Explore the Wilderness in Tasmania

Winter may be ramping up in North America, but over in Australia, summer is on its way. If you're jonesing for a destination to inject some warmth and wilderness into your life, look no further than a visit to the Australian island state of Tasmania.

Tasmania is known as the "Island of Inspiration," and it comes by that name honestly. Over 42% of the island is protected and managed by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, and the remote landscape is home to unique flora and fauna.

If you're ready for a little adventure down under, book a trip with tour company World Expeditions to have a big adventure while making a small footprint. 

Aquatic Adventures on the Franklin River

Named the best river journey in the world by Outside Magazine in 2012, this nine-day rafting excursion takes you to the heart of the remote Franklin River. The Franklin travels through the rugged southwestern region of Tasmania, through the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

The journey is remote, but you'll be in good hands. After all, World Expeditions pioneered the route back in 1978. It's a demanding experience, but anyone with a bit of wilderness knowledge and a strong baseline of physical fitness can tackle this challenge.

Hike the Walls of Jerusalem Circuit

If getting off the beaten path—literally—is your style, check out the six-day Walls of Jerusalem Circuit. The Walls of Jerusalem is Tasmania's only alpine National Park. This trip is a bushwhacking expedition that includes abundant wildlife, endemic wildflowers, and the chance to bag some peaks. 

The Walls of Jerusalem are only accessible by foot, so get ready for quiet enjoyment, great meals cooked by your tour guide, and plenty of beautiful views.

Go Big: The Great Tasmanian Traverse

Get ready for 39 days of walking, rafting, flying and sailing on World Expeditions' Great Tasmanian Traverse. This adventure includes four of Tasmania's greatest multi-day treks and wanders through terrain that ranges from deep forests to sub-alpine plateaus.

Enjoy opportunities to see wildlife, check out rare flora, and challenge yourself to the physical prowess that this trek demands. This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip...are you ready?

Check out all of World Expeditions' destinations in Australia.

Photos are courtesy of World Expeditions. Walls of Jerusalem photo is courtesy of Caro Ryan. The Great Tasmanian Traverse photo and cover photo are courtesy of Mark Whitelock.