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Tourism Australia updates Instagram post on Tasmania hike after safety concerns

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Event

Tourism Australia posted a video on its official Instagram account showcasing the Western Arthur Range Traverse in Tasmania, describing it as a way to "boost daily step count." The post was later updated to include a link to more information after safety concerns were raised.

"South-west Tasmania is a place for adventure, for experienced bushwalkers only. It is not a place for casual tourists."
— Ross Stephens, Bushwalking Australia vice president

Key Details

  • The Route: The Western Arthur Range Traverse is a 58-kilometer multi-day walk in Tasmania's remote southwest wilderness, requiring five to nine days to complete.
  • The Danger: Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) rates the track at Grade 5—the highest difficulty level. The PWS warns it is very rough, steep, and unmarked, with cliffs, exposed rock, and unpredictable weather.
  • Fatalities: The PWS explicitly states that bushwalkers have died attempting this track, including a fatality in 2024.
  • The Post: The original Instagram clip from Tourism Australia did not mention the difficulty level or risks. It was later updated with a link to the PWS website for more information.
  • Expert Critique: Bushwalking Australia vice president Ross Stephens said the video failed to capture the typical conditions of the walk and lacked context or caveats about its difficulty.

Statements

  • Ross Stephens: "South-west Tasmania is a place for adventure, for experienced bushwalkers only. It is not a place for casual tourists. The clip has no context or caveats that express this."
  • Tourism Australia Spokesperson: The agency "looks to inspire international visitors to travel here with motivating content across the channels where they do their holiday planning" and that its "marketing content always seeks to balance inspiration with visitor safety."

Background

Social media posts can give a misleading impression of dangerous hiking trails. Experienced bushwalkers advise checking official websites, understanding track grading, and reviewing safety advice before attempting such walks.