The Best Easy Walks Near Hobart

One of our favourite things about Hobart is how easily you can escape the city and find yourself immersed in nature. It’s one of the reasons people fall in love with the Tasmanian capital and never leave!

 Framed by the Derwent River and the forested peak of kunanyi/Mount Wellington, Hobart boasts plenty of short and easy walks that offer a gentle introduction to Tasmania. Spoiler alert: You don’t have to tackle a challenging summit or complete the Overland Track to enjoy the island’s landscapes.

 Adding to that are leisurely waterfront strolls and historic trails that take in some of the city’s most picturesque neighbourhoods. As locals, we know that exploring on foot is one of the best ways to discover Hobart’s hidden gems and get beyond the well-trodden tourist trail.

 In this article, we’ll share some of our most-loved walks in and around Hobart, all of which are on the “easy” end of the spectrum. Some can be reached on foot from the city while others require a short drive to access the trailhead.

1. City to Gardens Circuit

 Distance: 2.4 km loop
Time: 60 minutes
Location: Queens Domain/Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

 For a relaxed city walk, we suggest putting the City to Gardens Circuit on your list. This loop trail connects central Hobart with the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and the surrounding Queens Domain - a popular recreational destination for locals.

 The City to Gardens Circuit can be started from the Bridge of Remembrance or the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and is a great choice if you want a Hobart walk that doesn’t require a car.

 We’d recommend allowing some extra time to explore the botanical gardens, which is renowned for its cool-climate collections, traditional Japanese Garden and vegetable plot known as “Pete’s Patch”.

 2. Silver Falls Loop

 Distance: 2.4 km loop

Time: 60 minutes
Location: Fern Tree

 If waterfalls and rainforest are more appealing than city streets, the Silver Falls Loop is a lovely option. While we’ve graded it “easy”, there are some stairs and a gradual climb to tackle, plus the route can be slippery after heavy rain - you’ve been warned!

 The walk begins in Fern Tree and follows part of the historic Pipeline Track before heading uphill alongside Browns River. We particularly love the towering tree ferns that fringe the route, which has a distinctly Tasmanian character. Keep your eyes peeled for platypuses in Browns River too!

 3. Sphinx Rock

 Distance: Around 1.5–2 km return
Time: 40–60 minutes
Location: The Springs, kunanyi/Mount Wellington

 One of our favourite easy walks near Hobart is the short trail that leads to Sphinx Rock on the Hobart-facing slope of kunanyi/Mount Wellington. It’s a largely flat route and leads to a lookout that boasts fantastic views over the city.

 Almost immediately after leaving The Springs, you’re surrounded by moss- and lichen-covered rocks, as well as rainforest ferns and the sound of native birds calling from the trees.

 That said, the lookout itself isn’t suitable for young children as there is a sheer drop at its edge. A child-proof security gate has been installed to prevent accidental access. But you'll still want to supervise little ones carefully around the lookout.

 4. Battery Point Sculpture Trail

 Distance: 2 km
Time: Under 2 hours
Starting point: Salamanca Place

 If you're looking for an easy walk that combines Hobart's history, waterfront scenery and architecture, the Battery Point Sculpture Trail is a great option.

 This 2 km trail begins in Salamanca Place and winds through historic Battery Point, linking nine large numerical sculptures. Each sculpture represents something connected with the location, including a measurement, date, quantity or distance. We always recommend it to visitors as a unique way to learn about Hobart's past.

 Along the way, you'll pass some of Battery Point’s oldest surviving homes and former industrial sites, as well as views towards the harbour and lower Derwent Estuary. Oh, and there are plenty of wonderful places to grab a coffee, brunch or bakery treats too!

 5. Turikina Truwala/Myrtle Gully Falls

 Distance: 2.7 km return

Time: 1.25 hours
Location: South Hobart / Wellington Park
This short rainforest walk starts near the iconic Cascade Brewery and follows the Cascade Track alongside the Hobart Rivulet. The scenery becomes increasingly lush as the trail heads into fern-filled gullies and forest, which is why it’s one of our favourite places for a quick nature immersion near Hobart.

 If you’re a history buff, take note of the stone bridge at the first creek crossing, built to commemorate Peter Degraves, the founder of Cascade Brewery. Along the route, there are also plenty of opportunities to spot native wildlife hidden amongst the native vegetation.

 Because the walk starts close to Cascade Brewery, it's easy to combine it with an exploration of South Hobart, renowned for its vintage stores, cafes and Mount Wellington views.

 6. Russell Falls

 Distance: About 1.4 km return
Time: 30–45 minutes
Location: Mount Field National Park

 If you only have time for one short walk near Hobart and want a real wilderness experience, Russell Falls should be high on your list. This beautiful trail combines everything that makes Tasmania's forests so special: towering trees, bubbling streams and, of course, a spectacular waterfall at the end.

 The walk is short, mostly flat and wheelchair accessible, yet the scenery makes you feel as though you've ventured deep into the wilderness. We've walked this trail many times over the years (with guests and without) and it never gets old!

 The only caveat? It’s located in Mount Field National Park, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from central Hobart by car and entrance requires a Parks Pass. While it's further from the city than many of the walks on this list, it can easily be completed as a half-day or full-day trip.

 7. Signal Station Circuit, Mount Nelson

 Distance: 3.1 km loop
Time: Under 2 hours
Location: Bicentennial Park

 For a combination of bushland and city views with a dose of local history thrown in, head south of Hobart to Mount Nelson.

 This 3.1-km loop route follows the Signal Station Track through Bicentennial Park before returning via the Enterprise Fire Trail. It starts at a historic signal station, which provides insight into communications, maritime safety and Tasmania's colonial history via its information panels.

 There are also wildlife spotting opportunities along the way, with bandicoots, pademelons and wallabies often seen around dusk.

 Bicentennial Park is around 10–15 minutes by car from central Hobart, and public transport is available to the Signal Station.

 8. Hobart Rivulet and Cascade Gardens

 Distance: About 5 km return
Time: Around 1.5–2 hours
Location: End of Collins Street

 The Hobart Rivulet connects the city with Cascade Gardens, passing through South Hobart with its beautiful weatherboard homes. It’s one of our favourite spots for a relaxed walk on the city’s doorstep, without having to drive to a trailhead.

 One of the great things about this walk is you can decide how far you go - you don't necessarily have to complete the entire route if you're looking for a shorter stroll. But with half a day to spare, you can use it to access the Cascade Brewery, the Female Factory Historic Site and enjoy lunch at one of South Hobart’s cafes.

 9. Fossil Grove

 Distance: 400 m
Time: Less than 15 minutes
Location: South Hobart

 If your idea of an easy walk is something very short, Fossil Grove is worth knowing about. Taking less than 15 minutes to complete, it’s a great addition to a South Hobart itinerary. That said, it’s not particularly flat - be ready for a steep (and sometimes slippery) ascent at the start.

 Despite its name, you won’t encounter any fossils here. Instead, it features interpretation panels explaining the story of several ancient trees that survived the devastating 1967 bushfires. Today, they act as living "fossils" of the landscape's history.

 10. Cornelian Bay

 Distance: 4 km return
Time: Under 2 hours
Location: Northern Hobart

 If you're looking for an easy family-friendly walk near Hobart, Cornelian Bay is a great option. There's plenty here to keep everyone entertained, including a playground for children and an off-lead area where dogs can run and socialise.

 The walk follows the shoreline of Cornelian Bay, with wonderful views across the Derwent River towards the Tasman Bridge. The route also passes the historic Cornelian Bay Cemetery, adding an interesting historical element to the walk.

 From there, head back towards the bay and continue past the collection of quirky and colourful boat sheds along the waterfront. There’s also a cafe here where you can enjoy a well-earned coffee or ice cream after your walk.

 Tips for walking around Hobart

 Check the weather first

 Hobart's weather can change quickly, particularly when you ascend kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Rain and strong winds can occur near the summit, even when the weather in central Hobart looks pleasant.

 Wear proper shoes

 Even short walks around Hobart can include muddy sections, particularly after periods of heavy rain. Others include sections with stairs or uneven ground, so wearing a pair of comfortable walking shoes is highly recommended.

 Take water

 You may only be walking for an hour or two, but carrying water is still a sensible idea. On some of the short walks around Hobart, there are taps where water bottles can be refilled and in some places, mountain streams are safe to drink.

 Stay on marked tracks

 Some of the bushland around Hobart is environmentally sensitive, which is why it’s so important to stick to established trails and follow local signage. Never trample through vegetation, even if it means avoiding a muddy section and even if others have done the same.

 Observe “Leave No Trace” principles

 Tasmania's forests, mountains, coastlines and waterways are incredibly special, so it’s important to “leave no trace” when exploring them. Take all rubbish with you, follow local rules around fires and camping, and avoid disturbing wildlife, plants, rocks and other natural features. Most importantly, leave the landscape as you found it (or even better).

 Check alerts before leaving

 Track conditions can change and closures do occur, particularly when trails are being upgraded or trees have fallen. The City of Hobart and Greater Hobart Trails provide current information for many local routes, while Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Serviceprovides information for walks in pa