A popular and spectacular hiking trail, the Cape Raoul Walk is a 9 mi out-and-back trail that starts and ends at the Cape Raoul Trailhead car park on Stormlea Road within the Tasman National Park, on the Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania. The trail is graded as Difficult due to its 2978 ft elevation gain over the relatively short 9 miles but is generally considered to be a medium difficulty trail as the track is well-maintained and the terrain beautifully varied. The walking takes hikers on a bush and heathland trail leading through managed eucalypt forest to reveal the breath-taking coastal views of Cape Raoul, and the remarkable columns of the dolerite cliffs, standing at around 300 metres they’re Australia’s tallest sea cliffs. When you reach the lookouts don’t forget too to keep your eyes peeled for seals around the rocks at the base of the cliffs, dolphins and whales off the cape, and Bruny Island in the south. For information on how we grade trails, please click here. Usually completed in around 5 – 6 hours, hikers recommend taking a picnic on good weather days and the chance to take in the dramatic Jurassic cliffs. To extend this trail, why not take the spur trail to Ship Stern Bluff for more wild coastal vistas, it will add around 20 minutes to your walk but the views are well worth the effort. Caution is advised on trail times as this depends on multiple variables. For more info, click here. A walking route that is awe-inspiring no matter what the weather, it should be noted that the walk is fairly sheltered until it reaches the cliff, and that the weather is even more unpredictable in this region, with its own micro-climate, this peninsula receives around 3 times more rain that Hobart, so do be prepared for all weather and plan accordingly. 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 Dogs are not allowed in the Tasman National Park for the protection and conservation of the park and its wildlife.
