Numbers up in state's nature reserves

HUGE numbers of visitors are flocking to Tasmania's national parks this summer.

walkers

HUGE numbers of visitors are flocking to Tasmania's national parks this summer.

Rangers say campers, day trippers and hikers are driving up numbers at parks around the state.

Lake St Clair National Park staff member Bernie Carter said numbers were slightly up on last year, with Tasmanians, interstate and international visitors all keen to visit.

"We had large numbers between Boxing Day and yesterday, mainly people stopping for picnics or short walks on their way to Strahan or Hobart," she said.

Donnalee Young, from Maria Island National Park, said the number of day visitors was higher than previous years and accommodation at the penitentiary was booked out until the end of the month.

"We're doing really well.

The campground is not fully booked but there are plenty of campers about," she said.

Rangers at Hastings Caves in the state's South are running seven tours a day to keep up with demand.

Many families were also enjoying a swim in the thermal springs.

In the north, local holidaymakers made up the bulk of crowds at Narawntapu National Park.

Spokeswoman Judy Westbrook said many people were camping with their horses and enjoying fishing and boating.

Up to 45,000 people visit the park each year.

"It's been fantastic, everyone has been really well behaved," Ms Westbrook said.

"The weather is a bit ordinary today, so a lot of people are packing up.

"The weather plays a vital role in visitor numbers – good weather means lots of people, rain [and] everyone packs up and goes home." Some lucky visitors encountered wombats on Maria Island and echidnas at Lake St Clair.

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