Tasmania is one of the least explored states in Australia, but it offers quite a lot. If you’re one of those people who love active holidays, hiking in Tasmania is the place for you, with incredible sights, you should most definitely consider visiting Tasmania at least once in your lifetime. There are 19 national parks throughout the state and all of them provide trekkers and adventurers with some of the most beautiful and exciting walking trails and hiking tracks.
We did some researching, and we’ve come up with this short guide through some of the most amazing locations every active holiday fan should visit in Tasmania. So, prepare your walking shoes, get those backpacks, sleeping bags, and tents ready, and let’s explore some of the most beautiful places in the world.
Freycinet National Park
Located on the eastern coast of Tasmania, Freycinet National Park features some of the most unique and beautiful coastal landscapes in the world. This long peninsula expands to the ocean, and if you want to reach its tip, you’ll have to walk the entire peninsula or use a boat. You can use your car to reach Coles Bay, and you can stock up there as well before you check out Wineglass Bay Lookout, Hazard Mountains, or Wineglass Bay Beach.
Freycinet National Park has quite a lot of things to see, but it’s probably more appealing to beach lovers. The Wineglass Bay Beach we mentioned earlier is one of the most photographed places in Tasmania, and for a reason. If you’re into camping, there is a basic campground on the far end of the beach, so you can set up your tent and equipment there. This park is also known for quite rich birdlife and amazing mountain peaks. There are several moderate hiking trails all over the park, so you can explore it fully. So, if you’re into hiking, but also love beaches – you should visit Freycinet National Park right away, as it’s open for visitors throughout the year.
Cradle Mountain – St. Clair National Park
One of the most popular places in Tasmania, and around the world for that matter, is most definitely the Overland Track. This part of Tasmania is considered a Wilderness World Heritage Area, and it offers some of the most iconic hiking trails and tracks. This national park is separated in two areas, Lake St. Clair, at the south, and Cradle Mountain at the north. There are a lot of visitor’s centres and attractions throughout the entire national park, but the Overland Track is the main attraction of Cradle Mountain – St. Clair National Park.
This six-day hike is quite challenging, and there are no facilities along the way, so if you’re planning on hiking – make sure you have everything you need for that time period, or otherwise, you might find yourself in trouble. There are numerous shorter and easier trails and tracks visitors can explore, but to really experience this part of Tasmania, you should complete the full track at least once in your lifetime. However, you will need to get a permit to visit and hike here, as this location is very popular all around the world, and there is a limit to a number of people allowed at the trail at the same time. Amazing sights, some of the best hiking trails, amazing wildlife and nature, and probably the best way to learn more about Tasmania, all of these things wait for you in Cradle Mountain – St. Clair National Park.
Tasman National Park
Located in southeastern Tasmania, very near to Hobart and Port Arthur, Tasman National Park features some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery you will ever have the chance to experience. The proximity of Hobart, the largest city in Tasmania, only improves the experience, as it’s filled with history and things to see and do. The national park itself is filled with an abundance of wildlife. You can see Australian fur seals, penguins, dolphins, but also swift parrots, sea eagles and wedge-tailed eagles throughout the park.
When it comes to hiking and walking, the beautiful Three Capes Walk track provides trekking enthusiast with some of the most stunning views in the world. This activity has to be planned ahead, as there is a limit to 48 hikers per day, in order to keep the sensitive balance of Tasman National Park. The track is 46 kilometres long, and it takes a few days to complete. It’s fairly moderate, with few more challenging parts, but the reward for going through is a memory for a lifetime. From 300 meters high cliffs to amazing wildlife; from cliff top outlooks on Cape Pillar, Cape Hauy and Cape Raoul to the drops of Mount Brown – Tasman National Park is probably the best place to start your hiking exploration of Tasmania.
These locations and hiking trails are just some of the many Tasmania have to offer. We’ve chosen these examples to show you how diverse this Australian state can get and we certainly hope you’ll consider visiting Tasmania after this article. All of these locations will provide you with a unique experience and with memories for life, so don’t waste any time, and start packing. Your Tasmanian hiking adventure waits.