7 Best Places for backpacking in Tasmania

10 Jun 2026Updated last time

Backpacking Adventure Across Tasmania

This Tasmania itinerary brings together the island’s most rewarding wilderness experiences, mixing famous multi-day hikes, remote national parks, dramatic coastlines, and unique places to stay and eat along the way. Begin in the Cradle Mountain region with the legendary Overland Track, where alpine scenery, glacial lakes, and changing weather create a true sense of adventure. Continue to Freycinet National Park for granite peaks, bright blue water, and unforgettable views over Wineglass Bay, then head inland to the remote Walls of Jerusalem for a quieter, more rugged experience among tarns, ancient pines, and alpine plateaus.

From there, explore the spectacular Three Capes Track, where towering sea cliffs and ocean panoramas offer a different side of Tasmania’s wild beauty. Add time on Maria Island for wildlife, history, and peaceful walking trails, then, for a bigger challenge, venture onto the South Coast Track, one of Australia’s classic remote treks. Finish with the lush Tarkine Rainforest, where ancient forest, rivers, and wild coastline provide a calm but powerful end to the journey. Between hikes, you can enrich the trip with unusual restaurants and memorable stays, from lakeside retreats to architect-designed lodgings. Overall, this itinerary is ideal for travelers who want a deep, immersive experience of Tasmania through nature, movement, solitude, and striking landscapes.


Recommended Activities

  • 1

    Overland Track

    The Overland Track offers a world-class scenic hike through Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It's renowned for its stunning landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and diverse flora and fauna.
  • 2

    Freycinet National Park

    Freycinet National Park is famous for its striking pink granite peaks, secluded bays, white sandy beaches, and the iconic view of Wineglass Bay. It offers excellent hiking opportunities and pristine natural beauty.
  • 3

    Walls of Jerusalem National Park

    Walls of Jerusalem National Park provides a remote wilderness experience with rugged mountain landscapes, ancient pencil pine forests, and unique alpine vegetation. It's perfect for those seeking solitude and adventure in nature.
  • 4

    Three Capes Track

    The Three Capes Track offers a dramatic coastal hike featuring stunning sea cliffs, diverse landscapes, and panoramic ocean views. It provides a well-maintained path and comfortable facilities, making it accessible for many hikers.
  • 5

    Maria Island National Park

    Maria Island National Park is known for its rich history, diverse wildlife, and beautiful landscapes. Visitors can explore historic ruins, enjoy pristine beaches, and observe unique species like Tasmanian devils and wombats in their natural habitat.
  • 6

    South Coast Track

    The South Coast Track is a challenging but rewarding trek through Tasmania's remote wilderness. It offers expansive beaches, rugged mountains, and dense rainforests, providing a true escape into unspoiled natural beauty for experienced hikers.
  • 7

    Tarkine Rainforest

    Tarkine Rainforest is one of the world's largest temperate rainforests, offering a pristine and ancient environment rich with biodiversity. Visitors can explore dense forest trails, wild rivers, and coastal heathlands, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.

Restaurants

  • Picture for Stillwater Seven

    Stillwater Seven

    2 Bridge Rd, Launceston TAS 7250, Australia
    Housed in an old flour mill beside the Tamar River, Stillwater offers a unique combination of history and modern Tasmanian cuisine, emphasizing local produce.
    4.5
  • Picture for The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery

    The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery

    11a The Avenue, New Norfolk TAS 7140, Australia
    Located in a former mental asylum, this restaurant provides a farm-to-table experience with dishes crafted from ingredients sourced directly from their own farm.
    4.6
    $$$$
  • Picture for Fico
    151A Macquarie St, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia
    A small yet creative dining spot in Hobart, Fico blends Italian and Japanese influences, offering an innovative take on traditional cooking.
    $$$$
  • Picture for The Source Restaurant

    The Source Restaurant

    Ether Building, 655 Main Rd, Berriedale TAS 7011, Australia
    Part of the MONA experience, The Source offers a beautiful setting overlooking the River Derwent and serves up an artful menu aligning with the museum's avant-garde spirit.
    4.4
    $$$$
  • Picture for Driftwood Restaurant

    Driftwood Restaurant

    Nestled along the East Coast, this restaurant offers stunning beach views and focuses on fresh seafood and local delicacies in a serene coastal setting.

Hotels

  • Pumphouse Point

    Pumphouse Point, 1 Lake St Clair Rd, Lake St Clair TAS 7140, Australia

    Set in the middle of Lake St Clair, this converted pumphouse offers a unique and serene retreat, with panoramic water views and a focus on tranquility and nature.
  • Saffire Freycinet

    2352 Coles Bay Rd, Coles Bay TAS 7215, Australia

    Overlooking the Hazards Mountains, this luxury lodge offers a bespoke experience with a focus on wellness and nature, featuring immersive views and exclusive experiences.
  • MONA Pavilions

    655 Main Rd, Berriedale TAS 7011, Australia

    Located on the grounds of the Museum of Old and New Art, these architecturally striking pavilions offer a fusion of art, luxury, and stunning river views.
  • Cradle Mountain Lodge

    4038 Cradle Mountain Rd, Cradle Mountain TAS 7306, Australia

    Nestled near Cradle Mountain, this lodge provides cozy cabin-style accommodations and offers immediate access to the stunning wilderness and diverse wildlife.
  • Thousand Lakes Lodge

    1247 Lake Augusta Rd, Central Plateau TAS 7304, Australia

    Situated on the Central Plateau, the lodge offers a remote and atmospheric stay with opportunities for exploring unique highland landscapes and star-gazing.

Local Events & Happenings


Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Thinking of "backpacking" around Tasmania for a little while

    /r/tasmania

    There are tons of international students in Hobart so people there will be more used to a bit of skin tone diversity. I moved from the mainland a few years ago and have found ...