StepScape

What is StepScape?

This site is working towards showing every published Tasmanian day walk on a single map.

StepScape is a work in progress, currently showing 2,212 of an estimated 3,000 published bushwalks in Tasmania.

StepScape is also available as an app for iPhone and iPad.

Read about what the StepScape app does differently from this website.

Caution

This site is a list of walks, not a walking guide. Before undertaking any walk, consult the references provided.

Most of the references made every attempt at accuracy but did not guarantee it. Some are books that are now out of print, so information that was once accurate may not remain so. Changes may include:

  • Land becoming private or reserved
  • Tracks being damaged or rehabilitated
  • Road access being blocked
  • Bad weather or bushfires temporarily making a walk unsafe
Sites to check before you walk How do I get started?

Every pin on the map represents a car park with at least one known walk. Click on the pins for information. Or, click on the Filter tab above to only show the walks that interest you.

Every walk includes a References section listing the books, brochures or websites that mention it. Consult those sources for more information.

What are the latest additions?

Latest car park

Mount Saddleback 4WD parking

Latest walk

Mount Saddleback Track by 4WD

Latest change

Added 2WD and 4WD parking options for Mount Saddleback.

Updated on

2023-07-18

Who made this website?

The StepScape website was created by Cowirrie, a small software development company in Launceston. We take information and present it so it is accessible and useful to people. Our other work includes the SepiaScape guide to historic Tasmania and the PBPhonics app for basic English literacy practice.

We have also taken some of these walks ourselves, and written comprehensive walk reports about them.

Data Entry

Jan Horton

Programming

Michael Horton

Maps

Google Maps JavaScript API

Components

jQuery, used under the MIT License

jQuery CSV, used under the MIT License

jQuery UI, used under the MIT License

jQuery UI Touch Punch, used under the MIT License

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Maria Island ferry landing

Nearest Road:Ferry from Triabunna
Nearest Town:Triabunna
Locality:East Coast
Latitude:S 42° 34′ 40″
Longitude:E 148° 3′ 49″
Elevation:2 m
Fee:Parks Pass
Management:National Park
Road Surface:No road
Car Park:Landing
Water:Unknown
Toilets:Flush
Toilet Accessibility:Unknown
Shelter:Shelter
Picnic Table:Picnic table
Comment:The ferry jetty at Maria Island is on the north end, in Darlington Bay. The airstrip is walking distance to the north of the jetty. Triabunna Ferry Terminal is on Esplanade West, near Charles St.
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11 walks from Maria Island ferry landing

Bernacchis Creek Walk to Convict Reservoir

Goal:Dam
Grade:Fairly flat
Type:Circuit
One-way distance:6,000 m
Comment:Follow Bernacchis Creek south to the dam. Return on track along other side of the creek. Signed as 'Reservoir Circuit'.

References

Ingrid Roberts, Best Bush, Coast and Village Walks of South East Tasmania, Woodslane Press Pty Ltd, Page 58, Number 9, Convict Reservoir Circuit

2 hours circuit
“This is a gentle, near-level stroll through shady forest.”

Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, Parks & Wildlife Service Website - Explore our Parks, P&WS, Reservoir Circuit

1 hour 30 minutes circuit
“This easy walk is sheltered from the coastal winds…”

John and Monica Chapman, Short Walks Southern Tasmania, 1st ed., John Chapman, Page 30, Number 7, The Reservoir Circuit

2 hours circuit
“... sheltered from coast winds, it is as enjoyable on a windy day as it is in fine weather.”

John and Monica Chapman, Short Walks Southern Tasmania, 1st ed., John Chapman, Page 30, Number 7, The Reservoir Circuit

2 hours circuit
“The ferry operates ultiple services daily in summer”

Tags

Bush
River/Creek/Lake
Historic relics
Foot pad
Birds

Bishop and Clerk Walk

Caution

This site is a list of walks, not a walking guide. Before undertaking any walk, consult the references below.

For additional information about safe walking in Tasmania, go to the StepScape tab.

Goal:Summit of Bishop and Clerk
Grade:Some Very Steep
Type:Retrace route
One-way distance:4,500 m
Return distance:9,000 m
Comment:Marked track east to Fossil Bay then SE via Skipping Ridge to summit. Return.

References

Tyrone Thomas & Andrew Close, 100 Walks in Tasmania, Explore Australia, Page 172, Number 52, Bishop and Clerk

4 hours retrace route
“Coast, historic penal settlement precinct and hill climb”

Ingrid Roberts, Best Bush, Coast and Village Walks of South East Tasmania, Woodslane Press Pty Ltd, Page 44, Number 6, Bishop and Clerk

4 hours 30 minutes retrace route
“…steep rocky sections, a rock scree and a short,awkward climb to the top”

Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, Parks & Wildlife Service Website - Explore our Parks, P&WS, Number 58, Bishop and Clerk

5 hours retrace route
“… challenging walk… for the physically fit.”

Andrew Bain, Walks in Nature - Tasmania, Hardie Grant Travel, Number 30, 30 - Bishop and Clerk

“… some scrambling over large boulders is needed to reach the summit.”

TasTrails, TasTrails, Page 10, Number 2, Bishop and Clerk - 15 Dec 2015

5 hours circuit retrace
“A fun and challenging day walk offering brilliant coastal cliff-top views.”

Di, Di's Walk a Month, Di, Page 12, Number 2012, 2 December 2012

“… an extensive and quite steep morraine… with a well-made zigzag track of smaller stones and steps..”

Tags

Bush
Coastal
Views
Summit
Sea cliffs
Historic relics
Foot pad
60 Great Short Walks
Visitor centre

Bloodstone Point walk

Goal:Bloodstone Point
Grade:Moderate
Type:Retrace route
One-way distance:11,500 m
Return distance:23,000 m
Comment: Coast Rd south to Frenchs Farm Track west, then turn off to right to Bloodstone Beach. South to Bloodstone Point. Return same way.

References

Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, Parks & Wildlife Service Website - Explore our Parks, P&WS, Maria Island - The Isthmus and Pt Lesueur

7 hours 30 minutes retrace route
“The red rock… is called laterite…”

Tags

Remnant bush
Coastal
Beach
Geologic interest
Aboriginal History
4 WD track
Foot pad
Beach walking

Darlington to Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs

Goal:Painted Cliffs
Grade:Moderate
Type:Circuit
One-way distance:9,000 m
Comment:Double circuit to Painted Cliffs and then Fossil cliffs

References

Tyrone Thomas & Andrew Close, 100 Walks in Tasmania, Explore Australia, Page 167, Number 51, Darlington - Painted Cliffs

4 hours 15 minutes retrace route
“Historic penal settlement precinct and beach”

Tags

Remnant bush
Coastal
Beach
Geologic interest
Sea cliffs
Historic relics
Foot pad
Beach walking
Visitor centre

Darlington Township Walk

Goal:Windmill site
Grade:Fairly flat
Type:No defined route
One-way distance:1,000 m
Return distance:0 m
Comment:Explore the area around Darlington township site.

References

Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, Parks & Wildlife Service Website - Explore our Parks, P&WS, Maria Island National Park

2 hours no defined route
“Sturdy footwear is recommended … contains steps, uneven floors and undulating terrain”

Tags

Coastal
Historic relics
Formed track
No track

Fossil Cliffs Walk

Goal:Fossil Cliffs
Grade:Moderate
Type:Retrace route
One-way distance:2,500 m
Return distance:5,000 m
Comment:AntiClockwise on marked track to Fossil Cliffs then return via cemetery, or can be walked in other direction (past cemetery first).

References

Tyrone Thomas & Andrew Close, 100 Walks in Tasmania, Explore Australia, Page 167, Number 51, Darlington - Painted Cliffs

“Historic penal settlement precinct and beach”

Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, Parks & Wildlife Service Website - Explore our Parks, P&WS, Number 60, Fossil Cliffs

2 hours circuit
“This stunning set of cliffs is on Maria Island. (Distance is from ferry terminal).”

John and Monica Chapman, Short Walks Southern Tasmania, 1st ed., John Chapman, Page 27, Number 6, Fossil Cliffs

2 hours circuit
“From the jetty, turn left and head north-west then east to the Barn, past the cemetery and airstrip”

TasTrails, TasTrails, Page 11, Number 2, Fossil Cliffs - 6 Jan 2016

2 hours circuit
“A short steep track leads down to the Fossil Cliffs.”

Ingrid Roberts, Best Bush, Coast and Village Walks of South East Tasmania, Woodslane Press Pty Ltd, Page 54, Number 8, Quarries and Fossil Cliffs Circuit

Tags

Coastal
Geologic interest
Sea cliffs
Historic relics
Foot pad
60 Great Short Walks
Visitor centre

Frenchs Farm Circuit walk

Goal:Frenchs Farm
Grade:Moderate
Type:Circuit
One-way distance:20,000 m
Comment:Take coast road south to Frenchs Farm. Return by inland route.

References

Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, Parks & Wildlife Service Website - Explore our Parks, P&WS, Maria Island - The Isthmus and Pt Lesueur

6 hours circuit
“… the inland track, which takes you through shrubby forest, or by the coastal route.”

Tags

Bush
Coastal
Historic relics
4 WD track
Foot pad
Birds

Mount Maria Walk

Goal:Mount Maria Summit
Grade:Some steep
Type:Retrace route
One-way distance:7,750 m
Return distance:15,500 m

References

Tyrone Thomas & Andrew Close, 100 Walks in Tasmania, Explore Australia, Page 175, Number 53, Mount Maria

5 hours 30 minutes retrace route
“The last 1km is rather rocky and would be unsuitable for youngsters and the elderly.”

Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, Parks & Wildlife Service Website - Explore our Parks, P&WS, Mount Maria - Mt Maria

7 hours retrace route
“The track is marked with yellow arrows, and cairns…”

Tags

Bush
Coastal
Beach
Views
Summit
Visitor centre

Painted Cliffs Walk

Goal:Painted Cliffs
Grade:Moderate
Type:Circuit
One-way distance:5,100 m
Comment:South via Oast House to Painted Cliffs. Back up Hopground Beach to Magistrates Point then via road

References

Tyrone Thomas & Andrew Close, 100 Walks in Tasmania, Explore Australia, Page 167, Number 51, Darlington - Painted Cliffs

“Historic penal settlement precinct and beach”

Ingrid Roberts, Best Bush, Coast and Village Walks of South East Tasmania, Woodslane Press Pty Ltd, Page 48, Number 7, Oast House and Painted Cliffs Circuit

2 hours circuit
“… a spectacular outcrop of Triassic sandstone”

Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, Parks & Wildlife Service Website - Explore our Parks, P&WS, Number 59, Painted Cliffs

2 hours circuit
“The cliffs are best approached at lower tide levels, to allow safe access to the rock platform…”

John and Monica Chapman, Short Walks Southern Tasmania, 1st ed., John Chapman, Page 33, Number 8, Painted Cliffs

2 hours retrace route
“Alternatively, walk Hoground Beach on the way out, and return by the road.”

TasTrails, TasTrails, Page 9, Number 2, Painted Cliffs - 9 Dec 2015

2 hours circuit retrace
“The Cliffs are best viewed during low tide to allow safer access,”

Tags

Coastal
Beach
Geologic interest
Historic relics
Foot pad
Beach walking
60 Great Short Walks
Visitor centre

Point Lesueur walk

Goal:Long Point Probation Station
Grade:Moderate
Type:CircuitRetrace
One-way distance:13,000 m
Return distance:26,000 m
Comment:Walk Coast Rd south to Frenchs Farm and on to Encampment Cove. Head west to Probation Station. Complete circuit to Frenchs Farm. Return by Coast Rd.

References

Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, Parks & Wildlife Service Website - Explore our Parks, P&WS, Maria Island - The Isthmus and Pt Lesueur

8 hours retrace route
“From Encampment Cove a round trip of…2 hours…”

TasTrails, TasTrails, Page 8, Number 2, Point Lesueur - 1 Nov 2015

“Walk can be achieved by cycling the 10km to Frenchs Farm, then walking the circuit to Point Lesueur”

Tags

Remnant bush
Coastal
Wetlands
Historic relics
4 WD track
Foot pad
Birds

Quarries and Fossil Cliffs Walk

Goal:Quarry
Grade:Moderate
Type:Circuit
One-way distance:5,500 m
Comment:Fossil Creek Track then Reservoir Track to quarries. Quarry Rd to continue Fossil Creek circuit

References

Ingrid Roberts, Best Bush, Coast and Village Walks of South East Tasmania, Woodslane Press Pty Ltd, Page 54, Number 8, Quarries and Fossil Cliffs Circuit

2 hours 30 minutes circuit
“Explore the old quarry sites.”

Tags

Bush
Geologic interest
Historic relics
Roadway
Foot pad
Birds