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| South Cape Bay |
To help adventurers discover Tasmania’s best one-day walks, Tourism Tasmania has compiled its top picks, revealing some of the most remote and beautiful sites in a single day. For even more inspiration, Tasmania’s Parks & Wildlife Service has curated 60 Great Short Walks across the state, leading into National Parks, coastal communities, and alpine summits.
South
Cape Hauy (4 hours return, 9.4km, Grade 3) – A section of the Three Capes Track, this trail winds through wildflower-dotted bushland before opening onto dramatic sea cliffs of Tasman National Park. Spot marine life as it passes through to Antarctic waters.
Cape Queen Elizabeth Walk, Bruny Island (4 hours return, 13km, Grade 3) – Passing the Big Lagoon, this coastal walk leads to breathtaking views at Bligh Rocks across Moorina Bay. After the trek, sample Bruny’s local produce at stops like Get Shucked Oysters and Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Co.
Lake Esperance (1.5 - 2 hours return, 3.4km, Grade 3) – Nestled within Hartz Mountains National Park, this glacial lake reflects Tasmania’s alpine beauty. A boardwalk provides respite from the rugged terrain, offering panoramic views toward the southeast.
South Cape Bay (4 hours return, 15.4km, Grade 3) – Starting at Cockle Creek, Tasmania’s southernmost road, this trek leads to the untamed Southern Ocean, where cliffs meet the wild waves.
North
Meander Falls (4.5 - 6 hours return, 10km, Grade 4) – A challenging hike through the Great Western Tiers, winding alongside the Meander River before arriving at the 130m-high cascading falls.
Alpine Village to Little Hell (1.5 hours return, 5.5km, Grade 3) – Despite its name, this trail is heavenly in warmer months, with rolling wildflower meadows and summit views across to Stacks Bluff.
Liffey Falls (45 minutes return, 2km, Grade 2) – A short but stunning walk into the heart of the Great Western Tiers, passing four spectacular waterfalls within dense eucalypt forest.
East
Wineglass Bay to Hazards Beach (4-5 hours circuit, 11km, Grade 4) – A scenic loop beyond Wineglass Bay, featuring a remote white-sand shoreline and she-oak forests along Great Oyster Bay.
Apsley River Waterhole and Gorge (4-5 hours circuit, 5.6km - 7km, Grade 2-3) – A summertime favorite featuring swim-friendly waterholes and hidden plunge pools along Tasmania’s East Coast.
Bishop and Clerk, Maria Island (4-5 hours return, 11km, Grade 4) – One of Maria Island’s most rewarding hikes, offering panoramic views of the Tasman Sea and mainland Tasmania.
West/Northwest
Dove Lake (2-3 hours return, 6km, Grade 3) – Under the towering peak of Cradle Mountain, this glacial lake circuit winds through lush rainforest and offers picture-perfect vistas.
Mount Rufus (7-hour circuit, 19km, Grade 4) – A challenging trek up a lesser-known peak, rewarding hikers with expansive views over Lake St. Clair, Mt Olympus, and Frenchman’s Cap.
Hogarth Falls (40-50 minutes return, 2.4km, Grade 2) – A gentle rainforest walk in Strahan, with a chance to spot platypus near the cascading falls.
Discover Tasmania’s Hidden Trails
For those looking to escape the crowds, these one-day hikes offer a chance to experience Tasmania’s wild beauty without the need for multi-day trekking. Whether venturing along coastal cliffs, ancient forests, or alpine peaks, each trail provides a unique glimpse into the diverse landscapes of Australia’s island state.
To explore more, check out Tasmania’s Parks & Wildlife Service guide to 60 Great Short Walks, and uncover even more hidden gems across the island.

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