Three Capes, Mount Brown and Port Arthur - 5 Days

Three Capes, Mount Brown and Port Arthur - 5 Days

5 Days
Moderate

Three Capes, Mount Brown and Port Arthur - 5 Days

from $2,895 / person

Overview

Walk the iconic Three Capes Track, discovering the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of the Tasman Peninsula with every step. This five-day walk takes you to the stunning Cape Huay and Cape Raoul, with the option to visit Cape Pillar via boat at an additional cost. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the Port Arthur Historic Site and learn about Tasmania's convict history.

Enjoy a variety of landscapes as you move through the heathland, woodland and rainforest, with wildflowers brightening the trail. Take in the turquoise bays, white sandy beaches and the impressive dolerite cliffs around Fortescue Bay, Waterfall and the national park.

This itinerary also includes a stunning hike to Mount Brown via Crescent Bay, where you can enjoy fantastic views of Cape Raoul, Cape Pillar, and Taman Island.

With pack-free walking and every detail taken care of, you can relax and simply enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

Highlights

  • Walk Cape Hauy, Cape Raoul, Mount Brown and Waterfall Bay to Fortescue Bay
  • Explore the Port Arthur Historic Site
  • The dramatic coastline of sea caves and towering sea stacks
  • Highest vertical seas cliffs in Australia, 180 million-year-old dolerite columns
  • Epic views over the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches
  • Optional 3 hour award-winning Wilderness Cruise to Cape Pillar at additional cost

Itinerary

Day 1

Transfer to Three Capes to Walk Cape Raoul
15 km6hAscent 1166 mDescent 1163 m

We pick you up in Hobart at 8.00 am. Travel by our transfer to the Tasman Peninsula. We don't waste any time, the walking begins with the the 3rd Cape, and possibly the most exciting, Cape Raoul. The astounding views towards Shipsterns Bluff and beyond, to Bruny Island and Tasmania's southern coast are second to none. Home to one of the biggest surf breaks in the world, witness the full weight of the Southern Ocean hitting the cape. The stunning coast features massive rock platforms, towering sea cliffs and picturesque offshore islands.

Accommodation

Log Cabins in Port Arthur

Meals

Lunch, Dinner

What's Included

Accommodation

Log Cabins (4 nights)

Meals

4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners

Transfers

  • Luggage Transfers
  • Shared Vehicle Transfers

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • Walking App for Navigation
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

3

Auswalk Walking Grade

Moderate

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Expect some hills and longer walking days. A reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy the experience.

View Fitness Guide

5

Days on the trail

7-18 km

Daily distance range

29-1166 m

Daily ascent range

6/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

You'll spend your nights at Stewarts Bay Lodge, the standout place to stay on the Peninsula. Tucked into the bush with the bay close by, it's a comfortable base to come back to after a day on the trail, and if you've still got energy left there's plenty of the surrounding coastline to explore before dinner.

What You'll Eat

Dinner each night is a two course a la carte meal prepared by the chef at Stewarts Bay Lodge restaurant. The Three Capes Walk is remote and staffing can be tight, so the restaurant occasionally closes at short notice. When that happens, we arrange a local caterer to deliver freshly cooked meals straight to your accommodation instead. Mornings start with a hearty breakfast, and you'll head out with a packed lunch, usually a salad or wrap, a slice of cake, and a piece of fruit.

More About This Trip

You can start this walk any day, Monday to Saturday. Spring and autumn are the sweet spot on the Tasman Peninsula, with mild conditions well suited to the coastal walking. Summer brings warmer days, though temperatures average only around 18 degrees, so you're rarely walking in the heat. Winter has a reputation for rain, but the average rainfall isn't far off summer's, and with temperatures sitting around 11 degrees it's still a good season to walk if you come prepared. Whatever time of year you choose, pack warm layers and solid rain gear. Tasmanian weather can turn regardless of the season. See the gear advice section in FAQ's for more information.

Your walk begins with a transfer from Hobart CBD at 8 am on Day 1, so it's worth flying in the night before to be ready to go. At the end of Day 5, we transfer you back to Hobart, with pick up at your accommodation strictly at 2 pm. Hold off booking any onward flight before 5.30 pm so you're not racing the clock on your last day.

The walking is in first-rate condition for the most part. A few days climb and drop repeatedly along the coast, though shorter overall distances help balance that out, with full days averaging 15 to 16 kilometres and gradings running from moderate to moderate-challenging. Keen walkers can add extra kilometres along the way if they want more of a challenge. On the Waterfall Bay day, gaiters or long pants are worth packing to keep the insects off your ankles.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

Please note the Stewarts Bay Lodge restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays. On these days, a local caterer provides meals instead. Breakfast and lunch provisions are delivered to your self-contained chalet the day prior, and a freshly prepared two-course dinner is delivered hot at 7:00pm. On all other days, meals are served in the Stewarts Bay Lodge restaurant.

Pre and post-tour accommodation: There are many hotels in Hobart, which we can pick up from or we can pick you up from the airport. The tour starts at 8.00 am. We return to Hobart between 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm on the last day, the timing is a little bit flexible. Let the office know your plans and we will try to work the transfer in to suit your plans the best we can.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

Optional Tasman Islands 3 hour Wilderness Cruise (at additional cost) can be tacked on at a convenient time during or after the trip.

You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.

A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.

Full insurance requirements are set out in our booking terms and conditions.

For over 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you'll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

If you have any questions now, feel free to ask one of our walks consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at connect@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

Finishing in Hobart, the trip ends near two of Australia's most celebrated cultural attractions. MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) is a privately owned subterranean gallery of ancient and provocative contemporary art set into a sandstone cliff on the Derwent River, reached by ferry from the city waterfront and widely regarded as one of the most significant art museums in the southern hemisphere. The Salamanca Market, held every Saturday in the historic Georgian warehouse precinct on Salamanca Place, fills over 300 stalls with local produce, craft, art and food.

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule

September 2026

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Available
Limited
Unavailable
Out of season

Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

Three Capes reviews

4.9
182 reviews
5 Star
170
4 Star
12
3 Star
0
2 Star
0
1 Star
0

Melissa O
2 months ago

Our Auswalk holiday was so much fun! All the logistics and everything was taken care of which made it easy to relax and enjoy ourselves. The accommodation was outstanding and meals we superb. Highly recommend!

Susanne S
3 months ago

The Three Capes, Mt Brown and Port Arthur walking trip certainly exceeded our expectations. Some of the walking days provide challenges, but the views of the cliffs and geological formations are amazing, and well worth the effort. The delightful accommodation and high quality meals in the evening are the perfect way to bookend the day. We recommend this trip with Auswalk.

Catherine D
3 months ago

Damien Jones, our driver and guide, made contact prior to pick up and we were picked up at our departure point in the CBD on time and Damien was very friendly and helpful with luggage and advice. Entire trip went extremely well.

Laureen S
3 months ago

A great experience with fabulous, easy to follow trails and stunning views. The accommodation at Stewart Bay Lodge was wonderful and dinners at the restaurant were also a highlight! Definitely will be recommending The Three Capes with AusWalk to friends.

Janet W
3 months ago

Overall, it was a wonderful break, and I truly enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the welcoming atmosphere. Despite these few logistical points, the holiday was a great success, and the hospitality at the Lodge was a highlight. Thank you for a memorable stay!

Libby R
4 months ago

Everything was very seamless. The notes were very good. I found the first day with endless steps the least enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. A discount applies if you self-drive to Stewarts Bay Lodge. You'll need to arrive by 9:30 AM on Day 1, dressed and ready to walk, with your own lunch for that day.

The Three Capes walks are spectacular and genuinely rewarding, though they do require a solid base fitness. Full day walks average 15–16km with meaningful elevation, and some sections involve exposed ridgelines and clifftop tracks. Shorter options are available on Day 1 (Cape Huay) and Day 3 (Cape Raoul) for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Day 4 is built around a leisurely visit to the Port Arthur Historic Site. Fit walkers can extend Day 3 significantly — all the way to Ship Stern Bluff and Tunnel Bay — for a potential 25km day.

The three capes are Cape Huay, Cape Raoul, and Cape Pillar. This itinerary takes you to Cape Huay on foot (Day 1) and Cape Raoul on foot (Day 3). Cape Pillar can be experienced from the sea on the optional wilderness boat cruise, where you'll see it from water level alongside towering dolerite sea cliffs.

Stay well back from all cliff edges — Cape Lookout in particular has no fence. Always sign the Walkers' Registration Book at the trailheads before you head out and sign back in on your return. Carry at least 2 litres of water for Cape Huay and Cape Raoul — there is no water available along the tracks. Stay on the marked trails to minimise erosion, protect vegetation, and reduce the risk of encountering snakes. In an emergency, call 000 from any phone — this will roam across any available network even without your own carrier's reception.

Coverage is patchy and not available on all sections of the walk. If guaranteed coverage is important to you, consider hiring a satellite phone. Most areas around Stewarts Bay Lodge have reasonable signal.

A well-sized daypack is important — bigger than you think you'll need, as it has to fit your waterproof jacket, warm layer, packed lunch, water, sunscreen, first aid kit, and personal items. Key gear includes a quality waterproof jacket (ideally knee-length Gore-Tex), waterproof over-trousers, warm gloves, a beanie, sturdy walking boots with ankle support, sunhat, sunscreen, and at least 1–2 litres of water. Tasmania's weather is famously unpredictable — carry rain gear every day regardless of the forecast. Walking poles are optional but useful on some descents.

Tasmania's weather can change dramatically at any time of year, so always pack layers and rain gear regardless of season. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are popular for their mild temperatures and long days. Summer averages around 18°C and is generally pleasant, though wind and rain can arrive unexpectedly. Winter brings cooler, wetter conditions with temperatures averaging around 11°C. Check the Bureau of Meteorology before each day's walk.

Yes. On Day 4, you can add a 3-hour wilderness boat cruise (approximately $175 per person, at your own cost) that takes you around the base of the sea cliffs, including Cape Pillar. Depending on the season, you may see fur seals, dolphins, humpback and right whales, albatross, and sea eagles. It's a genuinely different perspective on the coastline you've spent the previous days walking above.

Australian dollars. Cards are widely accepted at Stewarts Bay Lodge and in Port Arthur (which has a general store and service station).

Yes. Please let us know your dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Want to Know More?

The Three Capes Experience

Wonder
The most dramatic coastal walk in Australia. Full stop. Auswalk to Cape Hauy beneath 180-million-year-old dolerite cliffs and sweeping coastal views
Hike Cape Raoul & climb Mount Brown via Crescent Bay for Cape Pillar and Tasman Island views
Explore Port Arthur Historic Site and Tasmania’s fascinating convict past
Wellness
Walk to the edge of the World & mean It. Move your body through ancient country that reminds you, gently but firmly, what actually matters.
Walk wild. Sleep deep. Slow travel on moderate graded tracks and first-rate trails reward steady, active days outdoors
Return to the same accomodation for chef-prepared dinners and spa chalets
Nature
This is wilderness walking at its most elemental. Wander coastal heath to Remarkable Cave, Maingon Blowhole and Crescent Bay Beach.
See Australia’s highest vertical sea cliffs, sea stacks and offshore islands
Spot whales, dolphins, albatross and peregrine falcons above the Southern Ocean