Hikes & Wildlife
Tasmania has some of the finest walking in the world. This is a practical guide to the best tracks, what each one is actually like, and what you need before you go.
🥾 Before You Walk
Easy Walks
These are not consolation prizes. Some of the best scenery in Tasmania is on flat or short tracks.
The boardwalk circles Dove Lake with Cradle Mountain reflected in the water for most of the circuit. Fully formed track, minimal elevation. The most iconic walk in the state and it earns that reputation. Start before 9am in summer to avoid the crowds.
A three-tiered waterfall in cool temperate rainforest, accessible from the car park on a flat boardwalk. One of the most beautiful short walks in Tasmania. The Tall Trees extension adds another 2 km through towering swamp gum forest. Good for families and anyone short on time.
Drive to the lighthouse car park and follow the boardwalk circuit around the cape. Panoramic views of the Freycinet Peninsula, the Hazards, and out to sea. Best at sunset. Completely flat and accessible.
Moderate Walks
These walks take most of a morning or afternoon. Bring water, a snack, and appropriate footwear.
230m of ascent through the saddle between The Hazards to the lookout. The view of Wineglass Bay from the top is the most recognisable image in Tasmanian tourism. It earns it. The track is rocky but well-maintained. Start early in summer.
Through coastal forest to dramatic sea cliffs overlooking the Totem Pole and Candlestick sea stacks. One of the finest coastal walks in Australia. The cliffs are sheer and significant, keep well back from the edge. Starts from the Fortescue Bay car park.
A flat walk along the coast from Darlington to the Painted Cliffs, sandstone formations patterned with orange, yellow and white mineral deposits. Time it for low tide and morning light (around 11am).
From Adventure Bay up to 300m sea cliffs with big views south and back across the bay. The path climbs steeply through coastal scrub before opening out on the clifftops. Bring water and something warm, it gets exposed up top.
Challenging Walks
These walks require fitness, preparation, and the right gear. All of them are worth it.
The full loop: over the saddle, down to Wineglass Bay, along the isthmus to Hazards Beach, and back through the park. A genuinely excellent full day. Take plenty of water, there is nothing on the circuit.
From Dove Lake, the Cradle Mountain summit involves scrambling through the rocky gap of the Cradle itself, hands and feet, no ropes, but the route is marked with orange triangles. Only attempt in clear, calm conditions. The summit view is one of the finest in Australia.
From Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. One of the great long-distance walks on earth. Runs October to May. Numbers are capped, booking is essential and fills well in advance. Requires full camping gear, cold weather preparation, and reasonable fitness.
Other Outdoor Activities
Tasmania outdoors is more than hiking. These are the other activities our customers ask about most.
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Fishing
Tasmania has exceptional trout fishing in its highland lakes and rivers. Great Lake, Lake Pedder, and the streams of the Central Plateau are the main destinations. An Inland Fisheries licence is required. Season runs August to April.
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Surfing
The south facing beaches of southern Tasmania get consistent swell. Clifton Beach (30 min from Hobart), Goats Beach, and the breaks near Marrawah on the northwest coast are the main spots. Water is cold year-round, a 4/3mm wetsuit minimum.
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Sea kayaking
Freycinet Adventures runs guided kayak tours of Freycinet Peninsula. The Gordon River in the southwest is paddled as part of multi day wilderness trips. Both are spectacular.
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Rock climbing
The Tasman Peninsula has world-class sea cliff climbing, the Totem Pole is one of the most famous climbing objectives in Australia. Guided trips available through local operators.
Ready to explore?
Pick up in Hobart with everything packed. The trails are waiting.
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