Quick Picks – Top 5 Must-Do Hikes in Tasmania for 2026
Best Iconic Adventure: Overland Track
The Overland Track is Tasmania’s world-renowned 6-day trek spanning 65 km (40 miles) through the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park. This bucket-list hike attracts 9,000+ walkers annually, with peak visitation in December–April. The route traverses ancient rainforest, alpine moorlands, and glacier-carved valleys. Average elevation gain is 800 m. The trail includes Hut accommodation, pit toilets, and secure booking via the official Overland Track site. Difficulty is moderate to hard due to weather, mud, and length. Summer hiking is by permit only (season: 1 October to 31 May).
Best for Families: Dove Lake Circuit
Located beneath Cradle Mountain, the Dove Lake Circuit is a 6 km (3.7-mile) mostly flat loop, rated Australia’s top trail by AllTrails in early 2026. It features wide paths, boardwalks, and stunning views of reflective alpine waters. The circuit is accessible for children and seniors, with rest shelters and toilets at the Dove Lake car park. Average walking time: 2–3 hours, elevation change: 110 m. This hike receives over 150,000 visitors a year, making it one of Tasmania’s most popular short walks. No permit required.
Best Hidden Gem: Mount Eliza & Lake Judd
Mount Eliza and Lake Judd offer a challenging day hike (approx. 18 km round-trip, 900 m elevation gain) in Southwest National Park. The trail starts from Scott’s Peak Dam Road and is renowned for rugged wilderness, sphagnum marshes, and dramatic mountain views. Expect remote conditions, few other hikers, and basic facilities (no shelter, carry all provisions). This region is rich in Indigenous and colonial history; check Parks Tasmania for seasonal access updates.
Best Coastal Trek: Three Capes Track
This 48 km multi-day track (four days, moderate) on the Tasman Peninsula is celebrated for 300 m sea cliffs, old-growth forest, and iconic capes. Managed by Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service, it accommodates up to 48 walkers per day, with robust huts, water, toilets, and ranger staff. Over 100,000 walked since opening; book early via official site. Permits mandatory.
Best Accessible Walk: Russell Falls
Set in Mt Field National Park, the 1.4 km (return) Russell Falls circuit is paved and wheelchair-friendly. View cascading falls amid rainforest, suitable for all ages and accessibility needs. Average time: 30–45 minutes. Car park, toilets, and visitor centre at the trailhead. No permit required; national park pass needed. Over 120,000 visitors/year.
What’s New for Tasmanian Hiking in 2026?
Newly Opened & Trending Trails
No major new trail openings were reported for 2026. The Three Capes Track achieved a major milestone with its 100,000th hiker, reflecting continuing high demand. Trending walks include the Truganini Track (2.1 km) and continual upgrades on Flinders and Freycinet Peninsula tracks. Review Parks & Wildlife alerts for updated information.
Seasonal Trail Closures & Important Updates (2026)
- Overland Track: Closed for winter (June – September). Summer 2025/2026 bookings open July 2025. Maintenance closures: e.g., Horse Track to Crater Lake (March–April 2025, with detour via Wombat Pool).
- Three Capes Track: Closed late April/early May 2025 for annual burns and facility upgrades, affecting Old Cape Pillar Track and others. Usually reopens for main hiking season.
- General: Some Flinders Island, Wellington Park, and St Columba Falls tracks subject to seasonal weather/bushfire closures. Campfires banned in Tasman region from 16 January 2026.
Always check tas.gov.au/alerts before setting out.
Sustainable Hiking Initiatives
- Mandatory permits for Overland Track to manage foot traffic and fund maintenance.
- Overnight bushwalker registration in remote sectors to protect sensitive habitat.
- Promotion of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks enables low-impact adventure for all abilities.
- Enhanced ranger presence for safety and wilderness stewardship, plus increased safety resources for cold weather and emergencies.
Full List – The 20 Best Hikes in Tasmania (Ranked & Mapped)
Map of Tasmania’s Top Hikes
Explore all major hiking routes with the latest official map on parks.tas.gov.au. Downloadable trail GPX files are offered for most major hikes from official resources and on popular apps like AllTrails.
How We Ranked the Trails for 2026
Rankings based on expert and user ratings (AllTrails, Parks & Wildlife Service), annual visitation statistics, trail safety, accessibility, conservation status, and on-ground ranger and hiker feedback from 2025–2026 surveys.
- Overland Track
- Three Capes Track
- South Coast Track
- Dove Lake Circuit
- Freycinet Peninsula Circuit
- Mount Eliza & Lake Judd
- Russell Falls
- Marions Lookout
- Walls of Jerusalem Circuit
- Mt Wellington Summit Trail
- Wineglass Bay & Hazards
- Truganini Track
- Crater Lake Loop
- Tasman Coastal Trail
- Fluted Cape Walk
- Organ Pipes Track
- Hartz Peak
- Bishop & Clerk
- Cathedral Rock
- Philosopher Falls
Detailed Guide to Each Hike
Overview, Highlights & Local Tips
- Overland Track: Alpine lakes and peaks, endemic wildlife. Book in advance for best dates. Use gaiters for mud protection.
- Dove Lake Circuit: Early morning yields the best reflections; frequent shuttle buses only in peak periods.
- Mount Eliza & Lake Judd: Carry GPS and register trip due to remote, changeable weather. Spectacular wildflowers in spring.
- Three Capes Track: Listen for sea eagles, scan for whales from Cape Pillar. Avoid weekends for a quieter walk.
- Russell Falls: Accessible any season. See glow worms after dusk on adjacent paths.
Location, Distance, Duration & Elevation
| Hike | Location | Distance | Typical Duration | Elevation Gain (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overland Track | Cradle Mountain | 65 km | 6 days | 800 |
| Three Capes Track | Tasman Peninsula | 48 km | 4 days | 600 |
| South Coast Track | Southwest NP | 85 km | 6–8 days | 1200 |
| Dove Lake Circuit | Cradle Mountain | 6 km | 2–3 hrs | 110 |
| Mount Eliza & Lake Judd | Southwest NP | 18 km | Day hike | 900 |
| Russell Falls | Mt Field NP | 1.4 km | ~45 min | gentle |
Difficulty & Accessibility (Family/Senior/Disabled-friendly Ratings)
- Overland Track: Moderate to Hard – not suitable for children or mobility-impaired.
- Dove Lake Circuit: Easy – pram and senior-friendly with boardwalks.
- Mount Eliza & Lake Judd: Hard – for fit, experienced hikers only.
- Three Capes Track: Moderate – best for adults and teens; not wheelchair accessible.
- Russell Falls: Very Easy – fully accessible, families and wheelchair users welcomed.
Trail Conditions & Facilities (2026 Information)
- High maintenance on all top tracks. Modern huts (Three Capes, Overland), composting toilets, emergency radios. Regular upgrades, especially in response to seasonal closure data published in 2025–2026.
- Visitor information and booking at each national park visitor centre. Shuttle buses (Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain).
- Basic water/tank access—always treat before drinking.
Indigenous Heritage & Cultural Insights (where relevant)
- Overland Track and Cradle Mountain area: Palawa country, rich in archaeologically significant sites and ancient trackways. Interpretive signage at key lookouts.
- Tasman Peninsula (Three Capes): Coastal rock engravings and storytelling about the Pydairrerme people.
- Russell Falls: Interpreted pathways about Tasmanian Aboriginal use of rainforest plants.
Best Times to Go (Monthly Guidance)
- December–April: Most stable weather for the Overland, Walls of Jerusalem, Frenchmans Cap.
- October–December & March–April: Best for Freycinet, Three Capes, and East Coast tracks; avoid inland snow and coast’s summer heat.
- June–September: Winter hiking possible for skilled trekkers; many tracks closed or only suited for snowshoeing or expert-level trips.
Interactive Tasmania Hiking Planner (2026)
Custom Itinerary Builder
Use the official Parks Tasmania planner and trip registration tools for tailored itineraries. Plug in family-friendly, multi-day, or accessible options to get up-to-date alerts and booking links.
Trail Comparison Table
| Hike | Length | Duration | Difficulty | Facilities | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overland Track | 65 km | 6 days | Hard | Huts, toilets | No |
| Three Capes Track | 48 km | 4 days | Moderate | Huts, water, ranger | No |
| Dove Lake Circuit | 6 km | 2–3 hrs | Easy | Toilets, shelter | Yes (partial) |
| Russell Falls | 1.4 km | 45 min | Easy | Toilets, visitor centre | Yes |
Downloadable GPX & Trail Maps
Download official GPX tracks and high-res topographic maps for main Tasmanian hikes at the Parks & Wildlife Service site and third-party apps such as AllTrails. Always check for the latest route data to account for any detours or closures.
Essential Hiking Tips for Tasmania in 2026
Packing List & Safety Reminders
- Waterproof boots and rain layers (annual rainfall up to 2,500 mm in mountains)
- Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for remote hikes
- Printed maps and compass—mobile reception is limited
- First aid supplies, insect repellent, and sun protection
- Carry all rubbish and comply with “Leave No Trace” evidence-based protocols
Leave No Trace & Responsible Travel
- Stick to marked paths; protect wildlife by not feeding or approaching
- Registered campfires only where allowed (note 2026 bans in fire-prone areas)
- Respect Indigenous cultural sites—look for signage and follow guidance
Permits, Fees & Bookings (Up-to-Date)
- National Parks Pass required for all major areas—purchase on passes.parks.tas.gov.au
- Overland Track and Three Capes Track: Mandatory booking and track fee (Overland: $200–250 AUD per adult in peak season)
- Most short walks: No permit, but always check current alerts
Wildlife & Environmental Awareness
- Spot wallabies, echidnas, wombats, and endemic birds in most parks
- Be snake-aware in warmer months; stay on track and carry a bandage kit
- Follow all current conservation advice and observe closures for habitat protection
FAQs – Best Hikes in Tasmania (2026 Edition)
- When is the best hiking season? December to April for stable conditions.
- Are dogs allowed? Not in national parks. Some reserves and beaches permit leashed pets.
- What about emergencies? Register trip intentions, carry a PLB, and review the nearest emergency access points (detailed on official maps).
- Can I hike all year? Many mainland tracks close in winter due to snow; some short walks best year-round.
- Where can I buy gear locally? Main outdoor retailers in Hobart and Launceston (e.g. Anaconda).
Sources & Further Reading on Tasmania Hiking
- Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Alerts & Updates
- Tourism Australia: Tasmania Hiking Guide
- Audley Travel: 10 Best Hiking Trails in Tasmania
- We Are Explorers: Multi-Day Tassie Hikes
Plan your Tasmanian hiking adventure for 2026—book early for top trails, check current alerts, and explore sustainably for a rewarding experience.