Trek your way through these spectacular trails and hiking spots in Hobart!
With some of the richest forests in Australia, Hobart is a great destination for nature lovers looking for a scenic walking track to explore and enjoy. Whether you want to stroll along the waterfront, hike up to a lookout point, or discover some hidden gems in the bushland, there is always something to gawk at as you wonder through the stunning and diverse natural beauty of Tasmania. With walking tracks fit for any fitness and athletic level, there is no excuse not to spend an hour or two marvelling at mother nature.
For those wanting to try out their new hiking boots or just wander through a new trail, we’ve mapped out the five best walking tracks in Hobart. So, tie up those laces and march your way through some of the most intense, exciting, and beautiful hiking trails in Tasmania!
Photographed by Juliane Liebermann. Image via Unsplash.
Knocklofty Reserve
Only 10 minutes away from Hobart’s CBD, Knocklofty Reserve is one of the closest ways for Hobartians to stretch their legs in nature. Across 155 hectares of vast Tasmanian bushland, this reserve offers a plethora of great walking trails depending on your fitness level and time availability. Each walking trail is well maintained, promising stunning panoramic views of Hobart, Mount Wellington and the Derwent River. There is even the chance you may encounter some of the fascinating native wildlife who call Knocklofty Reserve home such as pademelons and wallabies. One of the best city walk trails in Hobart!
Photographed by Emilie Ristevski. Image via Tourism Tasmania.
Cathedral Rock Wellington Park
For those thrill seekers looking for a little bit of a challenge, gaze yonder to the great walking trail of Cathedral Rock in Wellington Park. This nine kilometre loop trail will take you to Cathedral Rock, a stunning rock formation on the eastern face of Mount Wellington. While a steep climb, you are nonetheless rewarded with one of the most spectacular views of South Hobart and the lush forests that make this such a stunning part of the world. Taking about four hours to complete, those that take their time and soak in the calming atmosphere will find few hiking tracks in Hobart as rewarding as Cathedral Rock Wellington Park.
Photographed by Galyna Andrushko. Image via Shutterstock.
Pipeline Track
On the other end of the spectrum is Pipeline Track, one of the best beginner walking tracks in Hobart. This brisk and equally great short walk is mostly flat and relaxed, making it suitable for families and cyclists. This 12-kilometre nature trail follows a historic water pipeline from Fern Tree to Waterworks Reserve — built in the 1800s and still used today — as you pass by historic sites such as Fern Tree Bower and the Wishing Well. In between historical landmarks, you’ll be able to make your way through dense forests and mossy gullies. So, why not bring the whole family along for one of the best hiking trails in Hobart!
Photographed by Dearna Bond. Image via Tourism Tasmania.
Organ Pipes Circuit
One of the iconic climbing areas of Tasmania, the Organ Pipes on Mount Wellington is a stunning yet striking rock formation that can only be seen by taking the Organ Pipes Circuit. Just a 30-minute drive from Hobart, the Organ Pipes Circuit is a near seven-and-a-half kilometre loop trail that will take you to the base of this beautiful slice of nature. While challenging at times, this rewarding hike is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Just be mindful that you will face a few steep sections and rocky terrain across this four-hour trail. One of the best day walks around Hobart, after trekking through you’ll be singing the praise of the Organ Pipes Circuit trail!
Photographed by Arcade Publications. Image via Tourism Tasmania.
Hobart Rivulet Walk
Since not everyone has hours to spend hiking through pristine nature, we’ve found one of the best short walks in Hobart: the Hobart Rivulet Walk. This brisk two-kilometre walk is an easy afternoon stroll through the colourful counter-culture of Hobart, including plenty of colourful graffiti. Running along a former water supply tunnel, this track can get a little spooky once you enter the tunnel. But, rest assured, it’s well worth the trek for a mix of art and history!
Feeling like a stroll through an enchanting lavender field? Check out our list of The Best Lavender Farms in Hobart of 2023. Feeling a little more adventurous? Then pack you bags for the Ultimate Road Trip Guide from Hobart to Cradle Mountain.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land mentioned in our article, the people of the Nuenonne Nation, and we recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
