The Cape Hauy Track in Tasman National Park: Is it worth walking?
The Cape Hauy Track in Tasman National Park takes half a day from Fortescue Bay. The stunning coastal scenery makes it worth the detour from Port Arthur.
The Tasman Peninsula is a popular escape from Hobart in Tasmania, largely because it’s the home of World Heritage-listed convict site Port Arthur.
But part of Port Arthur’s appeal is the natural beauty of its setting. And there’s plenty of natural beauty to go round on the Tasman Peninsula.
Much of the Peninsula is covered by the Tasman National Park. At the eastern end of Tasman National Park, there is some spectacular coastal scenery, much of which can be seen on the Cape Hauy Track.
Walking the Cape Hauy Track from Fortescue Bay
Walking the Cape Hauy Track is one of the underrated highlights of the Tasman Peninsula. It’s a 9.3km return coastal walk from the boat ramp at Fortescue Bay, and should take around four hours. It’s perfectly feasible to spend half a day doing the Cape Hauy walk, then half a day at Port Arthur.
The Cape Hauy Walk is rated as a grade 4 hike, which means it is difficult in places. This is largely due to the number of steps involved. Anyone with reasonable fitness levels shouldn’t find it too challenging.
One reason the Cape Hauy Track from Fortescue Bay is so enjoyable is variety of landscapes. Before it gets to the show-stopping coastal scenery, it passes through heath and woodland. Come in spring, and you’re flanked by a carpet of wildflowers.
Dolerite columns at Cape Hauy
The steps kick in once you emerge from the woodland. It’s down, then up again as you approach Cape Hauy itself. Once there, there are ocean views on both sides, and seabirds circling around. What you’ve really come for, however, are the cliffs made of dolerite columns. These geological marvels are rocks made from magma that just happened to crystalise at the right time.
Driving in Tasman National Park
This Tasman National Park walk is striking, but accessible. Most of the road down to Fortescue Bay from the Arthur Highway is unsealed, but in good condition and easily driven in a two wheel drive vehicle.
Other walks in the national park include the track to Cape Raoul.
For more information about Tasman National Park, visit the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service website. Other great half day walks in Tasmania include the walk to South Cape Bay from Cockle Creek in the far south of the state.
More Tasmania travel
See exotic animals at Tasmania Zoo near Launceston.
Take the Bruny Island ferry to Bruny Island from Kettering.
Walk to Wineglass Bay in the Freycinet National Park – or take a Wineglass Bay cruise.
Taste pinot noir on a sheep farm at the Milton Vineyard in Swansea.
The best things to do in Richmond, Tasmania.