Six incredible Tasmanian walking trails to escape the city from

Taking approximately six days to trek, the Overland Track is one of the most famous and best walking trails in Tasmania. Starting at Cradle Mountain and finishing in Lake St Clair, you’ll be walking amid Australia’s most pristine alpine region. Along the way you’ll also have the chance to summit Mount Ossa, which is Tasmania’s highest mountain. If you’re an experienced hiker looking for your next challenge, then this is the trail for you.

The Wineglass Bay Circuit is an opportunity to see Tasmania’s most photographed spot, Wineglass Bay, by foot. Consisting of a 4-5 hour circuit, the trail begins with a climb to the Wineglass Bay Lookout. At the look out you’ll be able to look down on the white sands and rolling tides before descending towards the beach itself before looping back through the coastal heathland of Hazards Beach. This is a moderate day walk where you can make a pit stop to swim at the famous beach before looping back around.

If you’re looking to start tackling multi-day hikes, then The Three Capes Track is a good place to start. This trek is a 4-day, 3-night coastal walk that takes you along the cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula. The trail is well-maintained and has hut accommodation along the way which makes it an attractive walk for even beginner hikers. Along the way you’ll get unparalleled views of Cape Pillar, Cape Hauy and the iconic Blade.

If a gruelling multi-day hike isn’t your speed, there are plenty of smaller, more accessible walks that will still take you through Tasmania’s gorgeous natural landscapes. For an easy and family-friendly walk, the trail to Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls in Mount Field National Park is perfect. Taking about an hour to complete the loop, this walk is short and gentle as you trek through Mt. Field National Park’s stunning rainforest. The highlight of the walk culminates at Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls before turning around and looping back through the rainforest.

The Mount Amos hike in Freycinet National Park is a short, yet challenging walk with a big reward at the end. This steep and rocky climb will take you to the summit of Mount Amos where you’ll get awe-inspiring views over Wineglass Bay and the Tasmanian coastline. Though the hike is short, it’s best suited for experienced hikers due to its tough incline and sections that require rock scrambling. This walk takes an hour and a half to reach the summit, but you won’t want to rush once you’re at the top. It’s recommended you pack a picnic basket or a blanket to sit and soak in the sights from the summit.

The Tarn Shelf Circuit in Mount Field National Park is a stunning alpine walk that takes you through a landscape of glacial tarns, ancient pencil pines, and colourful alpine vegetation. The trail starts at Lake Dobson and climbs up to the Tarn Shelf, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This walk is particularly beautiful in autumn when the deciduous beech trees turn a brilliant orange and red, creating a spectacular contrast against the deep blue of the tarns.