Stunning coastal seascapes that include rock platforms, towering cliffs and columns, off-shore islands and swirling seas. Take your lunch, spend some time and gaze in awe at majestic views. Cape Raoul has extensive heathland and coastal scrub complex communities.
€‹What starts as a pleasant bushwalk soon turns into a stunning, often breathtaking journey. The newly refurbished track climbs through open forest to a cliff edge that may take some walkers by surprise. From there on the 14km return walk, through heath and light forest, it's never far from those jaw-dropping cliffs. The stunning coastal scenery continues all the way out to Cape Raoul. The dolerite cape drops dramatically into the ocean. Keep an eye out for seals on the rocks and small islands below.€‹
Park entry fees apply.
There are toilet facilities and a boot wash station at the start of the track.
There are no other facilties on the track. It is recommended that you carry a trowel. Please bury all faecal waste and toilet paper / tissues in holes 15-20cm deep and at least 100m from water and tracks. Cover and disguise the hole when finished.
With the exception of designated areas in the Fortescue Bay campground, Tasman National Park is a Fuel Stove Only area and campfires are not permitted.
Some rough uphill sections; moderate degree of fitness required.
Supervise children, hazardous cliffs, unprotected track edges.
No pets, firearms or bicycles
Total distance: 13998 m
Max elevation: 428 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 1038 m
Total descent: -1038 m
For more information about this hiking trail please visit Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania
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- Entry Fee
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
Closest towns to this walk: Dunalley, Eaglehawk Neck, Nubeena, Port Arthur, Sorell, Taranna
Getting to the trailhead in Tasman National Park.
Tasman National Park is in the south-eastern corner of Tasmania. It’s a 90-minute drive on sealed roads from Hobart via Sorell on the A3, and then the A9 (Arthur Highway) toward Port Arthur. The park straddles both the Tasman and Forestier peninsulas, however most of its accessible features are on the Tasman Peninsula.
€‹€‹To reach Fortescue Bay from Eaglehawk Neck, continue along the A9 towards Port Arthur €‹until you reach the junction with C344. Follow the C344 until you reach Fortescue Bay. This is a 12km drive along an unsealed road but is suitable for 2WD vehicles and mountain bikes. Beware of towing vehicles, delivery trucks and tour buses. Keep to the left of the road particularly on blind corners.
Access to the south-western part of the park is also via the Arthur Highway (A9), then following Safety Cove Rd at Port Arthur township to access Remarkable Cave and walking tracks to Maingon Blowhole, Mount Brown and Crescent Bay. Further west, on the road to Nubeena, the access to the Cape Raoul Great Short Walk, Shipstern Bluff and Tunnel Bay leave the Arthur Highway at Highcroft Road, which turns into Stormlea Road.
€‹Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.
Tasman National Park is a wild, yet accessible park of tall forests and a truly spectacular coastline. Waters from the Southern Ocean collide with the towering sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula, creating spectacular rock formations, including caves and arches. The coastal vegetation grows precariously close to the edges of the cliffs, creating a blanket of green that contrasts with the surging surf below. Australia's highest sea cliffs have walkers on the award-winning, multi-day Three Capes Track in awe. Day walkers can also discover a slice of this beauty high atop the cliffs on shorter coastal walks at Cape Hauy, Cape Raoul and the world-famous big wave mecca, Shipsterns Bluff.
Looking for hikes and trails in Tasman National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
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Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
