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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Philosopher Falls parking

Nearest Road:Butlers Rd
Nearest Town:Somerset
Locality:West
Latitude:S 41° 28′ 33″
Longitude:E 145° 27′ 24″
Elevation:675 m
Road Surface:Sealed
Car Park:Good unsealed

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3 walks from Philosopher Falls parking

Philosopher Falls track - walk to the bridge

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:Arthur River footbridge
Grade:Moderate
Type:Retrace route
One-way distance:900 m
Return distance:1,800 m
Comment:Take the track gently downhill to Arthur River. The bridge has steps on both side but is a pleasant spot. The track beyond is unsuited to wheels.

References

John and Monica Chapman, Short Walks Northern Tasmania, John Chapman, Page 81, Number 27, 27 Philosopher Falls

“Being sheltered the walk is suitable for any weather…”

Waterfalls of Tasmania, Jubec Systems and Design, Philosopher Falls - Waratah

“… a wide gravel and stone track that meanders it's way through the forest…”

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Philosopher Falls track - walk to top of the stairs

Goal:Top of stairs to falls platform
Grade:Moderate
Type:Retrace route
One-way distance:1,400 m
Return distance:2,800 m
Comment:Follow track to bridge and then right along old water race to top of steps. You can walk a little further along race if you wish. Return.

References

John and Monica Chapman, Short Walks Northern Tasmania, John Chapman, Page 81, Number 27, 27 Philosopher Falls

“The walk is easy apart to the long descent of about 200 steps to the lookout.”

Waterfalls of Tasmania, Jubec Systems and Design, Philosopher Falls - Waratah

“The walk continues along the north-western side of the river…”

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Philosopher Falls walk

Goal:Philosopher Falls
Grade:Moderate
Type:Retrace route
One-way distance:1,500 m
Return distance:3,000 m
Comment:Follow track to bridge and then right along old water race to top of steps and down to viewing platform. Return.

References

John and Monica Chapman, Short Walks Northern Tasmania, John Chapman, Page 81, Number 27, 27 Philosopher Falls

1 hour 30 minutes retrace route
“Around 200 steps lead down to the elevated lookout platform…”

Waterfalls of Tasmania, Jubec Systems and Design, Philosopher Falls - Waratah

1 hour 30 minutes retrace route
“… a stunning multi-tier waterfall encased in gorgeous thick rain forest.”

Touring Tasmania, Philosopher Falls Wildrness Walk

2 hours retrace route
“Just over 200 steps descend to a viewing platform”

Chris Bishop, Discover NorthWest Tasmania, westinlet@tassie.net.au, Philosopher's Falls

1 hour 20 minutes retrace route
“… descends 240 timber steps. Well worth the effort.”

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