Cape Raoul
Cape Raoul
5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Cape Raoul and nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
5 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
119 reviews
Excellent
101
Very good
15
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Adrenalinetravellers
82 contributions
Jan 2020
Cape Raoul was the last hike of our Tasmania trip in Jan 2020 and we had high expectations given the hype of the Three Capes Walk. We had done the Cradle Mountain Summit, Mount Amos, and Wineglass Beach hikes prior and unfortunately, Cape Raoul turned out to be our least favourite.
Some tips for fellow travellers:
1) Start early, the hike is much more pleasant on an empty trail. Even the 3 other hikers with us at the final small lookout felt like a crowd.
2) There was a 10 min drive on gravel road to reach the start of the hike, where the only restroom was around 150 m away. It was very clean, with toilet paper.
3) 2L of water/pax was more than sufficient for us. We suggest carrying some high energy snacks as well. Definitely need sunblock and a cap and/or sunglasses.
4) The path was well maintained, with some inclines and declines, but nothing too strenuous. We would rate the terrain easy but the hike moderate because of the long distance. It is doable in running shoes.
5) The environment of the hike towards Cape Raoul was: Forest (1 h 20 min, with a lookout after 40 min) -> Bush (30 min) -> Clifftop (40 min). So the return time will be 5 hours, excluding any rest stops.
6) There was a split leading off to Shipstern Bluff about 20 min from the start of the walk. It was a 30 min return to the Shipstern Bluff lookout and a 2 h return to the Bluff. We did not visit either as we saw the Bluff from various viewpoints while on our way to Cape Raoul.
7) There were warning signs about not doing this hike in high winds. It was a relatively calm day when we visited but we can imagine it being worrying up on the exposed cliff in a gale.
8) There were 2 lookouts at Cape Raoul, 10 min apart and visible from each other. We went to both and preferred the lookout on the right.
9) Keep a keen watch for wild animals and it is likely you will be rewarded. We saw wallabies and echidnas!
My partner and I found the hike to Cape Raoul rather boring as much of the hike was through the forest and bush with little to no views. Even the views from the cliff were not as impressive as we had expected, with Cape Pillar and Tasman Island too far away to look imposing. Also the sea was calm that day, and we suspect that we would have liked the cliff walk better had the waves been pounding against the cliffs. We were lacking our usual hiking high on our return which made the walk feel like it was dragging on. All in all, we do not feel that effort to walk to Cape Raoul is worth it and feel that this activity can be missed.
Some tips for fellow travellers:
1) Start early, the hike is much more pleasant on an empty trail. Even the 3 other hikers with us at the final small lookout felt like a crowd.
2) There was a 10 min drive on gravel road to reach the start of the hike, where the only restroom was around 150 m away. It was very clean, with toilet paper.
3) 2L of water/pax was more than sufficient for us. We suggest carrying some high energy snacks as well. Definitely need sunblock and a cap and/or sunglasses.
4) The path was well maintained, with some inclines and declines, but nothing too strenuous. We would rate the terrain easy but the hike moderate because of the long distance. It is doable in running shoes.
5) The environment of the hike towards Cape Raoul was: Forest (1 h 20 min, with a lookout after 40 min) -> Bush (30 min) -> Clifftop (40 min). So the return time will be 5 hours, excluding any rest stops.
6) There was a split leading off to Shipstern Bluff about 20 min from the start of the walk. It was a 30 min return to the Shipstern Bluff lookout and a 2 h return to the Bluff. We did not visit either as we saw the Bluff from various viewpoints while on our way to Cape Raoul.
7) There were warning signs about not doing this hike in high winds. It was a relatively calm day when we visited but we can imagine it being worrying up on the exposed cliff in a gale.
8) There were 2 lookouts at Cape Raoul, 10 min apart and visible from each other. We went to both and preferred the lookout on the right.
9) Keep a keen watch for wild animals and it is likely you will be rewarded. We saw wallabies and echidnas!
My partner and I found the hike to Cape Raoul rather boring as much of the hike was through the forest and bush with little to no views. Even the views from the cliff were not as impressive as we had expected, with Cape Pillar and Tasman Island too far away to look imposing. Also the sea was calm that day, and we suspect that we would have liked the cliff walk better had the waves been pounding against the cliffs. We were lacking our usual hiking high on our return which made the walk feel like it was dragging on. All in all, we do not feel that effort to walk to Cape Raoul is worth it and feel that this activity can be missed.
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca
Adelaide, Australia2,215 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
Perhaps by this point we were just spoiled with some of the walks in Cradle mountain, Mt Wellington and Freycinet national park. Still I think this one pales in comparison to cape hauy which we did a couple days later and the shorter walks along pirates bay area.
Yes it did have some lovely little art installations along it, and had been heavily upgraded/gentrified as part of the 3-capes experience. This meant you can walk along boardwalk and nice even steps, and the forest path is wide and clear of roots. It makes the walk a very easy one, and it took maybe 4h return. You also have the option to go out to shipsterns bluff (we walked out to the lookout, adding about 25min to the overall walk). I also give it a bonus point for having 1/4 the number of walkers compared to most mainstream trails.
The problem with it is that a large section of it at the beginning is just Forrest, and then some scrub. You don't reach any scenic views until the last 30min or so before the top. It's not a circuit either, so once you're done it is an out-and-back trip back through the same repetitive forest scenery.
Probably not worth staying in pt Arthur to try and do this unless you are there for some other reason.
Yes it did have some lovely little art installations along it, and had been heavily upgraded/gentrified as part of the 3-capes experience. This meant you can walk along boardwalk and nice even steps, and the forest path is wide and clear of roots. It makes the walk a very easy one, and it took maybe 4h return. You also have the option to go out to shipsterns bluff (we walked out to the lookout, adding about 25min to the overall walk). I also give it a bonus point for having 1/4 the number of walkers compared to most mainstream trails.
The problem with it is that a large section of it at the beginning is just Forrest, and then some scrub. You don't reach any scenic views until the last 30min or so before the top. It's not a circuit either, so once you're done it is an out-and-back trip back through the same repetitive forest scenery.
Probably not worth staying in pt Arthur to try and do this unless you are there for some other reason.
Written 14 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah255344
Launceston, Australia39 contributions
Oct 2020
The new track is criticised by some as a walk in the park rather than a bushwalk, but this makes it more accessible to occasional hikers. The walk is not difficult but is quite long: around 14km, but with options to include Shipsterns Bluff. The scenery is varied, but the highlights are the stunning cliffs. There is no shelter or picnic area at the Cape itself.
Written 6 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DawnH
Hobart, Australia984 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
If you cannot face a 5 hour walk - make the effort to visit the Cape Raoul Lookout (and Shipstern Lookout just 200m in the other direction at the fork). Parking is tricky near the start after 12km of rutted unsealed road and the walk is closed on Tuesdays because of maintenance - but aside from those 2 issues the walk (2 hours return) is well worth it. Amazing views just off the main track.
Written 21 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian S
London, UK712 contributions
Mar 2011 • Solo
This 5 hour round trip is one that is flat for a lot of the time but there is one hill that you must climb over about 10 minutes into the walk. You might want to have a spell at some stage but, 45 minutes on you come to the first of many spectacular views on this trek.
Unfortunately, after this you head inland away from the views and over the top of the hill before returning to the cliff tops about 20 minutes later. After that you skirt them on a regular basis, making for eye catching views all the way out to the end.
Of all the people who venture to the Tasman Peninsula few ever make their way here. This is evidenced by the paucity of cap parking spaces (room for about four) at the end of the road.
To reach it you take the B37 route from Port Arthur. Drive 8kms west then turn left at the sign to Highcroft and Stormlea or, if you come through Nubeena, it's about 3 kms down the road before you turn off.
There are no facilities here, just a walker registration book to fill in. These books are in case you are in trouble and a search has to be mounted.
You eventually reach the end of the cape and here it splits into two prongs. On the left you can see a seal colony way down below, easily recognizable by the excretive matter on the rocks, and you'll see lots of dolerite cliffs, spectacular pencils of rock jutting vertically out of the sea.
Make sure you take something to drink and I would also advise food of some sort. For walks over three hours (this one is 5) I always pack a sandwich and some fruit.
Park entry fees also apply and, at the time of writing, fees in Tasmania were $22 each or you can get a holiday pass (recommended) for $56 and that covers you for anywhere.
Unfortunately, after this you head inland away from the views and over the top of the hill before returning to the cliff tops about 20 minutes later. After that you skirt them on a regular basis, making for eye catching views all the way out to the end.
Of all the people who venture to the Tasman Peninsula few ever make their way here. This is evidenced by the paucity of cap parking spaces (room for about four) at the end of the road.
To reach it you take the B37 route from Port Arthur. Drive 8kms west then turn left at the sign to Highcroft and Stormlea or, if you come through Nubeena, it's about 3 kms down the road before you turn off.
There are no facilities here, just a walker registration book to fill in. These books are in case you are in trouble and a search has to be mounted.
You eventually reach the end of the cape and here it splits into two prongs. On the left you can see a seal colony way down below, easily recognizable by the excretive matter on the rocks, and you'll see lots of dolerite cliffs, spectacular pencils of rock jutting vertically out of the sea.
Make sure you take something to drink and I would also advise food of some sort. For walks over three hours (this one is 5) I always pack a sandwich and some fruit.
Park entry fees also apply and, at the time of writing, fees in Tasmania were $22 each or you can get a holiday pass (recommended) for $56 and that covers you for anywhere.
Written 16 December 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mariusz S
Baulkham Hills, Australia310 contributions
Jan 2017 • Family
This is quite a long hike that I would categorise as medium-hard. That means that if you're a hiker and do plenty of it then this would be a medium hike, if you had little so far then this will be a hard hike but definitely doable. You start the hike on a dirt road parking area and the first part of the hike is through bush slightly uphill until you get to the first lookout point. This part is easy but as always the choice of your footwear makes all the difference. Lots of people return from this point thinking that the view is good enough and to track further 3 hours is not worth the pay off. It is, the end of the hike is absolutely worth the effort (provided you do get a nice weather and good visibility). Take plenty of water and some food. The middle section is quite mundane with some thick scrub. When you do get to the cape there are two view points, one straight ahead where you will arrive on the cape itself and then there is a little track on the left which will take you to a view of the cape from a side. Definitely worth doing both of these.
Tips:
- Start early and be prepared for weather change
- Good shoes is a must on this hike
- Plenty of water and some food to recharge
- Go on both view points, they are not marked but you will see the trails easily enough
Tips:
- Start early and be prepared for weather change
- Good shoes is a must on this hike
- Plenty of water and some food to recharge
- Go on both view points, they are not marked but you will see the trails easily enough
Written 16 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex C
Brisbane, Australia18 contributions
Jan 2014 • Couples
This is an excellent walk, which features some of the best scenery we saw anywhere in Tasmania. It took us about 5 and a half hours return, so make sure you allow plenty of time to get back before sunset. The walk starts with a steady climb through a wooded area with not much to look at, but after reaching the top you will be treated to stunning views of the cape. The route more or less follows along the edge until you reach Cape Raoul. I wouldn't recommend to this to people who are below moderate fitness; it is a fairly rough track and a lot of walking up and down hills. Take a walking stick if you have one! There were actually a few crafted from branches and left at the entry to the trail when we went, and we were glad to have taken one. There is also a guy who will let you camp in his yard at the base of the trail for $5 (honesty box). We didn't do this, but wished we had after finishing the walk late in the evening.
Written 23 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalya Z
Sydney, Australia471 contributions
Jan 2017 • Couples
2 hours drive from Hobart.
Read here that it is hard to get there. When we put Cape Raoul we arrived exactly where we wanted to. There is an old-fashioned “toilet” just before the walk. There are NO fresh water sources around, so we definitely recommend taking lots of water. Quite a bit of the walk is not in a bush, and while being exposed to the sun, you definitely will get thirsty.
The walk is ranked 4/5 difficulty, and it is a 14 km circuit. First lookout is approx. 30 mins into the walk, and quite a bit is uphill. There isn’t anywhere along the walk that you need to climb, but it goes up and down quite a bit. Be careful as there are tree roots and rocks along the way. The walk goes: quite a bit up, flat-ish, quite a bit down, then flat for the last 3 km or so. You do the maths for the way back.
When you get to the very end, there are actually two lookouts: one to the left, one to the right. Do both!
Took us 5 hours spending 50 minutes having lunch and enjoying the destination lookouts.
Highly recommend. Pop into Remarkable Cave on the way back
Read here that it is hard to get there. When we put Cape Raoul we arrived exactly where we wanted to. There is an old-fashioned “toilet” just before the walk. There are NO fresh water sources around, so we definitely recommend taking lots of water. Quite a bit of the walk is not in a bush, and while being exposed to the sun, you definitely will get thirsty.
The walk is ranked 4/5 difficulty, and it is a 14 km circuit. First lookout is approx. 30 mins into the walk, and quite a bit is uphill. There isn’t anywhere along the walk that you need to climb, but it goes up and down quite a bit. Be careful as there are tree roots and rocks along the way. The walk goes: quite a bit up, flat-ish, quite a bit down, then flat for the last 3 km or so. You do the maths for the way back.
When you get to the very end, there are actually two lookouts: one to the left, one to the right. Do both!
Took us 5 hours spending 50 minutes having lunch and enjoying the destination lookouts.
Highly recommend. Pop into Remarkable Cave on the way back
Written 14 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TassieCamnSue
Hobart, Australia17 contributions
Nov 2015 • Friends
Cape Raoul is one of many fantastic day walks on Tasman Peninsula, with its high sea cliffs, viewing spots and a great place at the tip of the Cape to sit and have lunch. About 5 hour walk to enjoy time for viewing, photos and food stops.
Other great walks on Tasman Peninsula include Cape Huay, Crescent Bay Tatnells Hill, and Shipstern Bluff.
There is so much more to Tasman Peninsula than just a visit to Port Arthur Historic Site.
Other great walks on Tasman Peninsula include Cape Huay, Crescent Bay Tatnells Hill, and Shipstern Bluff.
There is so much more to Tasman Peninsula than just a visit to Port Arthur Historic Site.
Written 25 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caztravel
Gold Coast3 contributions
Jan 2018 • Friends
A friend and I visited Cape Raoul and we loved it! The track was not rocky and was well kept with some board walks. We decided to jog most of it and with stopping along the way to take pictures, we were easily able to do a return trip in just under 2hrs. We started at 6am and did not pass any other visitors.i would compare the main lookout to some beautiful sites along the great ocean road and is worth the 15kms. There is a bit of a climb at the start and coming back but found this an easy walk. It is not yet connected to walk through to the other Capes but is in the process of being connected to do this. It is nice and peaceful. Make sure you go right to the end. Amazing!
Written 4 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
i want to reach here by train or bus on december 2019, is there any guide thanks you
Written 22 April 2019
Hi there is no train to the Tasman Peninsula and a very limited bus service. Unless you go on an organised coach your. Your only option really is to hire a car in Hobart. There really is no public transport on the Tasman Peninsula.
Written 28 April 2019
I will be traveling with my parents (about 70 years old), and two young children aged 8 and 10. I don't intend to do the full walk. If we just do a 20 minutes walk from the car park, can we still catch some great views? Thanks.
Written 12 October 2016
The Cape Raoul lookout is more than 20 minutes, probably about 40 minutes but is worth the walk. Depends on the fitness of the 70 year olds- I am 69 and have no trouble, being a fairly regular walker
Written 12 October 2016
How do I get to Cape Raoul using public transportation?
Shall I stay at Hobart then use bus going to Port Arthur in the morning?
Or shall I stay at Port Arthur?
Thanks
Written 25 February 2016
I would stay at Port Arthur ,mainly because the services are so good there
Written 27 February 2016
Tasman NP - Whick Trek around Jan 15th?
only time to do one trek
Read this:
Cape Hauy – may be crowded – steps vs natural trail yes?
Cape Raoul – more remote, natural path, tougher?
or even perhaps Mt Fortescue Track ?
thoughts?
thanks
Written 31 December 2014
Showing results 1-4 of 4
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing