Single Hill

Single Hill Bushland Reserve is a 39-hectare stretch of blue gum woodland and coastal scrub between Seven Mile Beach and Roches Beach, about 15 minutes east of Hobart, and the pitch for dog owners is simple: a proper bushland hill walk on lead that connects directly to one of Tasmania's dedicated off-lead beach stretches.

The walk

Established tracks climb to the summit of Single Hill, with a connecting track down to the coast. The surface is standard bush track through woodland and scrub, and the reserve shares ground with mountain bike trails, so expect company on the descent. It suits a fit dog that walks steadily rather than a first-time bushwalker.

Leash status

Dogs are on lead throughout the reserve, a firm condition of the Single Hill Bushland Reserve Activity Plan rather than a suggestion, with signage at the entrances. The off-lead allowance only applies on the adjacent Seven Mile Beach stretch between Day Use Area 2 and Day Use Area 3, and only while your dog is under effective control. Summer rules tighten that further, with time restrictions on beach access in the peak season, so read the signs at the entry paths.

Max: keep the lead short on the summit track. The reserve shares trails with mountain bikers, and a dog on a long line is a trip hazard for everyone.

Hazards

Fenced regeneration areas sit inside the blue gum woodland, and you stay out of them, dog included. Native fauna lives throughout the reserve, which is the practical reason the on-lead rule exists. Bikes share the same tracks, and the exposed summit section bakes on warm afternoons.

Water

No creeks or bowls are noted on the track, so carry your own for both of you, particularly in the afternoon sun.

Getting there and parking

Drive in via Acton Road or Seven Mile Beach Road from Hobart, with main access from the southern end of The Esplanade or near Nowra Road. Small parking areas are scattered around Seven Mile Beach, The Esplanade and Nowra and Kirra Road, with more at the day-use areas. Public transport is minimal, so driving is the realistic option.

When to go

Early morning is the pick: cooler, fewer bikes, and the beach crowd has not arrived. If you plan to finish on the off-lead beach stretch, check the tide first, because high tide compresses the usable sand between the day-use areas.

Close by with the dogs

Cambridge Dog Park offers a fenced option on the way through, and Red Square Cafe in Cambridge handles the post-walk coffee.

The wider options are on the Tasmania dog friendly trails guide and the Seven Mile Beach destination page.