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You don’t need to carry a 30-kilogram pack, eat two-minute noodles for three nights straight or even know how to pitch a tent to journey along Australia’s most dramatic coastline. Tasmania’s Three Capes Track is the ultimate introduction to multi-day hiking in Australia, bridging the gap between raw wilderness, comfort and accessibility.
The four-day adventure starts at Port Arthur Historic Site, where you’ll board a scenic cruise to Denmans Cove. From there, you’ll navigate a 48-kilometre trail of stone steps and timber boardwalks that eventually guide you to the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest sea cliffs, which rise some 300 metres above the ocean. The best part of the Three Capes Track is that both solo walkers sleeping in the national park's communal cabins and guided guests staying in private lodges can ditch the heavy gear. With no tents, sleeping mats or stoves required, you're free to focus on the breathtaking 190-million-year-old dolerite cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula.
Departures are capped at just 48 hikers per day, so you’ll want to rally up your troops and organise a trip well in advance. Here’s everything you need to know about doing the Three Capes Track in Tasmania.
Where is the Three Capes Track?
The Three Capes Track officially starts at the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, located 90 minutes southeast of Hobart in Tasmania. It pays to arrive early, as your hiking pass scores you entry to the historic site, along with car parking and lockers for any extra luggage.
After check-in and a safety briefing, you’ll board a 75-minute wilderness cruise that drops you at a remote beach called Denmans Cove. From here, it’s a gentle four-kilometre walk to your first night’s accommodation.
Your four-day trek ends at Fortescue Bay, where a bus will be waiting to transfer you back to Port Arthur.
How long is the Three Capes Track?
Spanning four days and three nights, this 48-kilometre journey traces Tasmania’s wild coastline, taking you straight to the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. Daily walking distances range from four kilometres (roughly 1.5 hours) on day one to 19 kilometres (six hours) on day three.
Can I walk the Three Capes Track alone?
Yes, the Three Capes Track is one of the safest and most popular multi-day treks in Australia for solo hikers. The track is capped at 48 walkers per day, so you’re never truly alone. Each morning, everyone sets off in the same direction, before regrouping at shared eco-cabins for a ranger briefing as evening falls.
Those looking for a little more support, comfort and education can join the Three Capes Signature Walk with Tasmanian Walking Company (TWC) – one of only 15 Great Walks of Australia. As the only fully guided Three Capes Track experience with accommodation inside the national park, TWC hikers enjoy the luxury of staying in private lodges, with hot showers and chef-prepared meals – all while carrying nothing more than a day pack.
Can you camp on the Three Capes Track?
No, camping is not allowed on the Three Capes Track, and bookings are essential with the shared eco-lodges capped at 48 guests per night. You won’t need to bring a tent or sleeping mat, as the lodges have comfy mattresses, shared dining hubs with heating and gas cooktops, and toilets.
How much does the Three Capes Track cost?
Bookings are essential for the Three Capes Track via Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service, and cost $625 for adults or $495 for children and concessions.