The five best walking trails in Tasmania
Australia’s scenic island state of Tasmania is home to more than 1,700 miles of glorious walking trails, spanning diverse wildernesses and 19 national parks. We’ve handpicked five unmissable walking routes across this epic natural playground.
About the size of Ireland, some 40% of Tasmania is fiercely protected as national parks and reserves.
At the world’s edge is a small island where wilderness still rules. Tasmania is a walker’s wonderland — think Tassie devils, gnarled Huon pines whispering 2,000-year-old tales and the planet’s cleanest air buffeting in on Roaring Forties winds. Look south, and next stop is Antarctica. About the size of Ireland, some 40% of Tasmania is fiercely protected as national parks and reserves. So, pull on a pair of Blundstone boots (affectionately known in Australia as ‘Blunnies’) and start exploring this wild frontier.
1. Dove Lake Lap
In the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area sits Cradle Mountain in all its craggy, majestic glory. For a four-mile loop beneath Cradle, take the Dove Lake Circuit. This relatively flat track dips into the Forest Ballroom with its rainforest scents and skirts out to lofty outcrops. You’ll understand why Gustav Weindorfer stood on the mountain in 1910 and proclaimed, “This must be a national park for the people for all time.” Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park can morph into a snowy wonderland at times, so be sure to layer up.
Walk it wearing: The Original #500s. These lightweight leather boots are ideal for comfort that lasts all day.
2. The Gorge, Launceston
The Gorge is Launceston’s natural sanctuary. Step inside and you’re enveloped in a pocket of wilderness where locals have swum, walked and picnicked for generations. A network of trails weave through the reserve, passing rock climbing walls and well-manicured lawns. Those with a penchant for the past can take a four-mile return walk to Duck Reach, one of the world’s first hydroelectric power stations or hop on the old-school 1970s chairlift. It’s said to be the world’s longest single-span chairlift.
Walk it wearing: The Original Shoes — these innovative shoes are great for urban explorers.
3. Three Falls Circuit
Mount Field National Park is one of Tassie’s oldest parks. Located about 40 miles north west of Hobart, it’s a great day trip option. The glaciated landscape is home to platypus, pounding waterfalls, ancient pandani plants and giant swamp gums, named because they’re the world’s tallest flowering plant. The Three Falls Circuit takes in these mighty giants as well as Russell, Horseshoe and Lady Barron Falls across a four-mile undulating circuit.
Walk it wearing: The waterproof Thermal series — the perfect boot for a shot beneath Russell Falls, which featured on Australia’s first postage stamp.
Located in Freycinet National Park on the island's east coast, Wineglass Bay weaves through almost two miles of granite boulders.
4. Wineglass Bay
Wake in the dark for this one — you’ll want to be standing atop Wineglass Bay Lookout to meet sunrise. Located in Freycinet National Park on the East Coast, this steep climb weaves through almost two miles of granite boulders (1.5 hours). Your reward? Morning light splashing across Wineglass Bay, which rates among the world’s top beaches time and again for its postcard-worthy good looks. For the energetic, continue on down to the bay, and pull off those Blunnies to feel the soft white sand between your toes.
Walk it wearing: The Classics with XRD® technology — they're great for absorbing the impact of walking.
5. The Springs to Pinnacle Loop
Few of the world’s capitals have a mountaintop just 30 minutes from their centre. The imposing kunanyi/Mount Wellington is an ever-present godfather watching over Hobart, rising 4,170ft above the harbour. Set aside a day for this high-altitude loop walk. Start at The Springs car park, but first wrap your mitts around a hot drink from Lost Freight Cafe, a sweet little shipping container outpost. The five-mile trek is a heart-pumping climb, punctuated with views across the city and beyond to offshore islands. Wrap up for the exposed plateau, dotted with cushion plants and wind-bent snow gums. Along the way, drop into the remains of ice houses, which were built in the 1800s, and pause to remember early English free settlers like John and Eliza Blundstone. They arrived in Hobart back in 1855 and founded the global footwear icon 15 years later.
Walk it wearing: The 150th Anniversary Boot in rich auburn, inspired by the earthy tones of Tasmania.
For more information, visit blundstone.co.uk
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