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A women is walking through the bush with a large pack on back. Leeaberra Track, Douglas-Apsley National Park
Leeaberra Track, Nicholls Needles, Douglas-Apsley National Park (photograph: Peter Grant)

Leeaberra Track

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Alerts for Leeaberra Track

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Fire ban: Seasonal campfire bans are in place
Applies from 5/11/2024
​​​​Campfires, pot fires and other solid fuel stoves are banned in all parks and reserves in the following local government areas: Tasman, King Island, Flinders, Dorset, Break O’Day, Glamorgan-Spring Bay and Sorell.  

They are also banned in Narawntapu National Park.  ​

This is a seasonal ban to reduce the risk of fire over summer.

​The map​ below shows all affected areas.  You can still use gas stoves and gas barbecues. 

​Decorative Map​
​
 Look out for these signs.



Please note: The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and the Vale of Belvoir Conservation Area are fuel stove only areas at all times of the year.

Last reviewed 4/2/2025 10:29 AM

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • Camping
  • Overnight walk
  • Parking
  • Swimming
  • Toilets

ContactExpand/Collapse

2.5 - 3 days one way, 28kms one way
Grade 4: Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
​​The Douglas and Apsley Rivers are both subject to flooding following high rainfall and there are no bridges. Walkers should not attempt to cross the rivers when they are flooded. Wait or turn back. Douglas-Apsley is a bushfire prone area. Please check the Bushfire Safety webpage for more information and check alerts​ and signage. There is limited phone reception in the Douglas-Apsley National Park. Signage on the Leeaberra Track is limited and can be hidden by vegetation. Walkers need to have navigation skills.
A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
​The starting point for the Leeaberra Track is Thompsons Marshes in the north of the park. Thompsons Marshes can only be reached on foot or via high clearance 4WD using the Forestry 'E' Road 24km north of Bicheno. ​

About

​​​​​Experienced walkers can enjoy a spectacular but challenging multi-day walk through the deep gorges, dry sclerophyll forests, and rainforest areas of the Douglas-Apsley National Park. The Leeaberra Track​ is for walkers who have navigation skills and enjoy a challenge.​

There are campsites located close to Heritage Falls and Tevelein Falls​ whilst on the walk, and a small campground ten minutes walk from the carpark at the southern end of the park.

To limit the spread of phytophthora cinnamoni, the walk can only be travelled in one direction;​ from the north of the park to the south. W​alkers will need to organise a car shuffle.

Some sections of this track are well marked, but others are overgrown. If you are completing this walk it is advisable to carry a:

  • physical copy of the recommended map 
  • compass 

Two types of markers have been used to identify this track. Small orange triangles have been used for the main track and small yellow triangles have been used for the side tracks. 

To avoid becoming lost when the track is hard to follow, make sure that you can see the next track marker before moving on. 

Buy a map from TasMap

From Launceston, travel to St Marys via the A4 highway, then take the A3 and travel for about 16 km until the ‘E road’ is reached. Follow the privately owned, unmaintained ‘E road’ for 2 km to where the bridge is out. Unless you are driving a high clearance 4WD vehicle, you will need to continue along this road on foot, following the signs for a further 5.5 km to Thompsons Marshes carpark. 

​

​​​​​​​​​​Douglas-Apsley National Park is mid-way up the east coast of Tasmania, about 2¼ hours from Launceston and slightly longer from Hobart. The Apsley Waterhole, at the southern end of the park, is reached by taking the Rosedale Road off the A3 Tasman Highway about 3km north of Bicheno. Thompsons Marshes, at the northern end of the park, can only be reached on foot or via high clearance 4WD using the Forestry ‘E’ Road 24km north of Bicheno.​​​​​

Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.

​The Leeaberra Track should only be walked north to south to stop the spread of the root rot fungus Phytophthora cinnam​oni, which has infested much of the track south of the Douglas River Crossing. Walkers should take two cars or arrange a lift back to their starting point as no buses travel to the area and the presence of Phytophthora prevents a return walk. 

​In dry weather there is no water available between Heritage Falls and the Douglas River Crossing (a full day’s walk with some steep sections). Water should always be carried for this section. 

For your safety please record your trip intentions in the log book (near Thompsons Marshes). 
​​

​​​​​The southern end of the park has a carpark, toilets and a sign-posted walk to the Apsley Waterhole and lookout.​

Other than a rough carpark, there are no facilities at the northern end of the park.

The Park is a F​uel Stove Only ​area between October 1 and April 30. 

​Please only use the established fire pits at the Apsley Waterhole campground.

Water can be obtained from the Apsley River but please boil before use.

​Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our know before you go section.

​​​

​​​Multi-day walks are a wonderful way to experience the wilder side of Tasmania, but it is essential that you are adequately equipped before embarking on an overnight adventure. In addition to the items listed for short walks you will need at a minimum: a large waterproof backpack, tent, sleeping bag (rated to at least 0°C for coastal areas and -10°C for alpine areas), sleeping mat, hiking boots, gaiters, fuel stove and fuel, food, quick-dry clothes, toilet trowel, antibacterial gel, PLB (personal locator beacon), map and compass.

For all safety information and a full list of recommended items for all walks, please refer to Safety in parks.

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​Remember the safe walking guidelines

  • ​Plan to walk safely
  • Be prepared
  • Avoid walking alone and let someone know your plans
  • Record your trip intentions in the log books 
  • Be prepared to turn back