You'll fall for the Apple Isle after trying any of these wonderful day walks.
Bluff Hill Point-West Point, takayna / Tarkine wilderness
The coastal hikes in takayna/Tarkine are wild. There is no other way to describe the weather, terrain, and views. The Roaring Forties (extraordinarily strong winds that come from the west near the fortieth parallel) rush at you from the ocean, driving enormous waves onto the beach. Hiking against these winds literally takes your breath away, and it is hard to hear the person right next to you. This trail is full of incredible rock formations with almost every colour of the rainbow represented, sculpted by the wind and water. Rocky headlands and large dunes separate long white beaches, where enormous bull kelp is washed up by the waves. Do not be surprised if there is no one else around, as these beaches can only be accessed on foot. There are lots of seabirds to see as well, from the small sooty oystercatcher to the enormous, white-bellied sea eagle.
Challenge: 1.5 / Beauty: 4
Distance: 8.5 km
Time: 2.5-3.5 hours
Elevation: 61m
Type: One-way
Philosophers Falls, takayna / Tarkine wilderness
The Tarkine, or takayna as Tasmanian Aboriginal people know the area, contains one of the largest temperate rainforests in the world. The Tarkine does not have clear boundaries, and it is not a national park, though many believe it should be. This short hike is the perfect glimpse into the towering and vibrant rainforests of the Tarkine. From the trailhead, this trail gradually descends through open rainforest full of huge trees and colourful fungi. The striking orange fungi known as strawberry bracket is a stark contrast to the moss-covered giants that surround the trail on all sides. Part of the final approach to the falls follows an old water race that provided water to the Magnet silver mine in the early 20th century. The sounds of Tasmania’s vibrant birdlife accompany the final descent to the viewing platform overlooking the gushing Philosophers Falls.
Challenge: 1 / Beauty: 3
Distance: 2.8 km
Time: Elevation: 106m
Type: Out and back
Mount Murchison, takayna / Tarkine wilderness
The mountains in takayna / Tarkine are some of the most spectacular in Tasmania and are significantly less travelled than those inside a national park. The Mount Murchison trail starts out in rainforest with many slippery rocks and roots but very quickly ascends to an alpine zone full of heath and wildflowers. The views from this point onward are stunning as the track follows a ridge along rocky terrain until it reaches a looming rock face. From here, the trail becomes steeper and more treacherous. The route is marked with small cairns, and there are a few rock scrambles. There is even a section with a rope, though the rope is more helpful on the way down than the way up. You will need to use both hands and feet to reach the summit, which has views of the surrounding mountains and hidden alpine lakes inside an almost crater-like rock formation.
Challenge: 4 / Beauty: 5
Distance: 6.1 km
Time: 2.5-4 hours
Elevation: 751m
Type: Out and back
Archers Knob-Springlawn Circuit, Narawntapu NP
Narawntapu NP lies on the northern coast of Tasmania and has a surprisingly diverse landscape. There are stunning seascapes, wide open plains, pretty coastal heathlands, long beaches, and cool forested mountains. This easy and well-maintained trail is one of the best ways to experience everything this park has to offer and is a beautiful coastal alternative to the much more crowded Wineglass Bay in the south. Explore the bird hide and make your way through the paperbark forest full of pademelons and wallabies. Take the well-graded switchbacks to the breathtaking Archers Knob. There is a small loop at the top among flowerings bushes and grass trees with many gorgeous vistas. Returning via the macropod-filled Springlawn is a must. This unmarked open grassland is free to roam on the way back to the visitor centre. Just keep the dense vegetation of the lagoon to the right. Oh, and look out for kangaroo poop.
Challenge: 2 / Beauty: 4
Distance: 8.6 km
Time: 2.5-4 hours
Elevation: 142m
Type: Loop
Bishop and Clerk via Fossil Cliffs, Maria Island
Maria Island is full of both natural and historical attractions. There is stunning scenery, lots of wildlife, and remnants of the buildings and other facilities used by the convicts that were housed there in the 1800s (you can even sleep in the old penitentiary). Visiting the striking sandstone Painted Cliffs and the fascinating Fossil Cliffs during your visit are a given, as well as getting a photo of a resident wombat or Cape Barren goose (or a Tasmania Devil if you’re lucky). For the more adventurous, the steep climb to the top of Bishop and Clerk is the most rewarding activity on the island. On the way up, take a small detour to stop and identify some marine fossils embedded in the limestone of the Fossil Cliffs. It only gets steeper from here. There are switchbacks, but they will quickly give way to boulder fields. Take care during the scramble to the summit, where there are spectacular views of the entire island.
Challenge: 4 / Beauty: 4.5
Distance: 13.1 km
Time: 3.5-7 hours
Elevation: 666m
Type: Loop
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Words and photos_Reid Marshall and Marina Santiago