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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Fern Glade upper parking (Burnie)

Nearest Road:Fern Glade Rd
Nearest Town:Burnie
Locality:North West
Latitude:S 41° 4′ 60″
Longitude:E 145° 55′ 21″
Elevation:25 m
Fee:No charge
Management:Local council
Road Surface:Sealed
Car Park:Good unsealed
Water:Unknown
Toilets:Type uncertain
Toilet Accessibility:Unknown
Shelter:Shelter
Picnic Table:Picnic table

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5 walks from Fern Glade upper parking (Burnie)

Fern Glade Long walk along Emu River

Goal:Ridge top
Grade:Some steep
Type:Retrace route
One-way distance:4,600 m
Return distance:9,200 m
Comment:Continue following Emu River upstream. After crossing three wooden bridges, climb ridge to take in view. Return

References

Tyrone Thomas & Andrew Close, 100 Walks in Tasmania, Explore Australia, Page 223, Number 70, Emu River - Fern Glade

4 hours retrace route
“If you are lucky you might spot a platypus”

Jan Hardy & Bert Elson, Family Walks in Northwest Tasmania, Hillside Publishing, Page 42, Number 15, Emu River Walk

2 hours 30 minutes retrace route
“An enjoyable riverside walk”

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Fern Glade Walk to Upper Picnic Area

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:Upper picnic area
Grade:Fairly flat
Type:Retrace route
One-way distance:350 m
Return distance:700 m
Comment:Short walk to upper picnic area. Return by other path.

References

Jan Hardy & Bert Elson, Family Walks in Northwest Tasmania, Hillside Publishing, Page 42, Number 15, Emu River Walk

“An enjoyable riverside walk”

Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, 60 Great Short Walks Tasmania, P&WS, Fern Glade

1 hour retrace route
“… this delightful riverside walk is both a tranquil oasis, and a local treasure.”

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Fern Glade Walk along Emu River to Lower Picnic Area

Goal:Lower picnic area
Grade:Flat
Type:Circuit
One-way distance:1,500 m
Comment:Short walk to lower picnic area. Return by other path.

References

Tyrone Thomas & Andrew Close, 100 Walks in Tasmania, Explore Australia, Page 223, Number 70, Emu River - Fern Glade

“If you are lucky you might spot a platypus”

Jan Hardy & Bert Elson, Family Walks in Northwest Tasmania, Hillside Publishing, Page 42, Number 15, Emu River Walk

“There is a very easy downstream walk to the lower picnic area”

Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, 60 Great Short Walks Tasmania, P&WS, Number 35, Fern Glade

15 minutes circuit
“…a magnificent walk among large, spectacular tree ferns along the Emu River.”

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Fern Glade Walk to Lookout

Goal:Lookout
Grade:Moderate
Type:Retrace route
One-way distance:1,500 m
Return distance:3,000 m
Comment:To the lookout and return

References

Jan Hardy & Bert Elson, Family Walks in Northwest Tasmania, Hillside Publishing, Page 42, Number 15, Emu River Walk

“A fenced lookout, 20 minutes from the car”

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Fern Glade walk to Rutherford Rd

Goal:Rutherford Rd
Grade:Some steep
Type:One way pickup
One-way distance:5,400 m
Return distance:10,800 m
Comment:Follow Emu River upstream. After 3 wooden bridges continue to top of ridge. Pick up 4WD track east to Rutherford Rd, to junction with Fern Glade Rd.

References

Tyrone Thomas & Andrew Close, 100 Walks in Tasmania, Explore Australia, Page 223, Number 70, Emu River - Fern Glade

4 hours one way pickup
“There are great panoramic views of the district.”

Jan Hardy & Bert Elson, Family Walks in Northwest Tasmania, Hillside Publishing, Page 42, Number 15, Emu River Walk

“… the so-called bushwalking outlet to Glade Rd.”

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