Wild and Remote: The Best Day Walks in Southern Tasmania

Unlike the highly manicured tourist trails of the world, our local  tracks feel intensely raw. Within an hour or two of leaving your doorstep, you can find yourself standing on the edge of the Southern Ocean, tracking across wind swept alpine plateaus, or tracing the path of glacial lakes beneath ancient dolerite peaks.

For guests staying in a short stay home, a day walk is the perfect way to experience the true, untamed heart of the region, knowing that at the end of the day you aren't crawling into a damp tent. Instead, you're returning to a premium, heated retreat, a hot shower, and a glass of local Pinot Noir.

If you want to stretch your legs and experience the wild beauty of Southern Tasmania, these three spectacular day walks belong at the top of your itinerary.

Cape Hauy - The Edge of the Earth

Located on the Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula, Cape Hauy offers one of the most visually dramatic coastal finales in the country. It also allows day walkers to pocket the spectacular end point of the famous multi-day Three Capes Track in a single afternoon.

The well constructed trail sets out from the crystal clear waters of Fortescue Bay, through coastal woodland before opening out onto the exposed headland. The true test of this walk is the stair count. Thousands of stone steps carry you up and down the ridge line. But the reward is unmatched. At the end of the cape, you stand on the edge of sheer 200 metre cliffs that plummet directly into the churning Tasman Sea, with front row views of the iconic ‘Totem Pole’ and ‘Candlestick’ sea stacks.

• Distance: 9.4 km return

• Time: 3 to 4.5 hours

• Difficulty: Grade 3 (Moderate – expect plenty of steps and steep sections)

• The Post-Walk Reward: Stop by the Bangor Vineyard Shed on the drive back for fresh oysters and a celebratory glass of cool-climate wine.

• Distance from Hobart: Located on the Tasman Peninsula, the start of this walk is a 1.5 hour drive from Hobart.

Hartz Peak - Entering the Alpine Wilderness

If you want to experience the moody, ancient landscape of the Southwest Wilderness area without embarking on a week long expedition, Hartz Mountains National Park is your gateway. Located a scenic 90 minute drive from Hobart via the Huon Valley, this hike takes you from mild to wild incredibly fast.

The trail begins on a smooth timber boardwalk, threading through an alpine garden of Dr. Seuss like pandani plants, cushion plants, and unique Tasmanian flora. You’ll pass the glassy waters of Lake Esperance and Ladies Tarn before ascending the frost shattered ridge known as the Devil’s Backbone. The final push to the 1,254 metre summit involves a brief, airy rock scramble (make sure you are wearing closed toe shoes). On a clear day, the views from the peak sweep out across the entirely untamed southwest, offering glimpses of the formidable Federation Peak.

• Distance: 7.4 km return

• Time: 3 to 5 hours

• Difficulty: Grade 4 (Hard – alpine weather changes rapidly; good layers and sturdy boots are essential)

• The Post-Walk Reward: Pull into the historic township of Geeveston on your return to warm up with a hearty lunch. We recommend the renovated ‘The Old Bank of Geeveston’ for a locally sourced platter.  

Fluted Cape - Bruny Island’s Dramatic Sea Cliffs

For a walk that perfectly marries coastal forest with breathtaking ocean views, cross the channel to Bruny Island. The Fluted Cape walk starts from the gentle, white sands of Adventure Bay and quickly transitions into a journey through tall blue gums and coastal She Oaks.

As the track climbs steadily along the cliff edge, the canopy breaks to reveal staggering views of the Tasman Sea and the dramatic, vertical dolerite columns of the cape. Keep your eyes locked on the canopy as this area is a known habitat for the rare, white Bennett’s wallaby (and scan the water below for migrating whales during the cooler months).

• Distance: 6.8 km circuit

• Time: 2 to 3 hours

• Difficulty: Grade 3 (Moderate – a steady uphill climb close to unfenced cliff edges)

• The Post-Walk Reward: You can’t leave the island without stopping at the Bruny Island Cheese Co. to stock up on artisanal wood-fired bread and raw-milk cheeses.

A Note on Tassie Walking

The wildness of our environment means the weather is a masterful shape shifter. A brilliant, blue sky morning in Hobart is no guarantee of the conditions on an alpine ridge or an exposed coastal cape. Always pack a windproof waterproof jacket, carry plenty of water, and ensure you have a valid National Parks Pass before setting off (purchase here: https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/know-before-you-go/park-passes-and-entry-fees).

Elevate Your Walking Holiday

There is an art to recovering from a day in the Tasmanian wilderness. At Retreats Tasmania, we manage a handpicked portfolio of premium holiday homes across Southern Tasmania designed specifically for comfort and rejuvenation.

Whether you want a modern architectural home overlooking the water, or a cosy, fire lit cottage to retreat to after a day on the trails, we have the perfect base for your next Tasmanian adventure.

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If you'd like to learn more about how our property management Hobart team at Retreats Tasmania supports owners, from management to guest experience, get in touch with us anytime.