Best Maps for Walking Tasmania

by Christopher O'Keeffe August 08, 2026

Tasmania compresses some of Australia’s most demanding walking country into a remarkably small island. A road map may take you to the national park. A walking map shows the route. A topographic map explains the terrain. The safest and most useful map kit understands the difference.

Written by Christopher O’Keeffe
Managing Director of Mapworld and specialist in maps, navigation and cartographic products

Tasmania is one of the few places in Australia where a morning can begin in sheltered rainforest and end in exposed alpine country.

A walk may pass through:

• glacial valleys

• dolerite plateaus

• temperate rainforest

• buttongrass moorland

• high sea cliffs

• quartzite ranges

• beach and coastal scrub

• deep river valleys

• tarn-studded highlands

• country in which tracks are faint, rough or unmarked

The change in landscape can be dramatic. So can the weather.

A phone app remains useful, but a small screen does not automatically provide the scale, coverage, edition, datum or track information needed for a particular walk. Nor does a statewide touring map become a bushwalking map simply because a national park appears on it.

For walking Tasmania, the strongest approach is layered:

1. use a dedicated walk or recreation map where one exists;

2. add the relevant Tasmania 1:50,000 topographic map when the route, terrain or side trips require closer interpretation;

3. use a regional or state map to plan road access, transfers and the wider journey;

4. carry a compass and know how to use it;

5. download suitable offline digital mapping;

6. check current park alerts, track conditions, weather, fire information and booking requirements immediately before departure.

Browse the complete Mapworld Tasmania maps, guides and road atlases collection, including official TASMAP walking, recreation, regional and topographic products.

For a broader introduction to the island’s touring and regional mapping, read The Best Maps and Guides for Tasmania. For a more characterful tour of the state’s celebrated routes, see Tracks, Trails & Tassie Tales: A Rambler’s and Rover’s Guide to Tasmania.

The Best Maps for Walking Tasmania: Quick Recommendations

Walking purpose or destination	Best place to begin	Useful supporting map
Best complete range	Mapworld Tasmania collection	Current official park information
Best general topographic series	Tasmania 1:50,000 topographic maps	LISTmap sheet finder
Best map for the complete Overland Track	Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair 1:100,000	Cradle Mountain Day Walk 1:25,000 and Lake St Clair Day Walk 1:50,000 as required
Best for Walls of Jerusalem	Walls of Jerusalem 1:25,000	Jerusalem 1:50,000 and St Clair 1:50,000
Best for the South Coast and Port Davey tracks	South Coast Walks 1:100,000	South Coast 1:50,000, Port Davey 1:50,000 and adjoining sheets as required
Best for Frenchmans Cap	Frenchmans Cap Walk Map 1:50,000	Frenchmans 1:50,000 if its coverage suits the intended area
Best for the Western Arthurs	Western Arthur 1:50,000	Mount Anne Walk Map 1:40,000 for the Mount Anne area
Best for Three Capes and the Tasman Peninsula	Peninsula Walks 1:40,000	Tasman Peninsula 1:50,000
Best for Freycinet	Freycinet National Park 1:50,000	Tasmania North East 1:250,000 for regional access
Best for kunanyi / Mount Wellington	Wellington Park Recreation Map 1:20,000	Tasmania South East 1:250,000
Best for Mount Field and the Tarn Shelf	Mount Field Walk Map 1:50,000	Tasmania South East or South West regional mapping, depending on the wider itinerary
Best for the Bay of Fires	Bay of Fires 1:50,000	Tasmania North East regional mapping
Best for Maria Island	Maria 1:50,000	Tasmania South East regional mapping
Best for South Bruny Island	South Bruny 1:50,000	Tasmania South East regional mapping
Best statewide access map	Hema Tasmania State Map	Appropriate TASMAP regional sheet
Best wall map for planning many walks	Hema Tasmania Supermap 1000 × 1430 mm	Browse all Tasmania wall maps
Best field format	Waterproof Tyvek or the publisher’s waterproof synthetic edition	Paper map in a waterproof case as a second choice
Best navigation redundancy	Paper map, compass, offline mapping and emergency communications	Current official alerts and weather

There is no single best map for every Tasmanian walk.

The best map is the one whose coverage, scale, currency, format and purpose match the route in front of you.

Why Walking Tasmania Requires More Than One Kind of Map

It is useful to think of a walking map kit as a hierarchy.

1. The Dedicated Walk or Recreation Map

This should normally be the first choice where a current one exists.

A dedicated walking map may emphasise:

• the recognised route

• track junctions

• huts and campsites

• access points

• major side trips

• visitor facilities

• route-specific notes

• safety information

• natural and cultural context

Its principal strength is interpretation. The publisher has decided that the walk itself, rather than every feature of equal cartographic importance, should be visually prominent.

2. The Topographic Map

A topographic map explains the physical landscape around the route.

It may show:

• contours

• spot heights

• peaks and saddles

• ridgelines and valleys

• cliffs and escarpments

• rivers, creeks, lakes and wetlands

• vegetation classes

• roads and tracks

• buildings and infrastructure

• park and reserve boundaries

• grid lines and coordinate information

This matters when a walker needs to understand not only where the route goes, but why it goes there and what lies around it.

If contour lines are unfamiliar, begin with What Is a Topographic Map? and How to Read a Topographic Map. Mapworld’s guide to Australian topographic map symbols is also a useful reference before entering the field.

3. The Regional or State Map

This is the access and logistics layer.

It helps answer questions such as:

• Which road reaches the trailhead?

• Is the northern access connected by road to the southern finish?

• Where is the nearest town, fuel, accommodation or visitor centre?

• How far apart are two national parks?

• Which transfer route makes sense?

• Where does the walk sit within the wider island?

It is valuable before and after the walk, but generally too small-scale for detailed field navigation.

4. The Wall Map

A wall map is the planning surface.

It is especially useful when:

• several walks are being combined into one holiday;

• a group is comparing routes;

• an outdoor club is planning a program;

• a tour operator is coordinating transfers;

• a classroom is studying Tasmania’s landscapes;

• a visitor centre needs to explain regional geography.

A wall map should not be carried as the primary field map. Its value lies in overview and shared planning.

5. Current Digital Information

Printed maps are snapshots. They cannot display a track closure issued this morning, a bridge damaged last week or a fire warning declared this afternoon.

Before departure, check:

• Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service alerts

• Safety in parks

• overnight walker registration information

• the Bureau of Meteorology’s Tasmania forecasts and warnings

• route-specific booking, access and transport information

The strongest approach is not paper instead of digital.

It is paper and digital together, with each used for the job it performs best.

Understanding Map Scale Before Choosing a Tasmania Walking Map

Map scale determines how much ground is compressed onto the sheet.

Scale	Ground distance represented by 1 cm	What it does well	Principal limitation
1:20,000	200 metres	Dense local track networks and detailed recreation planning	Covers a relatively small area
1:25,000	250 metres	Fine terrain interpretation, day walks and complex alpine areas	A long route may cross several sheets
1:40,000	400 metres	A useful compromise for a peninsula, park or dedicated route	Less fine detail than 1:25,000
1:50,000	500 metres	Excellent balance of topographic detail and practical coverage	May not show every informal pad or recent track change
1:100,000	1 kilometre	Complete multi-day routes and broad wilderness context	Local terrain and junction detail is more compressed
1:250,000	2.5 kilometres	Regional access, terrain overview and road planning	Not a primary bushwalking scale
1:500,000	5 kilometres	Whole-state touring and itinerary design	Far too small-scale for walking navigation

A larger representative fraction does not mean more detail. A 1:25,000 map is larger-scale and more detailed than a 1:100,000 map.

The right scale depends on the question.

If the question is, “How does the Overland Track connect Cradle Mountain with Lake St Clair?”, a 1:100,000 map can be ideal.

If the question is, “Which spur, saddle or drainage feature am I standing beside in poor visibility?”, a 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 map may be more useful.

1. Tasmania 1:50,000 Topographic Maps

The Best General Topographic Series for Walking Tasmania

The Tasmania 1:50,000 topographic map collection is the most important general series in this guide.

At this scale, one centimetre represents 500 metres on the ground.

The series provides a strong balance between:

• terrain detail

• sheet coverage

• field legibility

• walking and access information

• use in education, emergency response and professional fieldwork

Depending on the sheet and edition, content may include contours, hill shading, waterways, vegetation, buildings, roads, tracks, reserves and named physical features.

The collection covers walking regions ranging from the Central Highlands and southwest wilderness to the east coast, islands and Tasman Peninsula. Relevant sheets include:

• St Clair

• Jerusalem

• Western Arthur

• Frenchmans

• South Coast

• Port Davey

• Tasman Peninsula

• Bay of Fires

• Ben Lomond

• Hartz

• Maria

• South Bruny

• Wellington

Paper, Waterproof or Laminated?

Mapworld offers the 1:50,000 series in three practical formats.

Paper

The standard maps are printed on 100 gsm FSC-coated paper.

Paper is:

• light

• economical

• easy to annotate

• convenient when several adjoining sheets are required

It should be carried in a genuinely waterproof map case or sealed protective system. A thin plastic sleeve that opens in wind and rain is not the same thing.

Waterproof Tyvek

The waterproof option uses DuPont Tyvek with pigment-based inks.

It is:

• waterproof

• tear-resistant

• foldable

• very light

• better suited to repeated use in wet and exposed conditions

For bushwalking, camping, fieldwork and remote travel in Tasmania, this is usually the strongest field choice.

Laminated

The laminated option is fully encapsulated between two 80-micron gloss laminate sheets.

It is:

• highly resistant to water, dirt and tearing

• wipeable

• useful with suitable whiteboard markers

• excellent for operations rooms, vehicles, teaching and repeated planning

Lamination is more rigid and bulky than Tyvek. It is often better at a planning table than inside a lightweight pack.

Strengths

Choose the 1:50,000 series when:

• no dedicated walking map covers the exact area;

• the walk extends beyond a dedicated map;

• surrounding terrain matters;

• side trips or alternate approaches are being considered;

• a detailed common reference is required for a group;

• grid references must be communicated;

• the map will support fieldwork, training or emergency planning.

Limitations

A 1:50,000 map is not a guarantee that every track is current or every route is shown.

Tracks can be:

• rerouted

• closed

• overgrown

• damaged by storms or fire

• affected by flooding

• indistinct on the ground

• absent because they were informal or established after the map’s source data

Always compare the sheet with current official advice.

How to Find the Correct Sheet

Use Tasmania’s LISTmap to locate the intended destination and confirm coverage before ordering.

Do not select a sheet solely because its title resembles the name of the walk. A route can cross a sheet boundary, and the most important approach, campsite or side trip may lie on an adjoining sheet.

Mapworld’s article How to Find the Right Topographic Map Sheet for Any Location in Australia explains a reliable sheet-selection process.

2. Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair 1:100,000

The Best Single Overview for the Overland Track

The Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair map is the first map most Overland Track walkers should consider.

The current Mapworld listing is a 2025 production at 1:100,000 using GDA2020. It covers the national park and highlights the Overland Track and associated walking routes, supported by general topographic detail and visitor information.

The map is especially valuable because it brings the complete north-to-south journey onto one sheet.

It helps a walker understand:

• the relationship between Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair;

• how major peaks and ranges sit beside the track;

• the broad sequence of valleys, plateaus, forests and waterways;

• track connections and recognised side trips;

• the position of huts, facilities and access points where mapped;

• the scale of the complete journey.

The reverse-side material adds natural history, visitor, safety and Overland Track information.

The Principal Limitation

At 1:100,000, one centimetre represents one kilometre.

That is excellent for seeing the entire route, but it is not the most detailed scale for interpreting a complex side trip or local feature.

Walkers spending time at either end can add:

• Cradle Mountain Day Walk Map 1:25,000, a 2026 production for the dense northern day-walk network; and

• Lake St Clair Day Walk Map 1:50,000, a 2025 production for the lake and nearby mountains.

The St Clair 1:50,000 topographic sheet can provide additional highland context where its coverage matches the intended route. Note that this 2022 sheet uses GDA94, illustrating why the datum printed on each map should be checked rather than assumed.

Best For

Choose this map for:

• the Overland Track

• whole-park orientation

• stage planning

• understanding major side trips

• explaining the journey to a group

• maintaining a paper overview independent of batteries and reception

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service provides current Overland Track walk notes. Use the map with the current notes, booking information, alerts and weather—not as a substitute for them.

3. Walls of Jerusalem 1:25,000

The Best Dedicated Map for the Walls of Jerusalem

The Walls of Jerusalem map is a 2025 dedicated walking map at 1:25,000 using GDA2020.

One centimetre represents 250 metres, making it much more detailed than a regional or statewide map.

It highlights walking tracks and combines tourist information with topographic detail. Reverse-side notes introduce the area’s vegetation, landforms, wildlife and history, together with bushwalking and safety information.

This is a logical first choice for a landscape of:

• glacial tarns

• plateaus

• steep approaches

• pencil pine country

• named peaks and biblical landforms

• routes that can become difficult to interpret in cloud, snow or low visibility

Useful Supporting Sheets

The Jerusalem 1:50,000 topographic map provides wider terrain context. The St Clair 1:50,000 sheet covers the southern portions of Walls of Jerusalem National Park and adjacent highland country.

Use LISTmap to determine whether one or both sheets are relevant to the actual itinerary.

Best For

• Walls of Jerusalem day and overnight routes

• walkers seeking high-detail terrain interpretation

• route planning within the park

• outdoor education and navigation practice

• understanding how the main walking country relates to the wider Central Highlands

4. South Coast Walks 1:100,000

The Best Complete Route Map for the South Coast and Port Davey Tracks

The South Coast Walks Map covers the Port Davey and South Coast tracks through Southwest National Park and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

The current listing is a 2023 production at 1:100,000 using GDA2020.

It highlights the long-distance tracks and provides the broad geographic coverage needed to understand:

• the remote southern coastline

• major river systems

• mountain ranges and valleys

• beaches, bays and headlands

• access points

• the relationship between the Port Davey and South Coast routes

• the extraordinary isolation of the surrounding country

The reverse contains information about vegetation, landforms, animals, history, bushwalking and safety.

Why 1:100,000 Makes Sense Here

A South Coast Track map must cover a long route through a vast wilderness.

A more detailed scale would divide the journey across several sheets. The dedicated 1:100,000 map succeeds because it keeps the complete route visible.

That does not mean it is the only map an experienced party may want.

Additional 1:50,000 coverage can include:

• South Coast

• Port Davey

• Bathurst

• Adamsons

The exact sheet combination depends on the route, access and side trips. Confirm coverage in LISTmap.

Best For

• the South Coast Track

• the Port Davey Track

• multi-day expedition planning

• keeping the entire route on one sheet

• understanding major terrain and waterways

• a broad paper reference for groups and emergency planning

For these wet, muddy and remote routes, the waterproof version is strongly recommended.

5. Frenchmans Cap, the Western Arthurs and Mount Anne

Frenchmans Cap Walk Map 1:50,000

The Frenchmans Cap Walk Map is a 2023 GDA2020 production at 1:50,000.

It highlights the walking route and combines it with the contours, waterways, ridges, valleys and named landforms needed to understand the approach to Frenchmans Cap.

The reverse provides route-specific walking and safety information.

Its strengths are:

• a scale detailed enough for practical terrain reading;

• coverage broad enough to place the full journey in context;

• a route visually emphasised over the base topography;

• a format suited to a demanding multi-day walk.

The Frenchmans 1:50,000 topographic sheet may also be useful where its sheet coverage matches the intended area.

Western Arthur 1:50,000

The Western Arthur topographic map is the principal 1:50,000 sheet for the Western Arthur and Eastern Arthur ranges, the country south of Lake Pedder and approaches towards Port Davey and the Huon.

The current Mapworld listing is Edition 2, produced in 2022 on GDA2020.

This is not casual walking country.

The sheet depicts:

• steep ridges

• exposed traverses

• glacial lakes

• remote valleys

• difficult approaches

• major waterways

• wilderness tracks where mapped

The waterproof Tyvek version is the natural field choice for most parties.

Mount Anne Walk Map 1:40,000

The Mount Anne Walk Map provides dedicated 1:40,000 coverage of Mount Anne, the Lake Pedder surrounds and part of Southwest National Park.

It is valuable when Mount Anne is the actual objective because it provides more route-focused detail than a broad regional map.

The Important Limitation

No map makes the Western Arthurs or other advanced southwest routes easy.

A map can show:

• steepness

• exposure

• drainage

• route relationships

• possible geographic reference points

It cannot guarantee:

• a safe river crossing

• a visible track

• acceptable weather

• a passable scrub line

• an appropriate decision

• a rescue response unaffected by cloud, wind or darkness

Experienced parties should carry redundant navigation and communication systems and plan conservatively.

6. Peninsula Walks and Tasman Peninsula 1:50,000

The Best Combination for Three Capes and the Tasman Peninsula

The Peninsula Walks Map is a dedicated 1:40,000 walking product, produced in 2021 using GDA2020.

It is designed around the walking experience rather than simply presenting the peninsula as an undifferentiated topographic sheet.

The Tasman Peninsula 1:50,000 topographic map provides the wider geographic layer.

The current topographic sheet is a 2022 GDA2020 production covering the entire peninsula, including:

• Tasman National Park

• the Three Capes walking country

• Port Arthur Historic Site

• Coal Mines Historic Site

• roads and settlements

• sea cliffs, capes, beaches and bays

• tracks and visitor infrastructure where mapped

Which Should You Carry?

Choose the Peninsula Walks map when the main purpose is walking recognised routes.

Add the Tasman Peninsula 1:50,000 sheet when:

• the wider peninsula matters;

• more surrounding terrain is useful;

• several walks are being combined;

• coastal access and road approaches need to be understood;

• a group wants one topographic reference covering the entire area.

For the drive from Hobart and broader southern itinerary, add Tasmania South East 1:250,000.

7. Freycinet National Park 1:50,000

The Best Map for Freycinet’s Walking Country

The Freycinet National Park map is a current dedicated map at 1:50,000, produced in 2025 using GDA2020.

It is the best starting point for understanding:

• Wineglass Bay

• the Hazards

• Coles Bay approaches

• the Freycinet Peninsula

• beaches, headlands and waterways

• recognised walking tracks

• the park’s granite relief

At 1:50,000, the map provides enough surrounding context to make the relationship between the peninsula’s peaks, bays and track network clear.

Best For

• Wineglass Bay and Hazards walks

• multi-walk Freycinet itineraries

• peninsula circuit planning

• coastal and granite terrain interpretation

• visitors who want more than the simplified map on a signboard or brochure

Add Tasmania North East for the wider east-coast journey.

8. Wellington Park Recreation Map 1:20,000

The Most Detailed Dedicated Map in This Guide

The Wellington Park Recreation Map covers kunanyi / Mount Wellington and Wellington Park on Hobart’s doorstep.

The current edition was produced in 2024 at 1:20,000 using GDA2020.

One centimetre represents only 200 metres.

That fine scale is particularly useful in a compact but complex recreation landscape containing:

• numerous walking tracks

• steep slopes

• cliff lines and boulder fields

• waterfalls and streams

• forested valleys

• exposed high country

• roads and access points

• cycling, horse-riding and four-wheel-drive routes

The reverse includes historical and recreation information covering walking, bike riding, horse riding and four-wheel driving.

Why a Dedicated Map Matters Here

Wellington Park sits immediately beside a city, but proximity should not be confused with simplicity.

Conditions at elevation can be cold, wet, windy or obscured by cloud when Hobart below appears mild. A dense network of routes also creates more decision points than a single linear trail.

The 1:20,000 recreation map is substantially more useful for local track planning than a state or regional map.

Best For

• Hobart residents

• visitors combining city and mountain walking

• navigating the park’s dense track network

• outdoor education

• multi-use recreation planning

• search, rescue and operational reference

9. Mount Field Walk Map 1:50,000

The Best Map for Mount Field and the Tarn Shelf

The Mount Field Walk Map is a 2024 GDA2020 production at 1:50,000.

It covers the remarkable change from the park’s sheltered lower forests and waterfalls to its glacial valleys, tarns and alpine country.

The map highlights walking tracks and combines them with tourist and topographic information. Reverse-side notes outline walks and provide bushwalking and safety guidance.

It is useful for:

• Russell Falls and lower-level visitor walks

• Lake Dobson access

• the Tarn Shelf

• alpine and subalpine routes

• understanding how the lower and upper sections of the park connect

Its main advantage is that it serves both first-time visitors and more experienced walkers without losing the whole park in a collection of separate small extracts.

10. Bay of Fires, Maria Island, Bruny Island and Other 1:50,000 Sheets

Tasmania’s walking map requirements do not end with the famous multi-day tracks.

Bay of Fires

The Bay of Fires 1:50,000 topographic map covers the celebrated coast around Binalong Bay, St Helens and the conservation area towards Eddystone Point.

It is useful for coastal walking, camping and understanding the relationship between beaches, headlands, waterways and road access.

Maria Island

The Maria 1:50,000 topographic map provides a detailed island reference for walkers combining natural, geological and historic landscapes.

South Bruny

The South Bruny 1:50,000 topographic map is the relevant detailed sheet for much of South Bruny’s walking and national-park country.

Ben Lomond and the North-East

The Ben Lomond 1:50,000 map provides detailed terrain coverage for the plateau and surrounding country. Other north-eastern and coastal sheets can be selected through the full 1:50,000 collection.

Hartz Mountains and Southern Ranges

The Hartz 1:50,000 map supports terrain interpretation in southern alpine country. More remote itineraries may require adjoining sheets.

The rule remains the same: identify the route first, confirm the sheet boundary second and order adjoining coverage where the route approaches an edge.

11. TASMAP 1:250,000 Regional Maps

The Best Official Access and Regional Context

TASMAP divides the state into four regional sheets at 1:250,000:

• Tasmania North West

• Tasmania North East

• Tasmania South West

• Tasmania South East

At this scale, one centimetre represents 2.5 kilometres.

The maps include broad topographic treatment, roads, waterways, parks, reserves and regional features. They are much more useful for understanding terrain and access than a simple tourist brochure, but they are not detailed walking maps.

Choose by Region

North West

Best for:

• Cradle Mountain approaches

• the north-west coast

• the Tarkine

• Stanley and Smithton

• Strahan and western access planning

North East

Best for:

• Launceston

• the Bay of Fires

• north-eastern highlands

• the east-coast route towards Freycinet

South West

Best for:

• Southwest National Park

• Lake Pedder

• Western Arthurs regional context

• Port Davey and South Coast access planning

• remote expedition overview

South East

Best for:

• Hobart and the Derwent Valley

• Wellington Park access

• Mount Field approaches

• Bruny Island

• the Tasman Peninsula

• Maria Island

• southern east-coast planning

The 1:250,000 sheet shows the journey to the walking area.

The dedicated or 1:50,000 map shows the walking area itself.

12. Hema Tasmania State Map

The Best Single Touring Map for a Walking Holiday

The Hema Tasmania State Map is a field-checked road and touring map covering the island at 1:500,000.

It is designed for:

• highways and regional roads

• touring routes

• towns and services

• national parks

• fuel, camping and visitor information

• broad itinerary planning

It is a very useful map for a holiday built around several walks.

It is not the map to use for detailed walking navigation.

The Hema map answers, “How do we drive from Hobart to Freycinet, then to Cradle Mountain?”

The TASMAP walking or topographic sheet answers, “What terrain surrounds today’s route?”

For most interstate visitors, carrying both is entirely rational.

13. Tasmania Wall Maps

The Best Maps for Planning a Complete Walking Program

Browse the Tasmania wall map collection for large-format planning and display maps.

The strongest general planning choice is the Hema Tasmania Supermap.

It measures 1000 × 1430 mm and covers Tasmania at 1:335,000.

That makes it useful for:

• comparing national parks

• sequencing several walks

• planning road transfers

• visualising driving distances

• marking completed routes

• outdoor-club and school planning

• visitor centres and accommodation providers

Mapworld offers Tasmania wall maps in several finishes.

Paper

Mapworld paper wall maps are generally printed on 160 gsm matte stock, giving them a stronger and more substantial finish than ordinary office paper.

Best for:

• framing

• low-cost planning displays

• classrooms

• temporary projects

Laminated

Mapworld lamination is true encapsulation using two 80-micron gloss sheets.

Best for:

• repeated use

• write-on and wipe-off planning with suitable markers

• visitor centres

• tour operations

• schools and offices

Canvas

Selected maps are printed on 395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas using pigment inks.

Best for:

• homes

• lodges

• offices

• decorative display

• long-term travel inspiration

Canvas is not a field-navigation format.

Hang Rails

Selected laminated and canvas maps can be supplied with natural timber hang rails and cord. Hang-railed products may require up to ten working days before dispatch.

For a detailed comparison, read Best Wall Map for Tasmania and How to Choose a Wall Map.

Waterproof, Laminated or Paper: Which Format Is Best for Tasmania?

Tasmania is an unusually strong case for waterproof mapping.

Rain is not limited to winter. Alpine and coastal weather can change rapidly. A map may be opened in wind, placed on wet vegetation, consulted beside a river or carried for days inside a damp pack.

Choose Waterproof When

• the walk is multi-day;

• the map will be used outside the vehicle;

• the route is alpine, coastal or remote;

• rain, mud or repeated folding is likely;

• failure of the map would create a serious navigation problem.

Waterproof Tyvek is particularly effective because it combines durability with low weight and foldability.

Some publisher-produced waterproof maps use other synthetic materials, such as the dedicated Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair waterproof edition. The relevant product page should be checked for the exact material supplied.

Choose Laminated When

• the map will be used repeatedly at a planning table;

• it will be shared by a club, school or operations team;

• routes need to be marked and changed;

• it will remain in a vehicle or visitor centre;

• rigidity and wipeability are more important than pack weight.

Choose Paper When

• budget matters;

• several adjoining sheets are required;

• the map is principally for home planning;

• it can be protected in a reliable waterproof case;

• a lightweight backup copy is being carried.

The cheapest map is not economical if it becomes pulp when first needed.

Datum, Grid and GPS: A Small Detail That Matters

Do not assume every map uses the same datum.

Many current TASMAP walking products use GDA2020, while some earlier topographic sheets remain on GDA94. The current St Clair 1:50,000 sheet, for example, is listed as GDA94; the current Western Arthur and Tasman Peninsula sheets are listed as GDA2020.

The datum defines the reference framework behind the coordinates.

When transferring a grid reference or coordinate between a paper map, GPS receiver, phone application or another person:

1. check the datum printed on the map;

2. confirm the coordinate format;

3. set the device to the same datum and format;

4. state both when communicating a position;

5. never assume that a coordinate without context is unambiguous.

For a plain-language explanation, read What Is GDA2020?.

Paper Map and Compass Skills Still Matter

Owning a topographic map is not the same as being able to use it.

A walker should be able to:

• orient the map to the ground;

• identify major landforms;

• interpret contour spacing;

• understand the legend;

• estimate distance;

• recognise handrails, catching features and attack points;

• take and follow a bearing where appropriate;

• maintain position awareness while moving;

• relocate after uncertainty rather than continuing blindly.

Browse Mapworld’s compass collection and read:

• A Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Compass

• How to Take a Bearing

• Compass Buying Guide

• How to Read a Map Without the Sat Nav

Practice these skills in familiar country and good conditions before relying on them in low cloud, darkness or severe weather.

Why a Phone Is Useful but Not Sufficient

Offline digital mapping can be excellent.

It can provide:

• a GPS-derived position

• track recording

• downloaded map layers

• searchable place names

• distance and elevation information

• current route files

• a convenient second view of the terrain

But it remains dependent on:

• battery power

• functioning hardware

• a readable screen

• correct downloads

• an appropriate map layer

• correct datum and coordinate settings

• the user understanding what the screen shows

Cold conditions reduce battery performance. Continuous GPS use can consume power quickly. A device can be dropped, soaked, damaged or lost.

A phone also encourages tunnel vision. The blue dot can appear precise while the map behind it lacks the topographic information required to interpret the wider route.

Carry digital navigation as an additional system, not as an excuse to abandon geographic understanding.

For more on the distinction, read GPS vs Paper Maps and Why Australia Still Needs Paper Maps in 2026.

Building the Ideal Tasmania Walking Map Kit

Overland Track

Carry:

• Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair 1:100,000, preferably waterproof;

• Cradle Mountain or Lake St Clair day-walk maps if detailed side trips are planned;

• relevant 1:50,000 coverage where the party requires it;

• a baseplate compass;

• downloaded offline mapping;

• current Overland Track notes, alerts and booking information;

• suitable emergency communications.

Walls of Jerusalem

Carry:

• Walls of Jerusalem 1:25,000;

• Jerusalem and/or St Clair 1:50,000 sheets as dictated by the route;

• Tasmania North West for access context;

• compass, offline map and current park information.

South Coast or Port Davey Track

Carry:

• South Coast Walks 1:100,000, preferably waterproof;

• the relevant 1:50,000 sheets confirmed in LISTmap;

• Tasmania South West for regional context;

• redundant navigation and emergency communications;

• current track, access, flight, transport, river and weather information.

Western Arthurs

Carry:

• Western Arthur 1:50,000, preferably waterproof;

• adjoining sheets if the approach or itinerary requires them;

• Mount Anne 1:40,000 if that area forms part of the plan;

• Tasmania South West for the regional overview;

• a robust redundant navigation and communications system.

Frenchmans Cap

Carry:

• Frenchmans Cap Walk Map 1:50,000;

• relevant surrounding topographic coverage if required;

• Tasmania North West or South West for access planning;

• current official track and weather information.

Three Capes and Tasman Peninsula

Carry:

• Peninsula Walks 1:40,000;

• Tasman Peninsula 1:50,000 when wider coverage is useful;

• Tasmania South East for access from Hobart;

• current Three Capes booking and park information.

Freycinet

Carry:

• Freycinet National Park 1:50,000;

• Tasmania North East for east-coast road planning;

• current alerts and weather;

• offline mapping for redundancy.

Wellington Park

Carry:

• Wellington Park Recreation Map 1:20,000;

• a compass for longer or less familiar routes;

• current Wellington Park alerts and weather;

• warm and waterproof clothing appropriate to the mountain, not merely conditions in Hobart.

Mount Field

Carry:

• Mount Field Walk Map 1:50,000;

• Tasmania South East or South West for regional access;

• compass and offline mapping for upper-level routes;

• current alpine weather and track information.

A Practical Pre-Departure Map Check

Before leaving, ask:

Coverage

• Does the map cover the complete route?

• Does it include the approach and likely side trips?

• Is the route close to a sheet edge?

• Is an adjoining sheet required?

Scale

• Is the scale detailed enough for the terrain?

• Is a broad dedicated route map also useful?

• Will the map remain legible in poor light and rain?

Currency

• What is the production or edition year?

• Have current closures and alerts been checked separately?

• Is there a newer dedicated map than the topographic base sheet?

Datum and Coordinates

• What datum does the map use?

• Is the GPS or app set to the same datum?

• Does everyone in the party understand the grid and coordinate format?

Format

• Is the map waterproof?

• If it is paper, is the protection reliable?

• Can it be opened and refolded in wind?

• Is a second copy carried by another party member?

Skills

• Can the party orient the map?

• Can members interpret contours and terrain?

• Can they navigate if the phone fails?

• Does more than one person understand the route?

Current Information

• Are park alerts clear?

• Has the latest weather forecast been checked?

• Are fire, flood, river or road conditions relevant?

• Are registrations, passes, bookings or transport arrangements confirmed?

Emergency Planning

• Has a route plan been left with a responsible person?

• Is there sufficient equipment to remain safe if delayed?

• Is a PLB or suitable two-way satellite communication device carried for remote routes?

Tasmania Police repeatedly advises walkers to take a map, research the route, check the forecast, tell someone the plan, carry suitable clothing and food, and take emergency communications. The map is one component of preparation, not the whole of it.

Why Buy Tasmania Walking Maps from Mapworld?

Mapworld brings Tasmania’s mapping into one specialist range rather than treating every product as interchangeable.

The range includes:

• dedicated walking maps

• national-park maps

• recreation maps

• Tasmania 1:50,000 topographic sheets

• regional TASMAP maps

• Hema touring maps

• wall maps

• street and urban maps

• historical maps

• compasses and navigation equipment

The practical value of a specialist map shop lies in matching:

• the route to the sheet;

• the task to the scale;

• the environment to the material;

• the journey to the right combination of maps.

The objective is not simply to sell a map.

It is to make sure the map is fit for the walk.

Final Verdict

Best General Topographic Series

The Tasmania 1:50,000 topographic map collection provides the best general field-scale coverage across the state.

Best Dedicated Map

The answer depends on the walk.

Use:

• Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair for the Overland Track;

• Walls of Jerusalem for the Walls;

• South Coast Walks for the South Coast and Port Davey tracks;

• Frenchmans Cap for Frenchmans Cap;

• Peninsula Walks for the Tasman Peninsula;

• Freycinet National Park for Freycinet;

• Wellington Park Recreation Map for kunanyi / Mount Wellington;

• Mount Field Walk Map for Mount Field.

Best Field Format

For most multi-day, alpine, coastal or remote Tasmanian walks, choose waterproof mapping.

Best Regional Support

Add the appropriate TASMAP 1:250,000 sheet for road access and geographic context.

Best Whole-Island Planning Map

Use the Hema Tasmania State Map while travelling or the Hema Tasmania Supermap on the wall.

Best Overall Approach

Carry a dedicated walking map where one exists.

Add detailed topographic coverage where the terrain or route requires it.

Use a regional map to understand access.

Use current digital information for conditions and closures.

Carry a compass, offline mapping and appropriate emergency communications.

The strongest Tasmania map kit is not one map.

It is a system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best map for walking Tasmania?

There is no single map for every walk. Begin with the dedicated TASMAP walking or recreation map for the destination, then add relevant 1:50,000 topographic coverage and a regional access map where required.

What is the best general Tasmania topographic-map scale for bushwalking?

The 1:50,000 series provides the strongest general balance between topographic detail and practical coverage. Some complex or compact areas are better served by dedicated 1:20,000 or 1:25,000 maps.

What does 1:50,000 mean?

One centimetre on the map represents 500 metres on the ground. Two centimetres represent one kilometre.

What is the best map for the Overland Track?

The Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair 1:100,000 map is the best single overview of the complete route. Add the Cradle Mountain 1:25,000 or Lake St Clair 1:50,000 day-walk maps for greater detail at either end, and relevant topographic sheets where the itinerary requires them.

Is a 1:100,000 map detailed enough for walking?

It can be ideal for a long, recognised route because it keeps the complete journey on one sheet. It provides less local detail than 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 mapping, so the best answer depends on terrain, side trips and the walker’s needs.

What is the best map for the South Coast Track?

South Coast Walks at 1:100,000 is the best dedicated complete-route map. Experienced parties may add the relevant 1:50,000 sheets after confirming coverage in LISTmap.

What is the best map for the Western Arthurs?

Begin with the Western Arthur 1:50,000 topographic map. Confirm adjoining coverage for the intended access and itinerary, and carry it as part of a redundant navigation system.

What is the best map for the Three Capes Track?

Peninsula Walks at 1:40,000 is the best walking-focused starting point. Add the Tasman Peninsula 1:50,000 sheet for full-peninsula context and Tasmania South East for access from Hobart.

What is the best map for Freycinet?

Use the Freycinet National Park 1:50,000 map for walking and Tasmania North East for the wider east-coast journey.

What is the best map for kunanyi / Mount Wellington?

The Wellington Park Recreation Map at 1:20,000 provides the best dedicated detail for the park’s dense track and recreation network.

Should I buy paper, waterproof or laminated?

Choose waterproof Tyvek or the publisher’s waterproof synthetic edition for most field walking. Choose laminated for repeated planning, education or operations. Choose paper when weight and price matter and the map will be reliably protected.

Are laminated maps waterproof?

Fully encapsulated laminated maps are highly resistant to water, stains and tearing. They are more rigid and bulky than Tyvek, making them particularly useful for planning tables, vehicles and repeated reference.

Can I use a Tasmania wall map for bushwalking?

No. A wall map is excellent for statewide planning and understanding access, but it is too small-scale and physically unsuitable as a primary walking map.

Can I navigate with my phone alone?

Offline phone mapping is useful, but phones can fail through battery loss, cold, water, impact or incorrect downloads. Carry a paper map and compass, particularly in remote, alpine or exposed country.

Do I need a compass on a marked track?

A compass and the ability to use it provide important redundancy. Marked tracks can be obscured by snow, cloud, darkness, vegetation, storm damage or simple human error.

How do I find the correct 1:50,000 sheet?

Locate the route in LISTmap, inspect the sheet coverage and check whether the route approaches an edge. Do not rely only on the sheet name.

What is GDA2020?

GDA2020 is Australia’s current geocentric datum. It provides the coordinate reference framework used by many current maps and spatial datasets. Some older or still-current sheets use GDA94, so the datum on the map and navigation device must be checked.

Are tracks on paper maps always current?

No. Maps have production dates, while tracks and access can change. Check official alerts, closures, fire conditions, weather and route information immediately before departure.

Does carrying a map replace a PLB?

No. A map supports navigation. A PLB or suitable satellite communicator supports emergency alerting. Remote walkers should carry appropriate communications as well as maps, equipment and the skills to remain safe while help is arranged.

Related Mapworld Articles

• The Best Maps and Guides for Tasmania

• Tracks, Trails & Tassie Tales

• What Is a Topographic Map?

• How to Read a Topographic Map

• How to Find the Right Topographic Map Sheet

• Australian Topographic Map Symbols Explained

• What Is GDA2020?

• A Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Compass

• How to Take a Bearing

• GPS vs Paper Maps

• Why Australia Still Needs Paper Maps in 2026

• Best Wall Map for Tasmania

 

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