Walks, Beaches & Nature near Hobart

Choose Your Outdoor Adventure

Choose an easy local walk, spend an afternoon by the coast, or set aside a full day for one of Tasmania’s spectacular national parks.

Easy

Orielton Lagoon

Best for a Quiet Local Walk

Drive: Just a few minutes
Walking time: Flexible
Difficulty: Easy
Children: Yes
Parks Pass: No

Orielton Lagoon is one of the closest natural areas to Stayvia Midway Point. Its peaceful wetland setting is ideal for an easy walk, birdwatching or simply enjoying a quieter side of Tasmania.

What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes and an extra layer if it is windy.

Seven Mile Beach

Best for a Long Beach Walk

Drive: Around 15–20 minutes
Walking time: As short or long as you like
Difficulty: Easy
Children: Yes
Parks Pass: No

Seven Mile Beach offers a long stretch of open sand with plenty of space for walking, relaxing and enjoying the coast.

It is an easy option for families and also works well on arrival or departure days because of its proximity to Hobart Airport.

What to wear: Comfortable shoes or sandals, a hat and sunscreen on warmer days, and a light jacket when it is breezy.

Hobart Waterfront Walk

Best for an Easy City Walk

Drive: Around 25 minutes
Walking time: Around 1–2 hours, depending on stops
Difficulty: Easy
Children: Yes
Parks Pass: No

Explore Hobart at your own pace along the waterfront, passing areas such as Constitution Dock, Victoria Dock and Salamanca.

The route is mostly flat and easy to combine with coffee, lunch, shopping or a visit to Battery Point.

What to wear: Comfortable everyday walking shoes.

Moderate Walks

kunanyi / Mount Wellington

Best for Mountain Scenery Close to Hobart

Drive: Around 45–50 minutes
Walking time: From around 30 minutes to several hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on the trail
Children: Many shorter walks are family-friendly
Parks Pass: No

You do not have to undertake a long hike to experience kunanyi / Mount Wellington.

The area around The Springs has several shorter walking options, including trails through forest and viewpoints overlooking Hobart and the River Derwent. Wellington Park recommends shorter eastern foothill walks for families, while more exposed routes are better suited to experienced walkers.

What to wear: Walking shoes, warm layers and a windproof or waterproof jacket.

Tasman Peninsula Coastal Walks

Best for Dramatic Coastal Scenery

Drive: Around 50–75 minutes, depending on the walk
Walking time: From short lookout walks to several hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Children: Depends on the track; supervise children around cliffs
Parks Pass: Required for walks within Tasman National Park

The Tasman Peninsula is famous for towering sea cliffs, unusual rock formations and wild coastal scenery.

You do not need to complete one of the long Cape walks to enjoy the landscape. Shorter walks and lookouts around Eaglehawk Neck and Tasman National Park can easily be combined with a Port Arthur day trip.

What to wear: Good walking shoes, layers and a waterproof jacket. Coastal weather can change quickly.

Full-Day Walks & Nature Trips

Cape Hauy

Best for a Spectacular Coastal Hike

Drive: Around 1 hour 15 minutes to the trailhead
Walk: 9.4 km return · around 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate — Grade 3
Children: Suitable for active older children with close supervision
Parks Pass: Yes

Cape Hauy is one of the signature walks of Tasman National Park and forms part of the Three Capes Track.

Expect many stone steps, steep sections and spectacular views of towering sea cliffs and the Southern Ocean. Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service classifies it as a Grade 3 walk and advises supervision around exposed track edges.

What to wear: Proper walking shoes, layered clothing and a waterproof jacket. Carry water, snacks and sun protection.

Cape Raoul

Best for Experienced Walkers

Drive: Around 1 hour 15–30 minutes
Walk: 14 km return · around 5 hours
Difficulty: Challenging — Grade 4
Children: Not recommended for young children
Parks Pass: Yes

Cape Raoul rewards walkers with some of the Tasman Peninsula’s most dramatic cliff and ocean scenery.

It is a much bigger undertaking than a casual coastal walk. The official track is Grade 4, with steep and rough sections and exposed cliff edges.

What to wear: Sturdy hiking shoes or boots, warm layers and waterproof clothing. Carry plenty of water, food and sun protection.

Mount Field National Park

Best for Waterfalls & Rainforest

Drive: Around 1 hour 20–30 minutes
Walking time: From 25 minutes to several hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Children: Excellent family options available
Parks Pass: Yes

Mount Field is one of Tasmania’s oldest national parks and offers everything from rainforest and giant trees to waterfalls and alpine scenery.

For an easy visit, Russell Falls is only a 1.4 km return walk and is classified Grade 1. For something longer, the Three Falls Circuit is 6 km and takes around 2–2.5 hours.

Higher up, Pandani Grove near Lake Dobson offers an easy 1.5 km circuit through alpine vegetation.

What to wear: Walking shoes and layers. Bring waterproof clothing even if Hobart looks clear.

Tasman National Park

Best for Wild Coastal Tasmania

Drive: Around 1 hour
Walking time: Flexible
Difficulty: Easy lookouts to challenging full-day hikes
Children: Many shorter stops suit families; supervise closely near cliffs
Parks Pass: Yes

Tasman National Park is one of the best places in southern Tasmania to experience dramatic cliffs, wild ocean scenery and distinctive coastal geology.

Combine short scenic stops with a longer walk, or make the park part of a broader Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur day.

What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes, warm layers and a waterproof jacket.

A Note About National Parks

A valid Tasmania Parks Pass is required when entering national parks such as Mount Field National Park and Tasman National Park.

For longer walks, always check the weather and track conditions before leaving, carry water and food, and choose a walk suitable for your group’s fitness and experience.

Walks, Beaches & Nature near Hobart