You'll love these top Tassie day walks!

Tasmania is a day-walker’s dream, with rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, ancient forests, alpine peaks and spectacular waterfalls.

Many trails offer unforgettable wilderness experiences without the need for an overnight stay. With abundant wildlife, clean air and ever-changing scenery, there’s a walk for every ability. Here are four of our favourite Tassie day walks.

Cradle Mountain Circuit, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair NP
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is best known as the home of Tasmania’s iconic Overland Track (see pg), but as one of the largest and most spectacular parts of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, there is far more to explore. On a clear day, Cradle Mountain dominates the skyline, its jagged rocky ridges creating one of Tasmania’s most recognisable mountain landscapes.
This challenging circuit begins beside picturesque Dove Lake before tackling the steep Face Track. Chains have been installed on some of the steeper sections to assist with the climb, and the trail eventually emerges onto the exposed alpine plateau. From here, the Cradle Mountain Summit Track becomes even more demanding as the path quickly transforms into a vast boulder field. Metal stakes mark the route between the rocks, so careful footwork is essential.
The summit can feel like another world when the weather is clear, with enormous views stretching across the surrounding wilderness. But don’t be disappointed if clouds roll in. Mist swirling around the stone spires and rocky pinnacles can make the final ascent feel mysterious, atmospheric and almost otherworldly.
Rather than simply retracing your steps, extend the adventure on the return journey via Marions Lookout. It can be busy, but the views are impressive. Continue past peaceful Wombat Pool and beautiful Lake Lilla before completing the circuit back at Dove Lake, a rewarding way to experience some of the park’s best scenery in a single day.
11.3 km/4hr
Elevation: 752m
Type: Loop

Archers Knob-Springlawn Circuit, Narawntapu NP
Narawntapu National Park on Tasmania’s central north coast is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking half a century since it was first declared a State Reserve as the Asbestos Range in June 1976. Today, the park protects a wonderfully diverse landscape of sweeping beaches, dramatic coastal scenery, open grasslands, coastal heath, paperbark forests and rugged mountains. This easy, well-maintained walk is one of the best ways to experience the park’s highlights and makes a beautiful, quieter alternative to the much busier Wineglass Bay in Tasmania’s south.
Start by exploring the bird hide before following the trail through paperbark forest, where pademelons and wallabies are frequent companions. The track then climbs gradually via a series of well-graded switchbacks towards Archers Knob, where the reward is a spectacular panorama across the coastline, lagoons and surrounding countryside.
At the summit, a small loop winds through flowering shrubs and grass trees, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the views. On the return journey, make sure you take the time to explore Springlawn. This expansive, unmarked grassland is often filled with macropods and is free to roam as you make your way back towards the visitor centre. Just keep the dense vegetation of the lagoon on your right – and watch where you step. With so many kangaroos around, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter plenty of their calling cards!
8.6 km/2.5hr
Elevation: 142m
Type: Loop

Bishop and Clerk via Fossil Cliffs, Maria Island
Maria Island is one of Tasmania’s most fascinating destinations, combining spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and a remarkable window into the state’s convict past. Scattered across the island are the remains of buildings and other facilities used by convicts during the 1800s, while history buffs can even spend the night in the former penitentiary.
No visit is complete without exploring the striking sandstone formations of the Painted Cliffs and the fascinating Fossil Cliffs. The island is also a wildlife haven, with wombats, Cape Barren geese and wallabies regularly encountered along the tracks. If you’re particularly lucky, you might even spot one of Tasmania’s elusive devils.
For adventurous walkers, however, the highlight is the challenging climb to the summit of Bishop and Clerk. The trail begins relatively gently before steepening as it approaches the mountain. Along the way, a short detour to the Fossil Cliffs provides an opportunity to examine marine fossils embedded in the limestone – a reminder that this landscape has an extraordinary geological history.
From here, the walking gets considerably tougher. The track winds upwards through a series of switchbacks before eventually giving way to boulder fields. The final scramble requires care, particularly on uneven and exposed sections, but the effort is well worthwhile. From the summit, spectacular panoramic views stretch across Maria Island, the surrounding coastline and the sparkling waters of Mercury Passage.
13km/3.5 hr
Elevation: 666m
Type: Loop

Hartz Peak, Hartz Mountains NP
Hartz Mountains National Park, near Tasmania’s Huon Valley, is a spectacular alpine wilderness and part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The park’s craggy dolerite peaks rise dramatically from broad plateaus, while alpine lakes, tarns and ponds are scattered among carpets of delicate cushion plants and rugged boulder fields.
At 1255m, Hartz Peak is the highest point in the park and makes for a rewarding, if occasionally challenging, walk. On a clear day, the summit provides magnificent views across the Huon Valley and surrounding mountains, although Tasmania’s famously changeable weather can quickly turn the outlook into cloud and mist.The track to the summit offers plenty to see along the way, so don’t rush. Short side-trails lead to Lake Esperance and Ladies Tarn, both worthwhile detours that showcase the park’s beautiful alpine landscapes. From here, the trail climbs gradually through open marshland, alternating between rocky sections and boardwalks designed to protect the fragile alpine vegetation.
The going becomes more demanding as the track steepens, with several rocky scrambles leading to a broad plateau. Enjoy the brief respite as you cross this relatively level section, because the final push to Hartz Peak is steep, rocky and exposed. At the summit, a couple of rocky shelters provide some protection, which can be very welcome when the notorious alpine winds start blowing.
8km/2hr
Elevation: 459m
Type: Out and back

For more top Tassie day walks great a copy of the latest issue of Great Walks!