Tasmania is renowned for its magnificent hiking opportunities. The island offers walking experiences for all – from short strolls to challenging wilderness treks. The best overnight hikes in Tasmania cover a diverse array of environments, from ancient rainforests and empty, white-sand beaches to inspiring overnight walks through Australia’s most mountainous landscapes.

Here’s my favourite overnight and multi-day hikes in Tasmania.

(note these are mostly multi-day)

South Coast Track (85km)

Duration: 6-8 days. Grade 5.

The South Coast Track is a 85km, grade 5 hike located in the Southwest National Park, Tasmania. The hike should take around 6-8 days to complete. The South Coast Track lies entirely within the Southwest National Park and takes you through the heart of over 600 000 hectares of wild, inspiring country. The track is more remote than some other walks in Tasmania, such as the Overland Track. It is recommended that you gain experience on other Tasmanian walking tracks before attempting the South Coast, as you will be a long way from help should you need it. The 85km South Coast Track runs between Melaleuca and Cockle Creek. There are no roads to Melaleuca, so walkers must either fly, sail or walk in and out. Most people take about 6 to 8 days to complete the South Coast Track, depending upon time spent enjoying the beaches. Walkers should note that the track surface may be rough and muddy over extended sections.

Freycinet Peninsula Circuit (30km)

Duration: 3 days. Grade 3.

Freycinet Peninsula Circuit is a 30km, grade 3 hike located in the Freycinet National Park, Tasmania. The hike should take around 3 days to complete. The 30 kilometre Freycinet Peninsula Circuit travels around the Hazard Mountains to Hazards Beach. The track continues south to Cooks and Bryans Beaches. Walkers then cross the Peninsula over a heathland plateau next to Mount Freycinet where spectacular views are possible before descending to the white, quartz sands of Wineglass Bay. The walk should be undertaken in an anti-clockwise direction to help stop the spread of a deadly plant pathogen – Phytophthora – or root rot.

Campsites: It is essential that a tent be carried as there are no huts along the track. You should only pitch your tent at established sites. Camping sites exist at the following locations: Southern end of Hazards Beach, Cooks Beach, Southern end of Wineglass Bay.

Overland Track (65km)

Duration: 5-6 days. Grade 4.

Overland Track is a 65km, grade 4 hike located in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania. The hike should take around 6 days to complete. The Overland Track is Australia’s premier alpine walk. It’s a 65 km, six-day trek through the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of the magnificent Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The stunning scenery and the physical challenge of the Overland Track have assured it a national and international reputation as one of the great wilderness bushwalks.

Three Capes Track (46km)

Duration: 4 days. Grade 3.

Three Capes Track is a 46km, grade 3 hike located in the Cape Pillar State Reserve, Tasmania. The hike should take around 4 days to complete. You, a pack, and 46 kilometres of cliff-hugging wildness in Australia’s far south-east. The next stop is Antarctica. Tasmania’s Three Capes Track is not about getting from point A to point B. It’s about the journey. Few places on Earth remain that feel so remote, so raw, so removed from the ordinary.

Frenchmans Cap (46km)

Duration: 3-5 days. Grade 5.

Frenchmans Cap is a 46km, grade 5 hike located in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Tasmania. The hike should take around 3-5 days to complete. This track leads to the summit of the magnificent white quartzite dome of Frenchmans Cap (1446 m), the most prominent mountain peak in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, a part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The track passes buttongrass plains, unusual rainforest where Huon pine grows alongside King Billy pine, and spectacular glacial valleys, up to Lake Tahune, perched under the huge and spectacular cliff face of Frenchmans Cap. The silvery Precambrian quartzite is some of Australia’s oldest exposed rock.