Leven Canyon Lookout Tasmania
Discover the breathtaking Leven Canyon Lookout in Tasmania, featuring a challenging circuit with ~679 steps and a free, serene campground.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Leven Canyon Lookout Tasmania
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the breathtaking Leven Canyon Lookout in Tasmania, featuring a challenging circuit with ~679 steps and a free, serene campground.
"The upper lookout is one of the most majestic sights I have ever seen."
🎯 Descend the Stairs First
Start at Cruickshanks Lookout to walk down the ~679 steps, saving your legs for the return incline.
🏕️ Free Camping Available
Enjoy a peaceful night at the free campground with toilets and BBQ areas. Perfect for disconnecting.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cruickshanks Lookout
Upper Lookout
Experience majestic, expansive views of the canyon that will leave you breathless. A must-see for any visitor.
Leven Canyon Circuit Track
Canyon Floor
A scenic 1.2km loop through lush forest, featuring a challenging staircase and access to the canyon's base.
The Grand Staircase
Between Lookouts
Descend or ascend approximately 650-697 steps, a memorable part of the canyon experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tackle the Steps Wisely
+1Embrace the Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Descend the Stairs First
Start at Cruickshanks Lookout to walk down the ~679 steps, saving your legs for the return incline.
🏕️ Free Camping Available
Enjoy a peaceful night at the free campground with toilets and BBQ areas. Perfect for disconnecting.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The steps and inclines require good walking shoes. Poles can be helpful for the uphill sections.
📸 Capture the Views
The lookouts offer spectacular, expansive vistas. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Descend the Stairs First
Start at Cruickshanks Lookout to walk down the ~679 steps, saving your legs for the return incline.
🏕️ Free Camping Available
Enjoy a peaceful night at the free campground with toilets and BBQ areas. Perfect for disconnecting.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The steps and inclines require good walking shoes. Poles can be helpful for the uphill sections.
📸 Capture the Views
The lookouts offer spectacular, expansive vistas. Don't forget your camera!
🚫 No Mobile Signal
Embrace the digital detox! There's no phone reception, perfect for a true nature escape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the majestic views from Cruickshanks Lookout and the peaceful, free campground. While the ~679 steps are a significant challenge, many find descending them first makes the circuit manageable. Some note the lower lookout is less dramatic but still offers a unique perspective of the canyon's base.
"Awesome little walk, the view is beautiful and the free campground is great. Toilet facilities, local echidna wandering around, plenty of space to camp and it’s really peaceful at night. No signal which is perfect."
Jordy “Outdoorkindaguy”
"The upper lookout is one of the most majestic sights I have ever seen.
The lower is less spectacular in that way, but awesome with the domination of the towering landscape.
Do the upper first, as the loop includes 650 steps, which are MUCH easier down than up.
Or walk back to the car park and then down to the lower lookout.
Those with mobility issues can get to the top one fairly easily, bottom one will be a struggle, and the steps impossible."
Gregory Milligan
"This is the lower viewing platform of Leven Canyon. In my view it isn't as spectacular as the Cruickshanks Lookout. But it does get you closer to the base of the canyon and the river.
The walk from the carpark is down a steep incline. That's easily done. But you'll have to slog up the same path to get back. If that sounds like too much effort, then the Cruickshanks Lookout would be less strenuous."
jpm
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Leven Canyon is located in northwest Tasmania. From Launceston, it's about a 2-hour drive west. The drive is scenic, passing through rolling hills and farmland. Ensure your GPS is updated as some areas may have limited signal.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the main Leven Canyon car park, which is convenient for accessing the lookouts and campground.
Absolutely! The campground is suitable for campervans and RVs, offering a peaceful place to stay overnight.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, some visitors mention Leven Canyon being dog-friendly, especially for the campground. Always check local signage for the most current regulations.
The closest town with amenities is Ulverstone, which is about a 30-40 minute drive away. It's a good place to stock up on supplies before heading to the canyon.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Leven Canyon and its lookouts is completely free. This makes it a fantastic budget-friendly destination.
Leven Canyon is accessible at all times, as it's a natural park. The campground is also available year-round.
The campground at Leven Canyon is free to use, offering a great opportunity for overnight stays in nature.
The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There's plenty of space, so booking is generally not required.
The main restriction is the physical challenge of the steps. Visitors with mobility issues should be aware of the steep inclines and stairs.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The circuit track is about 1.2km and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the lookouts.
The circuit involves a 1.2km loop with a significant number of stairs (around 650-697) and some steep inclines. It's a moderate to challenging walk.
Yes, the ~679 steps are steep and can be challenging, especially if you're going uphill. Many recommend descending them first.
Visitors have spotted echidnas wandering around the campground, and the area is rich with native Tasmanian flora and fauna.
Yes, basic toilet facilities are available at the campground area, which is a convenient amenity for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The two main lookouts, Cruickshanks and the lower platform, offer stunning panoramic views of the canyon. The forest path itself is also very photogenic.
Mornings often provide softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the grandeur of the canyon. Late afternoon can also offer beautiful golden hour light.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive canyon views. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures of the forest.
Drone regulations vary by location in Tasmania. It's essential to check with the relevant authorities (e.g., Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania) before flying a drone.
The main challenge is the physical exertion required to reach the best vantage points. Be prepared for the stairs and inclines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 This makes the uphill return less daunting for younger legs. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as the walk can be tiring. The free campground with BBQ facilities is a bonus for families looking to extend their stay and enjoy a picnic. 💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
The reward is unparalleled panoramic views from Cruickshanks Lookout, described as one of the most majestic sights. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Leven Canyon Circuit
Many visitors recommend tackling the circuit in an anti-clockwise direction. This means you'll descend the grand staircase first, which is generally easier on the knees than ascending it. +1 The alternative path involves a steep, sloping track, which some find more strenuous for pushing uphill. For those with mobility concerns, reaching Cruickshanks Lookout from the car park is relatively straightforward. However, accessing the lower lookout and navigating the steps will be a significant challenge.
Remember to wear sturdy footwear, as the terrain can be uneven and the steps demanding.
Allow ample time to enjoy the views and catch your breath. The effort is well worth the spectacular scenery. The Leven Canyon Campground Experience
The campground is equipped with basic facilities, including toilet blocks and barbecue areas, enhancing the comfort of your stay.
This campground is an excellent base for exploring the canyon and enjoying the quietude of the Tasmanian wilderness. It's a place where you can truly unwind and connect with the natural surroundings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit