As Narawntapu National Park celebrates its 50th anniversary, few people know the park quite like John Bowden.
For the past 21 years, John has been sharing Tasmania's natural places with visitors through a variety of education and interpretation roles within the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.
Of those years, John has spent around 16 of them working at Narawntapu National Park (NNP) - a place that has been part of his life for much longer.
“It's my backyard really, I'm just across the river. However, I've been visiting for around 70 years, long before it was a national park," he said.
“I'm a keen birdwatcher and animal lover and NNP has so many to see."
Few people know Narawntapu National Park as well as John Bowden does.
Throughout his career, John has worn many hats.
He has worked as an Education and Interpretation Ranger, visiting schools across Northern Tasmania. He's led various activities and tours for visitors as a Discovery Ranger, spent time as a Track Ranger on the Three Capes Track, and even enjoyed a stint as a Cave Guide at Mole Creek.
For John, one of the best parts of the job is the people.
“I love meeting people from Tasmania and across the world," he said.
“I love working with young children and having the opportunity to teach them about our wildlife."
Over the years, John has helped countless visitors connect with nature and build lasting memories of Tasmania's national parks.
“We get lots of repeat visitors," he said.
“I recently caught up with a local who fondly recalled the stickers that Ranger John had given him as a six year old. That was a rewarding feeling."
Not every moment has been quite so reflective.
“One day I was doing a walk and talk, completely lost in telling a story. I was walking backwards when a young boy suddenly called out 'stop' to warn me.
He'd saved me as I was only one more step away from treading on a big Copperhead snake!"
John has also witnessed significant changes within NNP over the decades.
“Previously there was not much for visitors but now there are three different campsites, along with the visitor centre which provides many opportunities to learn about the park," he said.
“Australian naturalist and TV presenter Harry Butler once visited and called it the 'Serengeti of Tasmania'.
“There is such variety in the diversity of birds and animals to see, plus it's the best place for rockpool rambles in the state!"
Wildlife at Springlawn, Narawntapu National Park
For visitors looking to explore beyond the park's most popular attractions, John believes there is still plenty waiting to be discovered.
As Narawntapu National Park marks 50 years of conservation, John hopes visitors can connect with nature and leave with a deeper appreciation for the special place that has been part of his life for decades.
“We really are so lucky to have this place and its native flora and fauna."
Find out more about exploring
Narawntapu National Park.