Cape Raoul

Cape Raoul: Standing at the Edge of the Southern Ocean

Walking trail: Grade 4 | 14km return hike | 5 hours return

If you want to feel the raw power of the Southern Ocean, there is no better place in Australia than Cape Raoul. Located at the southernmost tip of the Tasman Peninsula, this hike is famous for its towering dolerite columns—often called nature’s "organ pipes"—that plunge 300 metres straight into the churning sea.

While it is the "third cape" often left off the official multi-day Three Capes Track, many locals will tell you it’s actually the most dramatic. Here is your ultimate guide to conquering the Cape Raoul Track.

Highlights: 300m sea cliffs, Shipstern Bluff views, and the barking seal colony.

The Experience: From Forest to Frightening Heights

The journey begins at the end of Stormlea Road, where you’ll wind through a beautiful mix of stringybark forest and lush ferns.

• The First Reveal: About 30 minutes in, you’ll reach the Cape Raoul Lookout. This is your first "wow" moment, offering views of the massive cliffs stretching toward the horizon.
• The Descent: From here, the track descends through a damp rainforest gully (keep an eye out for colourful fungi!) before emerging onto the exposed plateau.
• The Plateau: This is where the landscape changes to windswept coastal heath. The track hugs the cliff edge, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Bruny Island and Mount Wellington/kunanyi in the distance.

The Main Event: The Dolerite Spires

As you reach the tip of the Cape, the land begins to break apart into jagged, vertical spires. The sight of these columns—sculpted over millions of years—is breathtaking.

• Seal Lookout: Look (and listen!) for the Australian fur seal colony basking on the rocks hundreds of metres below. Their barks often carry up the cliffs on the wind.
• Shipstern Bluff: Before you head back, take the short side-trip (or look west) to see the legendary "Shippies," one of the world’s most dangerous big-wave surfing breaks.

Top Tips for Your Cape Raoul Hike

1. Respect the Wind: Cape Raoul has recorded some of the strongest wind gusts in Australia. If it’s a gale-force day, be extremely careful near the unfenced cliff edges.
2. Pack for All Seasons: Tassie weather changes in minutes. Even if it’s sunny at the trailhead, the Cape is highly exposed to the Southern Ocean. Bring a high-quality windbreaker and layers.
3. The "Stair" Factor: The walk back involves a significant uphill climb via switchbacks. Save some energy (and water) for the return leg!
4. Boot Hygiene: Use the wash station at the trailhead to help prevent the spread of root rot (Phytophthora cinnamomi), which can destroy these ancient forests.

How to Get There

Cape Raoul is approximately a 90-minute drive from Hobart.

Follow the Arthur Highway past Port Arthur.

Turn left onto Stormlea Road and follow it to the very end (the last section is gravel but 2WD accessible).

Note: You will need a valid Tasmania National Parks Pass to park and hike here.

DANGER: Sheer cliffs. One slip could be fatal—serious injury or death may result from walking near the edge. Keep to the track. Supervise children closely.

Activities

• Hiking
• Walking
• Photography

Facilities

• Lookouts
• Walking trail
• Picnic area
• Carpark
• Toilets