If you’re after a way to get up-close with the West Coast wilderness, but you’re lacking the time or ability to take on some of its bigger hikes, consider tackling one of its day walks for a taste of what makes this region unique.
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Here, you can leave the hustle behind as you step into some of Tasmania’s most well-preserved forests, abandoned mines and historical sites that are slowly being reclaimed by the wilderness.
If you’re looking for a short walk within Strahan and whose wide gravel path makes it easy to access, you can’t go past the Hogarth Falls and People’s Park.
Taking just 40-minutes, and covering three-kilometres, this gentle walk will take you through mixed forest of towering gum trees, pockets of cool temperate rainforest and iconic leatherwood trees.
Equally easy to tackle is the track into Nelson Falls where the 20-minute walk through cool temperate rainforest offers several signs that detail the history of the area.
Located 23 kilometres out of Queenstown this is the ideal spot for young hikers, or those with mobility issues, and will give you a taste of the majesty of this region in an easy-to-access environment.
For something a little different but equally easy for young legs, spend an hour walking the Spray Tunnel Loop in Zeehan.
This flat loop walk takes you along a 100-metre-long abandoned train tunnel before passing by the abandoned Spray Silver Mine and then finishing back at the Zeehan Golf Club.
For those with a little more time on their hands, the flat 3-4 hour walk into Montezuma Falls near Rosebery makes an ideal day out that will take you into the heart of the Tasmanian wilderness.
Discover the magnificence of Tasmania’s highest falls, standing at a staggering 104-metres, after hiking along the gravel path that follows an abandon tram line snaking through the forest.
Don’t forget your camera as the view from the platform at the base of the falls makes an impressive sight.
If you’d prefer a more challenging hike that is not only well off the beaten track but offers a glimpse of Tasmania’s history, then the 3-4 hour return hike to Kelly Basin shouldn’t be missed.
This unique hike will take you along an abandoned railway line to Pillinger, a once thriving port town of over 1,000 people that has now been largely reclaimed by the wilderness.
To get there you’ll need a four-wheel-drive to travel along Mt Jukes Road just outside Queenstown until you reach the Bird River walking track that will take you into Pillinger.
For further information on Tasmania’s short walks visit www.parks.tas.gov.au.