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3 Breath-taking (literally!) hikes to take in Tasmania

Tasmania is a playground for nature-lovers. The diversity of landscapes, from cliffs and beaches to mountains and lakes makes it perfect for spending the length of the day outdoors and dwelling in the refreshing beauty of the place. While there are so many things to do on this island, I particularly enjoyed walking and hiking there, and I felt that it was the best way for me to fully immerse in the majesty of what nature has to offer. You might not move around much while you are in Singapore, but in Tasmania, it’s time to get off your butt and start exploring! There are hikes, or walks, for every level of fitness, with varying durations, and you really don’t have to worry too much, as long as you do your research and come prepared for it. Here are three hikes – from the easiest/shortest, to the longest – which you could check out on your trip

Cataract Gorge

Cataract Gorge

Chairlift ride at Cataract Gorge

One of the most fun experiences we had in Tasmania was riding the chairlift at Cataract Gorge. Said to be the longest single span chairlift in the Southern Hemisphere, it was a leisurely ride that provided spectacular bird’s eye views of the first basin and gorge. You can opt to take a return journey, but instead, I’d recommend for you to go one-way, and take an easy walk around the gorge before heading back to the entrance on foot. The walk to explore the gorge is a pretty relaxing one, with not much elevation, and should be comfortable for most people.

Wineglass Bay

Wineglass Bay Lookout

View from Wineglass Bay Lookout

In the Freycinet region on the east side of Tasmania, you will find some of the most breath-taking coastlines, one of which is Wineglass Bay. It is part of the Freycinet National Park and requires an entrance fee. If you’re travelling in a group with a car, you can get a single pass that covers everyone in the vehicle, up to 8 seats. Also, plan ahead if you will be visiting several national parks in Tasmania (such as Cradle Mountain below), since the 8-week pass is a more economical option if you visit at least three parks.

The route to Wineglass Bay can be taken in 2 parts – the first brings you to the Wineglass Bay Lookout where you can drink in one of Tasmania’s most celebrated views of the long stretch of sandy white beach. The track is about a 1.5-2 hour return trip, which is not too long, but a relatively steep climb that would give your lungs a good workout. Getting to the Wineglass Bay beach itself is another 45-minute walk (one-way), and you’ll just need to be mindful about the steep climb back up the same way.

Cradle Mountain

Marion's Lookout at Cradle Mountain

Marion’s Lookout at Cradle Mountain

This was my favourite! Cradle Mountain is about a 1.5-2 hour drive from Launceston, and is a part of Tasmania that you cannot miss, in my opinion. There is an extensive range of walking trails here, and the main sections of the mountain are easily accessible by car, or shuttle bus, so that everyone can enjoy the magnificent views, even if you are (ahem!) too lazy to hike. Of course, for the best way to explore the scenic sights of the mountain, some walking is required. A stroll around the entire circumference of Dove Lake takes around 2-3 hours and although it was surprisingly long, the views from each side of the lake were worth it. There are also shorter or more challenging ones based on your preference, and this place certainly deserves a visit.

I could go on about how much I love the scenery in Tasmania, but I think the experiences speak for themselves. There are way more options other than these three which I’ve picked out, and I’d love to hear from you on any other treks you’d recommend!

For more posts on Tasmania, you can check out my whole travelogue here.

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