Southern Tasmania is a spectacular place to get out and about, whether it be for a short walk, day walk, or multi-day extravaganza! Our walks take place in national parks, reserves, coastal, alpine, and everything in between.
Here are some great resources for plotting your adventures.
Tasmania Parks & Wildlife
Who else would know more about excellent walks in Tasmania? Remember, a Parks Pass is required to enter Tasmania’s national parks.
60 Great Short Walks
The 60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania is a fantastic list of walks in Tasmania’s national parks and reserves. These walks are all a day or shorter in length.
Greater Hobart
Walks within Wellington Park, a sprawling reserve right on Hobart’s doorstep:
- Organ Pipes
- Zig-Zag Track
- Wellington Falls
The Tasman Region
Walks within the Tasman National Park, plus a historic convict site:
The Huon Valley & Far South
Walks within Tasmania’s southern reserves and national parks, including the Hartz Mountains National Park and the Southwest National Park:
Bruny Island
Walks within the South Bruny National Park:
- Fluted Cape
- Labillardiere Peninsula
- Cape Queen Elizabeth
The Derwent Valley
Walks within the Mount Field National Park:
Tasmania’s Central Highlands
Walks within the Lake St Clair-Cradle Mountain National Park:
Multi-day bushwalks
For something more challenging, check out Tasmania Parks & Wildlife’s Multi-Day Bushwalks.
1. The Three Capes Track
The Three Capes Track, in the Tasman National Park, is suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities. Walkers check-in at the Port Arthur Historic Site, then enjoy a Pennicott Wilderness Journeys cruise to the start of the 48 km track at Denmans Cove. By day, hike through tall eucalypt forests, coastal heath, and along the top of Australia’s highest sea cliffs. By night, relax in comfort in the shared environmentally-sensitive cabins. Bookings are essential for this four-day/three-night experience.
2. The South Coast Track
The South Coast Track along Tasmania’s wild southern coastline, in the remote Southwest National Park, is a true adventure not for the faint of heart. This challenging 85 km week-long hike takes you along windswept beaches, around rocky headlands, over hills and mountain ranges, across buttongrass plains, and even rowing across a lagoon. Walkers must be very experienced and completely self-sufficient.
3. The Overland Track
The Overland Track is Australia’s premier alpine walk, beginning at Cradle Mountain and ending at Lake St Clair. This exhilarating 65 km, six-day trek journeys through the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Local walking trails
There’s no need to go too far to stretch your legs—explore the tracks and trails in your local area.
Greater Hobart
Got some spare time in the state’s capital? Greater Hobart Trails has some excellent options. Over the river, the Clarence City Council have put together some excellent information on walks, bike rides and horse rides on the eastern shore. If you have a fur-baby, check out our list of 30 Dog Friendly Walks in Greater Hobart.
South of Hobart
The Kingborough Council has an excellent database of walks in the Channel region. Southern Trove Tasmania have a great blog about exploring the Peter Murrell Reserves, while we’ve written one listing 10 Enchanting Walks in the Southern Trove.
These Huon Valley walks will show you the hidden nooks and crannies that make it a regular destination for local walkers. Far South Tasmania have a great list of what’s available, with links out to blogs about each walk. Southern Trove Tasmania also have an informative blog listing the best walks in the Huon Valley and Far South.
The Tasman Peninsula
The Tasman Peninsula has you covered, with several great short walks, plus two multi-day hikes. Also see our blog, listing 5 Dramatic Walks in the Tasman Region.
The Derwent Valley
Greater Hobart Trails have several Derwent Valley walks listed, including the Derwent Cliffs Walk, Bicentennial Track, Fishermans Walk and the New Norfolk Esplanade.
Also check out Walking Through Time, a historic tour of some of the more quirky or lesser-known things about New Norfolk. The tour is accompanied by a podcast of professionally recorded local history, including reference to indigenous history and the Willow Court Historic Site.
Walking tours
If you’d prefer a guided walking experience, there are some fantastic options to choose from.
(Please note: the COVID-19 travel restrictions have impacted local businesses—check directly with the operators for details.)
Walk on kunanyi
Walk on kunanyi take small groups on premium day walks exploring kunanyi/Mt Wellington. Celebrate the rich cultural and natural wonders in Wellington Park with your experienced guide. Walks are fully catered and transport is included.
Tasmanian Photography Workshops
Tasmanian photography workshops run hands-on experiences and workshops to help you better your photography skills in the best classroom on offer; Tasmania. As well as running organised tours and workshops, they also offer personalised or small group workshops around the state (including the spectacular Mt Field National Park) where you name the national park and they’ll take you there. Transfers are included.
Bruny Island Safaris
Bruny Island Safaris are known for their Cape Bruny Lighthouse tours, but did you know that they also offer memorable Bruny Island Nature & Bushwalking Tours? Tours depart from Hobart, with expert guides leading small groups to explore the Mars Bluff return walk on the Cape Queen Elizabeth Track (the Fluted Cape circuit and other walks are also available). Tours include a packed lunch and morning tea, Neck Wildlife Zone visit, and gourmet island produce.
Tas Walking Co.
Tas Walking Co.’s fully guided Three Capes Lodge Walk offers an extra touch of luxury to the Three Capes Track experience. Each evening, relax in their architecturally-designed in-park lodges and feast upon Tasmania’s finest food and drink. They also offer a Bruny Island Long Weekend walk!
Three Capes Gear & Gourmet
Three Capes Gear & Gourmet is your one-stop-shop for hiking gear hire and ready-made dining packs. Gourmet camping food features Tasmanian ingredients, suppliers, and artisanal treat makers. They’ll even deliver your order to you before you embark on your walk.
Life’s an Adventure
Treat yourself to a pack-free walking experience with Life’s an Adventure. Join one of their small group tours to see the best of Tasmania without all the hard work. At the end of each day, enjoy fine local produce and wine and relax in comfortable accommodation. Options include: the Three Capes Walk; Lake Pedder and the Southwest Wilderness; and Bruny Island.
Shutterbug Walkabouts
Shutterbug Walkabouts offer private, photography-oriented nature walks. Their expert guides are highly-accomplished nature and wildlife photographers who are keen to show you Tasmania’s spectacular natural environment and its native wildlife and birds. Photographers of all levels are welcome.
Hobart Historic Tours
If you’d prefer to stick to the city, join Hobart Historic Tours on one of their small-group walking tours. Explore Hobart on foot and hear fascinating stories about how Tasmania’s capital city was established and grew to be the vibrant waterfront city we know and love today.
Great Walks of Tasmania
Looking for a little luxury, don’t want to carry a pack, or want to experience Tassie’s wilderness with a local guide? Check out the Great Walks of Tasmania for full-service bushwalks.
SAFETY TIPS:
- Brush up on the Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service’s safety guidelines.
- Check information on track, campsite and reserve closures and reopenings.
- Check the current conditions and adequately prepare.
- Drive to conditions and watch out for wildlife.
- Follow all signs and safety advice and don’t take unnecessary risks.
- Respect the environment and wildlife by sticking to pathways, taking only photos, and leaving no trace.
- Pop into the local Visitor Information Centres for current information and travel advice.
To the best of our knowledge, the info we’ve included was correct at the time of publishing. If 2020 has shown us anything, it’s that things change! Please check directly by clicking on the links provided to ensure tracks are open and avoid disappointment.
We love it when you share your adventures with us! Share your snaps by tagging @hobartandbeyond and using #HobartandBeyond on Instagram and Facebook – we’ll share our favourite pics on social media and in the blog.
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10 Enchanting Walks in the Southern Trove
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Our Guide to Exploring kunanyi/Mt Wellington
HEADER IMAGE:
Bruny Island Safaris Nature & Bushwalking Tour
WORDS:
Isabel Galloway
