Top 5 Day Hikes in Tasmania

Are your hiking feet itching for new trails with new scenes in wild, rugged landscapes? Tasmania is the place for you. Unlike its vast mainland, the island of Tasmania is a mix of jagged coastlines, mountainous vistas, and moody forests.

With around half a million residents, it's easy to find incredible isolated spots that make you feel like you're on the world's edge. There are 19 national parks spread across the island, with unique interest points at each one. Travellers from across the globe come to marvel at its natural beauty, and the best way to experience it is from the trails.

The southern state is home to a plethora of hiking trails, but we've simplified it to Tasmania's top five day hikes to make the most out of your caravan trip, seeing the best of the best.

1. Mt Amos, Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park sits on a peninsula jutting into the Tasman Sea on the state's east coast. The arm is peppered with walking trails and mesmerizing coastal viewpoints and is known for its white sandy beaches encircled by luscious mountains. The day hike to Mt Amos is your perfect storm to see the beloved Wineglass Bay.

You'll start from the car park at Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park and take a somewhat steep trail via granite boulders for around 90 minutes. As you climb, you'll be rewarded with views over the bay and get to explore incredible rock formations on the way up. Make sure to wear decent pair of trainers or hiking boots and bring a camera to snap a few photos from the top.

Where to stay?

Friendly Beaches camping is a free campsite (with a valid park pass) at Isaacs Point. It's first come, first served right along the beach, and you can stay up to 14 days. There is no freshwater onsite and only pit toilets.

Location: Freycinet National Park

Return time: 3 hours return

Difficulty scale: Experienced

Distance: 3.6km

2. Bishop and Clerk, Maria Island National Park

Experienced bushwalkers, this one is for you.

On the east coast lies Maria Island National Park, which offers incredible towering rock columns of dolerite. These remarkable rock formations are worth the big hike. The hike starts at the visitor’s centre, which you can access via ferry from Triabunna. Make sure to factor in the 45-minute one-way ferry ride and check the timetable to ensure the entire hike is doable. You can enjoy this car-free island from the visitor centre by following the trail markers to Bishop and Clerk. You'll follow the coast, passing Bishop and Fossil Bay via the open forest to reach the rewarding summit of 620m. Expect steep sections with a rock scramble to the exposed summit. The hike is not recommended on windy days.

Where to stay?

While tent camping is available on the island, you'll probably want to sleep in the comfort of your sweet van. Park up at Triabunna Cabin and Caravan Park, a 2-minute drive or 8-minute walk to the ferry port.

Location: Maria Island National Park

Return time: 4-5 hours return

Difficulty scale: Experienced

Distance: 11km

3. Cradle Mountain Summit, Lake St Clair National Park

Located in the central highlands region, the ethereal Lake St Clair National Park is home to Australia's deepest glacier lake. This eight-hour return day hike may seem lengthy and strenuous, but the views over mountains and multiple lakes are worth it. Start at Dove Lake car park and slowly climb to enjoy sweeping views. Fair warning, this track is not for the inexperienced. It consists of super steep points and bits of exposed rock scrambling. Choose a clear day to make sure you can see the magnificent vistas.

Where to stay?

Park up your campervan at Lake St Clair camping site, including a camp kitchen, toilets, hot showers, laundry facilities, and a cafe on site.

Location: Lake St Clair National Park

Return time: 8 hours return

Difficulty scale: Very experienced

Distance: 12.8km

4. Three Falls Circuit in Mount Field National Park

Keen to chase some waterfalls? Head to Mount Field National Park, located just 90 minutes northwest of Hobart. This luscious nature playground is full of trails, waterfalls, and alpine tarns. It is one of the island's oldest and most diverse parks and is a snowy paradise in the winter. It is also an autumn dreamland with native trees changing to delightful gold, orange, and red hues.

The Three Falls Circuit takes you to Tassie's most beloved waterfall, Russell Falls, Lady Barron, and Horseshoe Falls. The trail leads you through the dense, mossy forest bursting with native flora and fauna.

Where to stay?

Stay overnight at Mount Field National Park, camping for $10 (1 person), $16 (2 people) for unpowered sites, or $20pp for powered sites. It's a short walk to the visitor centre and has a communal cooking shelter, hot water, laundry, and a toilet/shower block.

Location: Mount Field National Park

Return time: 2-2.5 hours return

Difficulty scale: Moderately experienced

Distance: 6km

5. Eliza Plateau, Southwest National Park

Named where its located, Southwest National Park is a vast destination with numerous trails and unique vegetation. The Mount Anne circuit track is prevalent, but it has limited daily numbers. However, you can choose from a few different day hikes. We recommend Eliza Plateau, which brings you next to Mount Anne, the tallest peak in the region. It's a long day, but with low vegetation, you'll enjoy views the entire time. Choose an excellent weather window as the trail is exposed in some parts and requires extra care on the large boulders near the plateau. You'll see the Eastern and Western Arthur Ranges from the top, plus Lake Judd on this big day walk.

Where to stay?

This park has a few options for camping. Huon, Teds Beach, and Edgar campgrounds are all accessible for vans and include basic amenities, plus access to the nearby lakes and trails.

Location: Southwest National Park

Return time: 6-7 hours return

Difficulty scale: Experienced

Distance: 11km

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