Tasmania’s top three self-guided, multi-day walks

Tasmania's Three Capes Walk.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a just dipping your toes in, Tasmania has something to entice everyone on to the trails.  Here’s our guide to the top three self-guided, multi-day hikes on the beautiful apple isle.

Freycinet Peninsula - 2 to 3 days

The east coast of Tasmania is a tourist hot spot offering beautiful coastline, vineyards, eucalypt forest and granite ranges.  You can easily spend a day or two exploring Coles Bay and Friendly Beach but why not take a tent, backpack and hike the Freycinet loop over 2-3 days.  Details of a suggested itinerary can be found here.

You’ll start your epic journey from Wineglass bay in the direction of Hazards beach passing through dry sclerophyll forest and down to the beach which is a great spot to break for lunch.  After lunch, you’ll continue on to Cooks Beach where you’ll camp for the night amongst the she-oaks. Watch the sunset whilst cooling off with an afternoon dip or paddle.

After a restful night, and time permitting, you could opt for a much shorter day with a 6.8km return walk.  Larger packs can be left behind as you’ll return to the same spot. Heading out on the Bryans Beach track you’ll walk through tall mixed eucalypts and open heathland of bush pea, thrytomene and other flowering plants. You may be lucky enough to see eastern spine bills and green parrots in this area. This area is great for orchid spotting and 83 species have been recorded so far in the park.  As you descend to Bryans Beach, you’ll find another stunning crescent bay of high silica white sand. Walk the length of the beach and observe the oyster and scallop shells exposed in the treed, compacted sand at the edge of the beach which tell of millennia of winter gatherings of the Toorernomairremener people, part of the Oyster bay mob of First Nations people. After a rest and/or swim, retrace your steps back to Cooks beach for night two.

Day three is challenging as it encompasses the 620m climb to the summit of Mount Freycinet. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views on a clear day. The good news is that large packs can be left at the saddle so you’re only climbing with a day pack.  Another climb awaits as you’ll descend and ascend Mt Graham. This is less challenging with plenty of time to take in the views and catch your breath.  As you walk down to the breathtaking Wineglass Bay, you’ll be thinking of the crystal clear water and pure white sands that awaits where you can ditch your boots and take a refreshing dip.  The campsite at the end of Wineglass Bay beach is a welcome spot to pitch your tent and rest for the night.

The final day is an easy 5km but if you rise early to beat the crowds you can make your way to the Wineglass Bay lookout to bag the best photos before the crowds arrive.  If you’ve still got energy, ditch your pack and take the Mt Amos trail. This short but challenging climb is an absolute must to end your experience of the best walking the east coast has to offer.

Walls of Jerusalem - Choose your own adventure: 2 to 4 days, or longer

Delorite peaks, ancient pencil pine groves, Tasmania’s highland country has it all.

The Walls of Jerusalem is a beginner’s favourite because there are opportunities to base yourselves at one of the camps for a day or two and simply do day hikes.  Or you can opt for a multi-day walk, carrying your pack.

On arrival at the National Park, your first day is a 6.1km walk but it is not for the faint hearted as it involved a steep ascent of 600m to Trappers Hut and the alpine plateau.  The walk is easier after you leave Trappers Hut for a further 3km to the first night’s campground. There are camping platforms, toilets and running water.

On Day 2, you’ll walk to Dixons Kingdom where you’ll see the Central Walls. Surrounded by dolerite mountains, you’ll pass tranquil lakes and tarns.  There are a few optional detours along the way; Once you’ve arrived at the campground, there an opportunity to take another side trip to Mt Jerusalem which is well worth it. The journey will take 1 to 1.5 hours each way and is medium grade.  Return to the campsite to cook dinner and set up your tent for the night.

Day 3 is a short walk of 4.6km which takes about 3 hours during which you’ll make your way to Lake Adelaide via the north shore of Lake Ball. Follow the well-marked track through Richea scopraria heathland, crossing areas of scree and exposed myrtle roots. Be sure to watch your step! The campground is located 300m north of Lake Adelaide and a grassed area for tents and a toilet.

On the last day, you’ll depart Lake Adelaide, heading north along the Junction Lake Track towards the historic Trappers Hut.  The track crosses scenic valleys and alpine plains interspersed with cushion plants and pristine tarns, for an easy final day's walk.  Once the main track to Wild Dog Creek is reached, follow the signs and head north to begin the steep downhill return to the main carpark via Trappers Hut. 

Three Capes – 3 to 6 days

There are many local companies taking organised treks of the world famous Three Capes Track, and you can pay a hefty fee for the experience.  However it is possible to hike a version of this multi-day walk on a budget. In fact, this unofficial multi-day walk covers beautiful coastline with breathtaking views and it will only cost you a few nights’ camping fees.  One caveat is that you do need two cars as you’ll drive to Fortescue Bay where you’ll leave a car and then travel in another vehicle to the start of the walk.

Your adventure starts at Waterfall Bay on the Tasman Peninsula. As you drive down to Eaglehawk Neck, you’ll marvel at the sweeping white beaches.  Make sure you make time to stop at Cubed Espresso Bar for coffee with the best view in Tasmania!!

Drive to Fortescue Bay, park one of your cars then drive the other to the start of the walk at the end of Waterfall Bay road.  You’ll pass through some beautiful forest, crossing creeks and marvelling at the moss and lichen covered vegetation.  You’ll climb upwards for some breathtaking views and stop for a well earned morning tea.  The walk continues on and can choose to walk all the way to Fortescue Bay or if getting tired, you can stop at Bivouac Bay where there are tent platforms and a toilet.  The first days is between 4-6 hours of walking.

Day 2

Take some time to explore Bivouac Bay, have a relaxing breakfast and start your short 5.3km (approximately 2 hour) walk to Fortescue Bay.  Take advantage of the beautiful beach, well equipped campground with hot showers.  Have a swim and get some rest.

Day 3

Pack up your camp and depart paradise for Bare Knoll campground.  This 8km walk will take you about 3 hours so there’s no need to head off too early. The scenery is very different and you may encounter lots of native wildlife.  Be sure to check at the Parks office what the water levels are like at Bare Knoll and if they are low, you can detour to Wughalee Falls and refill water.  Bare Knoll campground is well set up with raised platforms to pitch a tent.  Try to get an early night as day 4 is a big walking day!

Day 4

As you’ll be returning to Bare Knoll for the night, leave your tent pitched with your large pack inside and walk with the day pack. Today’s hike will take you to the highest vertical sea cliffs in Tasmania and they’re spectacular. Before reaching the end, there’s a little sidetrack to ‘The Blade’ which is well worth it if you have the time and energy. After reaching the end and many photos later, retrace your steps back to your tent for a well-earned rest.

Day 5

On the final day, you can choose to have an easy walk back to Fortescue Bay or you can opt to walk to Cape Huay return.  This walk has lots of steps but you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views on the peninsula.  It’s a good day’s walk at about 16km return.  You can leave your big pack at a certain point on the track to reduce weight as you’ll be returning the same way.  As you descend back down to Fortescue Bay, celebrate your achievement! We recommend rewarding yourself by spending another night at Fortescue Bay so that you can have a swim, a hot shower and then depart early on day 6 back to your car.