Tasmania, Australia's island state, is a paradise for hikers and wilderness enthusiasts. Separated from mainland Australia by the 240-kilometer expanse of Bass Strait, this heart-shaped island packs an incredible diversity of landscapes into its compact size—from mist-shrouded mountains and ancient rainforests to pristine beaches and rugged coastal cliffs.
With nearly half of Tasmania's land protected in national parks, reserves, and World Heritage Areas, the island offers some of the most spectacular and unspoiled hiking opportunities in the world. In this article, we'll guide you through Tasmania's most breathtaking hiking destinations, from iconic multi-day treks to accessible day walks that showcase the island's wild beauty.
Why Tasmania is a Hiker's Paradise
Tasmania offers several unique advantages that make it an exceptional destination for hiking enthusiasts:
- Pristine wilderness: Tasmania contains the largest temperate wilderness areas in the Southern Hemisphere, with landscapes largely unchanged since the Gondwana supercontinent.
- Ecological diversity: Within short distances, you can experience alpine plateaus, temperate rainforests, coastal heathlands, and eucalypt forests.
- Accessible remoteness: Even the most isolated wilderness areas are relatively accessible, with Tasmania's compact size making it possible to reach most trailheads within a few hours' drive from major centers.
- Well-maintained tracks: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service maintains an extensive network of hiking trails with clear signage and facilities.
- Unique wildlife: Encounter wildlife found nowhere else, including Tasmanian devils, eastern quolls, and a variety of endemic bird species.
- Four distinct seasons: Each offering a different wilderness experience, from snow-dusted peaks in winter to wildflower displays in spring.
When to Hike in Tasmania
Tasmania's weather is notoriously changeable, and even summer days can bring sudden cold snaps, especially in alpine areas. However, each season offers its own rewards:
Summer (December-February)
The most popular hiking season with generally milder weather, longer daylight hours, and warmer temperatures (though alpine areas can still experience snow even in summer). This is peak season for the Overland Track and other popular multi-day hikes, so advance bookings are essential.
Autumn (March-May)
A beautiful time to hike with fewer crowds, stable weather patterns, and spectacular displays of fagus (Tasmania's only native deciduous tree) turning gold and russet in late April to early May.
Winter (June-August)
For experienced hikers, winter offers snow-covered landscapes, crisp clear days, and solitude. However, daylight hours are shorter, many alpine tracks may be snow-covered, and conditions can be challenging. The Overland Track requires winter hiking experience during this season.
Spring (September-November)
A rewarding time with wildflowers blooming, rivers flowing strongly from winter snow melt, and increasingly stable weather. Early spring can still bring snow to higher elevations.
Essential Multi-Day Treks
The Overland Track
Tasmania's most famous hiking trail covers 65km from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This iconic 6-day journey takes you through a diverse range of landscapes including button grass plains, ancient rainforests, alpine plateaus, and pristine lakes.
Highlights:
- Views of Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff on the first day
- The cascading waterfalls of D'Alton, Fergusson, and Hartnett falls
- Alpine lakes including Lake Will and Lake Windermere
- The open moorlands and views from Pelion Plains
- Ascending Tasmania's highest peak, Mt Ossa (1,617m), on a side trip
- The ancient rainforest of the Narcissus River valley
Practical Information:
- During the peak season (October 1 to May 31), the track must be walked north to south, and bookings with Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service are essential
- A fee applies during peak season, which includes the national park pass
- Six public huts are available along the track, but hikers should always carry a tent as backup
- Water is usually plentiful but should be treated before drinking
- The final section can be shortened by taking a ferry across Lake St Clair
South Coast Track
This remote 85km wilderness trek along Tasmania's rugged southern coastline requires a light aircraft flight to the starting point at Melaleuca, as no roads reach this isolated area. Over 6-8 days, hikers traverse pristine beaches, coastal heathland, and button grass plains while experiencing some of Australia's most untouched wilderness.
Highlights:
- The extraordinary vastness of Cox Bight and other remote beaches
- Crossing the challenging Ironbound Range
- Isolated campsites where you might be the only human visitors
- Abundant wildlife including wombats, pademelons, and sea eagles
- The pristine waters of Louisa Bay and Louisa River
- Opportunity to spot the endangered orange-bellied parrot at Melaleuca
Practical Information:
- This is a challenging hike that crosses several unbridged rivers and requires good navigation skills
- Hikers must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying all food and equipment
- Light aircraft flights to Melaleuca must be booked in advance with Par Avion or another operator
- The track is best attempted in summer or early autumn when river levels are lower
- No huts are available; camping is required throughout
Three Capes Track
A more accessible multi-day experience, the Three Capes Track is a 48km 4-day journey along the dramatic dolerite cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula. This is a premium walking experience with architect-designed huts and carefully constructed tracks that make it accessible to reasonably fit hikers with limited overnight hiking experience.
Highlights:
- Spectacular views from Cape Pillar's 300-meter-high sea cliffs
- The uniquely designed public huts with comfortable sleeping arrangements
- The dramatic Blade formation at Cape Pillar
- Tasman Island views and lighthouse
- Diverse coastal vegetation and wildlife sightings
- Beginning the journey with a boat cruise from Port Arthur, passing historic sites
Practical Information:
- Advance bookings through Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service are essential year-round
- The fee includes the boat transfer, national park fees, and accommodation in the public huts
- Hikers need to carry their own food, sleeping bag, and personal items, but cooking equipment is provided at the huts
- Track conditions are excellent, making this suitable for less experienced hikers
- Limited numbers of hikers are allowed to start each day, ensuring the experience remains uncrowded
Walls of Jerusalem Circuit
This alpine circuit through the northern section of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area takes hikers through ancient pencil pine forests, past numerous tarns (mountain lakes), and across a landscape of dramatic dolerite peaks. A 3-4 day circuit offers a less crowded alternative to the Overland Track while still providing spectacular mountain scenery.
Highlights:
- The remarkable pencil pine and cushion plant gardens of the alpine plateau
- Biblical place names like Damascus Gate, Pool of Bethesda, and Solomon's Throne
- Spectacular mountain tarns and alpine lakes
- The unique alpine flora including ancient King Billy pines
- Wild and remote camping locations
- Opportunity to summit King David's Peak (1,499m)
Practical Information:
- Unlike the Overland Track, no booking system or specific fees apply, though a national park pass is required
- The initial climb from the car park is steep and challenging with a full pack
- No huts are available; hikers must carry tents
- Water is available from lakes and tarns but must be treated
- The area is particularly vulnerable to damage; stay on designated tracks and camp in established sites
- Weather can change extremely rapidly in this alpine environment
Magnificent Day Walks
Cradle Mountain Area
Dove Lake Circuit (6km, 2-3 hours): This relatively easy walk circles the iconic Dove Lake beneath the jagged peaks of Cradle Mountain. The track is mostly boardwalk and gravel with minimal elevation change, making it accessible to most fitness levels. Highlights include the ancient Ballroom Forest, a cool temperate rainforest of myrtle beech, and opportunities to view Cradle Mountain reflected in the lake's surface on calm days.
Marion's Lookout (4km return from Dove Lake, 2-3 hours): For those seeking more challenge and spectacular views, this moderately difficult track climbs to a vantage point overlooking Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain, and the surrounding landscape. The final section includes a challenging climb assisted by a chain handhold.
Freycinet Peninsula
Wineglass Bay Lookout (2.6km return, 1-1.5 hours): One of Tasmania's most photographed views is accessible via this well-maintained uphill track. The lookout provides stunning vistas of the perfectly curved Wineglass Bay, with its white sand and turquoise waters.
Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit (11km, 4-5 hours): This more challenging circuit combines the Wineglass Bay Lookout with a descent to the beach itself, followed by a track across the peninsula to Hazards Beach and a return along the coastline beneath the pink granite mountains known as The Hazards.
Mount Field National Park
Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Tall Trees (2.6km circuit, 1-1.5 hours): This easy walk showcases the lush forest and cascading waterfalls that characterize Mount Field. Russell Falls is one of Tasmania's most photographed waterfalls, while the Tall Trees section features some of the world's tallest flowering plants, the swamp gum (Eucalyptus regnans).
Tarn Shelf Circuit (12km, 4-5 hours): In the alpine section of Mount Field, this moderately difficult walk passes a series of small glacial lakes (tarns) perched on a plateau with panoramic mountain views. In autumn, this track is renowned for spectacular displays of fagus (deciduous beech) turning golden.
Tasman Peninsula
Cape Raoul (14km return, 5 hours): This challenging day walk leads to one of the Tasman Peninsula's spectacular cape formations. The track passes through coastal woodland before emerging at breathtaking viewpoints showcasing the towering sea cliffs, dolerite columns, and offshore rock formations.
Maria Island
Bishop and Clerk (12km return, 4-5 hours): This challenging day walk on Tasmania's history-rich Maria Island climbs to the dolerite columns of Bishop and Clerk peaks (620m), offering expansive views across the Tasman Sea and back toward Tasmania's east coast. The island is accessed by ferry from Triabunna and is known for its abundant wildlife, including wombats, kangaroos, and Cape Barren geese.
Essential Hiking Gear for Tasmania
Tasmania's changeable weather requires careful preparation, even for day walks:
Clothing
- Layering system including thermal base layers, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell
- Waterproof jacket and pants (essential year-round, even in summer)
- Warm hat and gloves (even in summer for alpine areas)
- Sun hat, sunglasses, and sun protection
- Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support
- Multiple pairs of socks
Equipment
- Backpack with waterproof cover or liner
- For multi-day hikes: lightweight tent, sleeping bag rated for cold conditions, and sleeping mat
- Cooking equipment and sufficient food plus emergency supplies
- Water filtration system or purification tablets
- Navigation tools (map, compass, and/or GPS)
- First aid kit including blister treatment
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for remote hikes
- Camera to capture the spectacular landscapes
Safety Considerations
Hiking in Tasmania requires preparation and respect for the environment:
- Weather awareness: Check forecasts before departing and be prepared for rapid changes. The Bureau of Meteorology provides specific mountain weather forecasts.
- Hypothermia risk: Even in summer, temperatures can drop suddenly, and wet conditions increase the risk of hypothermia. Recognize the symptoms: confusion, slurred speech, and uncontrollable shivering.
- Walking register: Always sign logbooks at the start of tracks and inform someone reliable of your plans and expected return time.
- Water safety: All natural water sources should be treated before drinking.
- Leave No Trace: Tasmania's wilderness is fragile. Pack out all waste, stay on established tracks, and minimize your impact.
- Fire restrictions: Be aware of fire bans during summer and never leave campfires unattended.
- Wildlife awareness: Tasmania has venomous snakes; wear gaiters and be alert on warm days. Food should be secured from wildlife, particularly at campsites.
Guided Hiking Options
For those who prefer the expertise and convenience of guided experiences, several operators offer high-quality walking tours:
- Tasmanian Walking Company: Offers premium guided walks on the Three Capes Track and Cradle Mountain Huts Walk (Overland Track) with private hut accommodation and gourmet meals.
- Tasmanian Expeditions: Provides guided adventures on many classic tracks including the Overland Track, South Coast Track, and Walls of Jerusalem.
- Tarkine Trails: Specializes in guided walks through the Tarkine rainforest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Walk on kunanyi: Offers day walks on kunanyi/Mount Wellington, the mountain backdrop to Hobart, with a focus on local knowledge and interpretation.
Supporting Infrastructure
Accommodation
Tasmania offers excellent accommodation options for before and after hikes:
- Wilderness Lodges: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge and Cradle Mountain Highlanders offer comfortable accommodation near the Overland Track trailhead.
- National Park Campgrounds: Basic but well-maintained campgrounds are available in most national parks.
- Gateway Towns: Places like Strahan (near the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park), St Helens (near Bay of Fires), and Dover (near the South Coast Track exit) provide services for hikers.
Transportation
- Car Rental: The most flexible option for accessing trailheads, available from airports and major towns.
- Shuttle Services: McDermott's Coaches and Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service provide seasonal shuttle services to popular tracks like the Overland Track.
- Public Transport: Limited but available to some hiking destinations from Hobart and Launceston.
Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Tasmania's Wilderness
Tasmania's wild landscapes offer something increasingly rare in our fast-paced world: genuine wilderness experiences where natural processes remain largely untouched by human intervention. From the challenge of multi-day expeditions to accessible day walks, the island's diverse hiking opportunities provide adventures for every level of experience.
What makes Tasmania truly special is not just the spectacular scenery—though that alone would be worth the journey—but the sense of timelessness that pervades its ancient landscapes. Walking through forests of trees that have stood for a thousand years or along coastlines shaped by millions of years of Southern Ocean swells connects us to something larger than ourselves.
Perhaps that's why so many hikers return to Tasmania again and again: each visit reveals new aspects of this remarkable island, while reinforcing the profound value of protecting these wild places for future generations. Whether you're planning your first Tasmanian hike or returning for another adventure in this extraordinary wilderness, the island's trails promise experiences that will remain with you long after your footprints have faded from the path.
