A stunning loop walk along one of Tasmania's most dramatic coastlines, with towering dolerite cliffs, endless ocean views, and some of the best whale spotting on the peninsula.

This walk is rewarding long before you reach the cape itself, and it will stay with you long after you have left.

This walk is ideal if:

Want a half-day coastal walk with spectacular scenery

Are interested in Tasmania's iconic dolerite geology

Love wildlife spotting, particularly seabirds and seasonal whale sightings

Are camping at Fortescue Bay and looking for the best day walk in the area

Want a walk that forms part of the famous Three Capes Track experience without committing to the full multi-day route

What to Expect on the Cape Hauy Walk

Cape Hauy is a walk of real variety. It starts gently, with some steep sections to follow, before moving through woodland and heathland, and then opens up to some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the Tasman Peninsula. The dolerite cliffs at the cape are extraordinary, dropping in tall columns straight into the churning water below.

Expect:

• A gentle start through the campground before a solid climb on well-constructed stone steps

• Woodland and heathland walking with wildflowers along the route

• Sweeping ocean views opening up as you approach the cape

• Towering dolerite cliffs dropping straight into the sea

• Pacific Gulls soaring around the cliff face

• Seasonal whale sightings from the lookout

Best Time to Walk to Cape Hauy

Cape Hauy can be walked year-round, but the experience changes significantly with the seasons.

Spring and autumn offer comfortable walking temperatures and reliable conditions. The wildflowers along the heathland sections are a highlight in spring.

Summer brings the most visitors to Fortescue Bay, and the campground can get extremely busy. The walk itself rarely feels crowded, but the lookout points can fill up fast. The longer days mean you can take your time without worrying about the light fading.

Winter is quieter and the conditions can be more challenging, but the dramatic skies and moody light over the cliffs are spectacular. Come prepared for wind on the exposed sections near the cape.

For whale spotting, the best windows are May to July as humpbacks head north toward warmer waters, and September to November as they return south, often with calves. Orcas are also occasionally spotted from the cape, so it is always worth spending a little extra time scanning the water.

Track Conditions and Things to Be Aware Of

The Cape Hauy track forms part of the Three Capes Track, and the infrastructure reflects that. The stone steps on the climb out of Fortescue Bay are well-constructed and well-maintained, making the ascent more enjoyable than it might otherwise be.

The terrain becomes more uneven as you approach the cape. Hiking boots are unnecessary, but good grip helps along these steep gravel paths. The exposed sections near the lookout can be windy. So remember to not get too close to the cliff edges.

Carry enough water for the full loop, as there are no water sources along the track. A packed lunch to enjoy at the lookout is highly recommended.

At Cape Hauy

The cape opens up gradually, with ocean views appearing and expanding as you get closer. The highlight here is absolutely the sheer, towering dolerite stacks. 

The columns drop sheer into the water far below, and the waves work constantly against their base, shifting the colour of the water between deep blue, white, and turquoise in a display that is very hypnotic! 

The flat rocks at the lookout make an ideal lunch spot. There is something very special about sitting here with a sandwich and nowhere to be, watching the water below and keeping half an eye out for anything surfacing offshore.

Wildlife at Cape Hauy

Pacific Gulls are a constant presence at the cape, wheeling and calling around the cliff face where they nest in the rock. Look down from your perch on the rocks to see them gliding below the cliff. White-bellied Sea Eagles are also regularly spotted in the area.

The real drawcard for wildlife at Cape Hauy, though, is the seasonal whale watching. The lookout offers an excellent vantage point, and patient visitors are regularly rewarded. Humpbacks are the most commonly spotted, but southern right whales and orcas are also seen from time to time. If you see other walkers getting excited near the cliff edge, that is usually a very good sign.

The Return to Fortescue Bay

The return leg of the loop offers a different perspective on the landscape you have already covered. The descent back to Fortescue Bay is easy, and makes the journey back quite quick. 

Arriving back at Fortescue Bay, with its white sand beach and impossibly blue water, feels like a very fitting end to a very good walk. If you are camping here, you have earned a very relaxed evening.