The 6 best hikes in Tasmania
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Tasmania is often described as Australia’s last great wilderness, and for hikers, that description feels entirely earned. This island state is packed with raw, dramatic landscapes: jagged dolerite peaks, ancient rainforests, glacial lakes, white-sand beaches, and moody coastal cliffs. More than 40% of Tasmania is protected as national parks or World Heritage–listed wilderness, making it a dream destination for both seasoned trekkers and casual walkers.
What truly sets Tasmania apart is the diversity of hiking experiences within a relatively compact area. You can spend days crossing remote mountain ranges with nothing but alpine huts for shelter, or enjoy a half-day coastal walk with sweeping ocean views and a café waiting at the end. This guide explores six of the best hikes in Tasmania—three iconic multi-day adventures and three outstanding day hikes—followed by practical advice to help you plan your trip with confidence.
Multi-Day Hikes
1. Overland Track (Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park)
Distance: ~65 km
Duration: 5–7 days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
The Overland Track is Tasmania’s most famous hike and one of Australia’s great long-distance walks. Stretching from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, this trail leads you through a constantly changing landscape: button grass plains, moss-covered rainforests, alpine moorlands, and glacial valleys.
What makes the Overland Track special is its balance of wilderness and accessibility. Well-maintained huts provide basic shelter each night, and side trips allow you to summit peaks like Mount Ossa (Tasmania’s highest mountain) or Barn Bluff. Weather can be unpredictable even in summer, adding a sense of adventure that rewards good preparation. For many hikers, this trail is the ultimate introduction to Tasmanian wilderness.
2. South Coast Track (Southwest National Park)
Distance: ~85 km
Duration: 6–8 days
Difficulty: Challenging
If you’re looking for raw, untamed wilderness, the South Coast Track delivers in full. Running between Melaleuca and Cockle Creek, this remote trek traverses one of the wildest regions in Tasmania. Expect muddy sections, unbridged river crossings, and long stretches without any sign of human presence.
The reward is extraordinary scenery: sweeping beaches backed by rainforest, dramatic headlands, and a sense of isolation that is increasingly rare. This hike demands strong navigation skills, physical fitness, and respect for rapidly changing conditions. It’s not a trail to underestimate, but for experienced hikers, it offers one of the most authentic wilderness experiences in Australia.
3. Freycinet Peninsula Circuit (Freycinet National Park)
Distance: ~30 km
Duration: 2–3 days
Difficulty: Moderate
The Freycinet Peninsula Circuit combines granite peaks, turquoise bays, and pristine beaches into a compact but unforgettable multi-day hike. While much shorter than other long-distance walks, it offers exceptional variety, from coastal heathlands to elevated viewpoints overlooking Wineglass Bay.
Campgrounds along the route make this a flexible hike, suitable for those new to overnight trekking. The contrast between rugged inland terrain and calm coastal scenery is striking, and wildlife sightings—wallabies, wombats, and seabirds—are common. This circuit is ideal for hikers wanting a multi-day adventure without committing to a full week in the wilderness.
Day Hikes
4. Wineglass Bay Lookout (Freycinet National Park)
Distance: ~3 km return
Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Short but steep, the walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout is one of Tasmania’s most iconic day hikes. A well-constructed trail climbs steadily through bushland to a viewpoint that reveals the perfect curve of white sand and luminous blue water below.
While the lookout alone is spectacular, many hikers continue down to the beach itself for a longer half-day walk. This hike is popular for good reason—it delivers world-class views with relatively little time commitment, especially at sunrise or late afternoon.
5. Mount Amos (Freycinet National Park)
Distance: ~4 km return
Duration: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Mount Amos offers one of the best panoramic views in Tasmania, but it comes with a warning: this hike is steep, exposed, and involves scrambling over granite slabs. There is no marked path at the top, and wet conditions can make the rock dangerously slippery.
For confident hikers, the summit provides a breathtaking perspective over Wineglass Bay and the Hazards mountain range. Good weather, sturdy footwear, and a head for heights are essential. This is a short hike that feels like a serious alpine challenge.
6. Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls (Mount Field National Park)
Distance: ~2 km loop
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Not every great hike needs to be strenuous. The walk to Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls is an accessible, family-friendly introduction to Tasmania’s rainforest landscapes. A well-maintained path winds through towering tree ferns and tall eucalypts before reaching the graceful cascades.
This hike is perfect for rest days or travelers short on time, offering beautiful scenery with minimal effort. It’s also an excellent example of how Tasmania makes its natural wonders accessible without diminishing their beauty.
Planning Your Tasmania Hiking Trip
Tasmania’s compact size makes it easy to combine multiple hikes in one trip, but planning is still essential. Many multi-day hikes require permits or bookings, particularly during peak season (October to April). National parks often have strict limits on hiker numbers to protect fragile ecosystems.
For remote hikes like the South Coast Track, transport logistics can be complex, involving small aircraft or long shuttle drives. Research access points, exit routes, and weather patterns well in advance to avoid surprises.
Best Time of Year to Hike in Tasmania
Summer (December to February) offers the most stable weather, but even then, conditions can change rapidly. Snow, strong winds, and heavy rain are possible at any time, especially in alpine regions.
Spring and autumn provide fewer crowds and dramatic scenery, though shorter daylight hours and colder temperatures require extra preparation. Winter hiking is best left to experienced hikers with alpine skills, as snow and ice can make trails hazardous.
Safety and Environmental Considerations
Tasmania’s wilderness is beautiful but unforgiving. Always carry navigation tools, warm clothing, and extra food, even on short hikes. Mobile phone coverage is limited in many areas, making personal locator beacons (PLBs) a wise investment for multi-day treks.
Leave No Trace principles are taken seriously in Tasmania. Stick to marked trails, pack out all waste, and respect wildlife. These practices help preserve the landscapes that make hiking here so special.
Essential Gear for Tasmanian Hikes
Weatherproof clothing is non-negotiable. A quality rain jacket, insulating layers, and sturdy boots will make a significant difference to your comfort and safety. For multi-day hikes, lightweight but reliable gear is key, as conditions can quickly turn wet and cold.
Even on day hikes, carry water, snacks, sun protection, and a basic first-aid kit. Tasmania’s weather has a reputation for testing unprepared hikers, regardless of distance or difficulty.
FAQ: Hiking in Tasmania
Do I need permits for all hikes?
No. Most day hikes are free and do not require permits. Popular multi-day hikes like the Overland Track require bookings during peak season.
Is Tasmania suitable for beginner hikers?
Yes. There is a wide range of easy and moderate hikes, especially in national parks like Mount Field and Freycinet.
Can I hike solo in Tasmania?
Solo hiking is possible but requires caution, especially on remote tracks. Inform someone of your plans and consider carrying a PLB.
Are huts available on all multi-day hikes?
Some, like the Overland Track, have well-maintained huts. Others rely on basic campsites, so always check trail information beforehand.
Tasmania’s hiking trails offer more than just physical challenge—they provide immersion in landscapes shaped by ancient geology and powerful weather. Whether you’re tackling a week-long wilderness trek or enjoying a short forest walk, each trail reveals a different side of the island’s character.
Choosing the right hike depends on your experience, time, and appetite for adventure, but one thing is certain: hiking in Tasmania leaves a lasting impression. The combination of wild beauty, well-managed trails, and genuine solitude makes it a destination that rewards every step, long after the boots come off.