Not all heroes wear capes, but they do all enjoy walking them—especially in Tasmania, where the adventures are wild and the scenery is raw and chiselled (like the washboard abs of those who fight crime). We’ve listed five ‘cape walks’ for the brave and courageous to conquer.
Remember: True heroes follow safety advice and respect the environment and wildlife (more tips at the end).
1. The Three Capes Track
Location: The Tasman Peninsula
Time/distance: 4 days & 3 nights / 48 km
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (family-friendly)
Requirements: Bookings essential
Hero alias: Outdoorsy triplets (Hauy, Pillar, and Raoul)
This one is for heroes who are partial to a touch of comfort (or want to bring their mini-me heroes-in-training). The Three Capes Track is an epic adventure, beginning with an eco-cruise. From there, immerse yourself in four days of cliff-hugging coastal scenery and three nights of relaxing with mates—old and new—in the shared environmentally-sensitive cabins. Tip: rise early for a magical sunrise at The Blade, Cape Pillar. Finish with a crisp dip in the crystal clear waters of Fortescue Bay.
2. Cape Raoul
Location: The Tasman Peninsula
Time/distance: 5 hrs / 14 km return
Difficulty: Grade 4, bushwalking experience recommended
Requirements: Parks Pass
Hero alias: The (Dolerite) Rock
The recently-upgraded Cape Raoul Track is separate from the Three Capes Track (although hikers on that trek do enjoy impressive views). Add another day on to conquer this third cape, or tackle it on its own another time. To start, hikers climb through open forest to a spine-tingling cliff edge, then continue onwards through heath and light forest. At Cape Raoul, your square jaw may just hit the ground. This is a good place to stand tall in your strong, silent hero pose, gazing wistfully at the dramatic dolerite cape and distant horizon. As you shed a single tear into the ocean over your heart-wrenching origin story, see if you can spot any seals on the rocks below.
3. Cape Queen Elizabeth
Location: Bruny Island
Time/distance: 3 hrs / 12 km return
Requirements: Parks Pass not needed
Hero alias: Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II
Combine bush and beach adventure and explore secretive rocky crevices on the Cape Queen Elizabeth Track. The first section of the track runs parallel to the Bruny Island airstrip, continues between Big Lagoon and Little Lagoon, then climbs over Mars Bluff for stunning views across The Neck. Adventurers then trek down through the dunes to remote Miles Beach, walk along the sand, then ascend through coastal heath towards Cape Queen Elizabeth. Allow extra time to watch for a rare forty-spotted pardalote amongst the white gums, explore the rock formations at Mars Bluff, and find the quaint fisherman’s shack tucked away at the eastern end of Miles Beach.
4. Fluted Cape
Location: Bruny Island
Time/distance: 2.5 hrs / 4 km circuit (clockwise only)
Difficulty: Grade 4, bushwalking experience recommended
Requirements: Parks Pass
Hero alias: Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra musician (obviously the flautist)
The Fluted Cape Track is located within the South Bruny National Park (keep an eye out for Bruny’s famous white wallabies). The first part of the walk winds through tall blue gums, white peppermint, and sheoaks along the coastline to Grass Point, which features some structural remains of the 19th century whaling industry. Today, if you are really lucky, you may glimpse a real live whale out in the distance during migration season.
For a shorter walk, turn around at Grass Point and head back to Adventure Bay the way you came. Otherwise, continue on and tackle the climb up to Fluted Cape. Resilient heroes are rewarded with spectacular cliff top scenery, distant views out to the Tasman Peninsula, and perhaps even a soaring white-bellied sea eagle. The track descends steeply on the return to Adventure Bay.
5. South Cape Bay
Location: Far South Tasmania
Time/distance: 4 hrs / 15.4 km return
Difficulty: Grade 3, some bushwalking experience recommended
Requirements: Parks Pass
Hero alias: Simba
Driving to the end of the southernmost road in Australia and then continuing your mission on foot sounds like a hero’s quest to me. Cockle Creek, on the edge of beautiful Recherche Bay, is just a 2-hour drive south from Hobart (camping is available, so make a trip out of it).
The South Cape Bay Track, in the wild Southwest National Park, offers a taste of the epic and challenging South Coast Track. From Cockle Creek, trek through woodland and open bush to the jaw-dropping cliff above South Cape Bay. The howling wind and roaring surf at the remote southern edge of Australia sure makes you feel alive! Courageous heroes, wander down to the sand and cobble beach and check out the aptly-named Lion Rock.
SAFETY TIPS:
- Brush up on the Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service’s safety guidelines.
- Check information on track, campsite and reserve closures and reopenings.
- Check the current conditions and adequately prepare.
- Drive to conditions and watch out for wildlife.
- Follow all signs and safety advice and don’t take unnecessary risks.
- Respect the environment and wildlife by sticking to pathways, taking only photos, and leaving no trace.
- Pop into the local Visitor Information Centres for current information and travel advice.
Check out the upcoming events in Southern Tasmania.
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