Bastion Cascades Circuit Hike (9km)

Bastion Cascades Circuit is a 9 km, grade 4 hike located in the Meander Conservation Area of Tasmania, offering an immersive experience through some of the state’s most remarkable natural landscapes. The hike takes around 4 hours to complete and is set within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, renowned for its temperate rainforest and dramatic rock formations. This trail invites you to explore cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush ferns and moss-covered rocks, as well as intriguing geological features such as ‘Wave Rock’, ‘Crowden’s Croft’, ‘Stone Hut’, and ‘Arch Rock’.

The hike begins at a quarry car park, situated at an elevation of 580 metres. From here, the track follows Quarry Road for about 1 kilometre, passing the entrance to the Stone Hut Track before venturing into the forest. The route winds around the cascades and Stone Hut in a clockwise direction. Early on, you’ll notice that the track has been rerouted around a significant tree fall, but follow the markers and the well-worn path, and you’ll quickly rejoin the trail. The path is narrow and well-defined, marked with red triangles to guide your way through the dense rainforest of the Great Western Tiers. This part of the hike is a sensory experience, with the scent of sassafras filling the air, towering myrtle trees reaching for the sky, and ancient tree ferns carpeting the forest floor. The area is also alive with birdlife, adding to the immersive feel of the hike.

As you progress, the track climbs gently, leading to a short rope ascent and a dramatic rock overhang known as ‘Wave Rock’. Here, a rope assists with the climb, and once atop, the trail continues west beneath the massive rock formation, eventually bringing you to the stunning Bastion Cascades. Many hikers choose to pause here to take in the beauty of the falls before retracing their steps, but for those who continue, the track heads east along the Croft Track. The path here can be slippery, so extra caution is advised, particularly as you navigate a steep, narrow section between two boulders. Again, the markers and ribbons guide the way, although the track becomes less defined further up, with more fallen trees scattered along the path.

As you ascend, the landscape changes, and you’ll find yourself beneath more rock formations, reaching the area known as ‘Crowden’s Croft’. This is a place of significant historical interest, and it offers a moment to reflect on the environment and its past. Soon after, you’ll reach the highest point of the hike at 930 metres, where the forest changes in character. Snow gums, tea trees, waratahs, and cutting grass mounds become more prominent, signalling the shift to higher altitudes. At a junction near some tall gumtrees, take the northeastern track downhill to the right. This leads to the Stone Hut if you take the left fork at the base of a large boulder. The right fork continues on towards ‘Arch Rock’ and descends steeply, eventually bringing you back to the old road and the car park.

This circuit is a rewarding hike for those seeking a blend of physical challenge and natural beauty, with plenty of fascinating landmarks and ever-changing scenery. Whether you're captivated by the vibrant rainforest, the dramatic waterfalls, or the historical rock formations, the Bastion Cascades Circuit offers an unforgettable walk through one of Tasmania’s most captivating landscapes.