With 1.5 million hectares of Wilderness World Heritage Area, there’s no doubt that the island state is the hiking capital of Australia – these are the best multi day hikes Tasmania has to offer.

 

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Explore beyond the crowded tourist stops with a multi-day hike that takes you deep into Tasmania’s rugged mountain ranges, wild, raging rivers, and secluded white-sand beaches. The smallest state in Australia packs in a diverse range of National Parks that satisfy any thirst for adventure, not to mention the local craft breweries to keep you rehydrated after a long trip. 

Tasmania’s best seen at a slower pace; enjoy the stillness of the forest, make time for an icy cool swim in a gushing gorge and wander down that side-track missed by those racing to the end of the trail. The weather and track conditions in Tasmania are often more unpredictable than on the mainland, so take this into consideration by adding extra days to complete the hike than recommended.

A rock-scramble, boulder-hop and boggy crossing are often the norm and can result in a slower pace than a dirt or boardwalk track. Always be prepared to bunker down for a day or two by carrying extra food and turn around if conditions are too unsafe to continue.

Note: Permits are required for entry into all national parks in Tasmania and can be bought at park entry gates or on the Spirit of Tasmania on your way over.

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Beginner Hikes

Freycinet Circuit – Freycinet National Park

 

 

Traditional Land Owners: Toorernomairremener Clan of the Oyster Bay (Paredarerme) Nation
Duration: 2-3 days
Distance: 27km, circuit

 

When you arrive at the trailhead, don’t be turned off by the crowded carpark of people embarking on the day trip up Mount Amos. Once you set foot on the western side of the peninsula the crowds quickly disappear, leaving you to enjoy the soothing sounds of the ocean, with the occasional splash of dolphins in the distance.

This hike has to be walked in an anti-clockwise direction from the carpark, to minimise spread of the Phytophthora (root rot). This is the best direction in my opinion, leaving the ascent up Mount Amos for the grand finale on the last day of the hike.

The highlight of this trip is the campsites; with the beach at your front door enjoy sunrise from the comfort of your own bed. The possums on the peninsula are accustomed to visiting hikers, have a keen nose for snacks and are very good with zips, so make sure all your food is well stored; you’ve been warned! 

Read more: 3 Day Freycinet Peninsula Circuit

 

Three Capes Track – Tasman National Park

 

 

Traditional Land Owners: Pydairrerme Clan of the Oyster Bay (Paredarerme) Nation
Duration: 4 days
Distance: 48km, one-way

 

If you’ve never accomplished an overnight hike before, the Three Capes Track is the perfect place to start. You’ll start easy as it’s more of a ‘glamping’ experience – each night is spent in luxury at the environmentally-friendly cabins. Mattresses, gas cooktops, heating, deck chairs with spectacular coastal views and even reading material is supplied.

Whilst it does come at a price, the booking cost is worth it to experience the Capes Track in its entirety. Views of the towering coastal pillars are not for the faint-hearted – sneak a vertigo-inducing look down to the bottom of the cliffs to spot seals, dolphins and whales. 

Overland Track – Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

 

Highlights Of The Overland Track (VIC) By Emily Barlow, Photo Sarah Barlow, track, mountain, distance, hiker

Photo: Sarah Barlow

 

Traditional Land Owners: Big River Nation
Duration: 6 days
Distance: 65km, one-way

 

The most well-known hike on this list, and for good reason! The Overland Track crosses the length of the famous Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Past glacier-sculpted mountains, clear blue tarns, deep forest floors, and finishing with a ferry ride across the deepest lake in Australia, Lake St Clair, it’s a wild experience for any hiker.

With an obvious trail, hut shelter and camping platforms every night, the Overland is designed for overnight hikers progressing into multi-day adventurers. What really makes this trail special is the number of unique side-trips that are often missed by those in a hurry.

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@katealiice

Climbs to the summit of Barn Bluff, Mount Oakleigh and Tasmania’s highest mountain, Mount Ossa, are not to be missed! Bookings are essential during peak season, from the 1st of October until 31st of May, during this time the trail can only be walked in a southbound direction. In wintertime, this hike is only for the advanced, with unpredictable weather and a snow-covered trail. 

Intermediate

Frenchmans Cap – Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

 

Will We See the Peak? A Four Day Hike To Conquer Frenchmans Cap (TAS), Emily Barlow, photo by Sarah Barlow, Barron Pass, mountains, track, hike

Photo: Sarah Barlow

 

Traditional Land Owners: Lowreene Clan & Ninene Clan of the South West Nation
Duration: 3 days
Distance: 54km, return

 

Frenchmans Cap is the epitome of Tasmanian wilderness; jagged quartzite rock faces, deep blue lakes, suspension bridges over rushing rivers, enchanted forests and, of course, the well-known boggy ‘Sodden Lodden’ plain (recently averted with a beautiful new wooden boardwalk).

During the late spring and early summer beautiful flowers line the trail, including the Tasmanian Waratah, unique to the alpine forest environment in the southwestern area. With a brand-new hut at the base of Frenchmans Cap, you can sleep in warmth and comfort after the tough but worthwhile scramble to the peak.

Walls of Jerusalem Loop – Walls of Jerusalem National Park

 

 

Traditional Land Owners: Big River Nation
Duration: 2-3 days
Distance: 34km, circuit

 

With the only access into the park via foot, Walls of Jerusalem National Park is a tranquil alpine haven. As you walk up the steep hill into the national park, nothing can prepare you for your first sight of the huge towering walls of the dolerite peaks, mirrored in still tarn pools.

 

 

With names like Dixons Kingdom, The Temple, and Solomon’s Throne it’s easy to imagine you’re stepped into the pages of from mythological tale. Whilst all of this can be done in one day, you’ll be wanting to take your time to explore each and every corner of the park. With forgotten huts and pixel pine forests to visit, you may just never leave.

Mount Anne Overnight– Southwest National Park

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@katealiice

Traditional Land Owners: South West Nation
Duration: 2 days
Distance: 17km, return

 

Standing at the trailhead, the never-ending staircase ahead might make you question why you’ve come here. I guarantee the cliff-side campsite on ‘The Shelf’ will be worth every step. Once you start your ascent there are plenty of opportunities to catch your breath and gaze back at the incredible views of the surrounding lakes and mountain ranges.

Whilst most day hikers stop at the top of Eliza Plateau, continue over the flats, enjoying the easy terrain as you prepare yourself for the upcoming boulder hop to the summit of Mount Anne. For advanced hikers continue around for the full 34km four to five day circuit, but be prepared to return if ‘The Notch’ is impassable due to bad weather.

Advanced

South Coast Track – Southwest National Park

 

 

Traditional Land Owners: Lowreene Clan & Ninene Clan of the South West Nation
Duration: 6-9 days
Distance: 85km, one-way

 

Put aside any preconceived ideas of a coastal hike as the South Coast Track is no comparison. Crossing not one, but two mountain ranges during sections of treacherous coastline, the trail meanders through open button-grass plains, around rocky headlands, and drops you onto at the beach every so often. Did I mention the best way to get to the trailhead is by plane?

 

 

The South Coast Track starts in the isolated settlement of Melaleuca, home to the legendary Tasmanian hiker Denny King (a biography that’s a must-read for anyone embarking on this hike). For those who want to get lost in the wild for longer, the trail can be connected with the Port Davey Track at Melaleuca, extending into a +150km, 8-14 day thru-hike.

Western Arthurs Traverse – Southwest National Park

 

 

Traditional Land Owners: South West Nation
Duration: 7-9 days
Distance: 83km, circuit

 

With 250 rainy days a year in the south-west region of Tasmania, prepare for windy, wet conditions, rock scrambling up quartzite rock faces, descending down scree fields and the occasional ankle-deep muddy bog. Sound like fun? Be in the Western Arthurs on a clear day and you’ll feel like every Christmas has come at once!

 

 

Scenery that will rival the Alps; hanging valleys carved out by glaciers, jagged ridge-lines cutting through to the horizon, and the iconic view over Lake Oberon. Fill your mind with memories that will last a lifetime…or at least until you hike the Eastern Arthurs. 

Eastern Arthurs Traverse – Southwest National Park

 

 

Traditional Land Owners: South West Nation
Duration: 5-7 days
Distance: 65km, circuit

 

If the Western Arthurs Traverse didn’t scare you off, conquer its more exposed and steeper older brother, the Eastern Arthurs Traverse. Whilst the obvious highlight is the view from the highest peak in the Arthurs Range, Federation Peak, be prepared to leave the trail without bagging this summit, as a weather window is often hard to come by.

 

 

It’s a borderline mountaineering experience, with many guides recommending a harness and ropes carried for belaying packs and emergency use. Better yet, combine the Western and Eastern Arthurs Traverse into one epic 14-day trip for the adventure of a lifetime. 

 

 

@nsstacey

Hiking in Tasmania FAQs

What is the best walk in Tasmania?

Tasmania is such a great hiking destination there simply isn’t a ‘best walk in Tasmania’. Three Capes is one of the most popular walks due to its brilliant views and comfortable huts.

How long does it take to hike around Tasmania?

There are so many hiking destinations in Tasmania you could spend months completing them.

Feature photo by @nsstacey