Bastion Cascades Hike (7.2km)

The Bastion Cascades walk offers a remarkable journey through the heart of Tasmania’s Meander Conservation Area, which forms part of the World Heritage-listed Tasmanian Wilderness. This 7.2km return hike takes you deep into the temperate rainforest of the Great Western Tiers, where towering trees, ferns, and moss-covered rocks create an enchanting setting. Along the trail, you’ll encounter a series of striking rock formations, including ‘Wave Rock,’ ‘Crowden’s Croft,’ ‘Stone Hut,’ and ‘Arch Rock,’ each adding an element of mystery and beauty to the walk. The stunning cascades are a highlight, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature.

The hike begins at the Quarry car park, located at an elevation of 580m. From here, follow Quarry Road for about 1km, passing the Stone Hut Track turn-off, until you reach the forest entrance. The track continues through a scenic clockwise loop, leading you past the cascades and Stone Hut. At the beginning of the trail, a recent rerouting due to fallen trees means you’ll need to follow ribbons and a worn path for a short section. After this, the track is well-defined and narrow, with regular red triangles marking your way. The rainforest here is typical of the Tiers, with giant Myrtle trees, fragrant Sassafras, ancient Tree Ferns, and tall gums. The area is alive with birdlife, creating a serene and vibrant atmosphere as you move through the forest.

As you continue along the trail, you’ll reach a short rope ascent and a massive rock overhang known as ‘Wave Rock.’ Here, you’ll need to climb the rope before heading west beneath the rock towards Bastion Cascades. The falls are a magnificent sight, offering a refreshing spot to pause and take in the surroundings. After visiting the cascades, you can choose to retrace your steps back to the trailhead or complete a loop by following the Bastion Cascades Circuit. Either way, the walk offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Tasmania’s wilderness.