The dramatic Three Capes Track is one of the best multi-day walks in Tasmania—nay, the world! Walk on the wild side by day, relax in comfort by night. We hope to inspire you to book this bucket-list experience in (thank us later). We’ve also listed some tips on extending your Tasman Peninsula adventure to make the most of your visit.
Walk the Three Capes Track
Escape the ordinary at the edge of the Earth. Comfortably trek a total of 48 km in four days and three nights.
What’s so special about it?
The scenery is next level in this raw, remote part of the world. Walker numbers are capped at 48 people per day, with spaced departures, so you can enjoy the cliff-hugging wilderness and water views without the crowds. Walk side-by-side along the metre-wide track, traversing gravel, rock and timber surfaces.
Enjoy the journey
Your adventure begins and ends at the Port Arthur Historic Site, a 90 minute drive from Hobart. The whole shebang involves a drive, boat ride, cliff-hugging walks, an optional swim, and bus ride (yes, it is great spy training). Your ticket to the Three Capes Track also gives you access to the Historic Site. After you check in at the Visitor Centre, spend some time exploring the grounds, then catch the eco-cruise to the start of the walk (keep an eye out for playful dolphins and migrating whales). After four days of walking on the wild side, enjoy a dip in the crystal clear waters of Fortescue Bay (best in the warmer months). A bus drops you back at the Port Arthur Historic Site.
Make use of the fancy facilities
No need to scramble about trying to pitch a tent! There are three shared environmentally-sensitive cabins along the track, and walkers stay one night in each. Relax in comfort, with facilities including shared cooking and dining (gas cooktops!), comfortable mattresses, USB charging stations for mobile devices, and toilets with handwash basins. Munro Cabin even has two outdoor showers! Kick back on the deck, take in the views, and make some new friends.
Up the luxury
If you’re looking to add an extra touch of luxury to your experience, book in with Tas Walking Co on their fully-guided Three Capes Lodge Walk. Each evening you’ll retire to their architecturally-designed in-park lodges and enjoy Tasmania’s finest eats and drinks.
Take the kids
The walk is graded easy to moderate, and lighter pack weights and achievable daily distances make it family-friendly. The ‘Encounters on the Edge’ guidebook includes stories along the track, and there are artful story seats for resting. All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult, and you must phone to book if you want to bring a child under the age of three.
Consider going in winter
Winter brings atmospheric skies, crashing swells, bracing winds, cold nights, and some rain. It also means there are less people! The later sunrise and earlier sunset times mean you can get more sleep and still catch the sky transform, as well as magical golden hour. You also don’t have to stay up as late to see the Tasman Island Lighthouse all lit up. It does get cold at night, but the cabins are heated and you’ll have your best winter jacket, so you should be comfortable. Sleeping rooms are unheated but are well insulated, so you should be snug as a bug with the right sleeping bag.
Be prepared
Book via the website. Familiarise yourself with the trip essentials and tick off everything on the packing list before you go. If you’d prefer to have someone else sort it out for you, Three Capes Gear & Gourmet would be delighted.
Explore the Tasman Peninsula
Stay for some extra days before and/or after conquering the Three Capes Track. Take the time to relax and explore—choose your own adventure!
Cape Raoul walk | 1 day
Although hikers do enjoy impressive views of Cape Raoul from the Three Capes Track, it isn’t actually included as part of the walk. The track to Cape Raoul (5 hours / 14 km return) has recently been upgraded, so why not spend an extra day properly conquering that third cape?
Adventure tours | Various
It might take a while to get the highest sea cliffs in the southern hemisphere out of your head. If you still can’t get enough of the rugged scenery, get another perspective from the sea or air. Adventure tours include:
- Pennicott Wilderness Tours’ half day eco-cruise to Tasman Island.
- Roaring 40s Kayaking‘s exhilarating day tour to Cape Hauy.
- Osborne Heli Tours’ range of breathtaking helicopter tours.
McHenry’s Gin Making Workshop | 1 day
After all that walking, you’ve earned a nice drink. Become a distiller for a day at McHenry Distillery‘s Friday gin making workshop (book here). Learn about the evolution of gin, enjoy guided tastings to unlock the secrets of well-known brands, then create your own gin from a large range of locally sourced Tasmanian botanicals. (Yes, you do get to take it home!)
Alternatively, visit the onsite Cellar Door (10am – 4pm daily) to taste their single malt Tasmanian whisky, gin, sloe gin and vodka. Tours are available by appointment.
Tasmania’s convict history | 1−2 days
A bonus of booking the Three Capes Track is getting access to the Port Arthur Historic Site for two years! Spend a day or two exploring the ruins, wander the grounds, learn the stories, and maybe even brave the ghost tour. If you want to learn more, check out the Coal Mines Historic Site at nearby Saltwater River.
Lavender, devils & chocolate | 1 day
Enjoy a purple brunch at Port Arthur Lavender, then spend a few hours with the locals at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo in Taranna. Before you depart, nip across the road to Federation Artisan Chocolate and taste the mouthwatering goods. (For more food inspiration, see Eat & Drink.)
Geological wonders & Doo Town | 1 day
Check out the region’s natural wonders, including the Tessellated Pavement (spectacular at sunrise), the Blowhole, Tasman Arch, and the Devil’s Kitchen. Remarkable Cave certainly lives up to its name, although the site is currently closed for upgrades (check Tasmania Parks for updates). While you’re out and about, take a drive through Doo Town and have a giggle at the punny ‘Doo’ names of the homes and shacks.
Stay
Relax in luxurious accommodation at Stewart’s Bay Lodge (highly recommend soaking in the bath with nature views). Lufra Hotel & Apartments are another great option, especially if you’re keen to rise early for that special Tessellated Pavement sunrise. To browse accommodation options, see Where to Stay.
We love it when you share your adventures with us! Share your snaps by tagging @hobartandbeyond and using #HobartandBeyond on Instagram and Facebook – we’ll share our favourite pics on social media and in the blog.
