Cape Hauy

Cape Hauy is a stand-alone day walk in Tasman National Park and part of the final day of the Three Capes Track. It's a 9.4 km return walk from Fortescue Bay, and Parks and Wildlife Service allows 4 hours. It ends at a spectacular, fenced lookout facing the dolerite sea stacks known as the Candlestick and the Totem Pole, which are famous with rock climbers.

Route. From the Fortescue Bay campground the track climbs through coastal forest and heath, then drops and rises across a series of saddles along the cape. The track is well built but has a lot of stone steps: estimates often put it at over 2,000 steps in total, both up and down. That makes the walk harder on the legs than the distance suggests.

Grade. AWTGS Grade 3. The track is well formed, but the steps and the cumulative climbing suit walkers of reasonable fitness. Allow extra time on the return climb.

Access. Fortescue Bay is reached by a 12 km unsealed road off the Arthur Highway, about 1.5 hours from Hobart. A Tasmanian parks pass is required. There are toilets, a campground and a sheltered beach at Fortescue Bay, which is a good place for a swim afterwards in summer.

Safety. The lookout sits on 300 m cliffs. Stay behind the barrier and supervise children closely. Strong wind is common, so bring a windproof layer. There's no water on the track.

Best season. Year-round. Clear days give views of Tasman Island and Cape Pillar.

Who it suits. Cape Hauy suits walkers who want a taste of the Three Capes coastline without booking the multi-day track. It's a strong half-day option if you're staying at Port Arthur, Eaglehawk Neck or Fortescue Bay. Combine it with the short walks at Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen and the Tessellated Pavement for a full peninsula day. Photographers should aim for morning light on the dolerite columns. Climbers often abseil to the Totem Pole, which can make for an interesting spectacle from the lookout. Sea eagles, seals and, in season, migrating whales are sometimes seen offshore, so a pair of binoculars is worth the weight.

Before you go

• Check the official park page for alerts, closures, fire danger ratings and planned burns on the day you walk.
• Check the Bureau of Meteorology forecast for the nearest town and the mountain or coastal district.
• Tell someone your plan and expected return time, or register your trip intention where the park offers it.
• Carry the ten essentials: water, food, map, first aid, warm and waterproof layers, sun protection, a torch, phone and power bank, an emergency shelter, and a personal locator beacon (PLB) for remote walks.
• Leave no trace: take all rubbish home, stay on the track, and respect Aboriginal cultural sites.

Facts on this page were checked against the official park agency source listed below. Conditions, fees and rules change, so always confirm before you go.

FAQ

• Is it suitable for kids? Older children with good fitness, yes, but the lookout has sheer cliffs, so keep them close.
• Can I camp nearby? Yes, at Fortescue Bay campground (fees apply, book via Parks).
• How hard are the steps? Many walkers find the return climb tougher than the outward leg, so pace yourself.

Dogs: not permitted. Official source: https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/tasman-national-park