One of the best ways to discover and experience nature in all of its Tasmanian glory is on your two feet. Call it hiking, bushwalking or trekking, Tasmania offers over 2,800 km of walking tracks, and over 880 different walks in its national parks, conservations areas and reserves. Take your camera, not only is the natural beauty mind-blowing, you will surely cross paths with some of Tasmania’s distinctive wildlife. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Sarajayne Lada.
The trails in Tasmania range from quick jaunts and short walks through rainforests, to multi-day adventures. A wide range of options exist, from ascending to peaks of mountains, meandering through perfect temperate rainforest, enjoying heritage walks, coastal walks and even city walks. Foodies can opt for designated walks for discovering Tasmanian food and wine havens. Organ Pipes, Mt. Wellington
Crisscrossing trails around the mountain towering over Hobart provide a magnificent view of the city. A return hike of 4 hours from Fern Tree to come across the exceptional rock formation that’s known as the Organ Pipes requires a little climbing, and is worth it for the view. From that point on, the people with cars can continue on to the rocky summit by driving, enjoying the lookouts along the way. There is an enclosed visitor’s centre where you can seek shelter and take the opportunity to be amazed by the scenery minus the biting wind.
Russell Falls, Mount Field National Park
Australia’s second-oldest national park (after the Royal National Park), Mount Field National Park is less than an hour’s drive from Hobart. An easy and enjoyable walking trail (wheelchair accessible) takes visitors to the exceptional Russell Falls. Below it, the rainforest features beautiful ferns and towering swamp gums. Longer overnight walks are also possible.
Truganini Track
Beginning from the Hobart suburb of Mt. Nelson, this trail promises a pleasant and comfortable, yet still challenging, walk. Due to the climb, it is advisable to be in good health. The one way trail of 2.1 km climbs through open forests and bushland with wildflowers and a plethora of birds. The Truganini Memorial, close to the summit, celebrates the first inhabitants of the land we now call Tasmania, as well as their descendants.
Wineglass Bay
Located in Freycinet National Park, a drive of 2.5 hours from Hobart will take you to the sublime Wineglass Bay. Getting to the lookout over the saddle in between Mount Amos and Mount Mayson can be tricky due to the steep incline, and it is well worth the challenge - the walk will take approximately 1.5 hours each way. The view from the top is one you will long remember. For a challenge, descend to the beach itself down on the other side. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Andrew McIntosh.
Cape Hauy, Tasman Peninsula
Located 90 minutes to the southeast of Hobart, the well-known Port Arthur penal settlement attracts many visitors. The area features delightful coastal walks that range from a 15-minute stroll to tougher multi-day hikes. The Cape Hauy Track takes you to the cliffs of dolerite pillars, and the famous challenging climbs to the Candlestick and the Totem Pole. The climb is not necessary, unless you’re a climber up for a challenge.
Lake St. Clair
Lake St Clair is approximately 2.5 hours drive from Hobart. From Cynthia Bay there are options for enjoyable short walks alongside the lake, or a more challenging, tougher trek up Mount Rufus. Chances of spotting wombats and wallabies are high here and, during dusk or dawn, you may even lock eyes with a platypus. A full-day excursion will have a ferry take you across the lake to Narcissus Hut, and from there on, it’s a 15-km stroll along the last leg of the Overland Track back to the visitor's centre. Image thanks to Kevin Wells.
This is the favoured choice for a once-in-a-lifetime multi-day walk in Tasmania. One of Australia’s most sought-after hikes, this 6-day adventure with 65 km of tracks winding through terrain ranging from glacial mountains, temperate rainforest, wild rivers and alpine plains. Leading you through Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, it has its challenges - day one presents a steep section with mud. You will be rewarded with views of Mount Ossa, Tassie’s highest mountain at 1,617 metres, flawless lakes and breathtaking scenery throughout. Want more? You can have it, as it doesn’t end there! Tag along with Cradle Mountain Huts to treat yourself to hot showers, delicious gourmet meals, private gorgeously designed huts and the relative luxury of carrying no more than a daypack.
Walls of Jerusalem Circuit
This is Tassie’s only original alpine national park and an all-time favourite amongst wilderness-loving locals, largely because it can’t be accessed by a main road. This 4-day circuit is filled with natural gems such as dolerite rock fortresses, pencil pine fairytale-like forests, biblical landforms such as King David’s Peak and Solomon’s Throne, and valleys adorned with shimmering lakes and serene lakeside campsites.
Three Capes Track
A 46 kilometre journey along the Tasman Peninsula leads through gorgeous natural landscapes with mesmerising cliff top views over Cape Pillar, Cape Hauy and Cape Raoul. This 4-day, 3-night adventure is a comfortable one, giving trekkers the freedom to explore and enjoy themselves. It departs from the Port Arthur Historic World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in beautiful natural environments like rainforest pockets and coastal heathlands. Test yourself and push your limits to be amazed by the view from some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs. Image thanks to Jesse Desjardins.
Tarkine Rainforest Walk
The Tarkine is home to the world’s tallest hardwood trees, the vast temperate rainforests of the Southern Hemisphere, and a wild and dreamy landscape of rivers, waterfalls and magnificent forest trails. This is a 4-day trip with guided day walks during the day from Tiger Ridge base camp, which has been carefully designed to keep visitors fully immersed in its natural environment, with a connected living and dining area, Japanese style washrooms that looks over the forest and canvas tents complete with comfortable beds.
Wukalina Walk
The wukalina walk is a 3-night, 4-day Aboriginal owned and operated guided walk based around the stunning larapuna/Bay of Fires and Wukalina/Mt. William areas. It incorporates the famous Bay of Fires, the cultural homeland of the palawa people. The Wukalina walk is more than just a hike with beautiful scenery, it is a a genuine cultural experience that will deepen your understanding of Tasmanian Aboriginal culture and history. You spend 2 nights glamping in bespoke palawa inspired (domed) huts and 1 night in the meticulously renovated Lighthouse Keepers Cottage at larapuna/Bay of Fires, northeast Tasmania.
Bay of Fires Lodge Walk
The coastline at the north of St. Helens is immersed in stripes of white sand, verdant flora and a sparkling beautiful, turquoise sea shimmering under the clearest of blue skies. What more could one ask for? The 4-day walk will take your breath away with its jaw-dropping beauty. One day is set aside for activities such as bird watching, beachcombing or kayaking. What's more, you will have the chance to stay in Australia’s first wilderness lodges, overlooking the magnificent ocean, and enjoy its open fires and authentic Tasmanian fine food and wine. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Alice Hansen.
For hikes in the Central Highlands such as Lake Sinclair, Overland Track, Mount Field, Walls of Jerusalem and others in and around the Central Highlands, the best time to go is from December to April. Temperatures can drop quickly with the possibility of snow, but the weather at this time of the year is at its most stable. Be prepared for the cold conditions; and that means beanies, gloves and all that protects your skin from the frosty cold. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Geoff Murray.
For hikes on the east coast, the best times are from October to December and from March to April. Places such as Maria Island and the Three Capes Walk can get quite hot in January and February. Given the instability of Tassie’s weather, you might also get some cooler temperatures in the mid-20s.
Your checklist of things that you may, or may not, need on your hikes is dependent on your choice of hike, taking in factors like duration and length, difficulty and, of course, the weather.General requirements and accessories include:
- Hiking boots
- Hiking socks
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Rain protection
- Mosquito repellent
- Microfibre towel
- Phone
- Camera
- Small Torch
- Extra Batteries or Portable Charger
For longer, multi-day treks, make sure to bring:
- Tent
- A good sleeping bag
- Sleeping mattress
- Inflatable pillow
- Rubbish bag
- Multi-tool
- Compass
- Strings (for drying clothes or hanging up tent)
- Waterproof matches
- Head torch
Documents To Carry:
- National Park Pass - required for all the National Parks in Tasmania. (The money goes towards the maintenance of tracks and campsites.)
- Maps - For the well-established routes, maps aren’t needed but they can come in handy.
- Tide Timetables - Useful when planning ahead where crossing lagoons or rivers is required, or walking alongside the narrow beaches that tend to flood during high tide.
Health and safety are of the utmost importance, especially in the wilderness. So that means packing the following items:
- First Aid Kit
- Basic Medication
- Water treatment pills in exceptional areas as Tasmanian mountain water is as fresh as it gets
- Toiletry Bag
- Toilet Paper
Clothing selection is of utmost importance, and should be chosen according to the season. Make sure you will be warm enough, and have fast-drying and waterproof clothing and underwear, with gaiters to guard against mud. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Veronica Youd.
Adventures of a lifetime are waiting for you to come and experience here in Tasmania! Guided or free, short or long, easy or hard - take your pick! Tasmania has so much to offer that it really does have something for everyone. Next time someone tells you to take a hike, don’t be offended, because if it’s in Tasmania, then they’re the ones who will be missing out!
