Few places in Australia pack as much dramatic coastal scenery into one small corner as the Tasman Peninsula, just over an hour from Hobart. Towering dolerite sea cliffs plunge into the Tasman Sea around Tasman National Park, while a collection of excellent walking tracks provides plenty of reasons to explore beyond Port Arthur’s convict history. Here are five of the best day walks on the peninsula, ranging from a relaxed 20-minute family stroll to a challenging full-day cliff-top adventure. We have also included the nearest place to pitch a tent after each walk.
The easiest and most unusual walk on this list, the Tessellated Pavement is a rare coastal rock formation where erosion and salt crystallisation have divided the siltstone shoreline into a giant tile-like grid.
A short, gently sloping gravel path leads from the car park to the shore. The formation is particularly impressive around low tide, when more of the pavement is exposed and the tide pools are easier to see.
Remarkable Cave is a short but steep walk leading to a viewing platform overlooking a striking coastal cave. The formation is actually made up of two intersecting tunnels carved through the sandstone cliffs by the ocean.
Although it is a quick stop, it is a rewarding one, particularly around low tide when visitors can see through the cave towards the ocean swell beyond.
Recognised as one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks, this wide and well-signposted cliff-top track links several of the peninsula’s most dramatic geological formations.
The route passes Tasman Arch, the collapsed sea cave known as Devils Kitchen and Patersons Arch before reaching Waterfall Bay. Here, seasonal water tumbles from the cliffs towards the sea below.
Cape Hauy is one of the Tasman Peninsula’s most photographed walks, and for good reason. The track finishes at a spectacular lookout above the Totem Pole and Candlestick, two towering dolerite sea stacks rising almost vertically from the ocean.
This is not an easy outing. Walkers should expect a long series of stone steps and sustained climbing throughout the return journey. The track also forms part of the wider Three Capes Track network.
Cape Raoul is the longest and most demanding walk on this list. The track leads through forest and coastal heath before reaching viewpoints overlooking enormous dolerite columns that appear to step down into the Southern Ocean.
Allow most of the day and arrive properly prepared. The track includes sustained climbing, exposed sections and a considerable return journey from the cape.
A valid Tasmanian Parks Pass is required when visiting walks located within Tasman National Park, including Waterfall Bay, Cape Hauy and Cape Raoul. Remarkable Cave and the Tessellated Pavement are generally accessed as free day-use attractions. Walkers looking for a longer adventure can consider the four-day Three Capes Track, which explores the landscapes around Cape Pillar and Cape Hauy. Advance bookings are essential for the official multi-day experience.