Things to
at Douglas-Apsley
What to do? where to visit? These depend on various things:
how much time you have to visit, your fitness levels, equipment, your particular
interests, the weather and so on. Here are some ideas:
From the Southern end
» Walk to the Apsley River lookout to overlook the
waterhole and valley (10 minutes from the Apsley car park).
» Swim at the Apsley waterhole (please do not pollute the
natural freshwater environment, and don't use any sunscreens or insecticides before
entering the water).
» Take a leisurely rock-hop up the riverbeds in times of
low flow.
» Walk the track up over the hill to the Apsley Gorge.
Return by the same way (2-4 hours round trip). Alternatively, in times of very low river flow and dry rock conditions, you may take
the more difficult option of rock-hopping all the way back down the river
(this takes longer, 3-6 hours, and requires rock-scrambling, fitness, balance and
endurance, and the ability to anticipate risks of flooding, weather changes
and slippery conditions).
From the Northern end
» Take a stroll along Thompsons Marshes to see the
wildflowers (best in late Spring) - take an hour or two.
» Walk to Heritage falls (5-7 hours return*). The top of
the falls are accessible; attempting to reach the base of the falls is
difficult and dangerous.
» Walk to Heritage Falls, then return via Rainforest
Ledge circuit track (7-9 hours return, or overnight with camping*).
» For 3 days: The Leeaberra Track*. This is a long walk from
Thompsons Marshes (or can even be extended from Elephant Pass) to stay at
campsites Heritage Falls and Douglas River and finishing at the Apsley
waterhole. This walk is only suitable for small groups of self-sufficient, fit
and experienced walkers. Please only undertake this walk from north to south
to assist in limiting the spread of Phytophthera root-rot fungus.
* these longer routes are for experienced
walkers and require detailed topographic maps and navigation skills.
From the West
» Take the Apsley Myrtle Rainforest Walk (½
hour or more). A wonderful place to spend half an hour or half a
day. From the logging road car park, take the marked track down to Myrtle Creek. The track
follows the creek through enchanting rainforest. Retrace your steps to return
to the car park.
To the East
» From the Tasman Highway bridge (about 10km north of
Bicheno), you can take a leisurely rock-hop up the Douglas River bed for an
hour or more. You must stay strictly within the river's course as the initial
section passes through private land, and you will probably get wet feet. The
return trip up as far as the Leeaberra Track crossing takes 6-8 hours (to
extend to Tevelein Falls, add another 2 hours), and
requires rock-scrambling, fitness, balance and endurance, and the ability to
anticipate risks of flooding, weather changes and slippery conditions.
» There are several beaches along the coastal strip
adjacent to the Park. Please swim safely.
Nearby Waterfalls
see our page about nearby waterfall attractions
Notes: *Times listed are estimates for average
walkers; allow extra time for rest and sightseeing stops.
*Remember to carry
ample water, strong boots, adequate clothing, food and equipment, and keep an eye
on weather.
*Arrange your own transport into and from the Park; sadly, generosity of other visitors is unreliable.
*Please do not attempt to catch freshwater fish here - these rivers contain
protected native species.
*Take
all rubbish back out with you for proper disposal.
*Use
available toilets. Where there are none, go well away from streamways and bury
waste 15-20cm in soil.
*Please
do not light fires at all - the dry forest type is highly flammable and firefighting access is difficult.
Warmer
months (October-April) are strictly fuel-stove-only periods by law.
» For some activities, such as off-track walking, or climbing, we advise that if you do not possess the skills,
equipment and local knowledge required, then you would best by catered by professional tour
guidance.
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