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This jaw-dropping Tassie hike has dolerite columns, sea cliffs and albatross

Credit: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service

Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
The Cape Hauy hike is a one-day adventure you’re unlikely to forget.

Tasmania’s picturesque landscape makes it one of the best hiking destinations in Australia. Whether you’re keen to get amongst ancient rainforests, climb alpine peaks or traverse wild coastlines, natural beauty abounds on this untamed island. Those who love coastal treks should turn their attention to the jaw-dropping Cape Hauy hike, a half to one-day moderate hike that promises spectacular views, animal spotting opportunities and wild beauty.

Where is the Cape Hauy hike?

The rugged coastline of Cape Hauy
Cape Hauy is part of the Three Capes Track. (Credit: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service)

The Cape Hauy Hike is located inside the Tasman National Park in southeast Tasmania, approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Hobart. Starting and ending at Fortescue Bay, the area is remote and largely untouched which means a true sense of wilderness can be found. Cape Hauy is part of the Three Capes Track, a stunning 4-day hut-based track that takes in some of the island state’s most dramatic landscapes. 

There are no facilities (toilets, shops, or shelters) along the trail, so plan ahead by bringing water, snacks, sun protection and layers during the cooler months. The Forescue Bay car park has toilets, picnic tables and parking. As the track is exposed, it’s recommended to check the weather forecast before arrival.

What will you see on the Cape Hauy hike

People hiking the Cape Hauy hike
Spectacular ocean views await. (Credit: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service)

The Cape Hauy hike is a photographer and nature enthusiast’s dream. The track traverses heath and woodland, which are blanketed in wildflowers during spring and summer. Some of the most dramatic sea cliffs in the country and breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean offer a stunning backdrop to this walk. Iconic rock formations (including the Totem Pole and Candlestick) sit dramatically on the coastline – tall structures made of dolerite, a hard volcanic rock common in Tasmania.

Animal lovers should keep a keen eye out for passing whales, as well as wallabies, wombats, seabirds and seals who call the area home. Wandering albatross and some shy albatross (which are Tassie endemic) can sometimes be spotted from the clifftop lookouts, with the best time to spot them being spring to early summer.

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Details

Towering sea cliffs at Cape Hauy
Marvel at towering sea cliffs. (Credit: Pierre Destribats)

How to get there: Cape Hauy is a 1.5-hour drive from Hobart. The official trailhead for the Cape Hauy Track is the car park at Fortescue. Visitors will need a valid Parks Pass to enter the area. 

Length: 9.4 kilometres return

Time: ~4 hours return

Best time to go: November to April

Difficulty: Grade 3

What to bring: Sturdy shoes/boots, sunscreen, hats, water, snacks and layers.

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Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and Hotel Addict. She's responsible for the foundational content on AustralianTraveller.com, helping to manage and grow the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love and Bed Threads. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
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Why you should visit these iconic Tassie destinations

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
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    Tasmania’s crisp clear air, misty mountains, lakes and ancient forests beckon as winter approaches.

    Travelling in the off season has many benefits, none more so in Tasmania, where it’s uncrowded and uncomplicated. Ease into winter with a getaway that spells relaxing with a glass of wine or local whisky, bathing under the stars, or gazing at reflections in pristine waters. Add fireside dining, wilderness walks, after-dark gallery visits and plenty of history and you’ve got a curated winter escape designed to make travelling in the quieter months of the year even more rewarding. NRMA Parks and Resorts’ Off Season Signature Packages across Tasmania (plus 10 per cent off for members) make all these things possible.

    Cosy up at Cradle Mountain

    two women walking aorund Cradle Mountain Hotel NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Immerse into the wilderness at Cradle Mountain Hotel.

    For an alpine wilderness experience like no other, chose Cradle Mountain Hotel for a winter getaway. You may even wake up to gently falling snow. Explore nearby Dove Lake, gaze at Cradle Mountain is and listen to the gush of waterfalls.

    As Cradle Mountain works its charm, slow down to enjoy the crisp alpine air away from the hustle of the city. There are no crowds here, just serenity and the chance to recalibrate.

    Cradle Mountain’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a bottle of wine (Retreat rom bookings only) and off-season dessert with dinner. Then sip on mulled wine as you wander through the Wilderness Gallery admiring the work of Tasmanian artists.

    Finding the flavours of Freycinet

    aerial of Freycinet Lodge NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Stay at the only accommodation within beautiful Freycinet National Park.

    As the only accommodation within Freycinet National Park, among the many reasons for staying at Freycinet Lodge is its easy access to stunning Wineglass Bay, Mt Amos and Honeymoon Bay.

    By day it’s the place for communing with nature, taking hikes in some of Tasmania’s most beautiful locations. By night, savour the regional seasonal flavours of the east coast, sip mulled wine to keep out the chill and gaze up at the star-studded skies. This is slow coastal indulgence at its best.

    Freycinet Lodge’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a hosted Flavours of the East Coast food and wine tasting experience and mulled wine under the stars, or beside the fire, after dinner.

    Escape to lakeside Pumphouse Point

    interior of pumphouse point NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Stay cosy while looking out onto Lake St Clair.

    Set on the edge of beautiful Lake St Clair in native bushland in the heart of Tasmania’s Central Highlands, Pumphouse Point has launched a new era for its boutique accommodation with the opening of two new luxury retreat rooms last October.

    Each of the trio of rooms are thoughtfully designed, with an indoor fireplace and deep-soak bathtub, both perfect for a winter escape. This retreat offers dining and an expanded collection of hosted experiences, including a guided tour to learn more about this historic place, chocolate tastings and whisky tasting from local artisans – with more to come later in the season.

    Borrow an e-bike and explore on your own, throw a line in, head off for a hike in the ancient forests that surround the lake, book a relaxing massage, or just settle in for an evening by the fire as the lake works its own magic.

    Pumphouse Point’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast, larder lunch and dinner, a bottle of wine with dinner each night, and a chocolate or whisky tasting experience, as well as two $50 massage vouchers.

    Slow down in Strahan Village

    aerial of boat going through strahan tasmania
    Explore UNESCO world heritage wilderness.

    As the gateway to UNESCO world heritage wilderness, picturesque Strahan Village is the ideal base for exploring Tassie’s west coast. With a wide range of accommodation choices, from cosy waterfront colonial-style cottages to hotel rooms with sweeping views over Macquarie Harbour, it’s the perfect place for slow travel.

    Join Gordon River Cruises to explore ancient wilderness and magical reflections on the Gordon River, wander through the village at your own pace or hire a bike to discover local secrets and attractions, including the iconic West Coast Wilderness Railway. Thrill-seekers can hire taboggans to hit the towering Henty Dunes.

    Strahan’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Gordon River cruise for two and mulled wine at Hamer’s Bistro.

    Delve into history in Port Arthur

    interior of glamping tent at Port Arthur Holiday Park NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Glamp under the stars at Port Arthur Holiday Park.

    Spend your evenings glamping under the stars and your days stepping back in time as you explore the captivating stories of the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Port Arthur Holiday Park is the perfect base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula and uncovering the stories of Australia’s colonial and convict past.

    Surrounded by nature and history, this off-season escape has the all the makings of an unforgettable getaway. All glamping tents are heated to keep you warm during the off-season months when the nights get a little cooler, and have private bathrooms. Stargazing tents have the added luxury of an outdoor bath on the verandah.

    The Port Arthur Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Port Arthur Historic Site tour for two and 10 per cent discount for dining at local restaurant On The Bay during your stay.

    Start planning an unforgetable trip to Tasmania with NRMA Resorts at nrmaparksandresorts.com.au.