Southern Tasmania abounds with excellent walking tracks.
Providing experiences that let you get the most out of the picturesque natural areas of the Huon Valley and Far South. Walking trails have varying lengths and difficulties, but below we’ve listed some of our favourite tracks in this stunning part of Tasmania.
South Cape Bay
4 hour return walk. 15.4km return.
Beginning at the southernmost road in Australia, you’ll set off on a journey through open bush and gorgeous woodland, eventually arriving at the breath-taking cliff at South Cape Bay. Stop for some lunch and take in the water views. On a nice day, you can walk down to the beach and enjoy the sand and cobble beach.
Duckhole Lake
1.5 hours return, 4.2km return.
This peaceful and easy short walking track takes you to the picturesque Duck Hole Lake, where platypus are often sighted. As this walk is short and simple, it makes for the perfect outing for the whole family. An idyllic spot to have a picnic, the lake is actually a flooded sink hole that is part of the network of caves that includes Hastings Caves. As you walk along the boardwalk through regrowth forests, you are able to see the remnants of an old sawmill tramway that once ran through this area.
Fishers Point at Cockle Creek
2 hours return, 4km return.
Fishers Point is a gentle beach walk with a historical bent. Enjoy exploring the ruins of the pilot station still standing from the bygone days of Whaling. At low tide, this track is easy, but at high tide some areas are medium difficulty – so plan your walk accordingly.
You’ll begin at the curious whale sculpture at Cockle Creek, then make your way on a gentle walk across beaches and rocky headlines, before eventually reaching the mysterious and historic Pilot Station and Lighthouse ruins.
The Hartz Mountains
There are several walking track options on offer at the majestic and picturesque Hartz Mountains. The must-do walks are:
Hartz Peak
3-5 hours return, 7.4km, 400m climb in elevation. Bushwalking experience recommended.
On a clear day, there is no better place to take in the awe-inspiring views of this Southern spot of Tasmania. From the mountain peak, you can see Federation Peak to the South-west, and further north you can catch a peak of Mt Anne off in the distance.
This walk is slightly challenging but very manageable for those with some bushwalking experience on a clear day. On your walk you’ll journey through stunning alpine scenery and pass by the breath-taking Lake Esperance. At times weather can get extreme, with occasional gale-force winds, increasing the difficulty of the track. Plan for a clear day and this stunning walk and it’s beautiful views will be one you won’t forget any time soon.
Lake Osborne
45 minutes return, 2 km return.
This walk is the perfect introduction to the wild world of alpine surroundings and picture-perfect views that can be found in Hartz Mountain. This easy walk is perfect for those with young children, or the elderly.
Lake Esperance Walk
90 minutes return, 3 km return.
Another easy walk for the family, Lake Esperance is a stunning glacier formed tarn, and a rest stop along the more difficult Hartz Mountain Peak. Along this walk you will be captivated by views of D’Entrecasteaus Channel behind you, Mount Wellington in the North and the handsome Hartz Mountains above you to the South. The majority of the track is timber boarding, making it very accessible and easy to navigate. You’ll arrive at the edge of the gorgeous Lake Esperance, with seating available for you to rest at.
For the more adventurous…
Adamsons Peak
6-8 hour return, 15km return.
This trek is not for the inexperienced, but those up for the challenge will be rewarded with the stunning outlook over Southern Tasmania. This long trail is sometimes referred to as ‘Mt Big’, but luckily there is no rock scrambling. Trek through alpine moor and myrtle forest, enjoying mountain views and taking in the glacial features that surround you, before arriving at the summit point, marked by an amazing cairn made from ice-shattered dolerite pieces.
Check the Far South Tasmania Website for more detailed information on our many varied walks in the region!
