Walking not only boasts physical benefits like improved cardiovascular fitness, reduced risk of heart disease and stronger bones, but it’s also a great way to explore our local state. Tasmania has some of the most breathtaking walking trails and views, so why not pack a bottle, grab a friend or the family and set out on one of these stunning walks across a range of locations.
Rocky Cape National Park – Banksia Grove/Caves Circuit
Rocky Cape National Park has a range of walks to choose from including short 20-minute walks to more challenging 4 hour walks up to 15km. Ideal for most levels, the Banksia Grove/Caves Circuit walk is 1.6km long and darted with large cylindrical flowers leading up to an Aboriginal shelter largely referred to as Lee Archer Cave. Take the platform to explore views of the cave before the steep decline to Wet Cave where you will often find a pool of water that eventually leads down to the Sisters Beach boat ramp.
Leven Canyon Lookout
More suited to the experienced bushwalker, the Leven Canyon Lookout walk offers spectacular views that are quite easily accessible from the track. The circuit is around 1.2km in distance and takes the average walker 45 minutes to complete with a few short steep hill sections*. There are two lookouts available to enjoy including Cruickshanks and Edge, both offering expansive views worthy of a panoramic photo.
*Not advised for young children or when severe weather conditions impact the terrain.
Evercreech
400 meters or a 1km return circuit, Evercreech is a short and easy walk suitable for most ages and abilities. Explore the beautiful forest encased by giant white gum trees which are the tallest of their species in Australia. You can also pack a picnic and enjoy the on-site facilities equipped with tables, barbecues, and undercover shelter.
Creepy Crawly Nature Trail
If rainforests are your thing, then the quirkily named Creepy Crawly Nature Trail might just be your pick for a half hour walk that’s scattered with moss-covered trees and large sized logs. You’ll need to duck and weave beneath a few branches, so it’s not recommended for those who aren’t comfortable climbing a lot of stairs. As with most of Tasmania’s national parks you’ll require a valid parks pass to enter.
Duckhole Lake
Located in the south of our state near Adamsons Peak, the Duckhole Lake walk is around 4.2km in length with an estimated completion time of 90 minutes. Follow the boardwalk track through to the peaceful lake which is actually a flooded sinkhole, part of the regional cave and karst system that includes Hastings Caves. On your way you’ll also find remnants of the 19th century sawmill tramway, an idyllic spot for taking in the beautiful sounds and sights of nature.
Organ Pipes
The last of our featured walk trails and the longest with a 7.4km return track is Organ Pipes, located near one of Hobart’s most famous landmarks. 120m in height, the columns of dolerite ‘were formed as subsurface molten rock cooled and contracted into hexagonal pillars’ (Parks Tasmania, 2022) They serve as a great feature along this 3-hour journey that ends at The Chalet stone shelter. If you’re a history buff that wants to learn more about the columns, you’ll be delighted to know that the columnar cliffs were formed during the Jurassic period when Tasmania began separating from Antarctica.
For more information on these walks, visit https://parks.tas.gov.au/things-to-do/walks/map-of-walks, and for more great trails to explore this Winter, check out https://parks.tas.gov.au/things-to-do/60-great-short-walks.
Tassie Winter Walks To Get Excited About
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