The newly constructed and recently opened track traversing Single Hill is a walk not to be missed. The return walk is approximately five kilometres. Single Hill is located at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach, at the end of the Esplanade. A regular Metro bus service runs from Hobart.

This superbly designed and engineered track zig zags up the north side of Single Hill to the summit, which is 194 metres above sea level. Although Single Hill is steep, the track assiduously follows the contours of the hill, ensuring it is a moderately easy walk. There is little shade along the track, so sun protection is recommended.

Each bend and altitude in the Single Hill Track reveals a different breathtaking aspect of the panoramic views that stretch from Coal River to Dodges Ferry and to Collins Cap. Although Single Hill isn’t very high, it offers constant views and perspectives that surprise and delight. Of particular interest is the view of the airport. It is fascinating to watch the planes landing, taxiing, and taking off.

The wide variety of views, over land and water, ensure the descent is as enjoyable as the ascent.

The Soldiers Memorial Walk, Queens Domain, Hobart

The Soldiers Memorial Walk is a two kilometre walk along the crest of the Queens Domain to the Cenotaph. The walk has commanding views of the city, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington and the Derwent Estuary.

We started at the car park adjacent to the Soldiers Memorial Oval, then followed the track around the oval to the beginning of the Soldiers Memorial Walk.

The Soldiers Memorial Walk commemorates the Tasmanian servicemen who died in active service in World War One. Approximately 390 trees were planted for these servicemen (and one woman). In Hobart, the Memorial Walk became the focus for bereaved families. A quarter of the population of Hobart attended the inauguration of the Soldiers Memorial Avenue on August 23, 1918.

Plaques under the trees keep the memory of the servicemen (and one woman) alive with detailed information such as age, place of birth and enlistment, address, occupation, and religious affiliation. The plaques reveal the diversity of the men who enlisted, a window into the past. Information boards along the walk offer further details of the Soldiers’ Memorial Walk. After completing the walk, we paused in Davie Avenue to read the memorial for the World War Two men of Sparrow Force, the 2/40th Battalion AIF, which was formed in Tasmania.

We then walked across the modern Bridge of Remembrance to the Cenotaph, which was built in 1925. The Cenotaph is now a memorial to all Australian men and women who have died on active service, and is central to Anzac Day services.

Blue skies and scenic views could not dispel thoughts of the tragedy of war as we returned along the avenue.