Three Capes Track

The Three Capes Track is a 48 km, four-day, three-night walk on the Tasman Peninsula, about 90 minutes from Hobart. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service manages it as a fully booked experience with a capped number of walkers each day. It has some of the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere, and its architect-designed cabins mean you don't carry a tent.

How it works. You book and pay through Parks and Wildlife Service. The fee includes the boat cruise from Port Arthur Historic Site to the trailhead at Denmans Cove, three nights in public cabins (bunks with mattresses, gas cooktops, cooking utensils), and the bus back from Fortescue Bay to Port Arthur. You carry your own food, sleeping bag and clothing.

The route. Day one is short: about 4 km from Denmans Cove to Surveyors Cabin. Day two crosses heath and forest to Munro Cabin, about 11 km, with views towards Cape Pillar. Day three is the highlight. It's an out-and-back of about 19 km to Cape Pillar, including The Blade and views across to Tasman Island, then you return to Retakunna Cabin. On day four you climb Mount Fortescue, take the side trip to Cape Hauy and its famous dolerite columns (the Candlestick and Totem Pole), and finish at Fortescue Bay. That makes about 14 km.

Grade. Treat it as AWTGS Grade 3. The track is very well built, with long sections of stone steps and boardwalk, but days two to four still involve several hours of walking with a pack and some sustained climbs. Most reasonably fit adults and older children manage it well.

Storytelling. Along the track, numbered "encounter" seats come with short stories in the track guidebook about geology, wildlife and convict and Aboriginal history.

Weather and safety. The cliffs are unfenced in many places, so keep well back from edges, especially in strong wind. Weather changes fast on the peninsula, so carry waterproof and warm layers in every season.

Facilities. Cabins have composting toilets and rainwater (treat if unsure), but no showers. Fortescue Bay has camping, toilets and a beach.

Best season. The track is open most of the year, but it closes for about two weeks each April for fuel-reduction burns (13–26 April in 2026). Summer gives long days, while winter is quieter and moodier. Book well ahead for school holidays.

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

• Do I need a tent? No. Cabins with bunks and mattresses are included in the booking.
• Can kids do it? Yes. Parks sets a minimum age guideline, so check when booking. Many families with older children complete it.
• Is food provided? No. Cabins have gas cooktops and utensils, but you carry all your food.

Dogs: not permitted. Official source: https://threecapestrack.com.au/