Get out and explore some of Tasmania’s waterfalls, national parks and wildlife with these easily accessible short walks.
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Whether you’re looking to show off the state’s rugged landscape, get the kids out of the house or simply enjoy the tranquility of nature, you’ll be sure to find something that’ll impress the whole family with these seven short walks.
Remember to always plan ahead before going on a walk: pack basic supplies such as food and water, wear appropriate clothing and check for weather warnings.
Fern Glade
Take a walk along the Emu River at Fern Glade.
You’ll be surrounded by incredible tree ferns and, if you’re lucky, you might spot a platypus.
Take advantage of the picnic areas and electric barbecue facilities.
No bushwalking experience is required to complete this 500 metre (one-way) trek on flat surface. The walk is estimated to take from 15 minutes to an hour.
Toilets are available.
Location: Fern Glade Road from the Bass Highway (A1) on the eastern approach to Burnie
Leven Canyon
A leisurely 42 minute drive from Ulverstone lies the Leven Canyon.
The easily accessible circuit will lead you to the Cruickshanks Lookout, which is located 275 metres above the Leven River and offers spectacular views.
A 45 minute circuit, the track is suitable for most ages and fitness levels, but previous bushwalking experience is beneficial as some terrain is steep and there are more than 690 steps on the Forest Stairs track.
Pack a lunch and enjoy the picnic area and barbecues.
Toilets are available.
Location: Leven Canyon Road, Nietta
Alum Cliffs
Embrace a quiet, country stroll at Alum Cliffs.
Make your way to the lookout to take in the wonderful views of the Mersey River.
A 40 to 50 minute return walk, the track is usually dry and has some slightly uphill sections.
This walk can be combined with a visit to the Marakoopa Caves at Mole Creek.
Toilets are not available at Alum Cliffs, the closet facilities are located at Chudleigh and Mole Creek.
Location: The Alum Cliffs track is reached from Mersey Hill Road, between the townships of Mole Creek and Chudleigh
Hollybank Forest
Pine and ash trees surround the walking track at Hollybank Forest.
Pack your cricket gear and make your way to the picnic area where you will be surrounded by the native bush.
The leisurely two kilometre circuit takes from 15 to 40 minutes, depending on the track you chose to wander down.
Bike trails are accessible, and dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
While you’re there check out the Trees Adventure.
Toilet facilities are available at Hollybank Forest.
Location: Hollybank Rd, Underwood
Duck Reach
Stroll along the South Esk River to the historic Duck Reach Power Station.
Make your way to the Basin Road car park at Cataract Gorge to find the walking track.
The Duck Reach Power Station was destroyed by floods in 1929 and rebuilt the next year.
A three kilometre round trip, the track is suitable for groups with children.
The walk can also be accessed from the Kings Bridge entrance. You will join the Duck Reach track at the suspension bridge, at Cataract Gorge.
You will need to allow 20 minutes to walk to the track from Kings Bridge.
Toilets, picnic areas and a kiosk can be found at Cataract Gorge.
Location: Basin Road, West Launceston, or the Duck Reach track at Kings Bridge, near Penny Royal
Tamar Island
A short 10 minute drive from the heart of Launceston is a leisurely walk through wetlands and across a river channel.
Expect to see pelicans, swans and numerous other bird species during your four-kilometre return walk at the Tamar Wetlands.
The boardwalk makes for easy walking with prams and strollers.
Barbecue and picnic facilities are available.
Visit the Tamar Island Wetlands Centre while you’re there. The centre provides information about the wetlands. A discover ranger program operates during the summer holidays.
Toilets are available near the car park.
Location: West Tamar Highway, Riverside
Liffey Falls
Watch as water washes from the Great Western Tiers into the Liffey River at Liffey Falls.
You will be surrounded by myrtle, sassafrass and leatherwood as you walk through the dense rainforest to reach tiered waterfalls that are sure to impress.
You’ll have two walking tracks to choose from: one from the lower car park and the other from the top car park.
The top car park has picnic facilities and will set you off on a shorter but more difficult walking track.
There are minimal facilities at the lower car park but it has bus and caravan access. The track from this area is easier but longer.
Location: Midland Highway – approach from Bracknell, Deloraine or Great Lake.