The climate, geology and vegetation of Tasmania's South West wilderness are described briefly, with particular reference to lichens. One hundred and sixty-two lichens are recorded from alpine altitudes in the region and the major habitats for alpine lichens are discussed. The flora differs significantly from that of other Tasmanian mountain systems, and this is attributed in part to geology and macroclimate. The region is rich in Tasmanian endemics and distinctly austral species with restricted geographical distributions.