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Cape Hauy Hike
Cape Hauy is located on the Tasman Peninsula, an area of land in the southeast of Tasmania that is surrounded by stunning cliffs, beautiful bays and a blue ocean. The highlight of the Tasman Peninsula is the stunning coastline; on this walk, you will see some lovely views.
In our quest to do all of the 60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania, we set off on a beautiful day in July 2021 to complete the Cape Hauy Hike.
Note: Cape Hauy is pronounced ‘Cape Hoy’.
The Cape Hauy walk is one of the 60 Great
Short Walks of Tasmania
The Walk - 9.4 kilometres Return - 4 Hours - Grade 3
The track begins opposite the boat ramp near the Fortescue Bay camping area.
You walk across the bridge and follow the wide, well-constructed track for about 15 minutes, walking along the coastline with lovely views across Fortescue Bay.
Then the track heads inland and ascends steeply, and the steps begin. All the steep sections of the trail have steps; in fact, there are over 4,500 steps on the return track.
After about one kilometre of walking up through the dry woodland forest, you will reach a sign pointing to Cape Hauy. You will also see amazing views of the cape and the walking track etched into the hillside.
The track then descends, and the dry forest changes to coastal heathland and incredible panoramic views of Cape Hauy and the Tasman Peninsula.
You then continue along the track going up and down the following two saddles before reaching the Cape Hauy Lookout.
After admiring Cape Hauy and the views, look over the edge and see the Totem Pole; this unique structure is a dolerite sea cliff. It is 65 metres high and only 4 metres wide, making it a tempting attraction for rock climbers.
Notes:
If you have hiking poles, I recommend using them on this hike as there are so many steps, making it a little bit easier.
Remember to register your walk at the information area at Fortescue Bay.
There are Toilets & BBQs available at Fortescue Bay.
A valid Tasmanian National Park pass is required - you can purchase your pass at the day-use area on the day.
Directions to Fortescue Bay, where the walk commences.
Drive along the Tasman Highway to Sorell from Hobart, then take the Arthur Highway to Taranna. Drive through Taranna along the highway for another 5km, and you will see Fortescue Road on the left-hand side.
Follow this dirt road for the next 12km until you reach the Tasman National Park and Fortescue Bay. This road is unsealed and suitable for 2 WD but drives carefully. It is very slippery when wet.
Camping at the Mill Creek Campground at Fortescue Bay.
We stayed in our Motorhome at the Mill Creek Campground; it has about 23 larger sites suitable for camper vans and motorhomes. Toilets and coin-operated showers are available, and there are BBQs at the day-use area, a short walk away.
There is an excellent variety of wildlife and birds at Fortescue bay, making it a bird watcher and a photographer's paradise.
Bookings are recommended from November to April each year. The site office is open from 10 am - 4 pm. Outside these times, self-registration is available near the Rangers Station, and in July 2021, it costs $13.00 per night (for two people).
There is also tent camping available at the Banksia Mill Campground.
More Places to Explore
Remarkable Cave, Bivouac Bay, Pirates Bay, Fortescue Bay, Devil's Kitchen, Tasman Arch, The Blowhole, Crescent Bay, Tessellated Pavement, Fossil Bay Lookout, Coal Mines Historic Site, Cape Pillar and Cape Raoul.