Mount Amos Hike, Tasmania: Wineglass Bay Views & Trail Guide (2026)
Quick facts: 4 km (2.5 miles) return · ~436 m (1,400 ft) elevation gain · ~3 hours · Grade 4 (challenging, rock scrambling) · Never attempt in wet conditions · 2.5-hour drive from Hobart.
Mt Amos has got to be one of the coolest hikes I’ve ever done. It’s short in distance, but the variety of terrain — including sections that are basically rock climbing — will take you some time. The reward is the single best view of Wineglass Bay in Tasmania. Here’s my honest guide.
Do not attempt this hike during or after rainfall, or if the ground is wet for any reason — you will slip and fall. The granite slabs lose all grip with the slightest moisture. Parks Tasmania rates it Grade 4 and recommends it only for people with bushwalking experience. If rain is forecast, do the Wineglass Bay Lookout walk instead.
The Hike: Mount Amos
Starting at the parking lot, you’ll see a trail map — head right of the map, then follow the sign left for the Mt. Amos trail. It starts off easy, just a gradual climb through trees.
You’ll soon get a good view of the bay, then hit the sign warning against damp conditions. Listen to this sign. Then comes the first hump of granite rock to climb — not too difficult — and a breathtaking view as your reward.
You keep hiking up the granite. Notice how shiny the ground looks? That’s exactly why you don’t do this in the rain. It gets steeper — and then the fun part begins. Doesn’t it look pretty much 90 degrees vertical? It felt like rock climbing, and I got to use the skills from indoor climbing, which was pretty cool.
Once past the steep scramble, there’s about 10 more minutes of easy walking to the top — and then, voila: the first look at Wineglass Bay. Beautiful, isn’t it! There’s lots of space at the top to lounge, picnic, and soak it in. My friends and I checked whether we could walk down to Wineglass Bay through the trees — you can’t; there’s no trail and it’s too dense. Hike back the way you came.
Overall, an awesome hike and I totally recommend it!
What to Bring for Mount Amos
- Grippy hiking shoes — non-negotiable; smooth soles on wet granite are dangerous
- At least 1.5 liters of water per person — no water on the trail
- Snacks or lunch for the summit
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses — exposed rock reflects sun
- A fleece and rain jacket — the summit is exposed and weather shifts fast
- Camera — you’ll want it
There are no facilities on the track, so use the toilets at the carpark before you start. The trail is well marked with yellow reflector markers, easy to follow even in low light.
Getting to Mount Amos
Mount Amos is in Freycinet National Park, Tasmania — about a 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. You’ll need a national park pass. Combine it with the Wineglass Bay Lookout walk or a swim at Wineglass Bay beach for a full Freycinet day.
Verdict: The most thrilling 4 km in Tasmania — and the best view-to-effort ratio in the country. Just don’t you dare do it wet.
More hikes: my Bluff Knoll hike in Western Australia, the ultimate Havasupai guide, and easy hikes in Yosemite.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Mount Amos hike?
Challenging. Parks Tasmania rates it Grade 4 — it’s only 4 km return but involves steep granite rock scrambling that feels like climbing. You need good fitness, grippy shoes, and dry conditions.
Can you hike Mount Amos in the rain?
No — never. The granite slabs become extremely slippery when wet, and the scramble sections are dangerous. If it has rained or rain is forecast, skip it and do the Wineglass Bay Lookout walk instead.
How do I get to Mount Amos from Hobart?
It’s about a 2.5-hour drive to Freycinet National Park. You’ll need a Tasmanian national park pass, and the trail starts from the Wineglass Bay carpark area.
