 12.3°C (rainfall: 119.6mm)
  • December: 13.5°C (rainfall: 113.9mm)

Best Time to Visit Douglas-Apsley National Park

The best months to visit Douglas-Apsley National Park are January, February, May, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 15.42°C, rainfall 124mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 76.4%
  • February: Good, temperature 14.71°C, rainfall 116.6mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 75.5%
  • March: Poor, temperature 13.57°C, rainfall 146.2mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 76.8%
  • April: Poor, temperature 11.43°C, rainfall 85.3mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 77.2%
  • May: Good, temperature 9.05°C, rainfall 48.6mm, sunshine 7.5 hrs, humidity 78.6%
  • June: Poor, temperature 7.46°C, rainfall 120.6mm, sunshine 6.2 hrs, humidity 82.5%
  • July: Good, temperature 6.98°C, rainfall 48mm, sunshine 7.2 hrs, humidity 80.5%
  • August: Poor, temperature 7.95°C, rainfall 90.7mm, sunshine 7.8 hrs, humidity 78.7%
  • September: Good, temperature 9.1°C, rainfall 83.7mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 73.7%
  • October: Poor, temperature 10.04°C, rainfall 203.9mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 76%
  • November: Good, temperature 12.33°C, rainfall 119.6mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 76.4%
  • December: Good, temperature 13.51°C, rainfall 113.9mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 73.9%

Wildlife in Douglas-Apsley National Park

Home to 36 recorded species including 18 waterbirds, 6 tropical birds, 4 birds of prey, 3 iconic birds, 3 small mammals, 1 marine & freshwater.

Recommended Packing List for Douglas-Apsley National Park

Based on average temperature of 11.0°C, typical conditions, humidity 77%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 11°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Douglas-Apsley National Park

22 safari lodges available.

Other

mid-range

luxury

Similar Parks in Tasmania & Bass Strait Islands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Australia

Travel advisory for Australia

Douglas-Apsley National Park FAQs

When is the best time to visit Douglas-Apsley National Park for hiking and wildlife viewing?

The ideal time to explore Douglas-Apsley National Park is during the spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May) when the weather is mild and pleasant for hiking. These seasons also offer excellent opportunities to spot native wildlife, including wallabies and various bird species, as they are more active around the park's waterholes and trails.

What specific precautions should I take regarding malaria when visiting Douglas-Apsley National Park?

Given the moderate malaria risk in Douglas-Apsley National Park, it's crucial to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before your trip. Additionally, protect yourself from mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk, and sleeping under mosquito nets if camping.

What unique natural attractions or activities can I experience at Douglas-Apsley National Park?

Douglas-Apsley National Park is renowned for its dramatic dolerite country, deep gorges, and pristine rivers, offering unique swimming and photography opportunities. Visitors can explore the Apsley Gorge, enjoy a refreshing dip in the Apsley River Waterhole, or hike to the lookout for panoramic views of the park's diverse landscapes and waterfalls.

What kind of unique Australian wildlife can I expect to encounter in Douglas-Apsley National Park?

While exploring Douglas-Apsley National Park, you have the chance to observe a variety of native Australian wildlife in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas, particularly in the early mornings or late afternoons. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with numerous species like honeyeaters and parrots inhabiting the diverse eucalypt forests.

Are there any entry fees or specific accessibility considerations for Douglas-Apsley National Park?

There are no specific entry fees for Douglas-Apsley National Park, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious travelers. The park is located near Bicheno on Tasmania's east coast, typically accessed by car, and while some main trails are well-maintained, visitors should be prepared for varying terrain and limited facilities, so bring your own water and supplies.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.