Tasmania fits granite beaches, glacial tarns, waterfalls and sea cliffs into one island, often within a short drive of each other. Here are six walks worth planning a trip around, and the kit that keeps you comfortable when the weather turns.
Waterproofs and warm layers first, then the kit for a long day out.
Hiking boots and shoes, many of them waterproof.
Waterproof jackets, ponchos and overtrousers for wet days.
Fleece jackets and tops that layer under a shell.
Daypacks through to big packs for multi-day trips.
Bottles and flasks to keep you drinking all day.
Single poles and pairs to ease steep descents.
Six day walks across the state, from a short waterfall stroll to a summit scramble.
A steady climb to lookout platforms above the curve of Wineglass Bay, about 2.6 km return. For the beach itself, carry on down roughly 1000 stairs, which makes it about 6 km return.
Good to knowParks Tasmania allows about 1 to 1.5 hours for the lookout and 2.5 to 3.5 hours for the beach. Drinking water is scarce on the track, so fill up at the car park taps before you start.
Hobart's own mountain walk, a well-formed track that runs beneath the Organ Pipes rock formations between The Springs and The Chalet. You get big views over the Derwent Estuary along the way.
Good to knowIt opens with stone steps and climbs steadily on rock and gravel that can be slippery when wet. Dogs and bikes are not permitted on this track, and mountain weather turns quickly, so pack a warm layer.
Parks Tasmania calls Russell Falls one of the state's most treasured places, and it is an easy walk of about 1.4 km return. Mount Field is just over an hour's drive from Hobart.
Good to knowAdd the Tall Trees walk to wander among some of the tallest flowering plants in the world. For a longer outing, the Three Falls Circuit is about 6 km and takes 2 to 2.5 hours.
An alpine circuit of about 12 km from the Lake Dobson car park, past a chain of small glacial lakes and a rustic hut at Twilight Tarn. Parks Tasmania allows 5 to 6 hours.
Good to knowThe native deciduous beech turns vivid colours in autumn. In winter the tarns are often frozen, the gravel road up can need chains or close, and snow can make the track hard to follow.
A walk of about 4.3 km return from Darlington to sandstone cliffs stained and weathered into swirling, honeycomb patterns. Maria Island is reached by passenger ferry from Triabunna, and there are no cars on the island.
Good to knowThe cliffs can only be reached at low tide in calm seas, so check tide times on the island before you set off. Wildlife is everywhere here, wombats included.
A climb of about 11 km return from open grassland and forest to the dolerite columns of a 620 m summit. The cliff-top and ocean views are the reward.
Good to knowThe top section crosses a boulder field and needs rock scrambling beside unfenced drops, so skip the summit in high winds. There are no shops on the island and tap water must be treated, so carry all your food and water.
Parks Tasmania warns that snow, hail, rain, wind and sun are all possible at any time of the year, especially in the mountains. A waterproof jacket and a warm layer belong in your pack on every walk, even when the morning looks clear.
Mobile range cannot be relied upon in Tasmania's parks. Take a map of your route and know where the turn-off points are. Signage can be limited on some tracks, Bishop and Clerk among them.
Water is scarce on several popular tracks, and on Maria Island the tap water must be treated before drinking. Fill your bottles before you leave the car park or ferry.
Leave your plans with someone at home and record them in the track log books where provided. For remote walks, Parks Tasmania strongly recommends carrying a personal locator beacon.
Look at the Parks and Wildlife Service alerts and the fire danger rating before you head out, as tracks and roads can close at short notice.
Russell Falls or the Wineglass Bay lookout are good warm-ups. Build up to the full-day walks once you know how your boots and legs feel.
If cloud, wind or rain move in, head back the way you came. The walk will still be there next time.
| Item | Why | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking boots | Steps, rock and wet tracks | Wear them in on a few short walks first |
| Rain jacket | Weather changes fast, all year | Keep it at the top of your pack |
| Fleece or warm layer | Summits and tarns get cold quickly | Add a beanie for alpine walks |
| Daypack | Room for layers, food and water | A rain cover or liner keeps things dry |
| Water bottle | Water is scarce on many tracks | Carry enough for the whole walk |
| Trekking poles | Long staircases and steep descents | Shorten them for the downhill |
| Map and PLB | Phone coverage is patchy | Strongly recommended for remote walks |
You can walk in Tasmania all year, but each season asks for different preparation. Parks Tasmania warns that snow, hail, rain, wind and sun are possible at any time of year, especially in the mountains, so pack waterproofs and warm layers whatever the month. Autumn brings the colourful deciduous beech at places like Tarn Shelf, while in winter high tracks can be snow-covered and mountain roads may need chains. In the warmer months, check fire danger ratings and park alerts before you go.
Yes, a valid parks pass is required to enter Tasmania's national parks, including Freycinet, Mount Field and Maria Island. You can buy one online or at park visitor centres. Some walks need extra arrangements too, such as the ferry to Maria Island, which needs to be booked. Check the Parks and Wildlife Service website for current pass options and any track closures before you travel.
Generally, no. Parks Tasmania says dogs and other pets are not allowed in the state's national parks and reserves, although assistance dogs are permitted. Some conservation areas, nature recreation areas and individual walks are dog friendly, so check with the local parks office first. Dogs are also not permitted on the Organ Pipes Track on kunanyi / Mount Wellington.
Russell Falls and the Tall Trees walk at Mount Field are short and easy, and suit most ages. The Wineglass Bay lookout and the Painted Cliffs on Maria Island are a step up, with steps and rough sections, but they are short enough for most people with reasonable fitness. Leave Bishop and Clerk, which involves rock scrambling near unfenced drops, until you have more bushwalking experience.
Both are among Tasmania's best-known walks, and we cover each in its own guide. Cradle Mountain has everything from short rainforest loops and the Dove Lake Circuit to a hard summit climb. The Three Capes Track is a four-day, cabin-based walk on the Tasman Peninsula that needs to be booked in advance, so check the Parks and Wildlife Service for current details.
Pick a track, check the forecast and park alerts, and pack for every kind of weather. We have the kit to get you there comfortably.
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