Get ready to be blown away by the sheer beauty of Tasmania’s wild coastline on the Cape Hauy Trail. I’ll cherish my memories of this hike forever, the views were nothing short of magical and so uniquely Tasmanian. This walk is one of the three Capes, and while it’s the shortest of the three at just over 10 kilometers, don’t let that fool you. The trail has its challenging sections with about 4,500 steps. You’ll start at Fortescue Bay, enjoying a pleasant bushwalk before hitting the rock steps. As you make your way up, you’ll definitely work up a sweat, but trust me, it’s worth every bit of effort for those incredible coastal views.

After the initial 800 steps, the trail offers some downhill sections and occasional flat stretches, giving you a bit of a breather. At the end of the trail, you’ll find a fenced lookout with absolutely breathtaking views of the cliff faces and the sea. The area is adorned with wildflowers and vibrant plant life, adding to the enchantment of the place.

The hike itself takes about 3 hours of walking time, but with all the stops for views, photos, and snacks, plan on around 4 to 5 hours to complete it. Personally, I chose to start super early to catch the sunrise at the end of the cape, which meant setting off around 4:00am. Despite the groggy start, pushing forward with sleepy eyes was worth it, the morning light illuminating the rocks and sky was a magical experience. I didn’t see anyone else until my return, which made the hike feel like a private adventure.

A sunrise hike is always a challenge, especially as a solo traveler navigating the dark, but the sense of accomplishment and witnessing the sun rise from a stunning vantage point is unparalleled. If you can manage to do this hike for sunrise, I highly recommend it.