Tasmania’s natural trail mix
Australia’s island state has a bit of everything, just like a bag of trail mix.
More than 40 per cent of Tasmania’s wilderness is in national parks, reserves and conservation areas, so the best way to appreciate it is to slip on your comfiest hiking boots, load up your backpack, scoff a handful of trail mix and take it in your stride.
Where to start? There are more than 800 registered walks and 2800km of walking tracks in Tasmania. This means you can walk the circumference of the island twice over. With so many walking tracks to choose from, we’ve selected three offering a range of terrains and experiences.
Russell Falls, Mount Field National Park
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: About 30 minutes
- Round-trip: 1.5km
Russell Falls (pictured above) is the most photographed waterfall in Tasmania and, once you’re here, it’s easy to see why. The year-round curtain of water emerges from high above against a backdrop of forest. It then cascades over deep green moss and fern-covered rocky ledges, before continuing its journey along a riverbed of stones worn smooth by the rushing water.
On the way, look out for elusive platypus, and be dwarfed by towering flowering swamp gums among the other cool temperature forest plants.
Incredibly, this breathtaking spectacle isn’t reserved exclusively for experienced hikers. To reach Tasmania’s favourite waterfall, the terrain is flat, and there’s a well-made path with no steps or steep sections. The path is wheelchair and pram accessible.
Wineglass Bay Lookout, Freycinet National Park
- Difficulty: Medium
- Duration: About two hours
- Round-trip: 2.6km
Take this steep trail and you’ll be rewarded with one of Tasmania’s most celebrated and famous views. See the pristine, crystal-clear water nestled within the embrace of a white crescent beach. Coastal woodland stretches right to the sand, with pops of pink granite boulders providing contrast. During the right season, you may see whales and dolphins from the elevated viewpoint.
Make sure you fill your water bottle at the visitor centre before beginning your ascent. The path can be rocky with uneven steps, but there are plenty of rest spots where you can admire the ever-changing views along the way.
Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Duration: About three hours
- Round-trip: 6km
The majestic Cradle Mountain in the distance looms over Dove Lake, with an undulating path circumnavigating the water and taking you past the base of the mountain.
Traverse a range of landscapes on the way, from canopies of intertwined moss-laden pine branches to sweeping expanses of golden button grass. Be on the lookout for wallabies, mousey-faced pademelons, echidnas and, if you’re lucky, the occasional wombat grazing near the lake. As you return to the start of the trail, pass the historic Dove Lake Boatshed and be rewarded with the classic Cradle Mountain scene. The path is at times rocky and steep, with lots of steps up and down, making it perfect for those seeking a challenge.
Looking for something a little less challenging without missing out on this beautiful wilderness? Try the Enchanted Walk instead. This 20-minute, 1.1km circuit through magical forest and past a babbling creek, is straight out of a fairytale.
Next steps
For your own taste of Tasmania’s natural highlights, let Outback Spirit’s Tasmanian Wilderness Explorer Tour take you there.
All meals, attractions and entry fees are included during your 12-day expedition, including an exclusive scenic flight to take in a bird’s eye view of Wineglass Bay after you’ve seen it on the ground.
Put your feet up and let Outback Spirit’s knowledgeable guides lead the way as you venture through the best Tasmania has to offer.