How long is the Cape Hauy Track?

Around 9.7km return, matching the official 10km day-walk estimate from Fortescue Bay to the Cape Hauy sea stacks and cliff views.

Is the Cape Hauy Track hard?

Graded moderate, and our terrain data shows why — 44% of the track is steep or very steep, with the hardest climb (111m in under 300m) coming early, around the 1.1-1.4km mark, rather than at the end.

What can you see at Cape Hauy?

Dramatic dolerite sea stacks including the famous Candlestick and Totem Pole formations, along with genuine cliff-top views — one of the most photographed coastal features on the Tasman Peninsula.

Cape Hauy Track: Complete Guide (Tasman Peninsula)

Cape Hauy delivers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the Tasman Peninsula — dolerite sea stacks rising straight out of the ocean, reached via a solid but manageable day walk from Fortescue Bay.

Quick stats

Distance: 9.7 km return
Elevation gain: 572 m
Route type: Out and back
Grade: Moderate
Location: Tasman National Park, Tasman Peninsula, TAS

How hard is it, really?

Our terrain data shows the moderate grade is fair — 44% of the track is steep or very steep, but unlike some nearby tracks, the hardest climb comes early rather than at the end. Expect a genuine 111m climb packed into under 300m around the 1.1-1.4km mark, then more manageable terrain through to the cape. Getting the hard part out of the way early makes the return trip feel easier than tracks that save their sting for last.

What the track is actually like

From Fortescue Bay, the track winds through forest and heath before reaching the cliff-top views and dolerite sea stacks that make Cape Hauy famous — including the Candlestick and Totem Pole formations, among the most photographed coastal rock features in Tasmania. The changing terrain, from sheltered forest to exposed heath to dramatic cliff edge, gives this walk real variety for its length.

Wildlife to watch for

Tasman National Park protects genuinely rare species along this exact stretch of coastline:

Attenborougharion rubicundus — near threatened, a native land snail named after Sir David Attenborough and specifically documented on the Cape Hauy Track, alongside neighbouring Cape Pillar and Cape Raoul.
Cape Pillar Sheoak — rare in Tasmania and found nowhere else on Earth.
Forty-spotted Pardalote — endangered (IUCN), one of Australia’s rarest birds, documented within the wider park.

Practical tips

The hard climb comes early. Pace yourself in the first 1.5km rather than assuming the difficulty builds toward the end.
Stay well back from cliff edges near the sea stacks — the dolerite drops are genuinely sheer.
Check the weather. Exposed heath and cliff-top sections on the Tasman Peninsula can change quickly.
Watch the ground as well as the view. The Attenborougharion rubicundus snail is a genuine local specialty easy to overlook.
Combine with Cape Raoul if you have the time and legs — both share the same Fortescue Bay area and similar wildlife.

Nearby

See the full Tasmania hikes list for more Tasman Peninsula walks, including Cape Raoul Track, or view Cape Hauy Track on the map for the live route and elevation profile.