I spent one glorious month in Tasmania, road tripping the island as part of my Lap of Australia. Tassie, as it’s affectionately known, is like a playground for people who love being outdoors: hiking, swimming, paddling, wildlife spotting, and more. Tasmania is an incredible destination for hiking – there are simply so many phenomenal walks to do here! Here’s my complete guide to the top hikes to do in Tasmania.

Tips for Hiking in Tasmania

Like all hikes, you should always pack plenty of water and snacks, and layers (particularly waterproofs) are important. A few of these trails are quite easy – for most of the rest, I recommend a sturdy pair of hiking boots. I love my Scarpa Mistral boots! Hiking poles can be a lifesaver, too – especially on hikes with high elevation gains/descent. Many hikes in Tasmania are located in remote or rural areas, so don’t expect to have phone signal everywhere. Download all maps offline or prepare a paper copy ahead of time.

Roads in Tassie have a nasty habit of randomly turning into unsealed gravel roads, with no warning or alternate option. All of the hikes in this post are accessible with a 2WD vehicle in good weather, although you might want to check local conditions beforehand – particularly in winter. Tarn Shelf Circuit, Cape Raoul, Hartz Peak, Bridal Veil Falls & Champagne Falls, Montezuma Falls, Philosopher Falls, and Forth Falls are accessed via unsealed road. But when I drove these roads in February, they were suitable for 2WDs. Be prepared – I got a punctured tire on the 16km unsealed road up to Lake Dobson for the start of the Tarn Shelf Circuit, where I had no phone signal.

Most of these hikes are located in national parks. You need a Tasmanian parks pass to visit them – if you’re visiting multiple parks, I strongly recommend buying a parks pass. I bought a two-month holiday pass for $89.50 (for one vehicle); an annual parks pass is only slightly more expensive, giving you 12 months for $95.30. Visit the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service website for updated information. I have done every hike in this blog post (with the exception of Mount Wellington; I was lazy and drove up) – so my timing and mileage is accurately based off of my Strava.

The Best Hikes in Tasmania: East Coast

Mount Amos

This is one of the best hikes I’ve ever done in my life. It’s challenging – a steep climb through the bush before a near-vertical ascent over rocks with a few scrambles. Don’t attempt it alone unless you’re an experienced hiker and with a level head for scrambles. But the views from the top over Wineglass Bay are jaw-dropping. Seeing the view from the top at golden hour was one of the most meaningful and beautiful moments of my life. Sunrise and sunset are incredible – but for safety, I wouldn’t want to do this hike in the dark.

Distance: 4km (2.5 miles)

Time: 2.5 to 3 hours

Wineglass Bay & Hazards Beach Loop

This loop is a fantastic hike in Freycinet National Park. Head down to Wineglass Bay itself before hiking through the bush to reach Hazards Beach. Walk along the white sand here, admiring the mountain views, before heading back into the bush. There are some pretty views of the coast from a few points of this section, where you’re above the tree line.

Distance: 12.8km (7.9 miles)

Time: 3.5 to 4.5 hours

Painted Cliffs (Maria Island)

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to do the big hike on Maria Island – Bishop and Clerk – due to extreme wind. But I loved seeing the Painted Cliffs! The trail out from Darlington is easy to follow; the cliffs themselves are so unique. The return is through the forest, past Oast House – which is 200 years old and one of the oldest oast houses (a kiln for drying hops) in Australia.

Distance: 5.8km (3.6 miles)

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

The Best Hikes in Tasmania: Tasman Peninsula

Tasman Arch Track

This is a short walk to see a few natural features on the Tasman Peninsula. After admiring the impressive Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen, the trail takes you to Waterfall Bay. There are great views along the coast here!

Distance: 4.6km (2.9 miles)

Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

Cape Hauy Track

If you’re not walking the multi-day Three Capes Track, you can still get a taste of the experience at Cape Hauy. This walk is perfectly doable as a day hike, starting from Fortescue Bay – which is the endpoint for the Three Capes Track. The trail is undulating, with several sharp ascents and descents. The views from Cape Hauy, over the dramatic rock pillars, are excellent.

Distance: 10.4km (6.5 miles)

Time: 3 to 4 hours

Cape Raoul

This is a longer hike, but well worth it. The trail passes through forest and bushland, descending down onto the peninsula, before coming to an end at the magnificent hexagonal rock pillars of Cape Raoul. The main viewpoint is, of course, stunning – but be sure to spend a few extra minutes to walk to the other viewpoint to see the seal colony! I loved this hike; it had been on my Tassie bucket list for years, and I’m so happy I finally got to do it!

Distance: 16.3km (10.1 miles)

Time: 3.5 to 5 hours

The Best Hikes in Tasmania: Hobart Area and Bruny Island

Mount Wellington

Mount Wellington is the only hike in this post that I didn’t personally do. I have to admit, I was lazy and drove up to the top. If I’d had more time, I would have loved to spend a few hours hiking to the top – and really earning that rewarding view! The following route is the one I would have done to reach the summit, recommended by We Seek Travel: The Springs > Lenah Valley Track > Sphinx Rock > Lower Sawmill Track > Organ Pipes Track > Zig Zag Track

Distance: 8.7km (5.4 miles)

Time: 2.5 to 3 hours

Cathedral Rock Track

Cathedral Rock Track is a lesser-known hike in the Hobart area – if you’re looking for quiet tracks and solitude, this is a top choice. It’s a steady, steep climb up to the summit. Note that there aren’t many trail markers here, but the trail itself is easy to follow. When you come out of the forest to a fire trail, turn right – there is a signpost here. Follow this, up the switchbacks, until you reach another signpost that indicates Cathedral Rock summit. The final section is very steep, with a few minor scrambles. But you’re rewarded at the summit with incredible views of the mountain ridge and scenery below. The car park is small, but I don’t think this hike gets very busy. Note the first stretch from the car park to the trailhead is on a private road – pin the exact location of the car park on GoogleMaps so you know where to park!

Distance: 10.4km (6.5 miles)

Time: 3 to 4 hours

Fluted Cape Walk (Bruny Island)

See some of the best scenery on Bruny Island on this walk near Adventure Bay, with great views of the coastline. It’s best to walk in a clockwise direction, so you have the cliffside views as you climb steadily uphill. The trail loops down through the bush, which isn’t as exciting – but it’s a fantastic hike to do on Bruny Island.

Distance: 7.3km (4.5 miles)

Time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2.5 hours

Cape Queen Elizabeth Track (Bruny Island)

I debated whether or not to include this hike, as it was exciting with varied scenery and terrain. But it was so poorly marked and overgrown in places, that I’m hesitant to recommend it. The walk starts out on a fire trail parallel to the airport, before coming to a junction where you can turn right to access Blighs Beach. I chose to climb uphill and over the arch, as I hadn’t checked the tide times. The track continues down and into the sand dunes to Miles Beach – after following the beach, a single stick in the sand marks the point to turn left into the shrubbery. The trail eventually reaches the headland, climbing a bit to a lookout where there is a large pile of rocks. I think this is the end of the track? The return is back the same way you came. With a handful of additional trail markers, this would be an excellent Bruny Island walk. There is a small car park at the trailhead – pin the location on GoogleMaps here! There is a shorter version of this trail that incorporates the beach (don’t go at high tide) as a loop, which is 6.9km.

Distance: 13.8km (8.6 miles)

Time: 3.5 to 5 hours

The Best Hikes in Tasmania: Southwest

Hartz Peak Track

A stunning hike, with jaw-dropping views of southern Tasmania from the summit – Hartz Peak is one you don’t want to miss! The trail meanders past two pretty lakes (great if you fancy a dip) before climbing steadily over rocky terrain. There is a tricky section close to the summit where you’ll need to hop over large boulders, but the scenery at the summit makes it all worthwhile. I particularly loved this hike because of its variety of terrain and landscapes. Don’t miss Hartz Peak!

Distance: 8.5km (5.3 miles)

Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours

Three Falls Circuit

This easy waterfall circuit in Mount Field National Park loops past three waterfalls. The first, Russell Falls, was one of my favorites in all of Tasmania! The trail then goes to Horseshoe Falls and through the tall trees to Lady Barron Falls. For a unique experience, do the walk to Russell Falls at night to see the glowworms!

Distance: 6.3km (4 miles)

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Tarn Shelf Circuit

The Tarn Shelf Circuit was one of my top day hikes in all of Tasmania! This loop in Mount Field National Park goes past beautiful glacial lakes on the tarn shelf, climbing steadily to take in spectacular views of the area before a quick descent down. The hike can be done in either direction, and isn’t particularly well sign-posted at the car park. Follow the trail around Lake Dobson, sticking to right when there’s a junction. You’ll come to a wide track, where you’ll see your first Tarn Shelf Circuit signpost pointing you towards Eagle Tarn.

Continue past Platypus Tarn and Lake Seal (both short detours off the main trail) to Lake Webster and Twilight Tarn. After passing Twisted Tarn, turn left at Lake Newdegate and follow the path past the huts and down through the ski slopes, before returning to Lake Dobson. I loved seeing all the different alpine lakes here. The weather conditions were excellent the day I went, which made it even more enjoyable! If you’re an experienced hiker, you’ll love this walk.

Distance: 16.5km (10.3 miles)

Time: 4.5 to 6.5 hours

The Best Hikes in Tasmania: Northwest

Mount Murchison

Mount Murchison might just be the most underrated mountain hike in Tassie – it blew me away! It’s a tough, challenging hike: a steep and slippery start, with tree roots and leaves on the muddy trail. Once it opens up, you gain better views the higher you get. There are some scrambles, one of which was a bit tricky for me on my own; the trail also hugs the cliffs, with sharp drops off the side. But the views from the summit – simply magnificent. I loved getting to see Lake Roseberry (where I’d swum and camped the day before!), Tullah, Roseberry, and Lake Mackintosh from so high up. You gain a lot of elevation (my Strava read 683 meters) in just 3.5km, but it’s worth the climb. Parking is in a large layby – pin the exact location on GoogleMaps. I do not recommend this hike in wet weather – some of the slippery rocky sections would be quite dangerous.

Distance: 7km (4.4 miles)

Time: 4 to 6 hours

Cradle Mountain Summit

This mountain, with its distinctive jagged peaks, is a symbol of Tasmania. Lots of hikers make the climb to the summit, but it’s a full day’s hike – including a seemingly never-ending boulder hopping/scramble up to the actual summit. But if you’re up to the challenge, it might just be the best hike on the island! I got incredibly lucky with the weather conditions: perfect temperatures, no wind, and excellent visibility. I wouldn’t do this hike in inclement weather.

There are a few different route options for this hike. I started at Ronny Creek, heading up to Marion’s Lookout before reaching the Kitchen Hut and heading towards the summit. It took me just over one hour from the hut to reach the summit, and the same on the way back down – this section involves lots of jumping over, around, and down onto rocks, with an annoying false summit partway through. I returned back to Marion’s Lookout, where I headed down past Wombat Pool to Dove Lake.

Note that Cradle Mountain operates a mandatory shuttle from 8am to 6pm, which costs $15 per person for a 72-hour ticket. Unless you can get to Ronny Creek before 8am and get a spot to park, you’ll need to take the shuttle from the Cradle Mountain visitor center to Ronny Creek, and back again from Dove Lake at the end of the hike. In good weather, this is just a fantastic day out, hiking amongst the most gorgeous scenery in Tasmania.

Distance: 16km (10 miles)

Time: 6.5 to 8 hours

Dove Lake

If you want to experience Cradle Mountain National Park but feel the mountain summit trail is too challenging (or the weather is poor), hike the circuit around Dove Lake. This is a fairly easy, low-level trail around the lake, with nice views of the mountain when visibility is good. I did this walk the day after hiking Cradle Mountain, and couldn’t even see the mountain due to low cloud cover! You’ll need to take the shuttle bus from the visitor center to access Dove Lake between 8am and 6pm.

Distance: 6.4km (4 miles)

Time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2.5 hours

Bridal Veil Falls & Champagne Falls

This is a short hike just south of Cradle Mountain, taking in two pretty waterfalls. The hike starts from Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat, which is accessed by unsealed road and has a few designated parking spots for visitors who aren’t staying on site. Don’t put the waterfalls into GoogleMaps, the directions will send you the wrong way where there is no road access! The trail to the waterfalls is signed at Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat, following a fire trail for the majority before heading down to see Champagne Falls. Pay close attention for the marker that directs you on the path to get to Bridal Veil Falls. After seeing this next waterfall, the trail returns back to the start on the fire trail.

Distance: 5.5km (3.4 miles)

Time: 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours

Montezuma Falls

At 104 meters high, this is the tallest waterfall in Tasmania. The trail here is relatively flat and easy terrain – it follows a historic tramway. Montezuma Falls is a sight to behold. There’s a suspension bridge you can cross to get a truly epic view.

Distance: 10.9km (6.7 miles)

Time: 2 to 3 hours

Philosopher Falls

This pretty waterfall is tucked away in the forest, with a steep descent down stairs to reach the viewing platform. It’s worth a detour when traveling through Tassie’s Northwest. In 2023, a female Belgian backpacker went missing here; her body has never been found. Please take extra caution if you are visiting here alone, especially if you are a solo female hiker.

Distance: 3.3km (2.1 miles)

Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

The Nut

You can’t miss the Nut as you drive into Stanley: this steep bluff is visible from all around as you approach the town. It’s possible to take the chairlift up, but you can also walk up from the car park. The loop has gorgeous views over Stanley’s impressive beaches and pretty coastline – it’s one you can’t skip in the Northwest.

Distance: 3km (1.9 miles)

Time: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours

The Best Hikes in Tasmania: North

Leven Canyon Lookout

This is a short hike in northern Tasmania, between Cradle Mountain and the northern coastal towns like Ulverstone and Devonport. There are two lookouts here, Cruickshank Lookout and Edge Lookout, combined on a loop. I recommend going to Cruickshank Lookout first, as you’ll then descend down an untold number of steps to reach the Edge – and I wouldn’t want to have to hike up all of them!

Distance: 2.1km (1.3 miles)

Time: 35 minutes to 1 hour

Forth Falls

Forth Falls is a pretty waterfall, tucked away in the bush around Lake Barrington. Parking here is a small lay-by, 400 meters before the trailhead (there is no space for parking at the trailhead). The path is undulating as it winds its way through forest, before reaching the waterfall. You can extend this hike by following the trail markers up to see the upper falls.

Distance: 4.5km (2.8 miles)

Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours

Cataract Gorge and Sentinel Lookout

Cataract Gorge is located right outside Launceston – so it’s a popular spot to visit. Go for a walk around the lake before heading on the trail to Sentinel Lookout. The view here over the river and rocky cliffs is beautiful. Note that there is a charge at the main car park here.

Distance: 3.4km (2.1 miles)

Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Multi-Day Hikes in Tasmania

This post focuses on Tasmania’s short hikes – walks that you can do in a single day. If you’re interested in backpacking or multi-day treks, Tasmania is the perfect destination! The Overland Trek (6 days) is the most popular on the island, starting at Cradle Mountain and finishing at Lake St. Clair. The Three Capes Track (4 days) on the Tasman Peninsula is also a favorite. Other options are the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit (2-3 days) and the South Coast Track (6-8 days). Serious experienced bushwalkers, with excellent navigation and emergency first aid skills, might consider the Western Arthurs Traverse (5-7 days) or the Eastern Arthurs Travers (6-9 days). I didn’t have the gear (or the time!) to do any overnight or multi-day hikes, but after experiencing Tasmania’s natural beauty I wish I would have done one!

Planning Your Trip to Tasmania

The main airport in Tasmania is Hobart, the capital city – it’s the best choice for both domestic and international flights. I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. If you want to travel to Tasmania by ferry, there is just one company: the Spirit of Tasmania. Book far in advance if possible – vehicle spots on ferry crossings, particularly during the peak summer season, can be extortionate. Research your options in advance, too. It may be cheaper to fly and rent a car for your Tasmania trip, than to take your car on the Spirit of Tasmania. You really do need a car to experience the best of Tasmania – especially as public transportation in Tassie is poor to non-existent, and a vehicle is to get to remote trailheads is essential. Interested in joining a tour? Check out tour options in Tasmania below!

Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Where I Camped in Tasmania

I camped the entirety of my trip in Tasmania, sleeping in my Nissan X-Trail every single night. I stayed at a mixture of free and paid campsites. You can read about the best free campsites in Tasmania here! Below is a list of all the campsites I stayed at during my trip in Tasmania.

• Old Liffey School (free/donation)
• Swimcart Beach Rd Camping Ground (free)
• Freycinet – Richardson’s Beach ($13pppn)
• Spring Bay Hotel in Triabunna (free/donation)
• Tasman Peninsula – Mill Creek Campground ($13pppn)
• Dunalley Golf Club (free/donation)
• Hobart – The Lea Scout Camp ($10pppn)
• Longley Hotel (donation – free with purchase from the pub)
• Jetty Beach Campground ($10pppn)
• The Pines (free)
• Arve River Picnic Area (free)
• Mount Field Campground ($16pppn)
• Brady Lake (free)
• Macquarie Heads Pine Forest (free)
• Lake Roseberry Camp (free)
• Vale of Belvoir Campground (free – recommend the spots/laybys just off the track, about 400 meters past the turn-off, as the track to the campground is terrible)
• Lake Kara (free)
• Lake Barrington Campsite (free)

Where to Stay in Tasmania

If you’re not planning on camping, there are plenty of accommodation options available throughout the island. Below are a few top choices in main destinations!

Freycinet

Eagle Peaks – studio apartments in Cole’s Bay, all including a balcony with outdoor dining and a mountain view

Freycinet Hideaway – a four-bedroom holiday home, sleeping up to 10, with a fireplace and private patio

BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet – a top choice for budget accommodation in Freycinet, with campsites and cabins in Cole’s Bay

Tasman Peninsula

The Shed at Port Arthur – Hidden Gem – a one-bedroom holiday home, sleeping three, close to Port Arthur

NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park – a variety of accommodation options, from cabins to glamping tents and dorm rooms, plus powered and unpowered campsites

Winganah Cottage – a pretty one-bedroom house, with a homey vibe just steps from Dalton’s Beach

Hobart

The Macquarie Hobart – traditionally decorated rooms in a historic manor house

Hobart City Apartments – modern and stylish rooms, studios, and apartments in Hobart

YHA Hobart Central – clean and comfortable hostel accommodation, a top pick for budget travelers

Bruny Island

Loma Cottages – comfortable and well-equipped cabins or holiday homes

Mount Field

Scout Hall – cozy rooms in a guest house with scenic views

Russell Falls Holiday Cottage – one- or two-bedroom apartments with an unbeatable location

Mt Field Retreat – modern studio and apartments, in the heart of the national park

Rosebery

Tullah Lakeside Lodge – comfortable rooms located right on the banks Lake Rosebery

Glamping at Zeehan Bush Camp – glamping tents in a bush camp setting in Tassie’s Wild West

Launceston

Hideaway on George – smartly decorated modern suites and townhouses in the heart of Launceston

Hotel Verge Launceston – semi-Scandi design in a convenient central location

Alice’s Cottages – studios and cottages with spa baths, all uniquely decorated

Tasmania is a hiker’s dream – there really are so many amazing walks to do here! While there are plenty of other hikes I did and enjoyed that didn’t make the cut, these are my favorites. I hope this post helps planning your hiking trip to Tassie – you won’t regret it!

Have you been to Tasmania? What were your favorite hikes? Share in the comments!

You might also like my posts:

The Best Free Camps in Tasmania

12 Tips for a Road Trip Around Tasmania

Hiking the Tarn Shelf Circuit in Mount Field National Park, Tasmania

The Best Hikes in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales

The Best Hikes in the Glass House Mountains National Park

The Best Things to See in the Atherton Tablelands, Australia: Waterfalls, Hikes, and More

A Hiking Itinerary for the Flinders Ranges, South Australia

The Best Hikes in the Grampians National Park, Victoria

Australia Budget: Month 11 (February 2024)

All of my Australia posts!

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