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The Cape Raoul hike in Tasmania: Cape Raoul Lookout & Shipstern Bluff Walk
Everything you need to know about the Cape Raoul hike in Tasmania. How to complete the Cape Raoul Walk to the Viewpoint independently. Also includes an optional lookout detour on the Shipstern Bluff Walk Cape Raoul is the third cape on Tasmania's famous Three Capes Track. However, this particular cape is not accessible on the island's famous multi-day hike, and you must drive to the foot of the Tasman Peninsula to hike to the Cape Raoul viewpoint. In this blog post I would like to share with you everything you need to know about hiking Cape Raoul on the Tasman Peninsula. I have …
The Cape Raoul hike in Tasmania: Cape Raoul Lookout & Shipstern Bluff Walk
Everything you need to know about the Cape Raoul hike in Tasmania. How to complete the Cape Raoul Walk to the Viewpoint independently. Also includes an optional side trip to the overlook on the Shipstern Bluff Walk
Cape Raoul is the third cape on Tasmania's famous Three Capes Track. However, this particular cape is not accessible on the island's famous multi-day hike, and you must drive to the foot of the Tasman Peninsula to hike to the Cape Raoul viewpoint.
In this blog post I would like to share with you everything you need to know about hiking Cape Raoul on the Tasman Peninsula. I also included an optional side trip on the Shipstern Bluff Walk, which overlooks one of the most massive breakwaters in the world.
Where is Cape Raoul
Cape Raoul is the southernmost cape on Tasmania's untamed Tasman Peninsula. The Cape is accessible via a hike from the newly established Cape Raoul Trailhead Carpark, approximately 112 kilometers from Hobart or just 18 kilometers (20 minutes) from Port Arthur.
Below I have pinned the exact location of the parking lot which is updated and accurate. However, it may be the best idea to get here by relying solely on Google's navigation. I have provided detailed instructions on how to reach the starting point below.
Unfortunately, if you don't have your own transportation, you're out of luck. There are no tours or public transport for this one. If you want to see the Tasman Peninsula, you can book a hike to Cape Hauy instead.
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This is how you get to the starting point
The best directions to the Cape Raoul Trail is to drive on the Arthur Highway towards Port Arthur. Next, pass the Historic Site turnoff and follow the highway (which becomes Nubeena Road).
Follow Nubeena Road until you see a left turn onto Stormlea Road. Follow this road to the end and do not take any forks. The road is asphalted except for the last kilometer. Don't worry too much though, we managed it in our large motorhome without any problems.
The Cape Raoul Walk trailhead parking lot is at the end of the road. Here you will find a large parking lot, toilets and information boards about the hikes.
How to pronounce Raoul: Rah-ool
alt=“HOW TO GET TO CAPE RAOUL TASMANIA”>Follow the signs and keep right here
The Cape Raoul hike
The Cape Raoul hike is a fairly long hike that begins with a gentle climb into the eucalyptus forest and then descends to the long plateau that reaches Cape Raoul. It is not a difficult hike in terms of physical ability or navigation, but always remember that conditions in Tasmania can change quickly.
We completed the Cape Raoul hike to the edge of the cape in about 3.5 hours at a fairly brisk pace. This included a short 1.6 kilometer walk back to the lookout over Shipstern Bluff, one of the largest surf breaks in the world. However, you can expect this hike to take you up to 5-6 hours as stated on the Tasmania Parks website.
There are also options to shorten the hike by turning back at the Cape Raoul viewpoint, which is a good place to see the cape at the highest point of the coastal cliff. This would make it a quick and easy 4.4 kilometer return trip.
However, let us convince you that the views from Cape Raoul are much better and definitely worth the effort! Below is a detailed account of my experience on the Cape Raoul hike in Tasmania.
First section: Gentle climb through open forest
The hike begins with a gentle climb through a dry, open eucalyptus forest. The trail is well maintained here and everywhere, reflecting the popularity of the hike.
- alt=“CAPE RAOUL SPAZIERGANG“>
- alt=“BANK AUF DEM CAPE RAOUL SPAZIERGANG“>
After approximately 1.7 kilometers the trail forks with signs pointing left to Cape Raoul and right to Shipstern Bluff. We decided to take the short 1 mile round trip detour to check out the Shipstern Bluff overlook. This trail is much more of the same but goes down a bit to the overlook on the Shipstern Bluff Walk.
Optional detour on the Shipstern Bluff Walk
Shipstern Bluff is the proving ground for the world's largest big wave surfing competitions. Known as Cape Fear, this competition brings some of the world's best big wave surfers to Tasmania's south coast each year. Unfortunately there is no set date for the competition as it depends heavily on the swell. Therefore, the competition at Shipstern Bluff is usually announced spontaneously.
If you're lucky enough to share the Shipstern Bluff Walk with some of the world's best surfers, then fuck Cape Raoul! Unfortunately we made it to Shipstern Bluff Lookout on a day with very little swell. Still, it was a good little detour and the views of the coast are certainly worth the extra steps.
alt="SHIPSTERN BLUFF WALK">
alt=“SHIPSTERN BLUFF OUTLOOK TASMANIA”>
After admiring the view, we turned around and began the climb back to the Cape Raoul hike.
Cape Raoul viewpoint
After about 2.2 kilometers (3.6 KM for us) you reach the Cape Raoul viewpoint. This is a popular spot for many people who aren't doing a big hike and prefer to call early.
The views are quite impressive, with sheer cliffs and the deep blue waters of the Tasman Sea below. However, the viewpoint at Cape Raoul doesn't really compare to the actual view of the cape, so we continued on.
alt="CAPE RAOUL OUTLOOK TASMANIA">
alt="CAPE RAOUL OUTLOOK TASMANIA">
Ultimate Tasmanian travel resource
I hope you enjoy this blog post. For more Tasmania travel and adventure inspiration, don’t miss my ultimate guides below.
– 62 Epic Things to Do in Tasmania – Where to Stay in Tasmania (Best Places) – 26 Amazing Waterfalls in Tasmania – 35 Must-Do Hikes in Tasmania
The descent to the cape
After we reached the top of the cliff, the terrain changed to a more temperate rainforest feel. Although this didn't have much to offer in terms of views, this was one of the most scenic parts of the trail, with large trees and thick ferns dominating the sides of the trail.
alt=“CAPE RAOUL HIKING TASMANIA”>
Then, as we reached the high ground, the trail began to descend along a windy path to the flat plateau that stretched all the way to Cape Raoul. This section has a fairly gentle slope and is not too steep. However, be prepared to face this section on the way back too.
There are many epic coastal views in forest openings along the descent. These provided a great excuse to take a quick rest and take some photos.
alt=“CAPE RAOUL TRACK “>
alt="TASMAN PENINSULA TASMANIA">
Viewpoint at Cape Raoul
After making it to level ground, we still had 2.8 kilometers of flat trail to reach the cape. There aren't many places to admire the views along this section, so we pressed on.
There is a large lake just before the Cape Raoul viewpoint over Raoul Rock. There are also some epic cliff formations on the coast that are worth some photos. You will also find wooden walkways built to protect the route on this section. The entire flat section leading to the cape is mostly just low-lying bush and coastal heathland, a stark contrast to the damp forests less than an hour earlier.
alt="CAPE RAOUL LAKE, TARN">
alt=“VIEW OF TASMAN PENINSULA FROM CAPE RAOUL WALK”>
alt=“TASMAN PENINSULA”>
alt=“CAPE RAOUL BOARDWALK HIKE”>
The Cape Raoul viewpoint looks directly over the Tasman Sea. It is a collection of several large rock formations with pillars that seem to extend as far as possible. To your delight we saw Cape Pillar and the famous Blade which we had climbed two days earlier on the Three Capes Track.
alt=“CAPE RAOUL TASMANIA”>
Seal Rock Lookout
Just around the bend from the main cape lookout you will find the Seal Rock lookout. This provides excellent views of the cape proper and you can often spot some seals sunning themselves and hunting on the rocks below.
alt=“SEAL ROCK LOOKOUT NEXT TO CAPE RAOUL TASMANIA”>
alt=“ROCK COLUMN FORMATIONS TASMAN PENINSULA TASMANIA”>
alt=“SEAL ROCK LOOKOUT TASMANIA”>
After taking in the view and taking a few photos, we turned back the same way towards the parking lot.
alt="LANDSCAPES OF THE TASMAN PENINSULA">
Cape Raoul or Cape Hauy?
If you're not sure which of Tasmania's three capes you'd like to explore on a day hike, let me help you.
The Cape Raoul hike is a much longer hike but offers very similar views. In my opinion, Cape Hauy is just as impressive, if not more so. The option of which trail you choose ultimately depends on how long you want to hike.
If that didn't help your dilemma, then let me complicate it further by saying that Cape Pillar is by far the most impressive! However, this is a much longer walk and usually takes at least two days. However, it is possible to walk to Cape Pillar on a fairly long day hike, or alternatively spend the night at the free stopover camp site (more information in my complete guide to the three capes).
- alt=“CAPE RAOUL TASMANIEN“>Kap Raoul
- alt=“CAPE PILLAR AUF DEM DREIKAP-WEG IN TASMANIEN“>Kap-Säule
- alt=“CAPE HAUY TASMANIEN“>Kap Haui
Accommodation near Cape Raoul Tasmania
Looking for accommodation on the Tasman Peninsula close to Port Arthur and all the hiking trails? Don't worry, I've got you covered. Below is a great list of Cape Raoul accommodation options close to the trail.
Treat Yourself: Stewarts Bay LodgeStewarts Bay Lodge is a beautiful private lodge set on 22 acres of private land adjacent to the Port Arthur Historic Site. Chalets with hot tubs, large sun terraces and water views are also available.
Check price and availability for your travel dates now
alt=“STEWARTS BAY LODGE ACCOMMODATION NEAR PORT ARTHUR”>
Private Self-contained Villa: Port Arthur Resort Conveniently located near Port Arthur, Port Arthur Resort offers self-contained, private villas with laundry facilities for your smelly hiking clothes, BBQ facilities, full kitchens, dishwashers and minibars.
Check price and availability for your travel dates now
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Budget Option: NRMA Port Arthur Holiday ParkIf you want cozy, private cabin accommodation at a great price, be sure to check out Port Arthur Holiday Park. The park is a 16-minute drive from many attractions, including Eaglehawk Neck and the Remarkable Cave.
Check price and availability for your travel dates now
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Compare the best accommodation deals on the Tasman Peninsula at Booking.com.
More Tasmanian adventure articles and travel inspiration
Did you find this walking guide to the Cape Raoul Track in Tasmania useful? If so, I've written dozens of Tassie adventure guides that I'm sure you'll love too. Below are a few of my favorites in the region.
MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT
- Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
- Drohne: DJI Mavic Pro 2
- 360-Grad-Action-Kamera: Insta360 One X2
- Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
- Allround-Objektiv: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
- Teleobjektiv: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4,5–7,1 L
- Lange Aktionsstange: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
- Landschaftslinsenfilter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
- Kamerarucksack: F-Stop Tilopa
- Lieblingsfotozubehör: Peak Design Capture Clip
For a list of my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why), check out my Travel Camera Gear Guide.
If you would like to use photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. For high resolution & commercial use please contact me directly.
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