If you only have time for one short walk on Bruny Island, Fluted Cape is the one to prioritise. It’s compact, demanding enough to feel earned, and delivers some of the most expansive coastal views on the island in a surprisingly short distance.

This walk is ideal if:

Want a short walk with a strong sense of reward

Don’t mind steep climbs or descents

Enjoy coastal scenery and open views

Are visiting Bruny Island on a tight schedule

Like walks that feel a bit challenging without taking all day

This 6.4km loop packs a lot in. Steep climbs, uneven terrain, open headlands, and big ocean views. It’s not a casual stroll, so don’t be fooled by its short distance. There is one very steep section you must navigate. However, being a circuit, you thankfully only have to do the steep section once!

What to Expect on the Fluted Cape Walk

This walk is lovely and varied, with lush forested sections, a steep, rocky climb through eucalyptus forest, and expansive coastal views from the top.

Expect:

• Coastal woodland and grassy headlands

• Steep climbs and uneven track surfaces

• Wide ocean views across the Tasman Sea

• Views back toward The Neck and the Tasman Peninsula

• Seasonal whale spotting opportunities

The loop gives you a lot of variation in a short time. You’ll move from beach-level walking to elevated viewpoints very quickly, and the exposure means conditions can feel very different depending on wind and weather.

Best Time to Walk Fluted Cape

Fluted Cape can be walked year-round, but conditions make a noticeable difference.

Clear days offer the best views, particularly across to The Neck and out over the Tasman Sea. Wind is the main factor to consider here, as the exposed cliff-top sections can feel much more intense when it’s blowing.

Winter and early spring are excellent for whale spotting, with migrating whales often visible offshore if you’re patient and lucky.

Summer tends to be calmer and warmer, but the lack of shade on exposed sections can make the climb feel more demanding.

Avoid very wet or windy days if you’re unsure on steep ground.

Track Conditions and Things to Be Aware Of

The track is clearly marked but uneven in places.

Steep sections are unavoidable, whichever direction you choose. The surface varies from compact dirt to rocky steps, and some sections can be slippery after rain.

The tidal river crossing near the beach is usually straightforward but can be affected by recent rain or high tide. Take care here, especially if conditions have been wet.

There is very little shelter once you’re up on the headland, so sun protection and wind layers matter more than you might expect for such a short walk.

Starting the Walk at Grass Point

The Fluted Cape walk begins at the Fluted Cape Car Park, near Bruny Island Cruises. From here, keep the ocean on your left as you head right along the beach toward Grass Point.

You’ll need to hop across a small tidal river before picking up the track proper. Keep the water on your left to complete this route in a clockwise-direction.

The clockwise option takes you along the Grass Point Track first.

You’ll pass through a bright green field dotted with low shrubs before arriving at a rocky beach strewn with massive kelp stalks. It’s a good place to explore before you start the steep climb to the top of the cliffs.

From here, you’ll ascend around 270 metres through eucalyptus forest. The incline is steady and quite relentless, with large steps which are challenging for short legs.

At the top, however, your effort pays off. The views are completely expansive, and open up in front of you, stretching wide and totally uninterrupted. On clear days, this is one of the best vantage points on Bruny Island.

Enjoy the views, and the knowledge that you do not have to descend down the steep section that delivered you here. The track weaves away from the coast and into the forest, offering a more gradual descent through bushland before connecting back to the beach and returning to the car park.

Exploring Further

While it is actually part of the Fluted Cape walk, for those who don’t fancy the steep climb up the cliffs, Grass Point makes for a lovely, and much easier, short walk.

The walk to Grass Point follows the first 2km of the Fluted Cape walk, and you will return the way you came.

The beach is strewn with massive kelp steams, and at low tide, you can walk across the rocks to explore Penguin Island.