Trekking Through Tasmania's Wilderness: 7-Day Itinerary

Tasmania may be Australia's smallest state, but it packs an extraordinary punch when it comes to pristine wilderness, dramatic landscapes, and unique wildlife experiences. Nearly half of the island is protected as national parks, World Heritage Sites, and reserves, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. In this comprehensive 7-day itinerary, we'll guide you through Tasmania's most spectacular wilderness areas, from the iconic Cradle Mountain to the stunning coastal beauty of Freycinet National Park.

Why Tasmania's Wilderness is Special

Tasmania's isolation as an island state has preserved environments that have disappeared elsewhere in Australia. Its diverse landscapes range from alpine plateaus and ancient rainforests to pristine beaches and rugged mountain peaks. The island is home to unique wildlife, including the famous Tasmanian devil, and harbors some of the world's oldest trees.

The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area covers approximately 1.6 million hectares (about 20% of Tasmania) and meets seven out of ten criteria for World Heritage listing—more than any other World Heritage property on Earth. This unspoiled natural environment provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable wilderness adventure.

Best Time to Visit

Tasmania experiences four distinct seasons, each offering different wilderness experiences:

• Summer (December-February): Warmest weather with average temperatures of 17-23°C (63-73°F), ideal for hiking and coastal activities. Peak tourist season with busier trails and higher accommodation prices.
• Autumn (March-May): Stunning fall colors, particularly in areas with deciduous beech trees. Cooler temperatures but still pleasant for hiking with fewer crowds.
• Winter (June-August): Cold with snow in alpine areas, including Cradle Mountain. Perfect for experiencing Tasmania's dramatic winter landscapes and potential aurora australis (southern lights) sightings.
• Spring (September-November): Wildflowers bloom and wildlife becomes more active. Variable weather but often ideal for hiking before the summer crowds arrive.

For this 7-day itinerary, the shoulder seasons of late spring (November) and early autumn (March-April) often provide the best combination of stable weather and smaller crowds.

Day 1: Hobart to Mount Field National Park

Distance: 75km (47 miles), approximately 1.5 hours driving

Morning: Hobart Orientation

Begin your Tasmanian wilderness adventure in Hobart, Australia's second-oldest city. After collecting your rental vehicle (preferably a 4WD for maximum flexibility), stop by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service office to purchase your Parks Pass, which covers entry to all national parks for the duration of your stay.

Before leaving Hobart, visit the Salamanca Market if it's a Saturday (8:30am-3pm), or simply take a quick stroll around the historic Battery Point neighborhood to stretch your legs before the journey.

Afternoon: Mount Field National Park

Head northwest from Hobart to Mount Field National Park, Tasmania's first national park established in 1916. This diverse park transitions from eucalyptus temperate rainforest to alpine moorland across its different elevation zones.

Begin your exploration with the easy Waterfall Circuit Walk (2.5km, 1 hour), which takes you past the magnificent three-tiered Russell Falls, the delicate Horseshoe Falls, and through a forest of towering swamp gums.

For those seeking a more challenging hike, continue to the alpine region on the Tarn Shelf Circuit (12km, 4-5 hours), where glacial lakes and spectacular mountain views await.

Evening: Wildlife Spotting

Stay overnight in the park's campground or at nearby accommodation in the Derwent Valley. As dusk falls, take a spotlight walk around the park's lower areas to spot nocturnal wildlife, including pademelons, Bennett's wallabies, and if you're lucky, the elusive eastern quoll.

Where to Stay:

• Mount Field National Park Campground (budget)
• Left of Field Caravan Park (mid-range)
• Duffy's Country Accommodation (comfort)

Day 2: Mount Field to Cradle Mountain

Distance: 250km (155 miles), approximately 3.5 hours driving

Morning: Tall Trees Walk

Start your day with an early visit to the Tall Trees Walk (30 minutes) in Mount Field National Park, where you'll find some of the world's tallest flowering plants, the swamp gums (Eucalyptus regnans), reaching heights of over 80 meters.

Mid-morning to Afternoon: Scenic Drive to Cradle Mountain

Embark on a scenic drive northwest toward Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The route takes you through the picturesque Central Highlands, with opportunities to stop at charming towns like Bothwell and intriguing natural attractions such as the limestone caves at Mole Creek Karst National Park.

Consider a short detour to Liffey Falls, one of Tasmania's most spectacular waterfalls, set amid temperate rainforest.

Late Afternoon: Arrive at Cradle Mountain

Arrive at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park by late afternoon. After checking into your accommodation, take the easy Enchanted Walk (20 minutes) near the visitor center to stretch your legs and possibly spot wombats grazing in the early evening.

Where to Stay:

• Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain (budget to mid-range)
• Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village (mid-range)
• Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge (luxury)

Day 3: Exploring Cradle Mountain

Morning: Dove Lake Circuit

Begin your day with the iconic Dove Lake Circuit (6km, 2-3 hours), a relatively easy walk that loops around the picturesque Dove Lake with Cradle Mountain as a stunning backdrop. The walk features sections of cool temperate rainforest, including the enchanting Ballroom Forest with its ancient myrtle beech trees.

Remember to ride the shuttle bus from the visitor center to Dove Lake, as private vehicles are restricted during peak times.

Afternoon: Marion's Lookout

After lunch, challenge yourself with the steeper climb to Marion's Lookout (3 hours return from Dove Lake). This walk offers spectacular views of Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake, and the surrounding peaks. The track includes some steep sections with chains for assistance, but the panoramic vista is well worth the effort.

Evening: Wildlife Watching

As dusk approaches, join a guided wildlife spotting tour or simply find a quiet spot near your accommodation to observe the abundant wildlife. Cradle Mountain is home to wombats, Bennett's wallabies, pademelons, and if you're fortunate, you might spot a Tasmanian devil.

Note:

For experienced hikers with appropriate equipment, the summit of Cradle Mountain itself is an alternative challenging day walk (6-8 hours return). However, weather conditions can change rapidly, so always check forecasts and register your walk intentions at the visitor center.

Day 4: Cradle Mountain to Strahan

Distance: 140km (87 miles), approximately 2.5 hours driving

Morning: King Billy Track

Before departing Cradle Mountain, take the King Billy Track (40 minutes), a short walk showcasing some of the park's oldest and most impressive King Billy pines, some of which are over 1,500 years old.

Mid-morning to Afternoon: Journey to the West Coast

Drive west through the rugged mining towns of Rosebery and Zeehan, which offer insights into Tasmania's mining heritage. The landscape transforms dramatically as you approach the wild west coast, known for its fierce weather and remote beauty.

Stop at the impressive Montezuma Falls (Tasmania's highest waterfall at 104 meters) near Rosebery if time permits. The 3-hour return walk follows an old tramway through lush rainforest.

Late Afternoon: Arrive in Strahan

Reach the historic harbor town of Strahan by late afternoon. Situated on Macquarie Harbour, Strahan is the gateway to the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and visit the Visitor Centre to learn about the area's convict history and environmental significance.

Where to Stay:

• Strahan Beach Tourist Park (budget)
• Strahan Village (mid-range)
• Risby Cove (luxury)

Day 5: Gordon River and Wild Rivers National Park

Full Day: Gordon River Cruise

Embark on a full-day cruise into the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area via the Gordon River. These cruises typically include:

• Passage through Macquarie Harbour, one of Australia's largest natural harbors
• A visit to Sarah Island, a former penal colony with a brutal history
• A journey up the pristine Gordon River, where the mirror-like reflections of the surrounding rainforest create breathtaking photo opportunities
• A guided boardwalk through ancient temperate rainforest, where you'll see Huon pines that can live for over 3,000 years

This cruise offers a unique perspective on the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, much of which is otherwise inaccessible except by multi-day rafting expeditions.

Evening: Hogarth Falls

If you return with enough daylight, take the easy walk to Hogarth Falls (40 minutes return) through lush rainforest starting from People's Park in Strahan.

Alternative for Adventure Seekers:

Instead of the cruise, experienced adventurers might opt for a white-water rafting day trip on the lower sections of the Franklin River. These guided expeditions provide an adrenaline-filled way to experience the wild rivers that were at the center of one of Australia's most significant environmental campaigns in the 1980s.

Day 6: Strahan to Freycinet Peninsula

Distance: 300km (186 miles), approximately 4 hours driving

Morning: Ocean Beach

Before departing Strahan, visit Ocean Beach, a wild 40km stretch of coastline pounded by the relentless waves of the Southern Ocean. The stark beauty of this remote beach offers a striking contrast to the sheltered harbor and rainforest environments you've experienced.

Mid-morning to Afternoon: Cross-Island Journey

Embark on the cross-island journey from Tasmania's west coast to its east coast. The drive takes you through the Central Highlands and alongside the stunning Great Lake, one of Tasmania's largest freshwater bodies.

Make a stop at Ross, a charming historic town with beautiful sandstone buildings and the famous Ross Bridge, featuring 186 intricate carvings by a convict stonemason.

Late Afternoon: Arrive at Freycinet Peninsula

Reach Freycinet National Park by late afternoon. If time permits, take the short walk to Cape Tourville Lighthouse (20 minutes), which offers spectacular panoramic views over the Freycinet Peninsula, including the magnificent Hazards mountain range and the perfect curve of Wineglass Bay in the distance.

Where to Stay:

• Freycinet National Park Campground (budget, must be booked well in advance)
• Bicheno or Coles Bay accommodations (various price ranges)
• Freycinet Lodge (luxury, within the national park)

Day 7: Freycinet National Park to Hobart

Distance: 200km (124 miles), approximately 2.5 hours driving

Morning: Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit

Start your final day with the iconic Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit (11km, 4-5 hours). This spectacular walk takes you to the famous Wineglass Bay lookout, then down to the pristine white sand of Wineglass Bay beach. Continue across the isthmus to Hazards Beach and loop back around the base of the Hazards mountains.

For those preferring a shorter option, the walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout and back (2.5km, 1-1.5 hours) still provides the famous view without the full-day commitment.

Afternoon: Return to Hobart

Begin your return journey to Hobart, taking the coastal route through the seaside towns of Swansea and Orford. Consider a stop at Kate's Berry Farm near Swansea for delicious homemade ice cream and berry products, or the historic Spiky Bridge, an unusual colonial-era construction.

If time permits, make a final wilderness stop at Maria Island National Park, accessible via ferry from Triabunna. This island sanctuary is known for its abundant wildlife, including large kangaroo and wombat populations, and historic ruins.

Evening: Hobart

Arrive back in Hobart by early evening, concluding your 7-day Tasmanian wilderness adventure. Celebrate with a dinner at one of Hobart's excellent restaurants showcasing local Tasmanian produce.

Essential Preparations for Trekking in Tasmania

Weather Preparedness

Tasmania's weather is notoriously changeable, even in summer. The old adage "four seasons in one day" is particularly true in Tasmania's alpine areas. Essential items include:

• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Warm layers (merino or synthetic, avoid cotton)
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
• Gloves and beanie, even in summer for alpine areas

Navigation and Safety

• Purchase detailed topographic maps for areas you plan to explore extensively
• Download offline maps and the Emergency+ app to your smartphone
• Consider renting a personal locator beacon (PLB) for remote hiking
• Always register your walk intentions at park visitor centers
• Carry a first aid kit appropriate for wilderness settings

Wildlife Awareness

Tasmania's wildlife is abundant and often active at dawn and dusk. While generally not dangerous, be aware that:

• Drive carefully between dusk and dawn when wildlife is most active on roads
• Never feed native animals, for their health and yours
• Store food securely when camping to avoid attracting possums and quolls
• Tiger snakes and copperheads are present in warmer months—stay on tracks and be vigilant