Tasmania offers some of Australia’s most rewarding hiking. In a single trip, you can move from ancient rainforest and alpine plateaus to sea cliffs, wild beaches and remote mountain ranges. Despite its compact size, the island contains an extraordinary variety of landscapes, with walks ranging from short family-friendly tracks to serious multi-day wilderness routes.
With more than 2,800 kilometres of walking tracks across national parks, conservation areas and reserves, Tasmania is one of the country’s premier hiking destinations. Whether you are looking for an easy walk through cool temperate forest or a demanding trek across exposed ridgelines, the island offers depth, variety and a strong sense of place.
Easy walks for families and casual hikers
For those looking for an accessible introduction to Tasmania’s landscapes, there are many short walks through some of the state’s best known parks. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park offers a range of shorter tracks through alpine and forest environments, while Mount Field National Park provides one of the state’s most popular easy walks. The Russell Falls track is short, wheelchair accessible and leads through lush forest to one of Tasmania’s best known waterfalls.
Challenging hikes for experienced hikers
Tasmania is particularly well known for its longer and more demanding hikes. The Overland Track remains the island’s most iconic multi-day route, covering 65 kilometres through the heart of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Over six days, it passes alpine moorland, glacial lakes, buttongrass plains and some of the most recognisable mountain scenery in the country.
Frenchman’s Cap is another of Tasmania’s classic walks. The route climbs through buttongrass moorland, forest and alpine country to a striking white quartzite summit, with expansive views across the west and southwest. For a shorter but still demanding objective, Mount Murchison offers one of Tasmania’s most rewarding day hikes. The route is steep and exposed in places, with rock scrambling and broad summit views across the West Coast Range. Walkers not comfortable with the final rock section can still enjoy excellent scenery lower on the mountain.
Tasmania’s coastline is just as compelling as its mountains. The Three Capes Track on the Tasman Peninsula is a standout coastal walk, following dramatic sea cliffs and headlands across 48 kilometres. Maria Island offers excellent day walks and overnight options, combining wildlife, convict history and striking coastal scenery. On the east coast, the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit links white sand beaches, granite peaks and clear coastal waters, making it one of Tasmania’s best known circuit walks.
Tasmania’s toughest treks
For experienced bushwalkers seeking a more committing wilderness experience, Tasmania has several routes that demand sound judgement, self-sufficiency and comfort in remote terrain. The Western Arthur Range Traverse in Southwest National Park is one of the state’s most serious alpine traverses, with steep climbs, exposed ridgelines, rough underfoot conditions and a strong sense of isolation. It is a route known for both its beauty and its difficulty.
The Walls of Jerusalem Circuit is another classic wilderness trek. Known for its dramatic dolerite peaks and relative solitude, it offers a full-pack experience through a high-country landscape of tarns, alpine vegetation and natural stone fortifications. Further south, the South Coast Track is widely regarded as one of Tasmania’s toughest multi-day hikes. Covering 85 kilometres through remote coastal and forest terrain, it includes muddy sections, river crossings, steep climbs and long stretches far from support. For those prepared for the challenge, it offers one of the most memorable wilderness journeys in Australia.
Be prepared for Tasmania’s unpredictable weather
Tasmania’s weather is a major part of the hiking experience and should never be underestimated. Conditions can change quickly, especially in alpine and exposed coastal areas. The central highlands are generally most reliable from December to April, while the east coast often offers favourable conditions in spring and autumn. Regardless of season, walkers should carry layers of clothing, waterproof gear and footwear suitable for wet, rough or rocky terrain.
Beyond the trails: Exploring Tasmania
Hiking is only part of what makes Tasmania such a compelling destination. The island’s wildlife is a major draw, from pademelons and wombats to the Tasmanian devil. Many walks also sit close to places of historical and cultural interest, whether that is the colonial architecture of Richmond, the convict history of Port Arthur, or sites that reflect the enduring connection Tasmanian Aboriginal people have with the land. Tasmania’s food and wine also add to the broader experience, with seafood, berries, cool-climate wines and regional produce all part of exploring the island beyond the trail.
Short Walks and the 60 Great Short Walks
Tasmania’s reputation may be built on its big wilderness walks, but shorter tracks provide access to many of the state’s most impressive natural features. The 60 Great Short Walks curated by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service offer an excellent starting point, with options that range from easy rainforest strolls to shorter summit walks and coastal viewpoints. These walks make it possible to experience a great deal of Tasmania’s diversity without committing to a multi-day trek.
Tasmania’s walking opportunities are unusually rich for a place of its size. Short walks, classic day hikes and serious wilderness traverses all sit within a compact island shaped by rainforest, alpine country, dolerite peaks and dramatic coastline. Whether you are looking for a gentle nature walk or a major backcountry challenge, Tasmania offers some of the most distinctive and memorable hiking in Australia.
