The first time I reached Barron Pass on Frenchmans Cap, my legs were burning, and my pack felt heavy. But at the top, a welcome breeze rolled through, the sun peeked between the clouds, and the view opened onto surrounding mountains and alpine lakes - making every gruelling step worth it.

Frenchmans Cap is the hike that completely won me over in Tasmania. It's demanding, remote, and not to underestimate, but the rewards are unmatched. The most challenging section lies between Vera Hut and Lake Tahune Hut, where the track climbs steeply over Barron Pass. It’s slow, technical, and relentless, with rocky terrain and slippery tree roots demanding your full attention.

From Barron Pass, the descent toward Lake Tahune reveals expansive alpine views and a sense of relief that’s hard to put into words. Lake Tahune itself is incredibly inviting and one of the best swimming spots I've ever experienced on a hike. Watching sunrise and sunset from the summit of Frenchmans Cap remains one of my favourite moments in the Tasmanian wilderness.

The first time I walked the Three Capes Track, I wasn’t prepared for just how vast it would feel. Standing above the ocean with nothing but sea and sky stretching endlessly in front of me. I felt completely dwarfed by the landscapes. The cliffs rise straight from the water, and the constant sound of waves crashing far below makes everything else seem distant and small.

The Blade at Cape Pillar was my favourite lookout. I stayed out there for hours, watching the light shift across the rock and the sea. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down without even realising it.

The Three Capes Track is often associated with luxury huts, but it’s also possible to experience this stunning coastline independently. Starting at Fortescue Bay and staying at Bare Knoll Campground, this version offers the same dramatic clifftop views without the price tag.

The track is well formed and easy to follow, making it a great multi-day option for those wanting big scenery with less technical terrain. Expect long, exposed sections, dramatic clifftop views, and plenty of elevation change.

I tried to reach Lake Rhona more than once before I ever saw it. The first time, I couldn’t even make it to the car park because of a fallen tree blocking the steep gravel road. The second time, the river levels were too high to cross safely. Each attempt ended before the hike had really begun, and each time I left knowing I’d have to come back.

When I finally reached the lake on my third attempt, it felt like one of those rare, once-in-a-lifetime moments. After hours of slow, muddy walking and navigating steep, rugged terrain, the lake opened up in front of me, calm, wild, and completely untouched. It wasn’t just beautiful, it felt earned.

Tucked deep in Tasmania’s southwest, the track to Lake Rhona is rough, muddy, and slow going, with steep sections and a serious river crossing. It’s physically demanding and mentally testing, but that challenge is part of what makes the experience so rewarding.

Surrounded by dramatic peaks, and rock formations, the lake feels like another world, especially in early morning and late afternoons when the light shifts across the water and the landscape feels completely still. Staying two nights allows time to settle into the place and really take it in and a side trip up Reeds Peak is well worth the extra effort.

I was genuinely scared to do the Mount Anne Circuit. The exposure, the steep climbing, and the reputation of the terrain sat well outside my comfort zone. Having a friend with me made all the difference — not just for safety, but for the quiet encouragement that kept me moving when the route felt overwhelming.

By the time we reached Lightning Ridge, we’d underestimated just how long that final section would take. We ended up navigating exposed, technical terrain in the dark — slow, focused, and very aware of every step. It was exhausting and intimidating, but finishing that day filled me with a deep sense of pride. Pushing through fear on terrain like this is something I’ll always remember.

The Mount Anne Circuit may look manageable on paper, but it quickly shows how much it asks of you. Steep, rugged alpine terrain packs serious elevation gain into a short distance — a reminder that Tassie hikes are rarely as easy as they appear.

The most demanding sections are the Notch and Lightening Ridge, where exposed scrambling and careful foot placement are essential. Progress can be slow, and confidence on technical terrain is key.

Lonely Tarns is a standout campsite — wild, remote, and surrounded by jagged peaks. A cold morning swim here before finishing the circuit was one of my favourite moments.

Despite the relatively short distance, this isn’t a hike to rush. Allow more time than you think you’ll need and move deliberately through the exposed sections.

Mount Murchison is the hike I keep coming back to. When I want big alpine views without committing to multiple days , this is the one I reach for. It’s the kind of climb that gives back almost immediately. Reminding you why short, steep hikes can be some of the most satisfying of all.

The track gains elevation quickly, with plenty of fun scrambling, which makes the climb feel more playful than punishing. As you climb higher the views just keep opening up. Rugged peaks, alpine tarns and wild west coast scenery in every direction. It’s one of those hikes where you stop often, not to rest, but to take it all in.

Late afternoon into sunset is my favourite time to be up here. As the light softens and shifts across the landscape, everything feels quieter and more expansive. Reaching the summit as the sun drops behind the mountain is something I never get tired of — calm, grounding, and deeply memorable.

The elevation gain is solid on this hike and scrambling can be tricky especially on the way down. Take your time, watch your footing and plan ahead if you’re aiming for sunset.