Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the serene coastal beauty of Tasmania with the Taroona Foreshore Discovery Trail. A leisurely 4km return trip starting and ending at Madges Park, this Grade 2 hike is perfect for those who love easy, scenic walks. As you traverse the trail, you'll pass Hinsby and Taroona beaches, and marvel at the blue gums, black gums, and sheoaks that dot the landscape. Don't miss the stunning views south to the Alum Cliffs and the Shot Tower. A local volunteer group, Taroona Environment Network, helps preserve this special coastal foreshore, once a gathering place for the Mouhenneener Aboriginal people.

Length:

4km

Duration:

1.25 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 50m

Min elevation: 6m

Total Ascent: 75m

Start: Madges Park

End: Madges Park

Taroona

Tasmania

Nearby town: Taroona

From state capital: 10.2km

Latitude: -42.94525575949734

Longitude: 147.3557513124918

Overview

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Hike overview

You can access Taroona’s popular foreshore track from many streets leading down to the Derwent River. The Taroona Foreshore Discovery Trail is a 4 km, grade 2 hike in Taroona, Tasmania, and typically takes around 1.25 hours to complete. Starting at Madge Park, the track gently winds along the coastline, passing Hinsby and Taroona beaches, and through remnants of coastal bushland.

The canopy along the trail includes blue gums, black gums, sheoaks, and blackwoods, with an understorey of hopbush, banksias, coast wattle, saltbush, and grasses. Enjoy views south to the Alum Cliffs and the Shot Tower, as well as across the Derwent River to Opossum Bay and South Arm.

Historically, the foreshore was a popular gathering place for the Mouhenneener Aboriginal people. The name ‘Taroona’ comes from the Aboriginal word for chiton (kytun), a shellfish found along the foreshore. Today, the Taroona Environment Network, a local volunteer group, helps care for the coastal foreshore and its gullies.

The trail extends just beyond Hinsby Beach, where you can turn around and retrace your steps back to the starting point.

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Walk map and GPX file

Taroona Foreshore Discovery Trail (4km)

Total distance: 3953 m
Max elevation: 50 m
Min elevation: 6 m
Total climbing: 75 m
Total descent: -75 m

For more information on this trail, visit Greater Hobart Trails

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Blackmans Bay, Hobart, Kingston, Sandy Bay, South Hobart, Taroona

Getting to the trailhead in Taroona.

Taroona Foreshore Track can be accessed from numerous locations including Melinga Place, Wandella Ave, Jenkins St, Hinsby Rd, Illawong Cres, Devon Walk and Kelvedon Ave.

Get there with Google Maps

Access conditions

Large Car Park
Public Toilets
Picnic Shelter

About the region

Taroona is a major residential suburb approximately 15 minutes drive from the centre of Hobart, Tasmania on the scenic route between Hobart and Kingston. Although on the edges of the City of Hobart, Taroona is actually part of the municipality of Kingborough. Taroona is an Aboriginal word meaning sea-shell, specifically that of a 'Chiton'. The traditional owners of the lands now known as Taroona were the Aboriginal people of the Derwent estuary known as the Mouheneener people. Relatively little is known about the indigenous people's use of these lands, although some shell middens are said to have been found along the shorelines.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Taroona or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

Grade 2 (Easy) - 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.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

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Taroona Foreshore Discovery Trail (4km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Taroona Foreshore Discovery Trail (4km)