This is one of the best multi-day hikes in all of Australia!
The Three Capes Track route ironically it's only 2 Capes, Pillar and Hauy. The third, Cape Raoul, is a separate day hike.
It takes 3-4 days to complete and it’s honestly very demanding. Not only because of the length (it’s ~49km total), but because there are lotsss of stairs, exposed sections, and the weather can change in a second.
Most people do the paid version run by Parks Tasmania. Last time we checked, it cost over $600 per person.
But not many people know you can do it for free! We did it that way and it was one of the highlights of our Tassie trip.
You’ll cover the exact same route as the paid version. But you’ll stay in a free campground instead of a cabin, and you have to carry your stuff, cook your meals, etc.
We had to do quite a bit of research beforehand to make sure we had all our bases covered, though. The website does a terrible job at explaining how to do it for free, they kinda push people towards the paid version which is usually sold out anyway.
So if you’re keen, here’s our guide with EVERYTHING you need to know to do the Three Capes Track for free!
QUICK OVERVIEW OF THE CAPES
Cape Raoul (14km, 5-6 hours). The most accessible of the three. It’s a separate day hike, the trailhead is near Port Arthur. The iconic surf break Shipstern Bluff is on this route. If you can only do one Cape, make it this one.
Cape Pillar (29km, 10-12 hours). Most people do it in 2 days, which is what we did and 100% recommend doing. Free camp at Bare Knoll for the night.
Cape Hauy (16km, 7 hours). The hardest of all the capes, there are heapsss of stairs.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Not for beginners
If doing it for free, it’s basic self-contained camping only
No phone reception for most of the hike
Tracks are well-maintained but still remote
Weather can change quickly, even in summer
TO ACCESS
Park pass required for the free version, book camping if you want to stay in Fortescue Bay, but no camping fees at Bare Knoll (it’s free)
Free version starts and finishes at Fortescue Bay, about 1.5 hours from Hobart
All food, water management, and gear must be carried
Paid version is a separate experience that includes transfers, guide, meals, and cabin stays (+$600 per person last time we checked). More info here.
