Tasmania’s Best Bushwalks That Start Where the Road Ends
Tasmania’s Best Bushwalks That Start Where the Road Ends
One of the great things about driving in Tasmania is how close the road gets you to nature. With fewer crowds and plenty of well-maintained trails, many of the island’s best bushwalks start right where your drive ends. No need for 4WD tracks, long access hikes, or shuttle buses—just park the car, lace up your boots, and walk straight into some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Australia.
Whether you’re after waterfalls, alpine views, or forest immersion, here’s your guide to the best bushwalks in Tasmania that are easily accessible by car hire.
Table of Contents
Why Tasmania Is a Bushwalker’s Dream
Tasmania is wild, compact, and stunningly diverse. You can go from coast to rainforest to alpine in a single weekend, and the island’s National Parks are well-equipped for self-guided bushwalking. Thanks to smart infrastructure and good roads, many iconic tracks begin at trailheads that are just steps from the car park—perfect for day-trippers and casual hikers.
What to Bring Before You Hit the Trail
Even short walks in Tasmania can throw a few surprises, so come prepared:
A refillable water bottle
A weatherproof jacket (Tasmania changes fast!)
Proper walking shoes
Snacks or a packed lunch
National Parks Pass (available online or at major entry points)
Your phone or camera—this is a very photogenic state
The Top Roadside Bushwalks in Tasmania
1. Russell Falls – Mount Field National Park
Drive Time from Hobart: 1 hr 15 min
This is the perfect “starter walk.” A short 20-minute return trail leads you through lush forest to the picture-perfect Russell Falls. It’s flat, family-friendly, and wheelchair accessible. For more of a challenge, extend to the Three Falls Circuit.
Why go: Easy, beautiful, and iconic.
2. Liffey Falls – Near Deloraine
Drive Time from Launceston: 1 hr
Accessed via a scenic road through the Great Western Tiers, the trail to Liffey Falls is about 45 minutes return from the upper car park. It’s surrounded by tall tree ferns and mossy forest, with four tiers of waterfalls as your reward.
Why go: Tranquil and great for photos.
3. Cape Hauy Track – Tasman National Park
Drive Time from Hobart: 1 hr 45 min
Part of the Three Capes area, Cape Hauy is a 4-hour return walk that starts near Fortescue Bay. The trail is well-marked with steps, switchbacks, and stunning coastal cliff views.
Why go: Dramatic sea cliffs and great exercise.
4. Dove Lake Circuit – Cradle Mountain
Drive Time from Devonport: 1 hr 30 min
Once you reach the shuttle drop-off point at Dove Lake (parking is limited during peak hours), the 6 km boardwalk loop is one of Tasmania’s best-loved trails. Expect stunning views of Cradle Mountain mirrored in the lake.
Why go: Iconic alpine scenery on an easy trail.
5. Montezuma Falls – West Coast
Drive Time from Queenstown: 45 min
Accessible via a gravel road near Rosebery, this 3-hour return walk follows an old tramway through temperate rainforest to Tasmania’s tallest waterfall. There’s even a suspension bridge near the base.
Why go: Hidden gem with rainforest vibes.
6. Wineglass Bay Lookout – Freycinet National Park
Drive Time from Hobart: 2.5 hrs
One of the most popular walks in Tasmania, this 1.5-hour return trail starts at the main Freycinet car park and rewards you with that postcard-perfect view of Wineglass Bay. For a longer walk, descend to the beach itself.
Why go: You’ve seen the photo. It’s worth it.
7. Lake St Clair Walks – Central Highlands
Drive Time from Hobart: 2.5 hrs
At the southern end of the Overland Track, Lake St Clair offers shorter walks like the Watersmeet and Larmairremener tabelti trails. These begin right from the car park and explore ancient rainforest and lake edges.
Why go: Serene, quiet, and far from the tourist crowd.
Bushwalking Tips for Car Hire Travellers
Fuel up early: Some remote trailheads have limited fuel or food stops.
Check weather updates: Conditions change quickly, especially in alpine regions.
Always take your rubbish with you: Leave no trace.
Respect wildlife: No feeding, no touching.
Watch for roadkill and wildlife on rural drives, especially at dawn/dusk
Explore Tasmania’s Trails with YesDrive
At YesDrive, we make it easy to connect you with Tasmania’s most beautiful hikes. Our hire cars are comfortable, reliable, and road-trip ready—so you can park right where the wild walks begin. Whether you’re heading out for a short stroll or a full-day trek, your journey starts with the right set of wheels.
Book your YesDrive car today and discover Tasmania one bushwalk at a time.
