The Three Capes Track is a four-day, 48 km walk on the Tasman Peninsula, from a boat ride out of Port Arthur to the sea cliffs of Cape Pillar and Cape Hauy. Here is what each day brings and what to pack.
A comfortable pack and a warm night's sleep come first.
Trekking packs for multi-day walks, plus light daypacks.
Sleeping bags across a range of temperature ratings.
Hiking boots and shoes, many of them waterproof.
Waterproof jackets, ponchos and overtrousers for wet days.
Fleece jackets and tops that layer under a shell.
Head torches for early starts and dark cabins.
Four days and three nights in cabins, walked in one direction.
The walk begins with a boat trip of about 75 minutes from Port Arthur to Denmans Cove. A short walk through eucalypt woodland and coastal heath then brings you to Surveyors cabin, with views out to Cape Raoul.
Good to knowYou may need to wade ashore at Denmans Cove, so wear shorts or trousers you can roll up and keep a towel near the top of your pack.
A short climb to Arthurs Peak opens up views over Crescent Bay. The track then drops off Crescent Mountain and crosses the Ellarwey Valley to Munro cabin.
Good to knowParks Tasmania allows about 4 to 4.5 hours. Munro looks out over Munro Bight towards Cape Hauy, and it is the only cabin with an outdoor shower.
The biggest day, out along the sea cliffs to Cape Pillar, where you climb The Blade for views of Tasman Island. The night is spent at Retakunna cabin.
Good to knowAllow about 6 hours. The track lets you leave your main pack at a cabin and do the Cape Pillar section with a light day pack, so it is worth bringing a small packable one.
An early climb over Mount Fortescue, then out to the tip of Cape Hauy, where you may spot rock climbers on the Totem Pole and other dolerite columns. The track then descends to Fortescue Bay.
Good to knowExpect about 6 to 7 hours on your feet. A bus takes walkers from Fortescue Bay back to Port Arthur, where the walk began.
You stay one night each at Surveyors, Munro and Retakunna, in multi-share rooms with mattresses. Each site has toilets and a heated shared kitchen with gas cooktops, saucepans, frying pans and kettles, and a Host Ranger is on site.
Good to knowSleeping rooms are unheated, so Parks Tasmania recommends a sleeping bag rated to -5°C or less and a head torch. Bring your own cutlery, plate, bowl and cup, and treat the tank water before drinking.
Mattresses, gas cooktops, pots, pans and kettles are supplied, so you can leave the stove and cookset at home. You still need a warm sleeping bag, eating utensils and all your own food.
You carry everything for four days, so Parks Tasmania advises packing light. Train with your loaded pack and boots before the walk, building up from daily walks.
Carry about two litres of water a day. The cabins have rainwater tanks, and Parks Tasmania advises treating the water before you drink it.
Mobile reception is available on parts of the track but drops out in places, including at Munro. Leave your plans with someone at home and don't rely on your phone for navigation.
The hardest day covers about 19 km with around 650 m of climbing, so get used to walking with a loaded pack well before you go.
Keep shorts or roll-up trousers handy for the landing at Denmans Cove, with a small towel near the top of your pack.
A light packable day pack lets you leave your main pack behind for the Cape Pillar out-and-back.
| Item | Why | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Trekking pack | Carries four days of kit and food | Fit it with weight in before you go |
| Sleeping bag | Sleeping rooms are unheated | Parks Tasmania suggests -5°C or lower |
| Hiking boots | Boardwalk, gravel and stone steps | Wear them in on training walks |
| Rain jacket | Coastal weather can turn fast | Keep it near the top of your pack |
| Fleece | Cool mornings and evenings | Doubles as a pillow layer at night |
| Head torch | Dark rooms and early starts | Pack spare batteries or a charged cable |
| Water bottles | About two litres a day | Treat cabin tank water before drinking |
Yes. The Three Capes Track is booked in advance through the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, and you choose your boat departure when you book. The booking covers the boat trip, your three nights in the cabins and park entry, and the number of walkers starting each day is limited. Fees and availability change, so check the Parks and Wildlife Service for current details before you plan your trip.
Parks Tasmania grades it 3, which means some bushwalking experience is recommended, with short steep hills, rough surfaces and many steps. The hardest day covers about 19 km with around 650 m of climbing over 6 to 7 hours. It is described as achievable for a wide range of ages and abilities, especially if you train with your pack and boots beforehand.
The cabins supply mattresses and shared kitchens with gas cooktops, saucepans, frying pans and kettles, so you don't need a tent or stove. You do need a warm sleeping bag (Parks Tasmania recommends one rated to -5°C or less), a head torch, your own cutlery, plate, bowl and cup, all your food and suitable footwear. Add waterproofs, warm layers and enough bottles to carry about two litres of water a day.
Many children can. Parks Tasmania describes it as a suitable introduction to overnight walking for lots of kids, with manageable daily distances and lighter packs. Walkers under 18 must be with an adult, it is generally not suited to children under 5, and bookings with infants need approval first. Check the current requirements with the Parks and Wildlife Service before you book.
The track is open all year, and each season has its own character. Parks Tasmania notes that demand is high from spring through to autumn, while winter brings cold nights, wind and rain, fewer walkers and a quieter track, with heated cabins to come back to. Whatever the season, pack waterproofs and warm layers, and check park alerts before you go.
Train with your pack, check the latest from Parks Tasmania and pack warm for the nights. We have the multi-day kit to make it a comfortable four days.
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