The north-west town of Waratah has been named Tasmania’s riskiest camping spot for venomous snake encounters, according to new research released ahead of the warmer months.
Waratah topped the state list with eight campsites and 115 reported sightings, giving it a danger index score of 97 out of 100.
The former mining town has a population of 249 according to the last census.
Tiger snakes, white-lipped snakes and copperheads were the species most often recorded there.
The study by OCAM 4×4 Accessories compared the number of campsites in each area against nearby snake sighting records.
The findings come as more Tasmanians and visitors prepare to spend time outdoors as the weather warms.
The latest Tasmania-specific caravan and camping data, covering 2024, recorded 426,000 overnight trips and 1.6 million visitor nights.
Occupancy at caravan parks peaked during the first three months of the year, with powered sites reaching 77% and unpowered sites 70%..
Lake Adelaide ranked second, followed by Buoy Creek, George Town and Lake St Clair.
Launceston recorded the most sightings of any area on the list, with 159 across just five campsites.
No greater Hobart camping region made the top 10.
Snake catcher Chris Williams said campsites offer exactly what snakes are looking for.
“Snakes go where the food and shelter are and that is exactly what a campsite looks like to them,” he said.
“In these areas, cleared land near water, woodpiles, long grass, sheds and outbuildings all pull in rodents and frogs, with snakes following their prey.”
Tasmania has three snake species and all are venomous.
Williams said none are aggressive by nature and all would rather escape than engage.
“The danger comes from surprise encounters, stepping too close or cornering them without realising it,” he said.
If campers do come across one, he said the best move is to stop and back away slowly.
“Do not run, do not make sudden movements and do not try to herd it off the track,” he said.
“Most bites happen when someone tries to touch, catch or kill a snake, not from walking past one.”
