60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania: Easy Adventures with Big Payoffs
The stunning views from Wineglass Bay Lookout in Tasmania.
Big Nature, Short Commitment
Tasmania has a way of slowing you down. Some of my most memorable moments in Tassie haven’t come from epic multi-day treks, but from short walks that punched well above their weight. The kind where you wander for as little as 30 minutes and suddenly find yourself staring at turquoise bays, moss-covered forests, or mountain peaks dusted in snow.
That’s exactly what makes the 60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania so special. These walks are all under three hours return, accessible for most fitness levels, and scattered across the entire state, making them perfect for road trips, weekend escapes, or weaving into a bigger itinerary.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, wildlife, wild coastlines or crisp alpine air, Tasmania delivers.
What Are the 60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania?
Curated by Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, the 60 Great Short Walks showcase the best bite-sized nature experiences across the state.
What qualifies as a “great short walk”?
Under 3 hours return
Clearly marked and well-maintained
Big scenery, minimal effort
Suitable for a wide range of travellers
They span national parks, reserves, coastal tracks and heritage areas, making them ideal whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or as part of a relaxed couples’ getaway.
Why Short Walks Are Perfect for Tasmania
Tasmania is deceptively vast. Distances take longer than you expect, and the weather can shift quickly.
Short walks allow you to:
Experience multiple landscapes in one day
Avoid weather stress and fatigue
Fit adventures around driving days
Travel slower, without feeling rushed
They’re also ideal if you’re balancing travel with full-time work, limited annual leave, or variable energy levels… something many of us can relate to.
Iconic Short Walks You Shouldn’t Miss
Rather than listing all 60, here are some standout walks to inspire your planning, grouped by experience.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
This is Tasmania at its most iconic.
Dove Lake Circuit
~2-3 hours
Boardwalks, mountain reflections, wombat sightings
One of the most photographed walks in Australia, and worth every step
Enchanted Walk
~20 minutes
Mossy rainforest magic, perfect at dawn or dusk
Ideal if weather closes in or time is tight
Explore my Cradle Mountain Travel Guide.
The famous boasted on the Dove Lake Circuit at Cradle Mountain.
Freycinet National Park
Think white sand, granite peaks and blue water.
Wineglass Bay Lookout
~1.5 hours return
The classic Tasmanian postcard view
Short, steep, unforgettable
Cape Tourville Lighthouse Walk
~20 minutes
Ocean cliffs, easy access, incredible sunrise or sunset light
The incredible views from Wineglass Bay Lookout.
Mount Field National Park
An underrated gem close to Hobart.
Russell Falls Walk
~25 minutes
Wheelchair accessible, towering fern forest
One of Tasmania’s most beautiful waterfalls
Lake Dobson Walks
Short alpine strolls with snow-gum scenery
Totally different vibe depending on season
Likelihood of snow
Russell Falls in Mount Field National Park, Tasmania.
Tahune Forest AirWalk (Huon Valley)
A short walk that delivers a big wow moment.
The Tahune Forest AirWalk allows you to step into the canopy and see Tasmania’s forests from an entirely new perspective. Elevated high above the Huon River, this walk feels immersive, peaceful, and quietly powerful.
Tahune AirWalk
~45-60 minutes
Elevated steel walkway rising up to 50 metres above the forest floor
Sweeping views over towering eucalypts and the Huon River
This is an ideal stop if you’re short on time but want a truly memorable experience. Pair it with the swinging bridges or a slow wander through the Huon Valley for a relaxed, nature-filled day.
The Tahune Forest Airwalk.
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
Wild, remote, deeply humbling.
Nelson Falls Nature Walk
~20 minutes
Lush rainforest and cascading falls
Perfect break on the drive to the West Coast
Donaghys Hill Lookout
~30 minutes
Sweeping views over untamed wilderness
The Nut (Stanley)
One of Tasmania’s most iconic coastal landmarks.
Rising dramatically from Bass Strait, The Nut dominates the charming seaside town of Stanley. Whether you walk around the base or make your way to the summit, this short walk delivers expansive ocean views and a real sense of place.
The Nut Walk
~30-60 minutes (depending on route)
Clifftop views over Stanley and the rugged north-west coastline
Option to walk up or take the chairlift to the summit
This walk is all about timing… early morning and late afternoon light transform the landscape and make Stanley feel especially magical. Stay awhile and explore the town below once you’re done.
The Nut walk in Stanley.
Tasmania’s Wild West Coast
Raw, moody, and utterly unforgettable.
Ocean Beach Walk (Strahan)
Choose your distance
Endless sand, crashing waves, wild energy
Henty Dunes
~30 minutes
Giant sand dunes meeting the Southern Ocean
Sunset here is next-level
How to Plan the Perfect Short Walk Adventure
Best Time to Go
Summer (Dec-Feb): Long days, alpine access
Autumn (Mar-May): Crisp air, fewer crowds
Winter (Jun-Aug): Snow-dusted walks (check access)
Spring (Sep-Nov): Waterfalls at their best
What to Pack
Layers (Tasmania doesn’t mess around with weather)
Good walking shoes (even for short tracks)
Water and snacks
Phone or camera… you’ll use it constantly
Safety Tips
Check weather forecasts daily
Read track conditions on Parks Tasmania
Start early where possible
Don’t underestimate short walks, conditions can change fast
Where to Base Yourself for Short Walks
Short walks pair beautifully with slow travel. Base yourself in:
Hobart for Mount Field, kunanyi / Mt Wellington
Coles Bay for Freycinet
Cradle Mountain Village for alpine walks
Strahan for West Coast adventures
Why These Walks Belong on Your Bucket List
Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks prove that you don’t need extreme fitness, endless time, or hardcore gear to experience some of Australia’s wildest landscapes. You just need curiosity, good shoes, and a willingness to wander. Discover all 60 Great Short Walks.
If you’ve ever thought, “I want adventure, in bite sized chunks,” Tasmania is calling. Ready to plan your trip? Discover 27 Fascinating Things to Know Before Visiting Tasmania, and explore the most Unmissable Things to Do in Tasmania.