Donaghys Hill Lookout (also known as Donaghys Hill Wilderness Walk) is a 2.2 km, grade 2 hike located within Tasmania's Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. The trail typically takes around 45 minutes to complete and offers one of the most expansive views along the road to the west coast. The walk begins at a trailhead off the Lyell Highway, between Derwent Bridge and Queenstown, making it an ideal stop for travellers seeking to stretch their legs.
The track itself is a gradual 1.1 km ascent through forest and scrub, leading to a high lookout atop rocky Donaghys Hill. The path is steady, requiring about twenty minutes of uphill walking, but it is not overly steep or difficult. At the summit, the views extend in all directions, with the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park spread out below. The Franklin River valley dominates the foreground, while the imposing peak of Frenchmans Cap rises majestically in the distance. Other notable landmarks visible from the lookout include the Collingwood River, Mt Gell, Mt Arrowsmith, and the King William Range, showcasing a stunning landscape of rocky peaks, forested slopes, buttongrass plains, and wild rivers.
The return journey follows the same track, offering a gentle downhill walk back to the car park. The entire experience provides an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of this remarkable wilderness area.
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â
A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the
AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
- This area is designated as Fuel Stove Only. Open fires are strictly prohibited. For further details, please visit our Fuel Stove Only Areas webpage.
- The toilets at Franklin River Nature Trail are currently closed. Alternative facilities are available at Nelson Falls and Derwent Bridge.
- Even for a short walk, carry a light pack with essentials like a weatherproof jacket, warm hat, water, high-energy food, and a first aid kit with an emergency space blanket.
- Prepare for varying conditions by bringing a sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Carry a rubbish bag and take all your rubbish out with you.
- If your mobile phone has a signal, bring it along and limit its use to conserve the battery.
- For remote areas, consider packing extra food and an emergency shelter.
Total distance: 2164 m
Max elevation: 517 m
Min elevation: 459 m
Total climbing: 87 m
Total descent: -87 m
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The Donaghys Hill trailhead is easily accessible from the Lyell Highway (A10), located between the Franklin and Collingwood rivers. A spacious parking area is available at the roadside, 47 km east of Queenstown and 35 km west of Derwent Bridge. The Lyell Highway, which connects Hobart in the southeast with Queenstown in the west, passes through the heart of the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. From Hobart, the trailhead is approximately a 2.5-hour drive westward via the Lyell Highway. Travellers from Launceston can reach the area by heading south through Longford and Poatina on the Highland Lakes Road (A5) to Miena, then taking the B11 to Bronte Park before rejoining the A5. The eastern boundary of the park is marked by King William Saddle, located just west of Derwent Bridge, with Nelson Falls marking the western boundary, about a 3-hour drive from Hobart. Visitors approaching from Strahan can also access the park via daily cruise boats on the lower Gordon River. Please note that the Lyell Highway may occasionally be closed due to snow in winter. Additionally, avoid driving in the reserves at night to protect native wildlife, and drive slowly, keeping an eye out for animals on the road.
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Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, located in western Tasmania, offers a dramatic landscape of rugged mountains, deep gorges, and pristine rivers. The park, situated approximately an hour’s drive from Strahan, is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The Lyell Highway provides convenient access to short walks with scenic views of the Franklin River, while cruises from Strahan explore the impressive Macquarie Harbour and Gordon River.
The park is historically significant for its role in the major conservation battle of the 1980s, which successfully protected the Franklin River from hydro-electric development. With more than 1900mm of annual rainfall, the park features lush vegetation, including wet temperate rainforest, buttongrass moorland, and eucalypt forest. This diverse environment supports a range of native wildlife, including the Tasmanian devil, spotted-tail quoll, and platypus.
The park also holds cultural importance with several Aboriginal sites, reflecting the southernmost extent of human occupation during the last ice age. The colonial history includes the grim penal settlement on Sarah Island and convict logging operations, which lasted over 150 years. The old Linda Track and the Lyell Highway were crucial for accessing the region’s resources.
To visit, drive west from Hobart for about 2.5 hours via the Lyell Highway or take a cruise from Strahan. Note that the highway may be closed due to snow in winter.
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While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
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What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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1 Review on “Donaghys Hill Lookout (2.2km)”
Wonderful short walk up the hill with a stunning 360° view at the top. The trail is mostly uphill with a gradual incline and stairs. When you reach the lookout, you’re rewarded with breathtaking 360° views of the area, and you can even spot Frenchman’s Cap if you are lucky enough to have fine weather.