Cape Pillar Walk

On the Tasman Peninsula, discover an unforgettable hiking trail, the Cape Pillar Walk. A challenging 20 mi out-and-back trail that starts and ends at the Fortescue Bay camping area on the Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania, it is a must-do walking trail for any hikers visiting Tasmania. Taking you to the island’s most south-easterly tip, the trail is graded as Difficult, with a total elevation gain of 4910 ft on an undulating but relatively easy-going trail. Whilst the first section is known to be a bit of a slog, the views you’re rewarded with at Cape Pillar make it worth every step. A little wilder at the start, the route takes in a long slow incline on mostly forest track, moorland and scrub trail. The path then connects to the Three Capes Track, leading hikers on a generally well-maintained trail with some boardwalk sections, and ultimately, finishes with 360-degree views from the magnificently imposing vertical dolerite cliffs and peak of Cape Pillar, some of Australia’s tallest sea cliffs rising to around 300 metres. For information on how we grade trails, please click here. Also, check our latest community posts for trail updates. You can reach the Tasman Peninsula from Hobart by crossing the Tasman Bridge, following signs for Tasmanian Peninsula towards Port Arthur and into the Tasman National Park where a valid park pass is required, find out more here: https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/know-before-you-go/entry-fees This walking trail is usually completed in around 1 - 2 days; a long day hike, for experienced hikers this route can be covered in approximately 9 hours. But being such a breath-taking region, many like to slow down and take in the scenery, spreading out the miles over 2 days and staying in one of the campgrounds. Toilets and campsites are available at Fortescue Bay, Wughalee Falls and Bare Knoll but camping sites (platforms) fill up quickly so it’s best to try to get there early if possible. Caution is advised on trail times as this depends on multiple variables. For more info, click here. (Sections of this route are shared with the ‘Three Capes Track’ walk and the cabins you see on the route are only for walkers of this track who have paid the fee for the multi-day hike, in the region of $500 per person.) Weather is even more unpredictable in the region as it has its own micro-climate and receives around 3 times more rain than Hobart so plan accordingly it’s advised to take insect repellent as mosquitoes have a habit of joining your hike. As well as the unforgettable views, there’s also an abundance of wildlife, birdlife and marine life to spot as you hike and from the lookouts, from dolphins and kangaroos to black snakes and black cockatoos. Dogs are not allowed in the Tasman National Park for the protection and conservation of the park and its wildlife. Photo Credit :JJ HarrisonJane6592