Trail summary
Hike overview
Tasmania's Three Capes Track is not about getting from point A to point B. It's about the journey. Few places on Earth remain that feel so remote, so raw, so removed from the ordinary. You, a pack, and 46 kilometres of cliff-hugging wildness in Australia's far south-east. The next stop is Antarctica.
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service's ambitious track is an artwork rivalled only by the landscape.
Bookings for the multi-day Three Capes Track experience in Tasmania's far south-east are now open via the new website, www.threecapestrack.com.au
The 46-kilometre track has been designed as an achievable experience for a wide range of ages and abilities. It's been built to a dry-boot standard from a range of materials, including timbers, stone and gravel and is about one-metre wide, wide enough for two people to walk side-by-side.
The journey begins with walkers checking in at the Port Arthur Historic Site. A Pennicott Wilderness Journeys cruise then delivers walkers to the start of the track at Denmans Cove. Over four days and three nights, walkers will cover the 46 kilometres, taking in tall eucalypt forests, coastal heath and Australia's highest sea cliffs.
Evenings are spent in warm and comfortable environmentally-sensitive cabins at Surveyors, Munro and Retakunna.
For more information and to book your adventure, visit www.threecapestrack.com.au.
Day 1: 4km, 1.5 - 2 hrs
Not every walk begins with an eco-cruise aboard a purpose-built vessel. Explore coves and ancient cliffs en route to Denmans Cove (1 hour 15 minutes). Choose from an 11:30am or 2:00pm start, from August to April (11:30am or 1:30pm during May-July). The salty air is a taste of what's to come. Your two hour walk leads through eucalypt woodland and coastal heath to Surveyors cabin. This is the part where you stop, unlace and breathe it all in. Park yourself on the panoramic deck looking across to Cape Raoul.
Day 2: 11km, 3.5 - 5 hrs
Today is a day of contrasts. Revel in the fragrant eucalypt forests, be captivated by the colourful heathlands, and stride across bronzed moorlands. Your short climb to Arthur's Peak gives staggering views across sparkling Crescent Bay and beyond to Cape Raoul. Feel the space around you expand as you descend from the forested slopes of Crescent Mountain to cross the broad, windswept Ellarwey Valley. Retreat to the shelter of the forest to finally wander into your Munro cabin haven. On nature's big screen this evening - the drama of Munro Bight and Cape Hauy.
Day 3: 17km, 5 - 6 hrs
Day three, sea cliffs plunge beneath your feet. The same way they've done for eons. Front row seats to their epic view are worthy of today's longer kilometres. Look across to Tasman Island as you take on the challenge of scaling The Blade at Cape Pillar. The track returns to Munro, allowing you to leave your pack at the cabin and walk out and back with a light day pack. Continue on through fragrant forest and heathland to Retakunna cabin. Restorative views of Mount Fortescue - tomorrow's climb - fade into your final nightfall.
Day 4: 14km, 6 - 7 hrs
Rise early for the final climb, Mount Fortescue, before venturing out to the tip of Cape Hauy. Here, you may catch a glimpse of brave rock climbers tackling the Totem Pole and other dolerite columns, while islands rise up from the sea. It's mostly downhill from this point, where the white sands of Fortescue Bay below beg for a bracing swim. Dry off just in time for your return bus trip to Port Arthur.
Tips
The Three Capes Track can be admired walking in one direction, with bookings for only 48 walkers per day. Expect timber boardwalk, gravel and stone steps, with creative story-seats along the way to enrich your journey. When you check-in, you'll receive your complimentary Encounters on the Edge guidebook, which includes daily walk notes, maps and 36 extraordinary stories to match your story-seats. Walkers are required to stay one night in each overnight stop - cabins and quarters are architecturally conceived to capture nature's best side.
Overnight stops are within environmentally-sensitive cabins. Mattresses in the sleeping quarters are a welcome surprise. Shared dining hubs are equipped with heating, gas cooktops, tables and seating. Outside, relax on the panoramic decks and enjoy the staggering views.
The Three Capes Track cabins are designed to be simple and elegant with minimal environmental impact.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 484 m
Min elevation: 12 m
Total climbing: 2898 m
Total descent: -2905 m
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
About the region
Cape Pillar is a hero destination. The journey ticks all the boxes. Doable. Colourful. Fragrant. Varied. Magnificent. Powerful. Intimate.
Suggest an edit
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.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Cape Pillar State Reserve or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
3 Reviews on “Three Capes Track (46km)”
Yes pls.
You have to buy a permit
Sheree Chaffey this is what we need to do!!!!!
Sheree, Anita – a great option if weather is poor for Frenchman’s?
Sammie Mac Jamie MacLeod Stephanie Brosnan. Need this.
#screwworkletsgohike
Pete Pedrosa you excited yet!?? ???
Oliver Bonaccorso bucket list 🙂
Ooh we’d love to come stay at your b ‘n b?
Kirsten
Kirstyn Pepping
I saw your post about hikes in Tassie. Not sure about this one but this page is great is you don’t follow it already ?
Mat Ross let’s go
Lisa Harnett
It’ll be fun Nattie ?
Jo Parkinson so so much to do there. Erika Korte needs to open a future B and B just for our convenience.
Karly Horton thank you ???
Kick off on Monday! If only the weather was better!
Darron Hart
Erika Korte
Debbie Tonkin I am sure you can spare 4 days soon??
Debbie Tonkin TOTALLY – perfect!
Em Elle Issa
Garry Kia ok! I’ll start training now.
Fool Joshua
Em Elle Issa lets go 🙂
Glenn Robbins Karen Hill
Goldie Smithgold we are doing this…
Erin Hammond
Brilliant hike.
Belinda Miller
Clare Minahan
Completed this a couple of weeks ago. Amazing scenery, great features, great ranger support … what else could you ask for!!!