Fluted Cape Walk – Bruny Island

Towering Sea Cliffs and Spectacular Adventure Bay Views

The Fluted Cape Walk is one of Bruny Island’s great coastal adventures, combining the easy shoreline walk to Grass Point with a steep climb through forest to the top of spectacular dolerite sea cliffs overlooking the Tasman Sea. Located within South Bruny National Park, the circuit begins at East Cove in Adventure Bay and initially follows the Grass Point Track past open coastal grassland and remnants of Bruny Island’s historic whaling industry. Beyond Grass Point, things become considerably more challenging. The track climbs steeply toward Fluted Cape before following high coastal terrain with magnificent ocean views and then descending sharply through forest back toward Adventure Bay. With cliffs rising more than 270 metres above the sea, this is a short walk with a very big sense of adventure.

Walk Overview

Terrain

The walk begins at East Cove at the southern end of Adventure Bay. The opening section is relatively gentle, following the same coastal route as the Grass Point Track. After a short beach section, the track follows the coastline through open grassland toward Grass Point. There are some boulder-strewn sections before reaching the remains associated with Bruny Island’s historic bay-whaling industry. Beyond Grass Point, the character of the walk changes dramatically. The track passes the gulch between Grass Point and Penguin Island before beginning a steep climb toward Fluted Cape. The upper section passes through dry sclerophyll forest and eventually reaches spectacular high coastal terrain overlooking the Tasman Sea. The return involves a steep descent toward Adventure Bay, so good footwear and confidence on rough, steep tracks are important.

Difficulty

Fluted Cape is rated Grade 4.

Although only around 4 km long, this should not be mistaken for an easy short walk. The climb beyond Grass Point is steep and there are hazardous cliffs and unprotected track edges. Bushwalking experience is recommended, particularly for anyone uncomfortable with heights, steep climbing or exposed coastal terrain.

Walk Highlights

Fluted Cape Sea Cliffs

The spectacular cliffs are the undisputed highlight of the walk. Fluted Cape’s Jurassic dolerite cliffs rise more than 270 metres above the sea, creating one of Bruny Island’s most dramatic coastal landscapes. From the higher sections of the track, the views extend across the Tasman Sea and along the rugged coastline of South Bruny.

Grass Point

Before the serious climbing begins, the route passes Grass Point. The relatively flat coastal track to Grass Point provides a gentle introduction to the walk, with views across Adventure Bay and open coastal grassland. Walkers who reach Grass Point and decide they don’t want to tackle the steep Fluted Cape section can simply turn around here and return to Adventure Bay.

Whaling History

Grass Point contains visible remains associated with Bruny Island’s nineteenth-century bay-whaling industry. These historic remnants add another layer of interest to the walk and provide a reminder that Adventure Bay once had a very different relationship with the whales that pass through these waters.

Penguin Island

Just beyond Grass Point is a narrow gulch separating the mainland from Penguin Island. From here the route begins its serious climb toward Fluted Cape, with increasingly impressive coastal views as you gain elevation.

Forest and Birdlife

The route passes through attractive dry sclerophyll forest containing tall blue gums, white peppermint and sheoaks. Keep an eye overhead for birdlife, including the possibility of seeing a white-bellied sea eagle soaring above the coast.

What to Bring

• Sturdy walking shoes or boots with good grip
• Waterproof jacket
• Warm layer
• Drinking water
• Food and snacks
• Sun protection
• Camera or phone for the coastal views
• Fully charged mobile phone

Safety

Is the Walk Suitable for Children?

Fluted Cape is not recommended for young children. Older children and teenagers with good fitness and bushwalking experience may enjoy the circuit, but they need close supervision because of the steep terrain, hazardous cliffs and unprotected track edges. For families with younger children, the Grass Point Track is a much better option. It follows the first section of the same route and is rated Grade 2.

Are Dogs Allowed?

No. Fluted Cape is located within South Bruny National Park, where dogs and other pets are not permitted.

Getting There

The Fluted Cape Walk starts from the small car park at East Cove at the southern end of Adventure Bay. Bruny Island is reached by vehicle and passenger ferry from Kettering, approximately 40 minutes south of Hobart. The ferry crossing takes approximately 15 minutes and arrives at Roberts Point on North Bruny. From Roberts Point, follow Lennon Road south as it becomes Bruny Island Main Road. Continue for approximately 30 km before turning onto Adventure Bay Road. Follow Adventure Bay Road to its end at East Cove. Allow approximately 40 minutes to drive from the ferry terminal to the trailhead.

Facilities

There are no facilities at the Fluted Cape car park or along the walking track. Public toilets are available at Adventure Bay Hall beside the local shop, so use these before heading to the trailhead.

Park Pass

Fluted Cape is located within South Bruny National Park, and a valid Tasmanian Parks Pass is required.

Why Walk Fluted Cape?

Fluted Cape packs an extraordinary amount of scenery into just four kilometres. The walk begins gently beside beautiful Adventure Bay, passes remnants of Bruny Island’s whaling history and then transforms into a genuine coastal adventure as the track climbs above some of Tasmania’s most spectacular sea cliffs. The steep climbing and exposed terrain mean it isn’t for everyone, but that’s part of what makes reaching the higher sections so rewarding.

For experienced walkers looking for one of Bruny Island’s signature hikes, Fluted Cape should be near the top of the list.