37 Best Hikes In Tasmania | The Only List You’ll Need

It’s hard to imagine how such a tiny state can be packed full of so much diversity within its wilderness, but that’s exactly what you’ll find as you experience the best hikes in Tasmania. 

In the west, ancient glacially carved mountains merge into temperate rainforests, sheltering almost forgotten flora and fauna from the time of Gondwanaland. In the south, giant dolerite pillars plummet into the wild Southern Ocean. While the east coast is littered with bright orange boulders beautifully contrasted by the eucalypt forests and the turquoise Tasman Sea.

And within the wildly beautiful and contrasting landscape, you’ll find a labyrinth of walking trails calling to be explored. But the best part is, with so much diversity in nature comes a wide variety of hikes to suit every person. 

We’ve spent over three years exploring the depths of this tiny island state, experiencing the best hikes in Tasmania. And while we have a great deal to go, there are many that have stuck in our minds and hearts forever. 

Below is a list of our all-time favourite hikes in Tasmania so far, categorised so you can choose between a short walk, a day hike or a multi-day trek. And as we continue to walk our way through the vast valleys and across bony ridgelines, we’ll keep updating this blog post to reflect our current favourites.

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Our Top 37 Favourite Hikes In Tasmania

Leave No Trace

Tasmania is the best-preserved state in Australia, with 40% of the entire island protected by national parks and reserves. The land is filled with endemic species of flora and fauna that need our help to survive. 

When you’re hiking in Tasmania, or anywhere for that matter, please follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles and leave a place how you found it – or better. This includes staying on the trails and enduring the unavoidable mud rather than making your own tracks over fragile plants. 

Here is a little reminder of the principles:

1. Plan ahead and prepare
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces – stay on the trail and use dedicated campsites where applicable
3. Dispose of waste properly – carry out your rubbish, including food scraps and tissues, and use drop toilets where you can and where you can’t, dig a deep hole or use a poop tube
4. Leave what you find
5. Minimise campfire impact – on many hikes in Tasmania, campfires are prohibited either year-round or during summer so check the restrictions beforehand
6. Respect wildlife – don’t touch or feed the wildlife, this has detrimental effects on their health and behaviour
7. Be considerate of other hikers

Many of the hikes on this list aren’t well-known and therefore won’t have boardwalks or other man-made trail features to assist you on your walk. Only choose these hikes if you’re willing to get a little muddy and know how to poop in the wilderness. 

Best Short Walks In Tasmania

*The short walks in this post have a duration of 3 hours or less

1. The Needles Hike

The Needles hike is the best bang for your buck in Tasmania. The short and sharp trail will transport you into a scene dominated by plummeting button grass slopes and imposing quartzite outcrops in less than an hour.

Located just west of Maydena, the trail is easily accessed from the side of Gordon River Rd and shouldn’t be missed on a drive to Gordon Dam or Lake Pedder. While we were always compelled to complete The Needles, we had no idea what beauty was in store for us as we climbed over the burnt and barren ridgeline. 

You’ll certainly work for the views in the short time it takes to climb the steep spine of The Needles, but once you’re sitting on top of the rocky peak you’ll likely forget your sore muscles and lose yourself in the raw beauty of the Southwest National Park.

Best Bits:

• A very short hike to an incredible view you wouldn’t expect to experience so easily
• Easily accessible right off the Gordon River Rd
• Breathtaking views of the wild and rugged Southwest National Park

Need To Know:

The trailhead for The Needles begins at the ‘Highest Point On Road’ sign and is indicated by a few pink and blue tags on the opposite side of the road to the car park. While the trail is very short, there is a good dose of climbing to reach the peak and depending on fitness levels, could take a little longer to complete. 

2. Mount Farrell

The west coast of Tasmania is littered with incredible day hikes that will make you feel as if you’ve left Australia and transported yourself to New Zealand or Europe. But while most take hours to reach the peak, Mount Farrell requires only 3 hours to complete the entire trail. 

We drove past Mount Farrell many times before deciding to climb it and as soon as we did, we couldn’t understand why we took so long! The walk to Mount Farrell begins in a messy forest before emerging into a vast valley of buttongrass with protruding mounds of conglomerate rock. 

Once you reach the rambling ridgeline, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the steep mountain range plunging dramatically into a deep green lake lined with white-sanded beaches.

Best Bits:

• The views you receive from the top of Mount Farrell will take your breath away
• Due to its short duration, Mount Farrell is the perfect hike for a sunrise or sunset mission
• The walk begins right beside the town of Tullah, making it easy to access

Need To Know:

The beginning of the walk through the forested section can be extremely muddy after a big dose of rain. To avoid a leg full of leeches, wear hiking boots, thick socks and gaiters if you have them.

3. Montezuma Falls

Still to this day, after exploring countless waterfalls scattered throughout Tasmania, Montezuma Falls sits solidly in the top 3. And as soon as you enter the fragrant forest and catch your first glimpse of the mighty waterfall, you’ll understand why! 

Found 8.3 km southwest of Rosebery, in the wild rainforests dominating the west coast, Montezuma Falls is arguably the tallest waterfall in Tasmania. I say arguably because there are others that are taller, such as Pelverata Falls, though due to being seasonal they aren’t awarded the grand title. 

Montezuma Falls drops 104 m into a boulder-strewn pool surrounded by tall tree ferns and giant leatherwood, sassafras and beech trees. The trail to the waterfall follows an old tramway through the temperate rainforest, providing an easy and scenic walk that’s best completed partly by bike. 

Best Bits:

• A suspension bridge beyond the waterfall allows you to gain a wider perspective of Montezuma Falls 
• The trail allows direct access to the base of the waterfall
• Montezuma Falls is said to be the tallest continuously flowing waterfall in Tasmania
• Ride your bike part way along the old tramway to cut off some walking time
• Visit the trail at night to witness a wonderful show of glow worms living in the damp mountainside

Need To Know:

A visit to Montezuma Falls is most impressive during the rainy seasons of Spring and Winter. Even though this waterfall isn’t known to dry up, it puts on the best show after a huge rainfall. However, be wary of leeches if you happen to visit during the wet season. 

4. St Patricks Head

St Patricks Head is our favourite sunrise mission on the east coast of Tasmania. The perfectly pointed peak casts a triangular shadow onto the rolling hills in the west as the sun peaks over the deep blue sea, illuminating the small coastal towns below. 

This short and sharp hike climbs through a dense eucalypt forest filled with fallen trees covered in a blanket of moss. After what may seem like an eternity but in reality, is only 40 minutes to an hour of climbing, the forest recedes to make way for a mess of boulders leading to the summit. 

The final climb to St Patricks’ peak offers a touch of excitement as you navigate through the precariously positioned rocks. But once you’re sitting beside the trig point, you’ll agree the 360-degree view of the east coast was worth every step. 

Best Bits:

• A short hike that’s perfect for sunrise or sunset
• 360-degree views of the east coast and as far west as Stacks Bluff
• The walk encompasses stunning forests and a fun boulder scramble

Need To Know:

It can be tricky to find the trailhead for St Patricks Head if you’re arriving from the south as Google Maps tries to take you down the wrong road. For details on directions, visit our detailed guide on hiking St Patricks Head.

5. The Three Falls Circuit 

Located just over an hour northwest of Hobart, the Three Falls Circuit encompasses all the main attractions found in the foothills of Mount Field. The easy walk meanders through ancient swamp gum woodlands and temperate rainforests, passing Lady Baron Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Russell Falls. 

We surprised ourselves by immensely enjoying the Three Falls Circuit. It’s by no means a challenging hike and due to its close proximity to Hobart and the easy nature of the walk itself, it’s a very popular circuit. But what it lacks in adventure, it makes up for in simple beauty. 

The Three Falls Circuit is among many other walking tracks that criss-cross the Mount Field Mountain Range, including the Tarn Shelf, and we find it to be the ideal introduction for a weekend at Mount Field. 

Best Bits:

• Feel tiny as you walk among giant mountain ash, the tallest flowering plant in the world (also known as swamp gums)
• Wander around the base of Lady Baron Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Russell Falls
• Russell Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Tasmania
• An easy day trip from Hobart

Need To Know:

As I mentioned, Mount Field is an extremely popular destination and therefore, becomes overcrowded on weekends and school holidays. To beat the crowds, choose to walk the Three Falls Circuit in winter and start early. 

6. Cube Rock

This is perhaps the most unique hike in Tasmania, where you’ll begin at an electric blue lake before ascending through coastal shrub to a giant boulder balancing precariously atop a vast rock slab. 

Cube Rock can be found an hour northwest of St Helens and takes little more than two hours to complete, making it the perfect afternoon adventure. And as with most hikes in the northeast, it’s rare you’ll come across many others along this walk. 

Your reward for attacking the steep climb to Cube Rock is uninterrupted views of the verdant farmlands flowing into the iconic Bay of Fires, with Little Blue Lake adding contrast to the scene.

Best Bits:

• Giant and obscure rock formations litter the mountainside
• Breathtaking views back down to Little Blue Lake and beyond to the Bay of Fires
• A fun walk in northeast Tasmania, only an hour from St Helens 
• A perfect short hike to do for sunrise or sunset

Need To Know:

The trail to Cube Rock is a little tricky to follow in the beginning. But as long as you start on the fire road in the southwest corner of Little Blue Lake and follow the sporadic pink tape, you’ll find your way to the base of the mountain. From the base, pink tags trail between the trees to make navigation a breeze.

7. Mathinna Falls

Tucked deep into a valley of giant white gums soaring high above a thriving rainforest, you’ll find our absolute favourite waterfall in the northeast, Mathinna Falls. This is a bold statement but one we believe you’ll agree with once you explore the depths of the four and a half tiered waterfall.

A simple and short walk follows Delvin Creek through a mix of open woodland and dense rainforest before arriving at the base of Mathinna Falls. While this is a beautiful walk on its own, the base of Mathinna Falls is certainly not the reason this is our favourite waterfall in northeast Tasmania.

Keep going past the base, up a skinny goat track leading to the top of Mathinna Falls. The higher you climb, the fainter and trickier the track becomes but eventually, you’ll climb past another one and a half tiers and continue onto the last two. If you make it to the plunging gully engulfing Upper Mathinna Falls, you’ll realise why this endless waterfall is our all-time favourite. 

Best Bits:

• An exciting adventure to reach the hidden tiers of this giant waterfall
• Mathinna Falls plummets above 100 m over four and a half tall tiers
• The contrast between the dry eucalypt forest and temperate rainforest offers a stunning variety of terrain
• Mathinna Falls is located only an hour from St Helens

Need To Know:

The track to the top tiers of Mathinna Falls is steep, loose and relatively hard to follow. We recommend wearing sturdy hiking boots and only attempting this trail if you’re a competent hiker.

Also, Google Maps will most definitely take you the wrong way if you simply type Mathinna Falls. For the correct directions and extra information on reaching the upper tiers, take a look at our extensive guide on Mathinna Falls.

8. Detention Falls

Detention Falls is perhaps the best-kept secret in Tasmania’s northwest. You’ll find barely any information on this waterfall and when we did stumble across it, the images didn’t particularly entice us to visit. 

However, we chose to take on the little mission anyway and we’re stoked we did! Detention Falls begins in a private paddock, with homemade signs directing you to the fringing forest. An easy walk through a windswept woodland traverses the mountainside and eventually delivers you to the waterfall.

Detention Falls spills over multi-coloured quartzite rock, worn smooth over time, into a deep plunge pool 30 m below. A skinny goat track continues to traverse the deep gully, allowing you to wander to the top of the waterfall. 

Best Bits:

• The trailhead for Detention Falls is a short 40-minute drive from Burnie
• This little secret is seldom visited so you’ll likely have the waterfall to yourself
• The rock beneath the flowing water has a fascinating volcanic lava look to it

Need To Know:

Detention Falls flows just beyond private land, which you’ll need to cross to access the waterfall. Please be mindful that you’re entering someone’s property and don’t linger. There are gates with signs attached to them informing which way to go and asking you to please shut the gates as you move through. 

9. Dove Lake Circuit

The classic Dove Lake Circuit is a hike that’s most likely on every traveller’s list and for good reason. While we don’t usually gravitate to popular destinations, Cradle Mountain is exempted due to its incomparable beauty. 

We’ve visited Cradle Mountain time and time again and on each visit, we make sure to include the Dove Lake Circuit because it’s just that pretty! The views of Cradle Mountain slicing the horizon, mixed with a verdant rainforest full of fungi, will keep you captivated throughout the easy loop.

And with a variety of connecting trails leading off Dove Lake, you have access to the wider range of hiking trails found atop the vast plateau of the Cradle Mountain range. This allows you to add to the short loop to create a full day of exploration. 

Best Bits:

• Wildly beautiful views of Cradle Mountain rising beyond Dove Lake
• An easy walk that has plenty of additional trails you can choose to create a more challenging adventure
• The Ballroom Rainforest is up there with the most beautiful forests we’ve seen

Need To Know:

To avoid the constant crowds around Dove Lake, you can drive into Ronny Creek before the Cradle Mountain shuttle buses begin and start your hike from there, walking the Lake Lilla track to Dove Lake. This will add on an extra hour of walking but you’ll beat the majority of the crowds. 

When you’re ready to leave Ronny Creek, simply signal to a shuttle bus and follow them out so you don’t get stuck on the single-lane road.

10. King Billy Pine Walk

Another way to beat the crowds at Cradle Mountain is to take one of the walks located closer to the Interpretation centre (Rangers Station). You’ll be surprised what magic lies just beyond the busy village and how easily accessible it is.

Once you step onto the trail behind the Cradle Mountain Lodge, it will feel as if you’ve entered an enchanted world. The rainforest flanking the King Billy Pine walk encompasses you in a million shades of green, with fungi and lichen clinging to the gnarled trunks of myrtle, sassafras and king billy pines.

Suspended boardwalks weave through the glowing forest, gently climbing to the pinnacle of the walk – an enormous king billy pine that towers over the surrounding sassafras. The entire experience will be over in 40 minutes, but chances are you’ll want to spend far longer inspecting the millions of unique species of moss and fungi.  

Best Bits:

• The absolute best rainforest we’ve experienced that requires such little effort
• An easy and short walk that sees far fewer visitors than Dove Lake or Marions Lookout
• A short side track leads to a giant king billy pine that must be over a thousand years old – maybe even 2000!

Need To Know:

The King Billy Pine walk begins just behind the Cradle Mountain Lodge, before the Rangers Station. This means you’re able to park at the Rangers Stations at any time of the day rather than take the bus from the Visitor Centre. 

11. Halls Falls

Halls Falls is another hidden gem in northeast Tasmania, one that we fondly refer to as our local and visit often. The easy walk winds beneath a canopy of eucalypts and myrtles to a languidly flowing waterfall flanked by giant tree ferns. 

This multiple-tiered waterfall begins its journey from the historic 19th-century weir before flowing over a series of smooth brown boulders. When the river is low, the boulders beside the bank allow for a fun game of rock-hopping. If you’re game enough, you may even make it to the middle of the river beneath the last tier of Halls Falls. 

Best Bits:

• The Halls Falls trailhead is a short 25 minutes west of St Helens, making it the perfect day trip to pair with a visit to St Columba Falls and the Pyengana Dairy
• No matter if the waterfall is flowing at full force or lazily trickling over the moss-covered boulders, Halls Falls offers unwavering beauty at every level
• The easy walk to Halls Falls passes through a vibrant rainforest filled with ferns and giant eucalypts

Need To Know:

Halls Falls has three different viewpoints that are all worthy of a visit. We recommend starting with the 19th-century weir and then making your way back downriver, ending with the base of the waterfall.

Best Day Walks In Tasmania

12. Mount Eliza

Before even beginning the climb to Mount Eliza, you’ll be blown away by the rugged and wild beauty of the Southwest National Park and Lake Pedder. On one side of the dirt road, solitary mountains rise from the vast lake, reminding us of an inland fjord. While on the other side, the vast mountain ranges reach for the horizon with their spiky peaks.  

You’ll constantly be distracted by unbelievable views throughout the entire walk to Mount Eliza, where the trail follows the contours of the barren ridgeline leading to the vast plateaued peak. 

Mount Eliza makes you work for the views but once you’re standing on top of the plateau, you’ll forget every aching moment the stair-laden climb produced. We are yet to find a day hike that quite compares to Mount Eliza and even though the hike is gruelling, we’ll do it time and time again. 

Best Bits:

• Incomparable views of Mount Anne, Lake Pedder, the Western Arthurs and Lake Judd
• The boulder field offers a healthy dose of excitement and challenge for adventure seekers
• The trail is carved into the long and exposed ridgeline leading to Mount Eliza, allowing for incredible views throughout the entire duration of the walk

Need To Know:

The majority of the walk to Mount Eliza consists of boardwalks and man-made stairs, however, after you pass High Camp Memorial Hut the trail turns to a jumble of giant boulders. The last kilometre could take as long as an hour to complete due to the challenging, yet exhilarating boulder-hopping expedition. Include enough time in your plan to allow for a slow scramble to and from the peak. 

13. Cradle Mountain Summit

We doubt many of you are surprised to find the Cradle Mountain Summit among our list of the best hikes in Tasmania – even though it’s incredibly popular and avoiding crowds is almost impossible. But the fact of the matter is, Cradle Mountain is just so damn beautiful and worth having to walk among others to reach the iconic peak. 

Summiting the 6th highest mountain in Tasmania involves climbing through dense temperate rainforests, passing deep alpine lakes and scrambling over a mass of exposed dolerite boulders to reach the precarious peak.

Our favourite way to complete the Cradle Mountain Summit is by starting at Ronny Creek and climbing to Crater Lake, briefly stopping at Marions Lookout before continuing onto the Cradle Mountain Summit. And then to create a loop, return via Hansons Peak and Dove Lake, grabbing the bus or walking the Lake Lilla track back to Ronny Creek. 

Best Bits:

• A fun and challenging climb over giant dolerite boulders to reach the peak
• Incredible views of the vast Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park 
• The entire walk offers a rich variety of terrain and breathtaking views

Need To Know:

The final climb to reach Cradle Mountain’s summit is not for the faint of heart, the exposed boulders are often slippery and the weather up there can change on a dime. So if you choose to complete this hike, be prepared for rain and bone-chilling weather no matter the season. We suggest bringing extra thermals and a rain jacket regardless of the forecast.

14. Mount Tyndall

Unlike Cradle Mountain or Mount Amos, you’ll find little information on Mount Tyndall and even less direction once you arrive at the trailhead. This is truly one of Tasmania’s best-kept secrets and a hike that is relatively untouched by man-made tools. 

The raw and rugged hike begins enclosed in a thick forest of spiky shrubs threatening to engulf the muddy trail entirely, before opening into a vast meadow of buttongrass and flowering honey myrtle. From this point on, the views extend over the rambling west coast all the way to the ocean. 

While the hike is arduous and steep, once you reach the boundless summit you’re rewarded with a plateau filled with wildflowers, the odd alpine tarn and distant mountain peaks waiting to be explored. Beyond Mount Tyndall’s sprawling range, the iconic peaks of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park create the perfect backdrop for this breathtaking scene.   

Best Bits:

• Mount Tyndall is relatively unknown to most and you’ll likely have the mountain to yourself
• For the experienced hikers, the plateaued summit of Mount Tyndall stretches towards multiple mountain peaks that are perfect for an off-track mission – but remember to walk carefully and avoid fragile plants such as the cushion plants
• A relatively short hike that provides sensational views of the west coast of Tasmania

Need To Know:

Mount Tyndall is rarely checked or maintained, making it quite a rugged experience that should only be completed if you’re a competent hiker who knows how to navigate. Additionally, the trailhead is quite tricky to find if you simply type it into Google Maps. For more details on directions, visit our in-depth guide on hiking Mount Tyndall.

15. Mount Sprent

If there were just one region of Tasmania that we had to choose as our favourite, the Southwest would win without competition. It’s easy to see why we feel this way when you venture to the summit of Mount Sprent on Lake Pedder’s northwest shores.

Mount Sprent offers a captivating blend of tangled myrtle beech forests, incomparable lake views and an exciting climb to reach the bouldered peak. All the while, you’re likely to be wandering through the rugged landscape without another soul in sight.

You’ll get a real sense of adventure on the way to Mount Sprent, with no trail markers to speak of other than the odd rock cairn as you near the peak. So if you’re looking for a fun challenge that will reward you with breathtaking vistas of the incredible Southwest mountain ranges, you must add this hike to your itinerary.

Best Bits:

• A beautiful half-day walk that showcases the wonders of Southwest National Park perfectly
• You’ll likely have the entire trail to yourself
• This walk is very close to Gordon Dam, which is worth a visit once you’ve finished exploring the summit of Mount Sprent

Need To Know:

The trail to Mount Sprent can be challenging to find if you’re not paying attention or tracking your walk with a GPS app like AllTrails. Additionally, the first section through the forest can become extremely muddy and slippery after heavy rain, so be sure to check the forecast before committing to this hike.

16. Mount Saddleback

Another trail that you’ll rarely find on any other list of best hikes in Tasmania, Mount Saddleback will leave you breathless in more ways than one. This short and sharp hike forces you to scramble on your hands and knees for a vast majority of the time, as you carefully navigate over moss-covered boulders and scree before reaching the summit’s flat expanse. 

The diversity of northeast Tasmania is revealed from the summit of Mount Saddleback, where farmlands fold seamlessly into the ocean on the east coast, partly hidden by sporadic mountain ranges.

While the summit of Mount Saddleback isn’t quite as exciting as some others on this list, the walk itself and its close proximity to Launceston give it extra points – as does the ability to roam freely around the vast peak. 

Best Bits:

• A fun and challenging climb that should only take up half of your day
• The perfect hike to give you a birds-eye view of Tasmania’s northeast
• The trailhead is located just 1 hr 30 minutes from Launceston and 1 hr 15 minutes from St Helens
• It’s unlikely you’ll come across many other hikers on your journey to Mount Saddleback’s summit

Need To Know:

The actual trailhead for Mount Saddleback is located at the end of a 2 km dirt road that’s severely overgrown and only accessible by 4wd. For the rest of us who don’t own a 4wd, limited parking in open spaces off Mathinna Plains Rd is available and you’ll have to walk the extra 2 km to the starting point. 

17. The Carr Villa Track To Legges Tor

Legges Tor is the second-highest mountain in Tasmania and the highest within Ben Lomond National Park. But surprisingly, the walk to Legges Tor via the Carr Villa track is relatively easy and takes less than a day to complete – this is partly due to the fact that you can drive most of the way up the mountain range.

The Carr Villa track begins just beyond the Ben Lomond Campground and almost immediately enters an enormous dolerite boulder field. Strategically placed rocks create a switchback path that ultimately leads to an endless plateau filled with alpine heath and wildflowers. 

After a while of wandering along the plateau, you’ll find yourself standing on top of the second-highest peak, looking across the vast mountain range dotted with rustic ski huts and chair lifts leading to the Ben Lomond Ski Village. 

Best Bits:

• A relatively easy track that offers incredible views of Tasmania’s only chair-lift operated ski field
• In winter, snow often covers the rocky ground making this the perfect trail for snow-shoeing or cross-country skiing
• The trailhead is located just one hour east of Launceston

Need To Know:

The Carr Villa Track is the perfect location for your first time remotely camping in the mountains. Never straying too far from your car and with access to a toilet within the village, you’ll feel safer knowing comforts are close by as you practice backcountry camping. However, remember that this is an alpine region meaning the weather is extremely unpredictable and you could be caught in a blizzard any time of the year. 

18. Hartz Peak

Hartz Peak is hands down our favourite day hike near Hobart. The easy boardwalk-assisted trail crosses through an ancient glacially carved landscape before arriving at an exciting scramble over boulders and scree to reach the peak. 

Once on the summit of Hartz Peak, you’re gifted with the best view of the Southwest National Park without actually being there. The Western and Eastern Arthurs cut through the horizon like serrated knives, providing a magnificent backdrop for Hartz Lake. And to the east, you’ll be captivated by views of the lush Huon Valley and Bruny Island across the sea.

While you could complete Hartz Peak in 3 hours, we suggest taking your time to enjoy each alpine lake en route. You might even get lucky enough and score a hot day, warranting a dip in the fresh tarns. 

Best Bits:

• There are few other hikes that offer such majestic views in such little time and effort
• The trail to Hartz Peak passes three alpine tarns all worthy of your time
• Mind-blowing views of the wild and rugged Southwest National Park

Need To Know:

The scramble to the Hartz Peak summit is a great introduction and the perfect place to practice before taking on more challenging hikes such as Mount Eliza or Cradle Mountain. That said, Hartz Mountains National Park is still within the alpine and is known to have bouts of wild weather throughout the year. Make sure you bring sufficient gear for all weather conditions and stay home if it’s too wild.

19. Sentinel Range

If you’re searching for a truly rugged and unspoiled hike, then the Sentinel Range Track is the one for you. While many travellers stop along Gordon River Rd to admire this solitary mountain range rising from barren buttongrass plains, very few actually explore its white quartzite peaks.

This is arguably the most challenging day hike in Tasmania that we’ve encountered, thanks to its steep and loose ascent and the precipitous ridgeline at the summit. But if challenge is what you’re after, your efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the mountainous southwest and both Lake Pedder and Lake Gordon.

Best Bits:

• A true sense of adventure with no trail markers and barely a path to follow
• Sentinel Range offers incredible views of both Lake Pedder, Lake Gordon and the Southwest mountains
• A very fun challenge for highly experienced hikers, with plenty of rock scrambling and climbing required
• This is another seldom-visited hike in Tasmania

Need To Know:

The Sentinel Range Track is most certainly not for the faint of heart. The ascent is incredibly steep and loose, but the true challenge is found at the summit, where you’ll traverse a very narrow and rugged ridgeline to reach the peak. We only recommend attempting this hike in fair weather conditions and if you’ve had plenty of experience hiking in these terrains.

20. Bishop and Clerk

Climbing to the spired peak of Bishop and Clerk was our favourite thing to do on Maria Island, where the views across to the mainland of Tasmania and back down to the sheer cliffs of the small island will leave you breathless. 

Best completed partly by bike, the walk to the towering dolerite columns begins in an open grassland before entering a woodland forest where you’ll need to stash your bike. From there, broken dolerite pillars spill across the mountainside, creating a boulder field for you to navigate. 

You’ll have to gather some courage to hop across the skinny columns at the peak of Bishop and Clerk, that plunge dramatically to the wild ocean below. But even from the first pillar, the views are worthy of the climb.

Best Bits:

• The best viewpoint on Maria Island
• A fun and challenging walk to the peak where you can choose your seat among the tall pillars to soak in the ocean vista
• You can ride halfway to the forested section, which then allows a thrilling ride down the sloping grassy field on your return

Need To Know:

To ride halfway, you’ll need to either take your bike with you on the ferry to Maria Island or rent one from the tiny village of Darlington once you’re there. And while the majority of the walk is relatively easy, take care on the exposed dolerite pillars once you reach the peak.

21. Mount Murchison

We have boldly awarded Mount Murchison the title of the best day hike in Tasmania and have yet to find a worthy opponent for first place. Part of its charm derives from its lack of man-made features and slightly lesser-known status, but most comes from the fairytale worthy forest and the formidable glacial cirque.

Mount Murchison will capture your whole attention as soon as you step off the highway into the hidden rainforest flanking Anthony Rd, 10 minutes south of Tullah. You’ll climb the south-facing spur under a canopy of sassafras and celery top pine, before emerging from the treeline to witness a landscape you need to see to believe. 

Deep tarns fill precipitous basins and bony ridgelines connect sheer slopes covered in alpine scrub. As you climb higher, hidden vistas are methodically revealed until finally, the inner world of Mount Murchison is reached. The amphitheatre-like glacial cirque will leave you stunned.

Best Bits:

• You’ll be hard-pressed to find another hike with quite so much rugged beauty that takes less than 5 hours to complete
• A mix of dense rainforest and exposed ridgelines offer a variety of vistas to feast on
• The climb to the glacial cirque beneath Mount Murchison’s peak is an exciting challenge for competent hikers

Need To Know:

As you near the peak, some sections become steep and exposed and require the use of hands on many occasions. But even if you don’t make it to the summit, the first half of the walk is still worth your time and effort. 

22. Mount Roland

Mount Roland Regional Reserve is a hugely underrated mountain range located less than an hour from the famous Cradle Mountain. If you’ve driven from Hobart or Launceston directly to Cradle Mountain, there’s a strong chance you’ve passed this magnificent mountain range soaring above the surrounding flat farmlands.

The Mount Roland Main Track is the most popular trail in the reserve, offering a relatively easy walk through lush forests before opening up to the expansive plateau and leading to the rugged summit of Mount Roland. From the top, the farmlands and rural towns scattered across the landscape below resemble tiny toy villages, while sweeping views stretch all the way to the Tasman Sea in the north.

If you have time and endurance, we highly recommend summiting Mount Roland via the Mt Van Dyke Circuit. This circuit covers a great deal of the reserve, allowing you to explore as much as possible in a single day.

That said, if you have an insatiable thirst for adventure and challenge, then Mt Claude and the Mt Roland Face Track will be more your style!

Best Bits:

• Incredible views of surrounding farmlands
• A wide variety of trails to choose from that range in difficulty
• Close to Cradle Mountain, but often receives milder climates, making it a great alternative when Cradle Mountain is hidden in cloud
• Relatively quiet trails 

Need To Know:

The hike to Mt Roland Summit is relatively straightforward if you take the Main Track. However, if you choose the Face Track or decide to explore Mt Claude, you’ll find fewer trail markers and encounter more rock scrambling sections – one part of Mt Claude forces you into a tight cave!

23. Mount Amos

If you’re not afraid of heights and love a little boulder scrambling, then this hike will knock your socks off! Grippy shoes are a strong necessity for summiting Mount Amos, as is the use of hands – and sometimes even knees – as you navigate the steep pink granite slabs.

But once you make your way to the peak of Mount Amos, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most popular hikes in Tasmania! Stunning white beaches curl around the peninsula, contrasting magnificently with the lush green coastal forest and the rugged pink granite mountains. 

Mount Amos is our favourite hike on the east coast of Tasmania, providing the best views of Wineglass Bay and the distant peaks of Mount Freycinet and Mount Graham. It’s the perfect hike to complete for sunrise, where you’ll witness the sun creeping across the sea as it bathes the peninsula in a golden yellow glow.

Best Bits:

• Mount Amos provides a thrilling climb with constant views of the Freycinet Peninsula 
• The best views of Wineglass Bay are found at the summit of Mount Amos
• The relatively short climb can be completed for a sunrise mission for competent hikers

Need To Know:

The climb to the peak of Mount Amos shouldn’t be underestimated. The steep boulders are exposed and attempting this climb in bad weather is strongly dissuaded. If you’re a little nervous, remember that coming down is often harder than going up so only climb as far as you feel comfortable.  

24. Cape Hauy

Even though the crowds are constantly thick along the Cape Hauy hike, it still deserves a place on this list due to its unrivalled beauty and relative ease of access. Unlike Cape Raoul or the entire Three Capes Track, Cape Hauy can be completed in half a day and offers comparable views.

If you’re up for the early morning challenge, hiking out to the point of Cape Hauy for sunrise will take your breath away. You’ll often be met with dolphins or seals enjoying the first morning light at the base of the colossal dolerite cliffs. 

But if you do choose to hike to the point in the dark, take your time on the return walk to take in the stunning contrast of the dolerite columns plunging from the grassy slopes into the dark blue ocean below.

Best Bits:

• You may witness a rock climber taking on the world-class route up the Totem Pole
• The trail takes you through a thriving coastal woodland full of echidnas and wallabies, before propelling you onto the rugged headland 
• Aside from the 2000 + stairs, this is a relatively easy hike to complete 
• A sunrise mission to Cape Hauy will help you avoid a fair chunk of the crowds

Need To Know:

The walk to Cape Hauy begins at Fortescue Bay, where we recommend staying if you’re planning to camp. During winter, you’re able to simply turn up and grab a campsite. But in summer, you’ll need to book in advance as they fill up quickly. You can find more information, including how to book, on the Parks website.

25. Cape Raoul 

If we had to choose between hiking Cape Raoul or Cape Hauy, we would choose Cape Raoul – much to the surprise of many. But aside from the fact that Cape Raoul sees far fewer people, the hike provides a better understanding of just how monstrous and imposing the dolerite pillars are. 

There’s no denying the walk to Cape Raoul is far more strenuous than that of Cape Hauy, but in return, you’ll wander alongside some of the tallest seaside cliffs in the southern hemisphere. Once you reach the cape, two lookouts await and offer mind-blowing views of the pillared headland as well as the hundreds of seals sunbaking below.

And if you’re up for the challenge, you can add on an extra 10 – 13 km and walk to Tunnel Bay and the famous big wave surf break, Shipsterns Bluff. If you’re extremely lucky and the conditions are right, you might even witness a few surfers taking on the wild waves. 

Best Bits:

• The majority of the walk to Cape Raoul follows the imposing seaside cliffs
• Far fewer people complete this walk, making it a better choice than Cape Hauy for those wishing to find a little solitude
• You’ll likely see a large colony of seals sun-baking on the warmed rocks below

Need To Know:

If you’re keen to tackle this full-day hike, don’t forget to pack a pair of binoculars so you can watch the seals lounge below. And if you plan to hike out to Tunnel Bay, it’s best viewed at low tide when you can wander around the rocks. 

26. Stacks Bluff

Stacks Bluff is a hike for the adventurous, one that requires careful navigation through precariously balanced boulders and loose scree before you can stand on top of the endless alpine plateau. 

Jaw-dropping vistas of the entire northeast follow you from the beginning of the enormous boulder field to the peak of Stacks Bluff, making for a slow ascent as you’re constantly left breathless from your surroundings – and the hike itself. 

The hike to Stacks Bluff, located in the southeastern corner of Ben Lomond National Park, is just as exhilarating as standing at the summit and best completed over two days – with a night in the open alpine – so you can experience an unforgettable sunrise and sunset.

Best Bits:

• An exhilarating hike through a giant boulder field, passing the stunning Tranquil Tarn along the way
• Plenty of exploration opportunities atop the plateau for unique vistas
• The perfect place for a night of remote camping in the alpine
• Endless views over the entire northeast from the summit of Stacks Bluff

Need To Know:

Be prepared for wild weather conditions If you choose to camp on top of the plateau – at any time of the year. We experienced our coldest night camping in Tasmania when we hiked Stacks Bluff in November! We were hit with an unexpected snow storm which we had to wait out in our tents.  

There are no facilities on Stacks Bluff and we only suggest camping if you’re super confident backcountry camping in the alpine – and follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles.

On another note, the Stacks Bluff trailhead isn’t very easy to find and if you don’t have a 4wd you may have to start walking a little earlier. Take a look at our guide to hiking Stacks Bluff for more details on navigation.  

27. The Rodway Range Circuit

While you’ll find many trails carved into the ancient landscape of Mount Field, one that cannot be missed is the Rodway Range Circuit. Although it requires a little more effort and skill compared to the more common Tarn Shelf Circuit, we can assure you it’s worth every extra step.

The Rodway Range leads you above the Tarn Shelf and into the ‘Lion’s Den’, where boulder hopping is required to reach the deep valley separating the Rodway Range and Mount Field West – the tallest peak in Mount Field National Park. 

Along with acquiring a birds-eye view of the iconic Tarn Shelf, the circuit continues past the valley beneath Mount Field West and descends to Lake Newdegate before weaving through the Tarn Shelf. As its name suggests, the Tarn Shelf is littered with a cluster of glacial lakes of all shapes and shades of green and blue. This iconic shelf is often the main reason for a visit to Mount Field for avid hikers. 

Best Bits:

• The Rodway Range Circuit incorporates both the Tarn Shelf and views of Mount Field West, the tallest peak in Mount Field National Park
• In Autumn, the Tarn Shelf offers a magical display of the Fagus changing from green to gold to burnt orange
• A fun boulder field aptly named the ‘Lion’s Den’ breaks up the boardwalks along this circuit

Need To Know:

As with any other alpine region in Tasmania, the weather can change on a dime and a summer snowstorm is never a surprise. It’s also common to find the Rodway Range cloaked in a blanket of white mist and in these circumstances, unless you’re confident navigating in poor visibility, it’s best to complete the Tarn Shelf Circuit instead.

28. Mount Field West

Why settle for views across to Mount Field West when you can stand atop the tallest point in Mt Field National Park instead!? The journey to Mount Field West begins along the Rodway Range Track, before veering off a little ways past the ‘Lions Den’ (explained above). 

The final section of this hike leads you through a vibrant plateau filled with cushion plants and translucent tarns before a final exhilarating rock scramble will lead you to the dolerite peak.

There’s no denying this is a huge day, which is why we chose to make it an overnight adventure. We added the side trip to Mount Field West into the Rodway Range Circuit, camping near Clemes Tarn and summiting Mount Field West in the early morning.

Best Bits:

• Incredibly diverse walk with some seriously enchanting forests and landscapes
• A healthy dose of challenge for confident intermediate hikers
• Plenty of trail variations to keep you entertained
• Cool historic huts with memorabilia scattered throughout the range

Need To Know:

Mount Field National Park is known for its wild and unpredictable weather. It’s not uncommon to find yourself in a snowstorm in summer! Ensure you’re ready for all weather conditions and have a means for navigation, whether that be a GPS app like Alltrails or a physical map and compass.

Additionally, the campsite we suggested above is a remote campsite, meaning there are no facilities nearby. We strongly suggest packing a poop tube as the terrain is covered with intertwined water sources that can easily be contaminated.

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29. Mount Victoria

Not even an hour’s drive from St Helens, we regard Mount Victoria as our local hike and have climbed to the summit dozens of times. Each time, we’re blown away by the rugged beauty of the dolerite columns rising from a mess of broken boulders. 

The trail to Mount Victoria’s peak offers a vast variety of vegetation. You’ll begin in a swampy paperbark forest before escaping the mud and finding yourself enveloped in a rainforest worthy of a children’s picture book. Not long after, the trail emerges from the dense canopy to reveal the imposing dolerite summit.

Boulder hopping is required for the remainder of the hike and a final scramble up a particularly tall boulder delivers you to the precarious peak. From the summit, the entire northeast is revealed, from the iconic Bay of Fires on the east coast to the most impressive mountain range in northeast Tasmania, Ben Lomond National Park. 

Best Bits:

• Mount Victoria offers the best bang for your buck in terms of excitement, views and ease of access
• Both sunrise and sunset are incredible to witness from the summit of Mount Victoria
• The trailhead is located less than an hour from St Helens
• The rainforest section itself will blow you away

Need To Know:

There is only one tiny sign located at the start of the trail for Mount Victoria, making it quite difficult to find for the first time. The only giveaway is a small opening on the opposite side of the road that is used as the car park. Read our detailed guide on Mount Victoria for additional directions.

We also recommend wearing long pants and hiking boots for Mount Victoria, where you’ll more than likely encounter deep mud and seriously spiky shrubs that certainly don’t feel nice on bare skin! 

Best Multi-Day Hikes In Tasmania

30. Frenchmans Cap

Frenchmans Cap is our ABSOLUTE favourite hike in Tasmania. This is a strong declaration but one we believe you’ll agree with as soon as you experience the multi-day hike for yourself. 

Never before have we been enclosed in such a vibrant and intoxicating rainforest, where even the boardwalks and steps constructed of old fallen trees made us stop and stare. Only to then emerge from the green glowing canopy onto a precipitous ridgeline that plummets to a dozen alpine tarns ringed by king billy and pencil pine. 

And that’s all before you even arrive at Lake Tahune, a large alpine tarn that fills the glacially carved basin beneath Frenchmans Cap. Then finally, you’ll climb out of the basin through a forest of ferns and ancient pandani as you make your way to the white quartzite peak of Frenchmans Cap.

This 3 to 5 day hike will certainly make you work for the views, but each step is hardly noticed as you try and process the impossible beauty surrounding you. 

Best Bits:

• Hands down the best rainforest we have ever had the pleasure of walking in
• The hike to Frenchmans Cap offers a good dose of challenge that is equally met with incomparable beauty
• From the summit of Frenchmans Cap, you’ll be rewarded with views of the iconic peaks within Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in the north and Macquarie Harbour in the west

Need To Know:

Frenchmans Cap is a challenging hike that requires a good level of endurance and skill to navigate some of the more technical sections found on the second day and as you near the summit. While you can complete this hike in as short as two days for the intensely keen, we suggest taking 4 to 5 days so that you can truly enjoy the walk without rushing and have the chance to summit some other peaks surrounding Frenchmans Cap.

31. The Western Arthurs Traverse

If we had to recommend just one hike in Tasmania for advanced hikers, The Western Arthurs Traverse would win hands down. This challenging adventure left us speechless and in a constant state of awe as we scrambled through the ancient glacially carved landscape.

You’ll spend the 5 – 7 days camping beside breathtaking alpine lakes and traversing seemingly unpassable mountain ranges – all the while getting lost in the unique and dramatic scenery surrounding you.

We could go on forever with reasons why you should do this hike, but a couple of images are all it will take to persuade you!

Best Bits:

• Mind-boggling scenery for the entire duration of the hike
• Exhiliratingly challenging, this hike will certainly test your limits and head for heights!
• Beautiful campsites with tent platforms and scenic open drop toilets…
• You will feel a great sense of accomplishment after tackling this wild adventure

Need To Know:

This is the hardest and most gruelling multi-day hike we have done in Tasmania. It is only suitable for advanced hikers with plenty of experience rock scrambling and traversing steep terrain.

On top of a demanding trail, the weather is highly unpredictable and can cause sections to become impassable until it clears. Ensure you pack at least two extra days of food and take rest days if necessary.

32. The Lake Rodway Circuit Via Scott-Kilvert Hut 

The best thing about Cradle Mountain is the multitude of hiking trails that can be connected to create an epic loop catered perfectly to suit your preferences. And for us, our all-time favourite overnight hike in this region is the Lake Rodway Circuit. 

This loop can be altered however you like but ultimately, our suggestion is to begin at Ronny Creek and climb to Crater Lake before reaching Marions Lookout. From there, walk towards Cradle Mountain’s summit (climbing to the peak if you have time) and continue on the Overland Track to the Emergency Hut beneath Benson’s Peak. Here, you’ll find the Lake Rodway track cutting behind Cradle Mountain and descending to the lake and Scott Kilvert Hut. 

Scott-Kilvert Hut can be found on the southeastern side of Cradle Mountain, nestled in a snow gum forest on the banks of Lake Rodway. An overnight hike into Lake Rodway is the perfect introduction to multi-day hiking as it’s relatively short with good camping facilities for your first time. 

On your return the next day, leave Scott Kilvert Hut behind and begin to climb north towards Hansons Peak. Finally, you’ll finish at Dove Lake where you can walk the Lake Lilla track or grab the shuttle bus back to your car at Ronny Creek. 

Best Bits:

• The Lake Rodway circuit encompasses all the major peaks and lookouts found on the plateau of the Cradle Mountain Range
• The overnight hike to Scott-Kilvert Hut is the perfect introduction for multi-day hiking
• You can alter the loop to suit your preferences, making it shorter or longer

Need To Know:

While this is a relatively easy overnight hike compared to most you’ll find in Tasmania, don’t underestimate it. The weather is extremely volatile in the alpine and a bad storm could cause you to lose your way. Make sure you carry a map, emergency beacon and the remaining hiking essentials needed for every expedition into the mountains. 

33. Mount Anne Circuit

If you’re looking for a hike that will test your limits and leave you breathless by its rugged beauty and wildly skinny ridgelines, then the Mount Anne Circuit is the one for you! We are yet to find a hike that holds quite as much intensity and challenge as this, but each step is worth it for the views over the Southwest National Park and Lake Pedder and Lake Judd below. 

While this one is not to be underestimated, if you’re a skilled hiker then you won’t want to miss the Mount Anne Circuit. Beginning by climbing to Mount Eliza, you’ll then continue along the open alpine towards the tallest mountain in the Southwest National Park. 

Perhaps the hardest part of the entire circuit is summiting Mount Anne, which we are yet to complete. But even if you simply make it to Shelf Camp and return the way you came the next day, the adventure is worth it. 

To complete the entire circuit, you’ll leave Mount Anne behind and continue onto the thin dolerite ridgeline that circles above Lake Judd. Here, you’ll encounter the infamous ‘Notch’ where a rope is very handy to haul backpacks up the cliff.

The second night is spent at Lonely Tarns and on the last day, you’ll walk out via Lake Judd. The formidable beauty of the Mount Anne Circuit won’t be forgotten in a hurry and has most certainly set a precedent for our hikes to come.

Best Bits:

• A huge dose of challenge and nail-biting sections that will test your limits
• The beauty of the wild and rugged landscape is impossible to explain
• The variety in terrain will have you wandering over buttongrass moorlands, along bony dolerite ridgelines and under a dense green canopy of moss-covered pine and myrtle

Need To Know:

The Mount Anne Circuit is not to be taken on lightly, especially if you plan to summit Mount Anne. There have been a number of deaths from hikers attempting the summit and the walk along the ridgeline to Lighting Ridge is almost as dangerous. Do your research beforehand and make sure you’re skilled enough to complete this hike safely. 

34. Freycinet Peninsula Circuit

The Freycinet Peninsula is arguably the most popular national park in Tasmania and for good reason. But while many flock to Wineglass Bay and climb Mount Amos, fewer people take on the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit. 

Along the moderately easy multi-day circuit, you’ll wander through open coastal woodlands, across fine white sanded beaches and climb over giant pink granite boulders for the best view of Wineglass Bay from the top of Mount Freycinet. 

This hike is best completed in three days to allow enough time to summit Mount Freycinet and camp on either side of the isthmus. We recommend camping at Cooks Beach one night and Wineglass Bay the next. 

Best Bits:

• Unique vistas of mountains meeting the sea
• Mount Freycinet offers a fun boulder ascent and provides the best views of Wineglass Bay
• The circuit offers a variety of terrain from coastal woodlands to white sandy beaches and pink granite boulders

Need To Know:

If you’re hiking the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit in summer, chances are there won’t be any fresh water. Therefore, you’ll need to carry all your water with you. There is a water tank at Cooks Beach but it’s often dry in Summer, you can check in at the visitor centre before embarking on your hike to ask about the water levels.

35. Barn Bluff

Barn Bluff is arguably the second most recognisable peak in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, pointing to the sky in the shape of a nipple just south of Cradle Mountain’s Summit.

We are still undecided whether we enjoyed the scramble to Cradle Mountain or Barn Bluff’s peak best, but two things that Barn Bluff has over Cradle Mountain are far fewer visitors and better panoramic vistas of the southern mountains – including the tallest mountain in Tasmania, Mt Osso.

There are several routes you can take for Barn Bluff, the best for an overnighter being Ronny Creek – Crater Lake – Marions Lookout – Barn Bluff – Waterfall Valley Hut – Crater Peak – Ronny Creek.

However, if you have two nights to spare, our favourite circuit is Ronny Creek – Crater Lake – Marions Lookout – Cradle Mountain Summit – Waterfall Valley Hut – Barn Bluff – Scott-Kilvert Hut  – Hansons Peak – Dove Lake.

Best Bits:

• Loads of wild wombats will greet you at the beginning of the hike
• Incredible views of the mountain range that the Overland Track passes through
• Huge variety of trail options to choose from
• Exhilarating rock scramble to reach Barn Bluff’s dolerite summit

Need To Know:

This mountain range is subject to unpredictable weather and Barn Bluff is often lost in a blanket of clouds. We only recommend attempting the summit if you have clear weather as the trail markers are sometimes difficult to follow and it’s easy to get cliffed out.

36. Walls of Jerusalum

A walk into the Walls of Jerusalem takes you to the heart of the Central Highlands, to the top of Tasmania. After climbing through a steep and vibrant eucalypt forest, you’ll enter a world sculpted by ancient glaciers and filled with imposing walls of dolerite. 

Said to resemble the true Walls of Jerusalem, the band of dolerite cliffs encircle the thriving highlands where a labyrinth of rivers, streams and alpine lakes fuel the densely green landscape. Clusters of ancient pencil pine and twisted snow gum woodlands hide in groves beneath the bouldered peaks within the Walls of Jerusalem. 

The Walls of Jerusalem circuit (also known as the Central Walls Circuit) can be completed in 2 to 4 days, depending on how long you’d like to spend exploring the peaks within the walls. We recommend spending at least 3 days so you can take your time summiting Mount Jerusalem, Solomons Throne and The Temple. You can also do a quick and easy walk to Wild Dog Campsite and return for those wishing to get a taste of overnight hiking.

Just remember the rule for summiting mountains in Tasmania – if you have a clear weather window, climb it then and there! Don’t wait for the next day because you never know when a wild and unexpected storm will roll through.

Best Bits:

• The inner world of the Walls of Jerusalem offers an endless amount of exploration opportunities
• The diverse walk provides an array of terrain to wander through, keeping your mind occupied the entire time
• The walk, especially from the car park past Wild Dog campsite and onto Dixon’s Kingdom, is a moderately easy introduction to multi-day hiking

Need To Know:

While the first half of the circuit is relatively straightforward with a vast majority of the trail suspended on boardwalks, that drastically changes from Dixon’s Kingdom to Lake Adelaide and back to the car park via the swampy plains. In the last section, you’ll need to carefully pick your way through the boggy highlands while avoiding the fragile cushion plants and making other unnecessary trails. 

We highly recommend wearing hiking boots and gaiters for this section of the trail and only choosing to do the circuit if you’re committed to staying on the path and getting a little muddy. 

37. The Labyrinth and Mount Geryon

Beginning at Lake St Clair, a walk into The Labyrinth will take you through the enchanting Pine Valley before propelling you over The Parthenon and into the magical world of the Labyrinth. 

As the name suggests, the Labyrinth is a maze of shimmering turquoise tarns that sit in a valley surrounded by obscurely sculpted mountainous peaks. The mountain range is known as the Du Cane Range and is a popular side trip for keen hikers completing the Overland Track. 

But to truly take in all the beauty and exploration opportunities within the Labyrinth, it’s best to do this trip separately so you can summit the Acropolis and attempt to climb the imposing peak of Mount Geryon.

There is a special place in our hearts for this hike, that wanders within some of the most enchanting rainforests we’ve seen before throwing you into a landscape that constantly took our breath away. While the elevation isn’t entirely massive in comparison to some other hikes, the distance will test your endurance and the option to take the ferry one way or the other across Lake St Clair is always there.  

Best Bits:

• The rainforest within the Pine Valley is breathtakingly beautiful
• The walk to the Labyrinth will provide a wide range of terrain to feast your eyes upon
• The Labyrinth needs to be seen to understand its beauty
• A good alternative if you don’t want to pay to walk the Overland Track

Need To Know:

We managed to climb almost to the summit of Mount Geryon via the southern ascent but stopped just before the final exposed section. Instead, we found the perfect set of boulders to while away the afternoon. An attempt on the northern ascent requires rope and rock climbing skills. 

If you plan to camp at the Labyrinth, you’ll need to plan your toilet strategy as you’re unable to dig a hole that won’t end up in the alpine lakes. You can either take a poop tube with you and carry it out or use the toilet at Pine Valley Hut.

Final Thoughts

Firstly, congratulations on getting through this post! It’s a mammoth that’s only going to get bigger…

But to help you keep this post as a reference and know when there are new hikes added, we’ll list them at the top of each section. 

Secondly, please don’t forget that hiking in Tasmania can be quite the experience as only half of these hikes are well-known and maintained. Make sure to read the full guides for the ones you choose and check the weather conditions before setting off. 

We hope you find a few hikes that you wouldn’t have otherwise known about and please feel free to let us know of your adventures in the comments below! Additionally, if you have a favourite hike you think we should complete, we would love to hear about it.

Happy Hiking 🙂