There is a reason hikers keep coming back to Tasmania. It is not just the scenery — though the scenery is extraordinary — it is the texture of the walking itself. Tasmanian trails have a character that mainland Australia simply cannot replicate. Boardwalks wind through temperate rainforest so ancient the ferns predate flowering plants. Rocky scrambles lead to alpine plateaus where the only sound is wind across buttongrass. Coastal paths trace cliff edges three hundred metres above open ocean. And everywhere, the air tastes clean in a way that makes you realise you have been breathing secondhand stuff your entire life.
Tasmania has more great trails per square kilometre than any other state in Australia. This guide covers over twenty of them — from twenty-minute waterfall strolls suitable for families to multi-day expeditions that test the limits of experienced alpine bushwalkers — organised by difficulty so you can find the right trail for your fitness, experience, and ambition.
How Trails Are Graded in This Guide
Easy — suitable for most fitness levels, minimal elevation, good paths.
Easy–Moderate — some elevation or longer distance; waterproof footwear essential.
Moderate — good fitness required; rocky or muddy terrain; pack rain gear.
Challenging — sustained effort, exposure, multi-day self-sufficiency.
Expert Only — advanced navigation, climbing, or wilderness experience required.
Easy Walks (Under 3 Hours)
These trails suit most fitness levels and require no previous hiking experience. They are the walks that convince first-time visitors that Tasmania is special — and they are often the walks that experienced hikers remember most vividly.
Russell Falls, Mount Field National Park
Tasmania’s most photographed waterfall — a three-tiered cascade framed by ancient tree ferns and moss-covered logs. The paved path is flat and wheelchair-accessible to the first viewing platform. Continue uphill ten minutes to Horseshoe Falls for a second waterfall with fewer visitors. Just 90 minutes from Hobart and often combined with the Tall Trees Walk for a perfect half-day.
Dove Lake Circuit, Cradle Mountain
A flat boardwalk loop around the base of Cradle Mountain with the most iconic view in Tasmania — the jagged dolerite peaks reflected in the still waters of Dove Lake. Best in early morning when the air is calm and reflections are sharpest. Wombats graze along the track, particularly near the historic boatshed. Suitable for all fitness levels, though some sections are uneven.
Tall Trees Walk, Mount Field
A flat loop through towering swamp gums — some exceeding ninety metres, among the tallest flowering plants on Earth. The forest has a cathedral quality: enormous straight trunks rising into a distant canopy, tree ferns carpeting the understorey. Combine with Russell Falls for a memorable morning. Both trails leave from the same car park at Mount Field National Park visitor centre.
Wineglass Bay Lookout, Freycinet National Park
A well-graded climb through dry eucalypt forest and granite boulders to a lookout revealing one of the world’s most beautiful beaches — Wineglass Bay’s perfect crescent of white sand and turquoise water. The ascent involves roughly 600 steps and moderate elevation gain. Bring water and allow time; the reward is one of Australia’s most photographed views. Arrive before 10am in summer to beat the tour buses.
Tasman Arch & Blowhole Circuit, Tasman Peninsula
A short loop from the car park near Eaglehawk Neck visiting the Tasman Arch (a natural dolerite arch carved by wave action), the dramatic Blowhole, and Devil’s Kitchen — a collapsed sea cave. One of the most geologically spectacular short walks in Tasmania, often combined with a Port Arthur Historic Site visit the same day.
The Wineglass Bay Lookout reward — worth every one of the 600 steps up from the trailhead.
Moderate Day Walks (3–6 Hours)
These trails require reasonable fitness, proper hiking boots, and a pack with rain gear, water, and food. They offer the deeper Tasmania — solitude, varied terrain, and the genuine sense of earning your views.
kunanyi / Mount Wellington Summit Walk, Hobart
Tasmania’s most accessible alpine summit rises directly behind Hobart’s CBD — visible from the city and reachable by car (to the Springs car park, cutting the walk to 5 km return) or on foot from the city itself. At 1,271 metres, kunanyi commands extraordinary views across Hobart, the Derwent estuary, and on clear days to the Tasman Peninsula. Wind and temperature can drop dramatically above the treeline even in summer — carry warm layers regardless of what the city feels like at departure. A road to the summit is open most days but the walk from the Springs via the Pinnacle Track is far more rewarding.
Tarn Shelf, Mount Field National Park
One of Tasmania’s best-kept secrets and most photographed autumn walks. The Tarn Shelf is an alpine plateau at approximately 1,200 metres holding a series of reflective tarns surrounded by pencil pines and pandani — in April and May, the deciduous beech (fagus) turns gold and rust, and the reflections in the tarns are extraordinary. The access drive through the upper park passes ski slopes and sub-alpine habitat before the walk begins. Not to be missed in autumn.
Marion’s Lookout, Cradle Mountain
The best panoramic viewpoint at Cradle Mountain — a steady climb from Dove Lake through alpine scrub to an exposed plateau with 360-degree views of Cradle Mountain, Barn Bluff, and the Central Highlands. The final section involves a short, steep scramble over boulders. Spectacular in clear conditions; dangerous in high wind. Not suitable for those uncomfortable with mild exposure.
Wineglass Bay Full Circuit, Freycinet
Extends the lookout walk by descending to the beach, crossing the isthmus to Hazards Beach, and returning via the coastal trail. You walk on the sand, swim in impossibly clear water, and return through diverse bushland. Carry lunch, swimmers, and plenty of water. This is the walk that converts day-trippers into Tasmania devotees.
Cape Hauy, Tasman Peninsula
Dramatic sea cliffs, dolerite columns called the Candlestick and the Totem Pole (a famous free-standing 65-metre sea stack), and vertigo-inducing views straight down to deep ocean. The trail follows the cliff edge through coastal heath before reaching the exposed cape. One of Tasmania’s most spectacular day walks. Not suitable for those uncomfortable with cliff exposure.
Crater Lake Loop, Cradle Mountain
A longer loop visiting Crater Lake, Wombat Pool, and Lake Lilla. The trail passes through diverse habitats — pencil pines, alpine heath, buttongrass — and offers a more immersive experience than the lakeside circuit. Some rocky and muddy sections. Excellent for wildlife at dawn: wombats at the trail margins, platypus in Crater Creek.
Bishop and Clerk, Maria Island
Maria Island’s most rewarding summit walk. The track climbs through eucalypt forest and coastal heath to the 620-metre summit of Bishop and Clerk, with panoramic views across Mercury Passage, the Freycinet Peninsula, and the Tasman Sea. Combine with the easy Fossil Cliffs walk (1.5 km return, extraordinary orange and white fossil-bearing cliffs at the beach) for a full island day. Maria Island is accessible by ferry from Triabunna on the east coast.
Multi-Day Treks
Tasmania’s great multi-day walks are among the finest on Earth. Each offers a completely different landscape — from luxury eco-hut walking to full wilderness camping with no facilities for days.
Overland Track — Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair
Australia’s most famous multi-day walk. Six days through alpine plateaus, ancient rainforest, glacial valleys, and Tasmania’s highest peak (Mount Ossa, 1,617 m, as an optional side trip). Basic huts provide shelter — carry a tent as backup, as huts are first-come, first-served. Good fitness, navigation skills, and weather resilience required. October to May only: permits required, limited to 60 walkers per day, book via Parks Tasmania from 1 July each year. June–September is permit-free but involves alpine winter conditions. See our Adventure Guide for full logistics.
Three Capes Track, Tasman Peninsula
Tasmania’s newest great walk — and its most comfortable. Modern eco-huts with mattresses, gas cooking, and composting toilets make this feel closer to a lodge-based walk than backcountry camping. The scenery is extraordinary: sea cliffs over 300 metres, the Blade (a knife-edge dolerite formation), and views to the horizon. Parks Tasmania bookings required — the hut-to-hut permit includes a Park Pass.
Bay of Fires Walk (Guided Only)
A guided-only luxury experience along fifty kilometres of pristine east coast. Orange-lichen granite boulders, brilliant white sand, azure water, and two nights in exclusive eco-lodges with gourmet meals and wine. One of Australia’s great luxury walks — this is wilderness with a thread count. Bookings through the Bay of Fires Lodge operator.
Walls of Jerusalem, Central Highlands
One of Tasmania’s most dramatic and least-visited alpine destinations. Biblical-named peaks (Herod’s Gate, the Temple, the Trapezium) surround glacial lakes in a remote plateau accessible only on foot. The walk in crosses exposed buttongrass before revealing spectacular high country. As an overnight or two-night trip, the high camp at Wild Dog Creek or Dixon’s Kingdom is extraordinary. Day-walk only for fit and experienced hikers with an early start.
South Coast Track
Remote, rugged, and utterly wild — the South Coast Track is one of the most demanding bushwalks in Australia. It crosses exposed beaches, dense rainforest, waist-deep river crossings, and the notorious Ironbound Range: a brutal series of ascents and descents that can take longer than the distance suggests. No huts, no facilities, no mobile reception. Only for experienced, fully self-sufficient bushwalkers with navigation skills and emergency equipment. The reward: the most dramatic and untouched coastline in the world.
The Overland Track’s highland tarns — six days of walking through Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Expert-Only Summits
These are not hikes. They are mountaineering objectives that require advanced navigation, multi-day self-sufficiency, and experience in exposed alpine conditions. But for those with the skills, they offer Tasmania’s most rewarding and least-visited landscapes.
Federation Peak, Southwest Wilderness
Tasmania’s hardest and most coveted summit. A multi-day expedition through the eastern Arthur Range involving exposed scrambling, route-finding through dense scrub, and camping in remote, weather-exposed locations. The final ascent requires hands-on climbing skills. Only for experienced alpine bushwalkers in stable conditions — many attempts are turned back by weather. The view from the summit (1,224 m) across some of Earth’s last temperate wilderness is rarely seen and never forgotten.
Mount Anne Circuit, Southwest National Park
A challenging alpine circuit involving exposed ridgeline walking, steep scrambles, and navigation across rocky, trackless terrain. Lake Judd — a glacial lake nestled in an ancient cirque — is the overnight camp and one of Tasmania’s most dramatic wild camping locations. Weather closes in rapidly on this exposed circuit; full emergency equipment and navigation experience essential.
Essential Gear for Tasmania
“Four seasons in one day” is not a local cliché — it is a daily reality. Tasmania has killed experienced bushwalkers caught underprepared on seemingly benign trails. The fundamental rule: dress for the worst conditions you might encounter, not the conditions at the trailhead.
Clothing — Layering System
- Merino wool or synthetic thermal base layer
- Insulating fleece or down mid-layer
- Waterproof and breathable shell jacket with hood
- Waterproof rain pants (separate from softshell)
- Beanie and gloves (even in December above treeline)
- Neck gaiter or buff
Footwear & Load
- Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
- Wool hiking socks, 2+ pairs
- Gaiters for muddy tracks (especially Overland Track)
- Waterproof pack cover and dry bags for electronics
- Trekking poles for rocky descent stages
Navigation & Safety
- Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) — mandatory for multi-day walks
- Offline maps downloaded before departure (Gaia GPS recommended)
- Paper map and compass as backup
- Emergency blanket and whistle
- Comprehensive first-aid kit
Sun & Hydration
- SPF 50+ sunscreen (UV is intense despite cool temperatures)
- Polarised sunglasses
- Wide-brimmed hat
- 2–3 L water capacity per person
- Water purification tablets or filter for remote walks
Seasonal Hiking Tips
Summer (Dec–Feb)
Peak season. Longest daylight (14+ hours), warmest temps, busiest trails. Book the Overland Track and Three Capes months ahead. Still carry rain gear and warm layers — alpine weather is genuinely unpredictable. Snow is possible on Cradle Mountain even in January.
Autumn (Mar–May) — Many Hikers’ Favourite
Stable weather, stunning fagus autumn colour at Cradle Mountain (Mount Field’s Tarn Shelf is extraordinary in April), comfortable hiking temperatures 10–18°C, and significantly fewer people on the tracks. The best season for multi-day walks and photography.
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Snow on highlands — alpine trails above 900 m require crampons, ice axe, and winter experience. Lower-elevation walks (Russell Falls, Tall Trees, coastal trails) remain accessible year-round. Daylight limited to 9 hours. The alpine silence and frost-covered landscapes are extraordinary for those prepared.
Spring (Sep–Nov)
Wildflowers carpet the alpine areas, waterfalls are at peak flow from snowmelt, and newborn wildlife is everywhere. Weather is variable through October, stabilising in November. Overland Track bookings open on 1 July for the upcoming season. November is the sweet-spot month for most hikers.
Prefer a Guided Walk?
Our guided hiking tours include expert local guides, all logistics, safety equipment, and accommodation — from day walks around Cradle Mountain to the full Overland Track expedition with all meals provided.
Explore Tasmania tours →Gallery
Alpine ridgeline
Dove Lake, Cradle Mtn
Wineglass Bay
Highland tarns
Frequently Asked Questions
Russell Falls (20 min return, paved path), Dove Lake Circuit (2 hr, flat boardwalk), Tall Trees Walk (30 min), Tasman Arch Circuit (45 min), and Wineglass Bay Lookout (1.5 hr) are all accessible for most fitness levels. Waterproof footwear is recommended even on these easier trails — conditions can be muddy.
Yes, for anything beyond a 30-minute paved path. Tasmanian tracks are often muddy, rocky, and root-covered. Waterproof boots with good ankle support are essential. Trails that look simple on maps are frequently rough underfoot. Running shoes are inadequate for most Tasmanian walks.
Federation Peak in the southwest wilderness is widely considered Tasmania’s hardest summit — a multi-day expedition requiring advanced navigation, scrambling skills, and full self-sufficiency. The South Coast Track (85 km, 7–8 days) and Mount Anne Circuit are also expert-only objectives. All three can be dangerous and should not be attempted by walkers without alpine experience.
Autumn (March to May) is many experienced hikers’ preferred season: stable weather, stunning fagus colour, comfortable temperatures, and far fewer people. December to February offers the longest daylight and warmest conditions but the most crowded trails. November is an excellent compromise — wildflowers, good conditions, and Overland Track bookings are still available.
Yes. Entry to all Tasmanian national parks requires a Parks Pass, available as a day pass or Holiday Pass (valid for all parks for up to 8 weeks). Purchase online at Parks Tasmania or at visitor centres. The Overland Track and Three Capes Track require separate booking permits in addition to the Parks Pass. The Three Capes hut-to-hut permit includes a Park Pass.
Very limited. Most trails above the major tourist areas have no mobile reception at all. Carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for emergencies on any multi-day walk — they are mandatory for all overnight walks in remote areas and can be hired from Service Tasmania and outdoor gear shops. Download offline maps (Gaia GPS recommended) before departing.
Tasmania Adventure Guide
Wilderness regions, planning & Overland Track logistics.
Tasmania Road Trip Itineraries
Self-drive routes combining hiking and highlights.
Tasmania Wildlife Guide
Devils, wombats, penguins & where to find them on trail.
Tasmania Wine & Whisky Guide
Cellar doors and distilleries to visit after the walk.