Three Capes Walk Tasmania | Tour or Self-Guided
Photo credit: Jason Charles Hill
The Three Capes Track truly is unique and a highlight of Tasmania. Unlike many Tasmanian walks, you're not hiking through the middle of mountains. Instead, you're above high dolerite cliffs, weaving to and from the edge that gives unobstructed views of the gnarliest peninsula in all of Tasmania. You just can't find another walk like it in the state.
So you're convinced. But how is it best experienced?
There are three different ways to walk the Three Capes Track:
Self-guided walk, booking through Parks and Wildlife Tasmania
Self-guided from Fortesque Bay (skipping day 1 and part of day 2 from above)
Let's cut the fluff. Next is an overview of each way to experience the track. Further below is information directly from an experienced tour guide on the Three Capes Track. They walk it most months and know it inside and out. I was lucky to have the experience of speaking with them and hope the information below helps you on your Tasmanian holiday.
Table of Contents
- Self-guided: Parks and Wildlife Tasmania
- Guided 3 Capes Track: Tasmanian Walking Company
- Self-guided: Starting from Fortescue Bay
- The Three Capes Track Distance
- The Journey Begins: Options and Preparations
- Day-by-Day Breakdown of the 3 Capes Walk
- Conclusion of Three Capes Track Walk
- Walk to Cape Raoul
- Limited Edition Walks
- FAQs
The most expensive and luxurious way to walk the Three Capes Track in Tasmania is with the Tasmanian Walking Company. A few things to consider:
If you're on a budget, I wouldn't recommend this one, instead, read on to method two or three.
Additionally, if you don't want to be walking in a group and prefer a self-guided experience, skip this one.
If that's not you, you're in for a real treat.
When you book with the Tasmanian Walking Company, you'll begin in Hobart city and be shuttled out to the Port Arthur Historic Site, located in Tasman National Park. You're guided the whole journey by an experienced guide, who shares stories about the place, history, flora, fauna, etc... Your lodges are world-class (perhaps the best huts in Tasmania), designed to provide the relaxation you need at the end of a day of hiking. Your food is prepared for you by chefs. You can indulge in a glass of wine if you so desire. It's all on the house.
Why this is for you:
Luxury and Comfort: The tour provides world-class lodges, chef-prepared meals, and the convenience of having everything arranged for you, including transportation and guided walks. This is perfect for those who appreciate a touch of luxury in their outdoor adventures.
Informative and Guided Experience: Having an experienced guide share stories and insights about the area's history, flora, and fauna enriches the hiking experience. It's ideal for those who value learning and guidance during their trek.
Why this might not be for you:
High Cost: As the most expensive option, it may not be suitable for those on a budget.
Group Setting: If you prefer solitude or a more personal hiking experience, the idea of walking in a group may not be appealing.
Self Exploration: Prefer to explore off the beaten path;
Late Notice: Are already in Hobart and want to walk the trail. You often need to book well in advance.
You're looking at around $600 to walk this. As of Feb 2024, the track fee covers national park entry, reservation of the three huts, an Encounters on the Edge guidebook with maps, bus transfer from Fortescue Bay (where you finish) back to Port Arthur Historic Site, 2 year entry into the Port Arthur Site, and a Pennicott Wilderness Journey Cruise from Port Arthur. I'd say that's worth it. There is limited space in the huts and the booking allows Parks and Wildlife Tasmania to manage the number of walkers on any particular day.
Photo credit: Jesse Desjardins
The Encounters on the Edge guidebook highlights 'story seats' along the way, built by Utas's Architecture students. If you're into a story and enjoy history, this is your way of getting that info without paying the price point of the guided tour by the Tasmanian Walking Company.
As you've paid for this walk, you'll be treated with the same Den's Cove wet landing as the guided tour. Shoes off. Jump in. Action right from the start. These boats depart a few times a day (may differ throughout the year). Another treat is the huts. Even though they're not as nice as the Walking Company's tour, they're still some of the best I've stayed in. You'll honestly love pulling up at the end of the day and relaxing here. The kitchens are equipped with pots and pans, spatulas, and other cooking utensils. Just bring your food, plate/bowl and your fork and knife. Some people bring steaks for the first night - a luxury you might not experience on another hike any time soon. So don't bring dehydrated food for that first night, this is the time to go all out.
Why this is for you:
Moderate Price with Amenities: While more affordable than the guided tour, this option still offers great value with access to huts, a guidebook, and a cruise, making it a balanced choice between comfort and cost.
Flexibility and Independence: Ideal for those who prefer to explore at their own pace, make their own schedule, and have some degree of comfort without the structure of a guided group.
Why this might not be for you:
Limited Facilities Compared to Guided Tour: Probably not a valid point. You still have amazing huts, but wanted to include this as something to consider. The huts and amenities are not as luxurious as those provided by the Tasmanian Walking Company.
Self-Preparation Required: You need to bring your food and other essentials, which requires more planning and effort than a fully catered guided tour.
To be honest, you miss out on a bit here. No boat landing. No first day. A whole day of hiking missed. You have a few campsites to choose from, one being on Cape Pillar itself. Essentially, you'll start and finish at Fortescue Bay, beginning the walk on the old Cape Pillar track, and finishing along the stairs from the Cape Hauy track. Along the way, you'll pass one of the huts, and perhaps decide that you should have spent the $600 to have nice accommodation at the end of each day. On a positive note, you choose where you camp and are fully immersed in the Tasmanian wilderness.
Although you're missing out on a bit, you still get to walk Cape Pillar, Cape Hauy, and up and over Mount Fortescue. For a lot of walkers who visit Tasmania, these are the main highlights they want to see within the Tasman National Park. It's the shortest multi-day hike to see both capes.
Why this is for you:
Complete Immersion in Wilderness: This method offers a more rugged and authentic hiking experience, perfect for those seeking to connect deeply with nature without the frills of guided tours.
Flexibility and Freedom: You have the freedom to choose your camping spots and your pace, appealing to those who value independence and spontaneity in their adventure.
Why this might not be for you:
Missed Experiences: Starting from Fortescue Bay means missing out on certain experiences and amenities like the boat landing and the first day of the standard track.
Less Comfort: The absence of huts for accommodation means a more challenging experience, which might not be suitable for those who prefer some level of comfort or are not fully equipped for self-sufficient camping.
It's often good to know a trail's length. A map is also helpful. Find these small details below:
Day 1: 4km
Day 2: 11km
Day 3: 19km
Day 4: 14km
Total: 48km
Want more info on your options and how to prepare? While not exhaustive, I've tried to provide all that would be required to decide on which hike option to choose.
Tas Walking Company
So what do you have to bring along? Almost nothing. One set of clothes could do you the full hike - wet clothes for walking, dry clothes for time at the lodges. Additional extras would include snacks, but you get snacks as well, so you may as well cut back on weight and enjoy a pack well under 10kg. Don't forget your water either. Guides won't carry this for you.
In addition to the food (and unlimited wine), you'll have a bed at the lodge, a complimentary raincoat, and a sleeping sheet system. This is full of luxury.
You'll meet in the CBD at their office and catch a bus through to Port Arthur. Alternatively, if you organise in advance, hotel pick-ups can be arranged.
Self-Guided: Parks & Wildlife Tas
You can either drive here yourself using a hire car (we recommend Bargain Car Rentals for 7.5% off) or using one of the other proposed services on the Parks & Wildlife Tasmania website. Once at Port Arthur, you catch the boat to do a wet landing at Denman's Cove and then you're on your own.
I recommend not doing this for your first multi-day hike.
Self-Guided: Starting at Fortescue Bay
With this option, you need the essential hiking gear. You'll be camping and have no protection from the elements during the night outside of what you bring. If this is your first multi-day hike, I'd recommend going with someone experienced or choosing a shorter hike around the state if you're unsure of what to bring.
For anyone who has done a multi-day hike before, you know the drill.
SPOILER ALERT. Below is a breakdown of what you'll experience each day. If you'd prefer to experience it firsthand yourself, skip over this next section by clicking here.
Day 1: Hobart, Port Arthur & Cape Raoul
Your day begins with a midday 40-minute boat ride from Port Arthur (the highlight for a lot of walkers), past the Isle of the Dead, and on to Denman's Cover where you start with a wet landing. The coastlines are truly spectacular. You might even find yourself wanting to repeat the boat ride to continue taking in the seabirds, eagles, rocky coastlines, etc... Take it in while you can because, by the end of today, you'll be on top of them.
The cove you arrive at is a rocky beach and the final point you're at sea level for during the entire trip. If you have the time, swim, it's your last chance to do so.
As you start the hike, you'll be going straight up on some stairs before the incline becomes a little less demanding. You'll walk for around half an hour through a eucalyptus forest where the trees are pointing in all sorts of directions from the wind. A wild scene. There's a lookout where you can see Cape Raoul and across to Port Arthur. Take the view in as you regain your breath. From here, you'll notice the first hut, the Surveyor's hut (used by Parks and Wildlife bookings), while the tour continues on to their private lodging for the night.
For those on the tour, you'll take off your packs and come inside to the lounge to find a cake ready for you. Tea, coffee, board games, books, it's all there. And if you choose to start a book, you can take it with you to the next lodge and continue reading there! There's a yoga area where you can meditate during sunrise the next morning if you're an early riser. A special moment to take part in.
For the self-guided, find a bed, set up for the evening and share stories with friends and fellow hikers well into the night.
Day 2: Arthur's Peak
Photo credit: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service
Day two starts with around 10 minutes of flat walking in a low heathland across the boardwalk, a location that the indigenous would often come through and hunt in. Not too long after, you begin to hike up Arthur's Peak for half an hour or so of stairs. This is the major hill for the day. Good to get over and done with early. From the top of Arthur's Peak you can see Crescent Bay, Cape Raoul, Mount Brown and even the edge of Tasman Island. Pretty spectacular.
Next, you'll be walking along the ridgeline of dolerite columns up until cloud forest, a unique area because there's a cloud that often sits there all year round. The flora here is different from the rest of the hike because it needs more moisture which is provided by the cloud. Plants like dogwood, blanket lead and dragon heath can all be found here. Make sure to take it in when passing through because it doesn't last long.
After the cloud forest, you'll descend down the ridgeline into an open heathland again where the shrubland is quite low. On a bad day, the wind will be ripping through and bring the pace of the group up to get through as fast as possible. On a good day, it's beautiful and a good spot for lunch to look back at the peak you've just conquered.
You'll find yourself in another eucalypt forest for around 20 minutes before arriving at four-way junction. It's around an hour from here to the first hut and yet again, you'll notice the environment change. Ferns everywhere. Orchids too. Along the path, keep an eye out for an igloo made of sticks, called Stigloo by some of the guides. Keep cruising along and you'll find the parks & wildlife hut not too long after, a great spot for whale watching in October / November.
Tour walkers will continue for another 10 minutes or so to their lodge.
Day 3: Cape Pillar & Tasman Island
Photo credit: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service
Not a lot going on day three. Out and back with a hike to Cape Pillar to get the iconic photo of the blade. Arguably the best day of the hike. You'll be able to switch to a day pack for this one.
Whether you have good or bad weather, this day is unbelievable. And for those wondering where the name "Three Capes Track" came from, the blade is the only point where you can see all three capes at once, hence the "Three Capes Track". Now you know.
Pro Tip: when you're at the blade, plan to give yourself some time here. You'll understand why once you're there.
Day 4: Cape Hauy & Returning Home
Who doesn't love options? Especially if that means you can cut off a few hours of walking.
Cape Hauy is my personal favorite out of the three capes, but if you're not feeling up to it, you can cut this out of your walk. A great thing to know considering you start the day by walking up Mount Fortescue. The climb up is around an hour in length, and all stairs. Someone counted this once and found there were 700 or so. As per usual, take in the views at the top, they never cease to amaze.
As you descend, take the time to decide if you'll be walking out to Cape Hauy. There are a considerable number of stairs to climb down (and back up) after the optional turn-off. A good question to ask is if you could do the climb of Mount Fortescue again. If you decide to visit the cape, you'll be greeted with the Totem Pole, an incredibly high column of dolerite that rock climbers will get boated to and climb up. Some don't make it and end up getting helicoptered out. Wild.
Once you've made it back to the turn-off, you're mostly walking down stairs until you're back at sea level in Fortescue Bay. Just try to keep the smile off of your face.
Photo credit: James Vodicka (left), Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (right)
The Three Capes can be experienced 3 ways, each targeted to a specific audience. I hope that this overview has provided some insight into deciding which you'll choose on your trip to Tasmania. If you have questions, feel free to comment or reach out. We're always happy to help make your journey the best it can be.
A few extra tips:
Cape Hauy can be done as a day walk if you choose to skip it on the three capes walk;
The parks and wildlife service Tas team will be best to contact for detailed questions about bookings;
Guided hiking can be slow, but is a great entry point to multi-day hiking;
Book the Tasmanian Three Capes Track well in advance to ensure availability.
Little did I know, the third cape, Cape Raoul, is never walked in any of the Three Capes hikes. So when can you walk it?
It's possible to hike as a day walk, once again offered by the Tasmanian Walking Company if you'd like a guide. The long-weekend tour will cover this for you and is cheaper than the full three-capes tour. Personally, I'd recommend driving and walking it by yourself. No guide is necessary. Hiring a car from Bargain Car Rentals is likely you're the cheapest option if you need a vehicle, and I recommend them because they're what you need for the lowest price. Receive a bonus 7.5% off using TASUNEARTH too. You're welcome.
Photo credit: Jason Charles Hill
You've made it this far and might still be searching for that little extra. You've found it.
The Tasmanian Walking Company offers limited edition walks around the Tasman Peninsula, mostly along the same sections of trail as the Three Capes Track, but they come with a twist. These are seasonal and may change with time. At the time of writing the following are on offer:
Three Capes + The Tasman: offering an additional area to explore that most would miss on the normal track;
Women's Yoga Walk: Meditation, journaling, and yoga. Combine this with the fact you're at the edge of the world. Truly an experience you won't forget.
Spring Pilates Walk: Join two instructors as they guide you on restoring your body, resetting your mind, and deepening your connection to nature.
Three Capes with Authentic Leaders: A team-building experience combining the Three Capes Adventure Walk with cold water plunges, leadership workshops, and breathwork.
A few others I discovered in my conversation with the tour guide from the Tasmanian Walking Company included:
Whiskey Tasting: Every afternoon, you get to indulge in a whisky tasting. This would be a personal favourite of mine.
Restaurant at the Edge of the World: I was told an artist would come in, one of which was a harp player, and play for you, along with creating a completely new menu for food. As it's not on the list now, perhaps it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
If you're looking for a team-building experience, I'd highly recommend trying one of the limited-edition walks. It's also worth contacting the company to ask if they're able to offer any other walks that aren't currently on the website.
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The Three Capes Walk can be enjoyed in any season that the track is open, thanks to Tasmania's maritime climate offering moderate temperatures. Summers (December to February) are mild with averages of 16-19°C, while winters (June to August) cool to 10-12°C. Dressing in layers is essential due to variable weather. Consider timing your visit with Tasmania's seasonal events:
Spring (September - November): Witness coastal heath in bloom and migrating whales.
Summer (December - February): Enjoy the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, along with various summer music and food/wine festivals like MONA FOMA and the Taste of Summer.
Autumn (March - May): See migrating whales and the short-tailed shearwaters' annual migration, and enjoy orchids flowering.
Winter (June - August): Experience stunning night skies, acacia trees in bloom, and winter swells, alongside festivals like the Festival of Voices and Dark MOFO.
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The three capes packing list has all you need in their PDF.
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Pack 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners, and daily snacks. For convenience, consider dehydrated meals from the Port Arthur Historic Site gift shop or Three Capes Gear and Gourmet. Cabins have cooktops and basic cookware, but bring your own utensils, and remember, there's no refrigeration or ovens.
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If you exercise regularly and are capable of walking about four hours daily over four consecutive days, you will be fine. The dry track is well formed and all steeper sections have well-built steps. Along the way, there are artfully crafted seats to slip off your pack and take a breather. For those looking to acquire fitness, we recommend starting with a 30-minute daily walk and building up to four hours. Be sure to trial walking with the pack you intend to take, so you feel fully prepared.
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