Trekking Tasmania: Australia's Wild Island State

Tasmania may be Australia's smallest state, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in natural beauty and wilderness experiences. This heart-shaped island, separated from mainland Australia by the 240-kilometer stretch of Bass Strait, contains some of the most pristine and diverse ecosystems in the world. With nearly 40% of its land protected in national parks and reserves, Tasmania offers unparalleled opportunities for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in ancient rainforests, alpine plateaus, and rugged coastal landscapes.

Whether you're an experienced backcountry trekker or a casual day hiker, Tasmania offers an incredible array of walking experiences that showcase its remarkable biodiversity and dramatic landscapes. In this guide, we'll explore the island's best hiking trails, from the world-famous Overland Track to lesser-known gems, and provide essential information for planning your Tasmanian wilderness adventure.

The Overland Track: Australia's Premier Alpine Trek

The crown jewel of Tasmanian hiking is undoubtedly the Overland Track, a 65-kilometer journey through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This iconic six-day trek takes you from the towering peaks of Cradle Mountain to the serene shores of Lake St Clair, Australia's deepest natural freshwater lake.

What to Expect on the Overland Track

The journey begins at Ronny Creek near Cradle Mountain, immediately immersing hikers in the unique alpine environment of button grass moorlands and ancient rainforests. The first day's climb up to Marion's Lookout offers spectacular views of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake, setting the tone for the visual feast that follows.

Each day of hiking brings new landscapes and ecosystems: from the windswept highlands near Waterfall Valley, to the enchanting myrtle beech forests around Windermere, the open plains of Pelion, and the towering eucalypts approaching Lake St Clair. The track passes beneath Tasmania's highest peak, Mount Ossa (1,617m), which strong hikers can summit as a side trip.

Wildlife encounters are common, with pademelon wallabies, wombats, echidnas, and platypus often spotted by observant hikers. Birdwatchers will delight in the diverse avian life, from tiny scrubwrens to magnificent wedge-tailed eagles.

Planning Your Overland Track Adventure

During the peak season (October 1 to May 31), hikers must book in advance, walk from north to south, and pay the Overland Track fee. These restrictions help manage environmental impact and ensure a quality experience. Outside this period, the track is free but requires serious winter hiking experience and equipment.

For those seeking more comfort, guided tours with private hut accommodations are available. Companies like Tasmanian Walking Company offer fully guided experiences with hot showers, comfortable beds, and gourmet meals—a stark contrast to the basic facilities of the public huts.

"The Overland Track isn't just a walk through beautiful scenery; it's a journey through ecological time, from ancient Gondwanan rainforests to landscapes shaped by recent ice ages and bushfires."
- Richard Flanagan, Tasmanian author

Cradle Mountain Day Walks

Not everyone has the time or inclination for a multi-day trek, but the Cradle Mountain area offers numerous spectacular day walks that provide a taste of Tasmania's alpine environment:

Dove Lake Circuit

This 6-kilometer loop is Tasmania's most popular day walk, and for good reason. The relatively flat, boardwalk-lined track circles the picturesque Dove Lake with Cradle Mountain looming above. The track passes through the enchanting Ballroom Forest, a cool temperate rainforest with ancient myrtle beech trees draped in moss. Allow 2-3 hours for a leisurely pace with photo stops.

Crater Lake and Marion's Lookout

For a more challenging day walk, this 7-kilometer return track climbs from Dove Lake up to the glacially-formed Crater Lake before ascending to Marion's Lookout. The steep sections are equipped with chains for assistance, and the panoramic views from the top are well worth the effort. This walk gives you a taste of the beginning of the Overland Track.

Summit of Cradle Mountain

For experienced hikers with good fitness, the climb to Cradle Mountain's summit (1,545m) offers one of Tasmania's most rewarding day walks. The 13-kilometer return trip from Dove Lake involves scrambling over large dolerite boulders near the top but rewards hikers with 360-degree views across the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Three Capes Track: Tasmania's Premier Coastal Trek

While the Overland Track showcases Tasmania's alpine environments, the Three Capes Track on the Tasman Peninsula highlights the island's dramatic coastal scenery. This relatively new 48-kilometer track has quickly become one of Australia's premier walking experiences.

The journey begins with a boat cruise from Port Arthur, providing close-up views of the peninsula's towering sea cliffs before landing at Denmans Cove. From there, the well-constructed track winds along the coastline, offering breathtaking vistas of the Southern Ocean and the three capes after which the track is named: Cape Pillar, Cape Hauy, and Cape Raoul (though the current track only visits the first two).

What makes this track unique is its focus on storytelling and comfort. Along the route, you'll find thoughtfully placed seats at scenic viewpoints, each with a story plaque that relates to the surrounding environment. The purpose-built cabins are architecturally designed to blend into the environment while providing comfortable shelter.

The highlight for many is the vertiginous clifftop sections near Cape Pillar, where walkers can stand on the aptly named "The Blade" with 300-meter sea cliffs dropping away on three sides. The track also visits Cape Hauy, home to the famous Totem Pole sea stack, a needle-like rock formation that attracts daring rock climbers from around the world.

Freycinet Peninsula Circuit

Tasmania's east coast offers a dramatically different landscape from the west, with drier conditions, pink granite mountains, and white sandy beaches. The Freycinet Peninsula Circuit is a 30-kilometer loop that showcases these features, including the world-famous Wineglass Bay.

Typically completed over two or three days, this track circles the peninsula, combining coastal walking with mountain traverses. The overnight stops at Hazards Beach and Wineglass Bay provide opportunities for swimming and wildlife watching, with the clear waters often visited by dolphins and seals.

For day walkers, the shorter Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit (11km) offers a taste of the peninsula's highlights, including the iconic view from the Wineglass Bay Lookout.

The Western Wilds: Remote Wilderness Experiences

Tasmania's west coast and southwest are home to some of Australia's most remote and challenging wilderness areas. These tracks are suitable only for experienced hikers with advanced navigation skills and proper equipment.

The Western Arthurs Traverse

Considered one of Australia's most difficult and spectacular multi-day hikes, this 65-kilometer route through the jagged Western Arthur Range takes experienced hikers 6-8 days to complete. The route involves technical sections, exposed ridgelines, and rapidly changing weather conditions but rewards participants with pristine alpine lakes, breathtaking mountain vistas, and a true wilderness experience.

South Coast Track

This challenging 85-kilometer, 6-8 day trek through the Southwest National Park runs from Melaleuca to Cockle Creek, traversing one of Australia's most remote coastlines. With no road access to the starting point, hikers must fly into Melaleuca on a small plane. The track crosses button grass plains, mountain ranges, and pristine beaches, offering a genuine wilderness experience with minimal facilities.

Essential Planning Information

Tasmania's wilderness areas require careful preparation, regardless of which trails you choose to explore:

Weather Considerations

Tasmania's weather is notoriously changeable, even in summer. The western and mountain regions can experience snow at any time of year, and conditions can shift rapidly from sunny and warm to cold, wet, and windy. Always pack layers of clothing, including waterproof outer layers, and check weather forecasts immediately before setting out.

Equipment and Preparation

For multi-day walks, you'll need a reliable backpack, tent (unless staying in huts), sleeping bag rated for cold conditions, cooking equipment, first aid kit, and emergency communications device. Even in summer, thermal layers and waterproof gear are essential. For navigation, carry topographic maps and a compass, and know how to use them, as phone reception is limited or non-existent in many wilderness areas.

Safety Precautions

Always register your hiking plans with Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service by completing a trip intention form at visitor centers. For remote hikes, consider carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). Be prepared for isolation – many tracks have no cell phone coverage, and help may be hours or even days away in an emergency.

Environmental Responsibility

Tasmania's wilderness areas remain pristine thanks to careful management and responsible visitors. Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all waste, stay on marked tracks to prevent erosion and plant damage, don't feed wildlife, and use minimal-impact camping techniques.

Guided Tour Options

If you're new to hiking or prefer a guided experience, numerous companies offer professionally led walking tours in Tasmania. These range from luxury experiences with comfortable accommodation and gourmet dining to more basic guided treks using the public hut systems. Popular options include:

• Tasmanian Walking Company: Offers premium guided experiences on the Overland Track and Three Capes Track with private eco-lodges
• Tasmanian Expeditions: Provides a range of guided adventures from moderate to challenging
• Tasmanian Hikes: Specializes in small group experiences with local guides

Guided tours typically include transportation to and from trailheads, experienced leaders familiar with the area's natural and cultural history, and most meals. For popular tracks like the Overland and Three Capes, guided tours often need to be booked 6-12 months in advance during peak season.

When to Go

The peak hiking season in Tasmania runs from November to April, when days are longer and temperatures milder. January and February typically offer the warmest and driest conditions, though this is also when trails are busiest.

The shoulder seasons (November-December and March-April) can be excellent times to hike, with fewer crowds and the chance to see spectacular seasonal displays – spring wildflowers or autumn colors in the deciduous beech forests.

Winter hiking (June-August) is possible for experienced adventurers with proper equipment, and the snow-covered landscapes can be breathtakingly beautiful. However, shorter daylight hours, freezing temperatures, and higher precipitation make this a challenging time that requires advance planning and winter hiking experience.

Tasmania's wild landscapes offer some of Australia's most rewarding hiking experiences, from accessible day walks to challenging multi-day wilderness adventures. With proper preparation and a respect for the sometimes harsh conditions, trekking in Tasmania provides unforgettable experiences in one of the world's last great temperate wilderness areas. Whether you're standing atop a windswept mountain peak, walking through a mist-shrouded rainforest, or gazing out across rugged sea cliffs, Tasmania's trails connect you with a landscape that remains fundamentally wild and profoundly beautiful.