13 Tasmanian hikes you can smash out in a day

Ready to hit the trail? No overnight gear required.

Tasmania is a hiker’s paradise, packed with trails that take you from alpine peaks to wild coastlines – all in a single day. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, summiting mountains or just looking for an easy-breezy stroll, these 13 hikes have got you covered. Lace up your boots, charge your camera and get ready to tackle Tasmania’s best day hikes.

1. Cape Hauy

4 hours return | 9.4 kilometres | Grade 3

Cape Hauy (part of the Three Capes Track), Turrakana Tasman Peninsula — This track delivers you to the edge of the world. (Image: Pierre Destribats)

Get a taste of the legendary Three Capes Track – one of Tasmania’s best hikes – on this heart-pumping hike through Tasman National Park. Wander past wildflowers and coastal heath before the track delivers you to the edge of the world – literally. Peer down at the towering sea cliffs and watch for seals and dolphins frolicking below.

2. Cape Queen Elizabeth Walk

4 hours return | 13 kilometres | Grade 3

Mars Bluff Cape Queen Elizabeth Track Bruny Island — This hike is packed with photo ops. (Image: Jess Bonde)

Sandy tracks, towering cliffs and that iconic Bruny Island Neck – this hike is packed with photo ops. Stop by Big Lagoon, take in the dramatic Bligh Rocks, and when you’re done, reward yourself with some of Bruny’s finest: fresh oysters from Get Shucked or a cheesy feast at Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Co.

3. Lake Esperance

1.5–2 hours return | 3.4 kilometres | Grade 3

Hidden in the heart of Hartz Mountains National Park, Lake Esperance is a glacial gem. The boardwalk keeps things easy while giving you access to breathtaking alpine scenery. Expect crisp mountain air and jaw-dropping views stretching across southeast Tasmania.

4. South Cape Bay

4 hours return | 15.4 kilometres | Grade 3

Great Short Walks South Cape Bay Beach — South Cape Bay is quite literally at the end of Australia’s most southerly road. (Image: Tourism Tasmania/Geoffrey Lea)

Drive as far south as the road will take you to Cockle Creek, then walk the rest of the way to the roaring Southern Ocean. This hike is all about contrasts: lush bushland, dramatic cliffs and a wild beach where the waves have travelled uninterrupted from Antarctica. It’s also home to one of the greatest campsites in Australia.

5. Meander Falls

4.5–6 hours return | 10 kilometres | Grade 4

Chasing waterfalls? This one’s a beauty. The track follows the Meander River through the dense forests of the Great Western Tiers before revealing a stunning 130-metre waterfall tumbling down a sheer rock face. It’s a tough trek, but oh-so worth it.

6. Alpine Village to Little Hell

1.5 hours return | 5.5 kilometres | Grade 3

Don’t let the name scare you – this is one hell of a rewarding hike. Follow a cross-country ski trail (minus the snow) through rolling plains dotted with wildflowers before reaching a summit with sweeping views of Stacks Bluff.

7. Liffey Falls

45 minutes return | 2 kilometres | Grade 2

A short and sweet rainforest wander leading to some of Tasmania’s most picturesque waterfalls. Think lush ferns, towering eucalypts and the soothing sounds of cascading water. Just an hour from Launceston, this one’s a no-brainer.

8. Wineglass Bay to Hazards Beach

4–5 hours circuit | 11 kilometres | Grade 4

Wineglass Bay from Wineglass Bay Track Lookout — Why stop at Wineglass Bay? (Image: Chad Hewson)

Wineglass Bay is a showstopper, but why stop there? Cross the Freycinet Peninsula to the secluded shores of Hazards Beach, where you can sink your toes into the sand before looping back via a she-oak forest lining Great Oyster Bay.

9. Apsley River Waterhole and Gorge

4–5 hours circuit | 5.6–7 kilometres | Grade 2 – 3

Apsley Gorge — Take a mid-hike dip here. (Image: Jamie Douros/Camille Helm)

Hiking and swimming? Yes, please. This East Coast gem features a natural waterhole that is perfect for a mid-hike dip. Keep an eye out for rock formations and native wildlife as you weave your way through Apsley Gorge.

10. Bishop and Clerk

4–5 hours return | 11 kilometres | Grade 4

Fossil Cliff Quarry Site, looking towards Bishop and Clerk — While challenging, this hike is worth every step. (Image: Tourism Tasmania and Robb Burnett)

Bishop and Clerk is one of Tasmania’s more challenging hikes, but the payoff? Insane ocean views stretching across the Tasman Sea. Clamber up rocky slopes, soak in the scenery and maybe even spot some of Maria Island’s famous wombats along the way.

11. Dove Lake

2–3 hours return | 6 kilometres | Grade 3

Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake — A trip to Cradle Mountain isn’t complete without a stop at Dove Lake. (Image: Sean Scott Photography)

The ultimate Cradle Mountain classic. Follow a well-formed track around this glacial lake, taking in views of Tasmania’s most famous peak, ancient rainforest and even a charming old boat shed.

12. Mount Rufus

7-hour circuit | 19 kilometres | Grade 4

For those who like a challenge, Mount Rufus delivers. Trek through alpine meadows, past twisted snow gums, and up to an epic vantage point overlooking Lake St Clair, Mt Olympus and Frenchman’s Cap.

13. Hogarth Falls

40–50 minutes return | 2.4 kilometres | Grade 2

An easy rainforest stroll near Strahan with a beautiful waterfall at the end. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a platypus paddling in the creek.

Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

Where to stay

Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart. — Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

1. Bruny Island

Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. — Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

2. Mount Wellington

At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

2. Port Arthur

Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area. — Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

3. Launceston

You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. — Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart. — Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

Plan your trip to Hobart and beyond with ALL Accor at All.com .

The 13 Tasmanian hikes you can smash out in a day