The Best Tasmania hikes...

Day Hikes and Walks

Dove Lake Circuit

Dove Lake is a stunning glacially carved lake that sits directly beneath the famous Cradle Mountain. The gentle Dove Lake Circuit takes around 2-3 hours with amazing mountain views. This is one of the premier walks in Tasmania, it winds its way around Dove Lake, traverses beneath Cradle Mountain, then returns through magnificent rainforest to the starting point. Pack a picnic and ensure the camera batteries are charged! 

Time and distance: 6km (3.7mi) circuit, allow 2-3 hours. 

Difficulty: Easy - well-defined rock paths and boardwalks. 

How to get there: The Dove Lake Circuit starts from the Dove Lake car park, Cradle Mountain. Cradle Mountain is at the northern end of Cradle Mountain National Park. It is 1.5 hours drive from Devonport and 2.5 hours drive from Launceston. 

Experience the beauty of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake as part of our Luxury 10 Day Tasmania Self Drive itinerary 

Wineglass Bay Lookout
 

Wineglass Bay is the jewel in the crown of Freycinet National Park. With white sandy beaches, granite mountains, and native bush, the Freycinet Peninsula is well worth a visit. Whilst this walk is fairly short distance-wise, it is a steep uphill climb to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, so bring plenty of water and take rest stops along the way. The track is well maintained and from the lookout, you will have sweeping views over Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach below. If you have the time and the energy, why not continue down from the lookout to Wineglass Bay and dip your toes in the sparkling azure waters.  

Time and distance: 2.6km (1.6mi) return, allow 1.5 hours. (If continuing on down to the beach, allow 2.5 - 3.5 hours return.) 

Difficulty: Medium – the track is well graded but steep in parts and lots of stairs. 

How to get there: Wineglass Bay is in Freycinet National Park. The park is about 2 - 2.5 hours drive from either Launceston or Hobart. 

Tick off one of Tasmania’s most famous day hikes as part of our 10 Day Wonders of Tasmania Self Drive itinerary 

Mt Wellington summit – Zig Zag Track Lookout Loop 

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the city’s beloved mountain, kunanyi / Mt Wellington. Rich in wildlife and blanketed in forest, woodlands, and alpine environments, it is a natural playground for the people of Hobart. An extensive network of walking tracks are a great way of exploring the mountain, taking visitors past waterfalls, through fern glades and gullies, and opening up great views of Hobart. A favourite easy walk for locals and visitors alike is the Pinnacle to Zig Zag Track Lookout Loop. This short walk from the summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington across the plateau to a lookout will reward you with great views and a taste of Tasmania’s alpine environment.  

Time and distance: 1.4km (0.9mi) return, allow 45 minutes. 

Difficulty: Easy. Be aware that in winter (and even parts of autumn and spring) there can be snow present, so dress appropriately. 

How to get there: The summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington is 30 minutes drive from downtown Hobart. 

Soak up the sweeping views of Hobart as part of our 12 Day Complete Tasmania itinerary 

Multi-day Guided Hikes 

Read out full guide to Multi Day Hikes in Tasmania.

Bruny Island Long Weekend 

This award-winning Bruny Island walk takes you by private boat from the waterfront of Tasmania’s capital Hobart to Bruny Island. During your visit you will be treated to three days of coastal walks, produce directly from the source, luxury camping, and exquisite meals. 

What makes this walk so special is access to Bruny’s lesser-known gems. After traversing headlands where the next stop is Antarctica, visit a local oyster farm and shuck an oyster as pristine waters swirl about your ankles. Finally, retreat back to camp, built completely off-the-grid, with luxury in mind.  

Time and distance: 32km (20mi). This easy guided walk is spread out over three days and two nights. Accommodation and meals are included. 

Difficulty: Easy - Lodge-based day walks enables guests to walk at their own pace.

How to get there: The Bruny Island Long Weekend trip starts in Hobart, from there all transfers are taken care of for you. 

Indulge on this gourmet coastal hike on our 10 Day Tasmania and Bruny Island Escape itinerary

Three Capes Lodge Walk

Ready to walk the world’s edge? Journey along some of the world’s highest sea cliffs with The Three Capes Lodge Walk, the only fully guided Three Capes Track experience with accommodation inside Tasman National Park. The experience begins with the salty wind in your hair – a boat cruise across to Denman’s Cove. It’s then onward to Crescent Bay Lodge, sitting loftily with views across to Cape Raoul. Day two includes summiting Arthurs Peak and making your way to Cape Pillar Lodge, home for the next two nights. Perhaps a massage or relaxing bath while dinner is being prepared? Your pick for day three – an adventure through silver gum forest out to Cape Pillar and the infamous Blade or lazing the day away at the lodge.  

Time and distance: 48km (30mi). This moderate guided walk is spread out over four days and three nights, so you will need to be relatively fit and prepared for a multi-day hike. Accommodation and meals are included. 

Difficulty: Medium - suit any active and healthy person who exercises regularly and enjoys some hilly ascents. 

How to get there: The Three Capes Lodge Walk starts in Hobart, from there all transfers are taken care of for you. 

Re-connect with nature on this world-class guided hike on our 10 Day Tasmania and the Three Capes Walking Adventure itinerary 

Cradle Mountain Huts Walk – the world-famous Overland Track>

The Overland Track has to be one of the most well-known multi-day hikes in Australia. For the more intrepid, you can pack a tent and a week’s worth of food and head off into the wilderness to the beat of your own drum, but for those of us not quite ready to commit to the backcountry hiker lifestyle, never fear, there is a guided option to walk the Overland Track, with hut accommodation and meals included! Expert guides take the lead across this ancient landscape, converting to chefs come evening. At the end of each day, retreat to a hot shower, sumptuous meals, freshly baked bread, a glass of Tasmanian wine and a comfortable bed. This is the ultimate way to discover the rare beauty and diversity of Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain National Park.  

Time and distance: 65km (40 mi). This moderate guided walk is spread out over six days and five nights, so you will need to be relatively fit and prepared for a multi-day hike. Accommodation and meals are included. 

Difficulty: Medium - suit any active and healthy person who exercises regularly and enjoys some hilly ascents. The track is well maintained, and steep in parts. 

How to get there: The Cradle Mountain Huts Walk starts in Launceston, from there all transfers are taken care of for you. 

If time is on your side and you’re looking for adventure, add this six-day guided walk to any one of our Tasmania itineraries – our itineraries are fully customizable. We can recommend adding the Overland Track to our 8 Day Taste of Tasmania Self Drive itinerary, to turn your 8-day trip into an unforgettable two weeks.

Know before you go: A valid Parks Pass is required for entry to Tasmania’s national parks, we’re happy to point you in the right direction of how to buy one. We also recommend that if you’re interested in hiking in Tasmania, make sure to pack your hiking boots, comfortable clothes to hike in and a hat. You will also need sunscreen, insect repellent, a day pack, water bottle and of course your camera. 

Just do it!: Now that you are newly inspired to complete either a day walk or multi-day hike, we can help you with including one of Tasmania’s best hikes into your itinerary! Reach out to the friendly team at First Light Travel today to start organising your ultimate Tasmania hiking adventure.

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