These 10 Tasmania short walks are the best you’ll find across the island. We know, because we’ve done them all (and more) and share the reels to prove it 👇🏽. You don’t need ropes, summit badges or 10 hours in hiking boots to get rainforest magic, thumping waterfalls, clifftop drama and front-row views of the wild Southern Ocean. This is THE guide to the best short walks in Tasmania if your time is limited—handpicked from Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks and a few off-the-map favourites we keep coming back to.
These Tasmania short walks all achievable in a day, some in under an hour. And every single one is proof that you don’t need to go far to go deep. If you’re road-tripping across the state or just chasing wombats near Cradle, these are the 10 best short walks in Tasmania to add to your bucket list (number 1 will surprise you).
We’re on the trails doing short walks around Tasmania all the time. Our last short walk was mid July 2025 – up to Hansons Peak at Cradle Mountain in the snow. It was special. We strive to get off the beaten track and explore where the crowds aren’t. There’s two hidden gems in this list that hit that goal.
What counts as a ‘Short Walk’ in Tasmania?
When we say “ Tasmania short walk,” we don’t mean a quick loop to the bakery. These are formed bush tracks, rainforest boardwalks and coastal lookouts—anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 or so hours return.
They’re not hikes in the technical sense—no exposed ridgelines or rock scrambles—but they’re also not flat footpaths. You’ll want waterproof hiking boots, a weatherproof layer, and an offline map just in case.
- Most walks are Grade 2–3: a bit of elevation, well-marked, suitable for everyday walkers
- No hiking experience needed—just a decent level of fitness and a sense of adventure
- They’re ideal for travellers, not trekkers—the sweet spot between wild and doable.
Now lets get in to the top 10 list, starting with number 10….
10. Montezuma Falls
If you’re road-tripping the wild west coast, this one is unmissable. Montezuma Falls is one of the best short walks in Tasmania for rainforest immersion—and it’s home to the tallest waterfall in the state.
The 10km return trail takes you deep into the kind of mossy, tangled forest that feels more Jurassic than Tasmanian. Giant ferns lean over the track. Tree trunks glow green with lichen. Creeks bubble past old mining relics and under a rusted suspension bridge that feels like it might not pass a safety check—but does. Just.
And yes, dogs are allowed—which makes this one of the only great short walks in Tasmania where Bailey and Boston can come too. They gave it five out of five tail wags. 🦮 Here’s the highlights reel 👇🏽
What you’ll see:
- A 100m high waterfall pouring into a gorge
- Moss-drenched rainforest, fern tunnels, and creek crossings
- An old tramway route and rusting ruins if you’re paying attention
- One of the most peaceful and fun short walks in North West Tasmania.
How to get there:
The trail starts just outside Rosebery, a blink-and-you-miss-it town on the west coast. It’s a perfect 60 Great Walks Tasmania detour if you’re driving between Cradle Mountain and Queenstown (or heading to Strahan).
What to know:
- The gravel road to this Tasmania short walk is rough. Low to the ground city runabouts are not recommended.
- It’s 10km return and takes around 3 hours. Flat but muddy—wear proper boots.
- Spring is the best season—more water, fewer bogs.
- There’s a drop toilet at the start and not much else. Download maps ahead of time.
Montezuma Falls is one of those great short walks in Tasmania that gets under your skin—quiet, dramatic, and completely unspoiled. And the fact that it’s dog-friendly? Icing on the mud cake.
9. Cape Raoul Lookout
Cape Raoul is all rugged cliffs and raw power—and the lookout track gives you the best bits without committing to the full 14km hike. If you’re looking for short walks around Hobart, this is just a 1.5 hour drive away. And you can combine it within a Port Arthur day trip to max our your travel time.
Number 9 on our Tasmania short walks list, Cape Raoul starts in tall coastal forest before opening up into windblown heathland with views that stop you in your tracks. Below you, sheer dolerite cliffs plunge into the sea. Further out, Cape Pillar and Tasman Island rise from the waves like ancient teeth. And somewhere down below, surfers sometimes tackle the world-famous Shipstern Bluff. If you see them, you’ll want to give them a medal—or a therapist.
This is one of the best short walks on the Tasman Peninsula for big views and bigger atmosphere. Check out the summary highlights video 👇🏽
What you’ll see:
- Towering sea cliffs above the wild Southern Ocean
- Views of Cape Pillar and Tasman Island
- Mist rising from the swell and seabirds catching thermals
- A glimpse of Shipstern Bluff and the edge of the world
How to get there:
Drive to the Cape Raoul car park at the end of Stormlea Road, around 25 minutes past Port Arthur. The trailhead is well signed and easy to follow.
What to know:
- The return walk to the lookout is 6km (1.5 to 2 hours total).
- The first 20 minutes are uphill through forest, then it levels out across coastal heath.
- The track splits—take the left turn toward Cape Raoul Lookout, not Shipstern Bluff.
- There’s a drop toilet at the car park, but no facilities on the trail.
- Go early or late for soft light and fewer walkers.
Cape Raoul is where Tasmania stops pretending to be tame. It’s one of the best short walks in Tasmania if you want the drama of the Three Capes without the time (or stairs).
📕 For more Tasmania Short Walks: Stunning Cape Raoul – our top Hobart side quest
8. King Billy Track
This one’s short. But it hits like a forest fairytale.
The King Billy Track is one of those Cradle Mountain short walks that feels overlooked—literally tucked behind the cabins at Peppers Lodge. But the moment you step onto the trail, it’s like falling into a different world. Gnarled old King Billy pines reach overhead. Moss carpets everything. Fungi dot the undergrowth like glowing breadcrumbs. You keep expecting an elf to appear and hand you a quest.
It’s only 30 minutes long, but it’s one of the great short walks in Tasmania for forest immersion and alpine calm. And one of few Tasmania short walks to spot giant Ent-like trees – the trail is named after the biggest of them all – the King Billy Pine! Here are some of the highlights 👇🏽
What you’ll see:
- Towering King Billy pines, some over 1000 years old
- Subalpine rainforest with moss, beech and twisted trunks
- Sweeping views over Cradle Valley heathland.
- Wombat sightings are common near the trailhead.
How to get there:
Head past the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre into Peppers Lodge. Park there and walk around the back, past the spa. The trail starts just behind the cabins.
What to know:
- It’s a 30-minute return loop through old-growth forest.
- This track is inside Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, so you’ll need a Parks Pass.
- You can link it with the Enchanted Walk (next on our list) for a peaceful hour-long loop.
- We like to finish at the lodge bar with a wine by the fire.
This track is a hidden gem—small but mighty. One of the best short walks at Cradle Mountain when you need a dose of ancient forest and quiet.
7. Cape Tourville Circuit
Short, paved, and packed with views—Cape Tourville proves you don’t need to walk far to see something unforgettable.
This 600m circuit track winds around the clifftops of Freycinet National Park, with sweeping views across the Hazards and the impossibly blue Tasman Sea. A boardwalk leads to the lighthouse and lookout, where you can spot seals, dolphins, and maybe even a sea eagle coasting on the breeze.
It’s one of the best short walks in Tasmania for maximum payoff with minimum effort. The short reel highlights 👇🏽
Location & Access:
Right inside Freycinet National Park. You can drive straight to the trailhead. It’s fully paved, family-friendly, and very popular in summer—get there early for parking and peace.
Planning a full day?
Pair it with the short trail to Sleepy Bay, or the tougher Wineglass Bay Lookout walk if you’re feeling energetic. Stop in at the Freycinet Marine Farm on the way out for oysters or a seafood platter.
Need to know:
- You’ll need a Parks Pass—rangers do patrol.
- The walk is wheelchair-accessible and suitable for all ages.
- Peak time is mid-morning to mid-afternoon—go early or late for golden light and fewer people.
- We stayed at Freycinet Lodge last time—espresso martini on the deck at sunset was a 10/10.
If you’re short on time, Cape Tourville is a sure thing. One of those great short walks in Tasmania that delivers every single time.
6. The Enchanted Walk
The Enchanted Walk lives up to its name. Tucked beside Peppers Lodge at Cradle Mountain, it’s a boardwalk dreamscape that winds past creeks, through rainforest, and right by the front doors of actual wombat burrows.
We’ve done this one more than ten times—and it still has the same magical, misty, fairy-tale energy every time. Come early, when the forest is quiet and the light filters through like something out of a dream. It’s one of the best short walks in Tasmania if you want mood, moss and a high chance of wombats. Check out the wombats we spotted in this video 👇🏽
Location & Access:
The trail starts just behind Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. I recommend parking at the tavern— the trailhead is 15 metres from your car. No shuttle bus required – save’s you $15 p/person.
Planning a longer stroll?
Link it with the King Billy Track (see #8) for a tranquil hour-long forest loop. Easy, calming, and very Cradle.
Need to know:
- The loop is 1.1km and takes about 20–30 minutes.
- Inside the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair World Heritage Area—so you’ll need a Parks Pass.
- Great for families and casual walkers—flat, formed, no stress.
- Look for fungi, mossy logs, pencil pines, and wombats (especially near dusk).
- In the rain, it turns into a moody, mossy wonderland.
This is a walk you’ll come back to. One of the top Cradle Mountain short walks, and a gentle reminder that Tasmania really is a bit enchanted.
5. Liffey Falls
Liffey Falls feels like walking through an ancient cathedral—only it smells like damp earth and fern sap instead of incense. Tucked into Tasmania’s Central Plateau, this forest trail winds through one of the most photogenic pockets of rainforest in the state. The main event is the waterfall at the end—multi-tiered, thundering, and framed by thick green—but getting there is half the beauty. The ferns get taller, the air gets cooler, and the light filters through the canopy in gold and green slants that make the whole place feel enchanted. Check out the Ent at the Upper Liffey Falls Trail Head in this reel 👇🏽
There are two ways in. The short version is a 2km return walk from the upper picnic area—easygoing and perfect if you’re short on time. But the longer trail, starting from the Lower Liffey campground, is where the magic really starts. It’s 5.6km return, about two hours, and takes you deep into mossy gullies and along the riverbank. If you’ve got two cars, a through-walk is a great option—up one way and down the other.
What you’ll see:
- A series of forest cascades leading to the main falls
- Towering tree ferns and old-growth rainforest
- Fungi, mossy logs, and filtered green light that turns the forest into a film set
- One of the best waterfall walks in Tasmania’s central highlands
Location & Access:
Liffey Falls is off the Highland Lakes Road between Deloraine and Lake Highway. The road in is gravel but well maintained—just go slow and steady. There are drop toilets and picnic facilities at the upper carpark, plus a massive tree near the edge of the lot that deserves a wander on its own.
What to know:
The trail is easy but can be slick with mud after rain. Waterproof boots are recommended, and long pants help keep leeches from hitching a ride. There’s no reception in the area, so download your maps ahead of time. Spring and early summer are ideal—everything’s green and the water flow is strong. This is one of those great short walks in Tasmania that feels like it should be more famous, but somehow stays just under the radar.
4. Three Falls Circuit
Three waterfalls, one loop, and a forest that feels like it’s been holding its breath for centuries. The Three Falls Circuit is one of the standout short walks near Hobart, and it delivers variety in spades—Lady Barron Falls, the Tall Trees Track, and the iconic Russell Falls, all wrapped into a single well-marked loop.
Start at the Visitor Centre and head clockwise—trust us. Most people walk the loop backwards without realising, but this way you get the quiet forest first and save the big showstopper, Russell Falls, for last. The walk winds through fern gullies, across creeks, and under some of the tallest flowering plants in the world—swamp gums so massive they make you feel small in the best possible way. The walk’s amazing waterfalls are captured beautifully here 👇🏽
What you’ll see:
- Lady Barron Falls tucked into a rainforest ravine
- The towering giants of the Tall Trees Track
- Russell Falls, framed perfectly through the ferns
- Mossy undergrowth, fungi, and rainforest colour in every direction
Location & Access:
This is one of the top short walks around Hobart, located in Mount Field National Park, just 1.5 hours drive away. There’s a well-equipped Visitor Centre with maps, toilets and a café. The trail is clearly marked from there.
What to know:
The full loop is around 6km and takes 1.5 to 2 hours. It’s an easy to moderate walk with a few sets of stairs and often a bit of mud. You’ll need a Parks Pass to enter. Bring gaiters if you’re walking in winter or after rain, and if you’ve got little ones, note that it’s not stroller-friendly—a carrier will serve you better. Start early and wrap it up with lunch at one of the Derwent Valley wineries on your way back to Hobart. This is one of the most complete short walks in Tasmania—waterfalls, trees, and time to breathe.
3. Crater Lake Circuit
Dove Lake might be the headline act, but Crater Lake is the walk locals actually recommend and it’s one of the best short walks in Tasmania. This circuit gives you everything Cradle Mountain is known for—alpine boardwalks, wombat sightings, waterfalls, button grass plains, and a chance to breathe the kind of air you want to bottle and take home.
The walk can be done as a full loop or one-way from Dove Lake to Ronny Creek. Either way, it’s about two hours of solid walking with a few stair-heavy sections that get your heart rate up, but no real climbing. You’ll pass Wombat Pool and Crater Falls, cross a section of the Overland Track, and maybe catch a wombat munching through the grass in the early morning mist. Here’s the highlights reel 👇🏽
What you’ll see:
- Crater Lake with its sheer walls and deep water
- Views of Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain along the way
- Wombat Pool, Pencil Pine forest and waterfalls
- Classic highland scenery with fewer crowds than the Dove Lake circuit
Location & Access:
Start at either the Dove Lake carpark or Ronny Creek. During peak periods, you’ll need to use the Cradle Mountain shuttle bus from the Visitor Centre. Parks Pass required.
What to know:
Give yourself at least two hours. Wear waterproof boots—the track can be muddy, especially after rain. Bring a warm layer and a windbreaker, even in summer, as conditions change fast. Take water and snacks—you’ll want them. If you’ve got the energy, you can add the detour to Marion’s Lookout for a higher perspective and more bragging rights. This is one of the best short walks in Tasmania—less travelled than Dove Lake, but more rewarding.
📕 Read more: 9 Best Cradle Mountain walks for an unforgettable experience
2. Champagne Falls and Bridal Veil Falls
This is one of those under-the-radar gems people don’t believe exists until they do it. Tucked away behind Lemonthyme Lodge near Moina, this 5.3km circuit leads you through thick rainforest to two stunning waterfalls—and you’ll likely have them all to yourself.
This is not found on many Tasmania short walks lists. But its out number 2 top walk.
The trail starts off like a fire trail, but quickly turns wild. You’ll pass over creeks, navigate mossy switchbacks, and scramble (briefly) with the help of a rope before being dropped into one of the most atmospheric forest settings in the state. Champagne Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are both best after rain and framed by the kind of foliage that makes everything feel cinematic. Our photos and reels tell the story 👇🏽
What you’ll see:
- Two spectacular, underrated waterfalls
- Rainforest trail with creeks, moss, ferns and fungi
- Short rope-assisted scramble and a true sense of solitude
- A raw, adventurous short walk without the crowds
Location & Access:
Drive 8km along a gravel road to Lemonthyme Lodge, near Moina. Park in the visitor carpark. The trailhead begins uphill on a rough 4WD track—easy to miss, but well worth it.
What to know:
The circuit takes about two hours. Wear waterproof boots—it gets muddy and slick. Gaiters are useful in winter. Download offline maps beforehand—the trail isn’t always clearly marked, and there’s no reception. Spring is the best time to go—summer can be dry, and you’ll want the falls flowing. This is one of the great short walks in Tasmania that feels like it should be a secret. Now you’re in on it.
1. Philosopher Falls
Philosopher Falls is the surprise number one on our best Tasmania short walks list! Not because it’s the biggest or the hardest, but because it’s unforgettable. This 2km rainforest track near Waratah drops you into another world—where the light is filtered, the air is misty, and the fungi come in every colour of the rainbow. There’s a stillness here that gets under your skin.
The track starts on a raised boardwalk, then drops into forest stairs and winding paths carved into the hill. You’ll pass mossy ravines, cross old pipelines, and eventually arrive at a viewing platform where the waterfall plunges dramatically into the gorge below. It’s not a long walk, but it’s rich—every step is worth slowing down for.
What you’ll see:
- One of Tasmania’s most immersive rainforest trails
- A powerful waterfall in a remote forested valley
- Brilliant coloured fungi in autumn
- Moss, ferns and twisted trees in every direction.
Location & Access:
Philosopher Falls is just outside the township of Waratah in North West Tasmania. The access road is gravel and narrow—drive slowly, especially after rain. There are no facilities on site.
What to know:
The walk takes about an hour return. It’s mostly easy but gets muddy and slick in winter—wear proper boots. There’s no phone reception, so download maps in advance and bring everything you need. This is one of the official 60 Great Short Walks in Tasmania, but it doesn’t feel official. It feels personal. You’ll leave with wet boots and a quiet smile. That’s how you know it was the right choice.
Planning Your Tasmania Short Walks Adventure
Tasmania’s short walks aren’t just beautiful—they’re remarkably doable. Most of the trails in this guide are under three hours return, don’t require technical experience, and are accessible from major road trip routes across the state. But a little planning makes all the difference between a smooth day and a soggy, snack-less scramble.
Make sure you pack proper hiking boots, not sneakers. Even the formed tracks get slick with rain, and a lot of these short walks include stairs, mud, or forested gullies where grip matters. Layers are essential. It doesn’t matter if you’re on the coast or at Cradle—Tasmania’s weather loves a dramatic costume change. Bring water, snacks, and a downloaded offline map. Reception is hit and miss, especially on the west coast and in national parks.
Many of these walks are inside protected reserves or parks, which means you’ll need a valid Tasmania Parks Pass. You can get one online before your trip or buy it at major visitor centres like Cradle Mountain or Mount Field. It’s worth having the pass ready—rangers do check, and it supports the upkeep of these wild places.
If you’re road tripping, use these short walks to break up long drives: Montezuma Falls between Queenstown and Cradle; Champagne Falls near Moina; Cape Tourville as you cut across the East Coast; and Three Falls Circuit before or after Hobart. They’re easy detours that turn a drive day into something you’ll actually remember.
Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks: What You Need to Know
If you’ve Googled “short walks in Tasmania,” chances are you’ve come across the list. The 60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania is the official collection curated by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife—a mix of coastal lookouts, forest loops, alpine trails and waterfall walks across every corner of the island.
The problem is, most travellers can’t walk all 60. So we’ve walked the trails and picked the best of the list.
Several of the walks in this guide are on that list—like Philosopher Falls, Three Falls Circuit, Liffey Falls, and Crater Lake Circuit. But we’ve also included a few extras that didn’t make the official cut but absolutely should have, like Champagne and Bridal Veil Falls.
The 60 walks are spread right across the state, with handy regional filters for things like short walks around Hobart, short walks near Launceston, or short walks on the Tasman Peninsula. Some are family-friendly loops you could walk in sandals; others are wild and wet and best tackled with proper boots and zero expectations of staying clean. You can view the full list on the Parks Tasmania website, or pick the highlights and go rogue with this guide.
If ticking off all 60 sounds like your kind of challenge, you’ll want a base itinerary that loops through Cradle Mountain, the West Coast, the Tasman Peninsula, and the East Coast. You won’t smash them all in one trip—but that’s a good reason to come back.
What’s Next?
Our Tasmania short walks list is just the beginning. If you’re building out a Tassie itinerary, use these walks as your anchors and explore outward. Come stay in our Tiny House near Cradle Mountain. Loop through the Central Highlands for a wilderness snow experience. Cruise up the East Coast and a night relaxing with sea views in Bicheno or explore the Bay of Fires to slow it down. And check out these resources to help plan your stay:
- Tasmania Rental Car dos and dont’s
- Hobart travel guide
- The best of North West Tasmania
- The ultimate guide to visiting Cradle Mountain (we live here!) 😉
