The Best Walks in Tasmania for Stunning Scenery

In a state that is almost 60% national park (20% of which is World Heritage-listed), there’s no escaping the fact that much of Tasmania’s most spectacular destinations can only be accessed by foot. Whether you're keen to explore the coast, or a more invested in mountainous terrain, there are plenty of walks in Tassie to keep you satiated. 

Home to many of Australia's and the world’s best-known walks, there are endless fantastic options for a good wander, whether you have a few hours or a few days. Lace-up those boots and read on for the best walks in Tasmania. 

Overland Track  

One of Australia’s most well-known and well-loved walks, the Overland Track, will take you through alpine wilderness from World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair. Over six days, you’ll traverse through glacial-carved valleys, ancient rainforests and button grass moorlands. A bit of fitness prep is necessary for this trip, rated moderate – it’s as physically challenging as it is spectacular. While there are basic huts along the walk for sleeping in, you’ll need to carry all your own gear and food for the week, including tents in case the huts are full. Not confident doing it all yourself? There are some great companies running guided trips that you can join, such as Tasmanian Walking Company, who have the use of the track’s only private huts along the journey and serve up amazing meals along the way. 

Three Capes 

The Three Capes Track is a moderate four-day, three-night walk that starts with a boat ride complete with dolphins and whales. After winding along some of the world’s highest sea cliffs and through silver gum forest, each day ends in beautiful cabins complete with mattresses (!) and cooking facilities. Built in 2015, the track has been meticulously created to be achievable for all ages and abilities. Want to take the level of comfort up a notch? It’s easy on this walk with several operators running guided walks that include three-course meals, private lodges and massages at the end of the day. 

Bay of Fires

The Bay of Fires is world-famous for its pristine white beaches, aquamarine waters and orange-lichen covered rocks. There are several tracks to explore in the area with some of the best selected as part of Tasmanian Walking Company's Bay of Fires Long Weekend itinerary. The three-day adventure consists of multiple pack-free hikes through eucalypt forests, coastal heathland and sandy beaches as well as accommodation at the Bay of Fires Lodge and a kayak down Ansons River. It's easily the best way to see Tassie in three days! 

Frenchmans Cap 

Get your fitness and bushwalking prep in before you tackle this one. Frenchmans Cap in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is a 4-5 day walk on the challenging side, with some steep sections (including ladders), rocky patches along with formed gravel and boardwalk. But… the reward is great with some of the very best scenery. Across the 54km track you’ll experience the awe-inspiring white quartzite peak of Frenchmans Cap, as you journey to the peak and back through delicate alpine flora of button grass moorlands, mossy ancient rainforests and alongside stretches of mountain lakes. There are two huts along the trail and many tent platforms but you’ll need to carry all you need for the duration. 

Maria Island Walk 

All we really need to say here is… wombats, wombats, wombats! If cute, confident wildlife is your jam, then Maria Island – just a 30-minute ferry from Triabunna - is the place to head, with some of the most plentiful wildlife in Australia. And on an island where no cars are permitted, putting one foot in front of the other is par for the course here. There are numerous fantastic walks to be done from the two-hour Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs walks to the 5-to-8-hour Bishop and Clerk and Mount Maria walks. Options are plentiful and will take you via 300-million-year-old fossils and up some of the island’s greatest peaks. However, if you’re looking to really delve into the island you can opt for something like the four-day guided Maria Island Walk which will take you through these shorter walks and more as you traverse the island, with food, wine and accommodation sorted along the way.  

Freycinet Circuit 

The much-loved Wineglass Bay on Tassie’s East Coast is the starting point and a little taster of the beauty to come on the three-day Freycinet Peninsula Circuit which also takes in the Hazards and Cooks Beach. Start or end your days with an ocean swim on this walk as you stroll the beaches, along with Freycinet’s granite mountain ranges and diverse forests and heathlands. If self-led isn’t your thing, opt for the Freycinet Experience Walk which over four days will cover the circuit, while heading back to comfortable lodge accommodation and local produce by candlelight each night.  

South Cape Bay (and South Coast Track) 

The South Coast Track is one of Tasmania’s most well-known tracks for good reason, taking you along the wild southern coastline through the windswept beaches, rocky headlands and mountain ranges of the Southwest National Park. The eight-day walk is among the most challenging the state offers, and best for experienced bushwalkers.  

The South Cape Bay walk is a short taster, offering a four-hour walk at the end of the world. Departing from the southernmost road end in Australia at Cockle Creek, the track will take you atop coastal cliffs, from where you can spot South East Cape, Australia’s most southerly point.  

Loved this edit of the best walks in Tasmania and looking for more ways to enjoy your time exploring this island state? Be sure not to leave before exploring Tassie's best wineries and indulging in the best luxury accommodation in town.