Walk safely

Tasmania has walks for every mood and moment – here's how to explore the island's wild places safely.

Wilderness isn't hard to find in Tasmania – about 40% of the state is protected as national parks and reserves, many threaded with tracks and trails. Explore a forest like no other, climb a clifftop path, wander an empty beach, tread an alpine track.

Wherever your feet take you, follow this guide to walking safely and responsibly in Tasmania.

How to walk safely in Tasmania

Before you set out, check Tasmania Parks for track closures and alerts to avoid disappointment, and read up on important safety information.

Like a fisherman’s story, Tasmanian weather can change fast and frequently, especially in alpine areas. Snow, rain, wind, sun and even bushfires are possible at any time of year.

Plan to walk safely with these tips:

• Only take on trails that suit your fitness and outdoor experience level
• Always check forecast weather and warnings in advance
• Carry appropriate gear: water, food, a map, warm and waterproof layers plus sun protection – be prepared for all conditions
• Be flexible: if severe weather is predicted change your plans – if conditions deteriorate turn back or seek shelter
• For your safety, avoid hiking alone
• Tell someone reliable your plans before you go, and sign into (and out of) logbooks provided on tracks
• Stay up to date with emergency warnings via TasALERT.

Choose the right walk for your ability

Walking tracks in Tasmania use the Australian Walking Track Grading System, which gives every walk a difficulty level from one to five. Check the walking track grading to choose the right walk for your ability. Ambition and adventure are great but, for your safety, don't overestimate your (or your fellow walkers) capacbilities or fitness level.

Grade 1 walks are generally short, flat and esy walks that are usually suitable for people in a wheelchair with assistance. Grade 5 (and some Grade 4) walks in Tasmania are only suitable for very experienced bushwalkers with navigation and emergency first aid skills. These tracks can be long, rough, very steep and difficult with no signage. Hikers need to be self-sufficient, skilled at scrambling and possible pack hauling, and equipped to handle extreme, unexpected weather changes. 

What to take on your walk

Here are a few all-weather essentials to pack for your hike:

• Wear and carry extra clothing for all weather conditions to protect you from wet, windy, cold, snowy and sunny conditions: sturdy hiking boots (break them in first), warm and waterproof layers, sun hat and sunglasses, beanie and gloves
• Cover up on sunny days – the sun’s rays are strong in Tasmania
• Pack plenty of water (1L per person for every 3hrs) and load up on high-energy snacks: think dried fruit, nuts and muesli bars
• Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged but be ready for limited or no mobile reception in remote and alpine areas
• Carry a first aid kit and an emergency communication device like a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for longer and remote area hikes
• Pick up a physical map from a visitor centre or online from Tasmap and remember to download your digital maps offline
• Carry appropriate equipment for your walk including a first aid kit, torch and, if you’re heading into wilderness, take a PLB.

See Tasmania Parks for tips on what to take for day walks, alpine walks and multiday walks.

Multiday walks registration and remote camping safety

Tasmania spoils walkers with some of Australia’s best (and best-known) multiday hiking experiences, from the famed Overland Track and challenging South Coast Track to coastal Bay of Fires Walk and clifftop Three Capes Track. Some overnight walks require hikers to register in advance or book ahead. It’s best to check multiday walks in Tasmania’s parks to see if registration or bookings are needed for your walk.

If you’re planning to camp overnight in Tasmania’s remote areas, make sure to allow extra time to reach camp during daylight if you’re staying overnight. Check if and where you can have a campfire and weather forecasts before you go and be prepared for limited access to services. As well as essential gear like clothes for all conditions, carry a PLB and a back-up light source like a head torch (don’t rely on your phone).

Lighten the load by joining an accredited guided walking experience.

Take extra care in Tasmania’s remote wilderness and alpine areas

Tasmania’s World Heritage wilderness and popular alpine areas like Cradle Mountain and Mount Field National Park are genuinely wild places. Beautiful? Absolutely. Forgiving? Not so much. If you’re inexperienced or unprepared, walks in these areas can be dangerous.

Don’t be caught out – be prepared for fast-changing and extreme conditions in every season. Warm and waterproof clothing are essential. If conditions deteriorate, turn back or seek shelter.

Tell someone your planned route and expected return time and record your trip intentions in logbooks provided. It’s a good idea to bring a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) in case of emergency.

Remote wilderness walks are generally only suitable for very experienced walkers with specialised hiking, navigation and emergency first aid skills. These areas should not be explored alone. The safest way to explore is with the island’s guided walking experts.

Check Tasmania Parks for alerts, closures and safety info before you visit.

How to care for our environment when bushwalking

Planning activities in Tasmania’s outdoors? You can help protect our sensitive natural environments and cultural heritage by following the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service “leave no trace” guidelines.

• Always stay on formed roads and walking tracks – avoid walking on vegetation
•  Camp only at designated sites and follow fire restrictions
• Carry out all waste when visiting national parks, reserves and wilderness areas and dispose of it properly
• Keep wildlife wild: never feed or touch native animals or birds and always keep a respectful distance (at least 2m or 6.5ft) 
• Leave plants, rocks, shells and other natural objects as you find them 
• Respect Tasmanian Aboriginal living sites and places of significance by observing but not touching cultural and historical structures and artefacts 
• Make sure your walking shoes, camping equipment and tyres are clean and free of seeds to avoid spreading weeds and soil-borne diseases.  

Learn more about caring for Tasmania’s wildlife and plants.

Wildlife safety when walking

Tasmania's wild places are a refuge for ancient plants and unique animals, many of them found nowhere else. Think charismatic creatures like Tasmanian devils, wombats and pademelons. 

Please help Tasmania's native wildlife stay wild by keeping a respectful distance (at least 2m, around 6.5ft), avoid making loud noises and never feed or touch animals.