With its pristine temperate rainforests, secluded beaches and windswept coastline, Tasmania is one of the best states to visit if you’re looking for variety. When exploring Tassie’s remote national parks and unspoilt wilderness, there’s no better way to do it than by foot.
If you’re cautiously dipping a toe back into the travelling pool, this might be the perfect option: crowds are at a minimum, and after two years spent mostly inside, you’ll have a new appreciation for some of the cleanest air in the world. Whether you’re a regular hiker or you’re just looking to get away from the city scramble, we’ve rounded up seven of the best hikes in Tassie.
Cape Hauy
Part of the Three Capes Track, the four-hour Cape Hauy walk runs from Fortescue Bay to the dramatic cliffs of the cape itself. Among the wildflowers of the clifftop heath, you’ll find clear views of the coast’s imposing dolerite columns, such as the famed Totem Pole sea stacks. Keen-eyed nature watchers will be treated to seabirds, eagles and, if you’re lucky, passing whales.
Painted Cliffs
Off the east coast of Tasmania is the truly secluded Maria Island (which locals pronounce mar-eye-a). With only park rangers and abundant wildlife calling the island home, you’ll feel a million miles from the rush of civilisation. The Painted Cliffs trail takes hikers along the winding coast before culminating in the incredible cliffs themselves. The Painted Cliffs are undulating sandstone formations, coloured by iron oxide, and the patterns of constant erosion create a painterly appearance.
Trousers Point
Flinders Island, which is north-east of Tasmania and only accessible by small plane, has no shortage of stunning beaches, and the Trousers Point hike takes in two of the best. Starting at the white sands of Trousers Point Beach, under the gaze of granite mountains, this hike follows the coast before ending among the caves and rock formations of Fotheringate Beach. Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of Bass Strait and uninhabited islands nearby.
Crater Lake
Located at Cradle Mountain, Crater Lake was formed by the eroding power of an ancient glacier. What remains now is an intensely blue lake, dyed by the tannins of tea-tree and button grass and skirted by alpine vegetation. The two-hour loop makes its way past Crater Lake at the halfway point, and sightseers will also take in the beautiful Lake Lilla and Wombat Pool.
Dove Lake
Another gorgeous glacial lake (also known as a corrie), Dove Lake sits directly below Cradle Mountain and offers some incredible rainforest and mountain views. The six-kilometre clockwise loop takes hikers around the deep, blue water of Dove Lake, with views of Ballroom Forest and a wealth of button grass, sassafras and King Billy pine.
Russell Falls
The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is home to some spectacular natural landmarks. Within Mount Field National Park is Russell Falls, a dazzling cascade waterfall that’s accessible to hikers of all levels. The 1.4-kilometre track takes walkers through a special temperate rainforest filled with towering swamp gums and, at night, glow worms.
St Columba Falls
With water tumbling 90 metres from the foothills of Mt Victoria, St Columba Falls is a particularly photogenic natural wonder. Just a 15-minute walk to the falls, this hike is family-friendly and accessible for hikers of any level. Watch the water spill from the viewing platform at the base of the falls and enjoy an atmospheric lunch from the nearby picnic area. Keep an eye out for the elusive platypus, too.
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Tourism Tasmania. Be sure to
check hours and book ahead where you can. For more information and Covid-safe travel
tips for your next trip to Tasmania, visit Discover
Tasmania.
