The Tyndall Ranges are set to host a new three-day, two-night hut-to-hut trail – and it could become Tasmania’s next big walking experience.
Tasmania is gearing up for its next major hiking drawcard, with plans progressing for a new multi-day walk across the rugged Tyndall Ranges on the state’s remote West Coast. The proposed Next Iconic Walk would follow a similar model to the wildly popular Three Capes Walk – one of the Great Walks of Australia – offering a Class T3 “boot-standard" track, comfortable hut accommodation and a high level of facilities, opening up the region to travellers with a wider range of walking experience.
The proposed Next Iconic Walk is in the Tyndall Ranges. (Image: Matty Eaton)
Watch the aurora australis from the Tyndall Ranges. (Image: allaboutadventure)
The walk would unfold across sweeping alpine ridges. (Image: Matty Eaton)
Plans are progressing for the new multi-day walk. (Image: Matty Eaton)
Set between Lake Plimsoll in the north and the historic Lake Margaret Power Station in the south, the walk would unfold across sweeping alpine ridges, glacier-carved lakes, ancient rainforest pockets and dramatic rocky outcrops that characterise this little-seen part of Lutruwita/Tasmania. A series of purpose-built eco-huts would anchor the three-day, two-night journey, creating a curated, hut-to-hut style experience.
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service reviewed 35 potential locations across the state before identifying the Tyndall Range – one of Australia’s best locations for watching the sunset – as the preferred site. A detailed feasibility study then explored more than 50 possible route options, ultimately recommending the three-day, two-night hut-based journey now on the table.
The project forms part of the state government’s plan to boost visitation to regional areas, with the West Coast singled out as a place where nature-based tourism could help support local communities. By offering a more accessible – but still immersive – walking product, the Next Iconic Walk aims to encourage visitors to stay longer, spend more and discover a side of Tasmania that many travellers overlook.
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An indicative opening could be slated for summer 2029. (Image: Matty Eaton)
The walk will likely boost visitation to regional areas. (Image: Matty Eaton)
The public consultation period is open until 21 November 2025. (Image: Matty Eaton)
If endorsed, construction could begin in 2026. (Image: Matty Eaton)
Nature-based tourism could help support local West Coast communities. (Image: Matty Eaton)
It'll be a three-day, two-night, hut-to-hut style journey. (Image: Matty Eaton)
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service has now released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Next Iconic Walk, with the public consultation period officially open until 21 November 2025.
The Draft EIS follows years of engagement with Tasmanians. An initial callout drew 24 public proposals, including two nominating the Tyndall Range. Since then, more than 1900 individuals, tourism operators, industry groups and specialists in track design and environmental management have contributed through workshops, site inspections and formal consultations between 2021 and 2025. In 2024, more than 2000 people also took part in targeted market research to help shape the visitor experience.
Feedback submitted during the ‘Have Your Say’ period will inform refinements before the proposal progresses to additional assessment processes. If endorsed, construction could begin in 2026, with an indicative opening slated for summer 2029, though final timelines will depend on final designs, site conditions and statutory approvals.
While the full route and construction schedule are still being refined, early visuals and concept reports position the walk as a major new addition to Tasmania’s lineup of headline hiking experiences. If realised, it could diversify the state’s nature-based offering at a time when Tassie is seeing record demand for hiking, wellness and wilderness escapes.
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)
Plan your trip to Hobart and beyond with ALL Accor at All.com .
