There are hikes, and then there are HIKES. Being more of a lowercase hiker I am often intrigued by the (uppercase) HIKERS that take on the big ones. The ones that might require an unplanned helicopter, present a risk of frostbite or even result in a prime-time news segment. These 5 best hikes in Tasmania are all spectacular, but they will have you back in your comfortable, cozy accommodation before nightfall. The degree of difficulty varies and it’s important to keep in mind that weather conditions in Tasmania can change quickly. Be prepared and let someone know where you are going and when you will return.
1. Organ Pipes Circuit, Wellington Park
Length: 9km
Time: 4hr
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Picturesque takes on new meaning when you take in the towering, column cliffs of the Organ Pipes of Mt Wellington. After an initial climb the trail is mostly flat offering magnificent views of Hobart and the Derwent River below. Take a look at the historic huts en-route and during summer the red waratahs are stunning. Book your accommodation on Search and Stay and stay in Hobart for easy access to Wellington Park. There is a multitude of holiday apartments and homes suitable for couples, families and groups. Greater Hobart Trails gives you all the information you need to prepare for the trail.
2. Wineglass Bay/Hazards Beach Circuit, Freycinet National Park
Length: 11km
Time: 4.5hr
Difficulty: Moderate
Tip: If you are looking for a shorter walk take the Wineglass Bay Walk and return the same way. Return is two-and-a-half hours.
This stunning walk provides you with one of the most celebrated views overlooking the white sands of Wineglass Bay. Connect with the Hazards Beach Circuit for an additional 5km beach walk that will have you at one with nature before you know it. The circuit walk returns you to the carpark where you started. A couple of steep inclines put this walk in the moderate category but otherwise it is an easy, but jaw-dropping, picturesque walk.
Nearby towns of Bicheno, Swansea or Freycinet offer quality holiday accommodation so check out Search and Stay, they're a short drive from Freycinet National Park. Be sure to check out the penguins when in Binecho too.
3. Lady Barron Falls Circuit, Mount Field National Park
Length: 6km
Time: 2hr
Difficulty: Easy
You get a lot in return for your efforts on this hike. Located in Tasmania’s oldest National Park, it takes in Russel Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Lady Barron Falls. You will pass through the tall swamp gums, some of the tallest trees in Australia. Stop and use the clinometer to calculate the height of the trees and keep your eye out for local wildlife.
Great accommodation options are at nearby Hamilton and Maydena book your holiday rental on Search and Stay or Hobart is only a one-and-a-half-hour drive away.
4. South Cape Bay, South-West National Park
Length: 16km
Time: 4-5hr
Difficulty: Moderate
This spectacular walk starts from Australia’s southern-most road. You will pass through marshlands (on the boardwalk) and forest, emerging on the rocky outcrops above the Southern Ocean. The walk starts near historic Cockle Creek, a places tunning natural beauty with an intriguing past. Dover, 35 kilometres to the north, has holiday accommodation ranging from exclusive hideaways to charming country cottages.
Tip: Take a picnic and enjoy lunch on the ocean cliffs overlooking the Southern Ocean.
5. Dove Lake Circuit, Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park
Length: 6km
Time: 2hr
Difficulty: Easy
This is one of Tasmania’s premier walking tracks and with good reason. It is mind-boggling stunning, taking you around Dove Lake, underneath the towering spires of Cradle Mountain. Features include Glacier Rock, the Ballroom Forest and the Boatshed. The Sheffield area has holiday accommodation about an hour from Lake St Clair National Park. Devonport, one and a half hours to the north, is also a popular option for day hikers wanting access to restaurants and services.
Tip: The track gets busy, so early mornings are a good option during peak periods.
Tassie can be a little like a toddler - changeable and unpredictable. Be prepared and ensure you take these must-haves even on even a short hike.
· Hat
· Water (Camelpaks or similar are great)
· Raincoat
· Comfortable walking shoes
· Sunscreen
· Lighter (you just never know when it will come in handy)
· Energy snacks
The 60 Great Short Walks App is a great source for more hiking inspiration.
Tasmania and hiking are the perfect match with countless options at varying levels. But these top 5 are guaranteed to give you something spectacular as well as get you back to your comfy accommodation with your feet up, telling stories of your exercising feats by the time the sunsets.
