Cape Raoul isn’t just another pretty spot on the Tasman Peninsula—it’s where we stood, backs to the wind, watching waves slam noisily into cliffs so high they make your stomach drop. We’d driven out from Hobart, bounced down a gravel road, and trekked through bushland buzzing with wallabies and birds, only to arrive at a lookout that felt like… the edge of the world. The view? Jaw-dropping. The kind you stand and stare at, camera forgotten. And you feel lucky to be here, soaking in this raw, salty, wild bit of Tasmania. And trust me—if you’re anywhere near the Tasman Peninsula, you won’t want to miss it. Here’s how to plan for stunning Cape Raoul 👇🏽
Getting to Cape Raoul from Hobart
Getting to Cape Raoul from Hobart is easier than you might think—and it’s a drive that sets the scene for the kind of day you’re about to have. We hit the road early, with Hobart waking up behind us, and made it to the trailhead in just under two hours. The road is sealed and smooth all the way until the last turn-off onto Stormlea Road. This gravel section lasts about 9 km, but don’t worry—it’s well-maintained, wide enough for two cars to pass, and easy enough for a regular 2WD. Just take it slow, especially after rain, and keep an eye out for wildlife.
Along the way, you’ll pass through the sleepy towns of Sorell, Dunalley, and Eaglehawk Neck, before reaching Port Arthur. It’s a scenic drive, with glimpses of Tasmanian coastline, rolling farmland, and those classic eucalypt forests that make you feel a world away from city life. From Port Arthur, it’s just another 20–30 minutes to the trailhead car park. Look for the turn-off onto Highcroft Road (also signed for Stormlea), and then follow the gravel road to the end where you’ll find the car park for Cape Raoul.
Cape Raoul Trailhead and Facilities
The Cape Raoul trailhead is exactly what you’d expect from a hike that’s all about dramatic views and a little adventure: simple, practical, and the perfect launch pad for the day. The car park is at the end of Stormlea Road, about 9 km down a well-graded gravel stretch from the turn-off. There’s a drop toilet here – rustic, but it does the job if nature calls before you head off. Just remember to bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitiser, because there’s nothing fancy about this setup.
From the car park, the trailhead is clearly marked. It’s just a short 20-metre walk uphill to the official start, where you’ll find trail signage and a boot-cleaning station to stop the spread of plant disease (please use it—it’s quick and it helps protect this special area).
Now’s the time to grab your layers, because even if it feels calm at the car park, the wind can whip up fast once you’re on the exposed cliffs. A rain jacket, windbreaker, and a warm layer are essentials, especially if you’re heading out for the full 5 to 7-hour hike all the way to the cape’s Organ Pipes.
Bring all your own water too – there’s none available along the trail, and you’ll want at least a couple of litres for the longer walk. And don’t forget a snack or two. Zoe always says a good trail snack is the difference between a great walk and a hangry trudge back to the car.
From the trailhead, it’s all about the adventure: the waiting path, the cliffs rising up in the distance, and the promise of those killer views at the end.
Cape Raoul Walking Options: Two Trails, Two Experiences
Cape Raoul gives you two ways to take in the cliffs, the waves, and that epic coastline—and they both start from the same trailhead 👇🏽. The choice is yours, depending on your time, energy, and thirst for adventure.
Cape Raoul Lookout walk
The shorter option, and the one we did on our last visit, is the Cape Raoul and Shipstern Bluff Lookout walk. It’s about 5 km return and took us just over 2 hours, with plenty of time to soak up the views.
The trail starts with a gentle climb through open bush, then flattens out as it winds toward the first major fork. Here, you can choose whether to head to Shipstern Bluff Lookout first or Cape Raoul Lookout. Both are well signposted and easy to find.
We’d recommend making a beeline for Cape Raoul Lookout first—it’s the bigger drawcard, with those jaw-dropping views over the cliffs and endless Southern Ocean. The lookout itself feels like standing at the edge of the world, and it’s what most people come for. But if you’ve got time and energy after, don’t miss the quick detour to Shipstern Bluff Lookout. It’s a bonus: looking down into a colossal surf break and out at the line up of cliffs in the distance.
Shipstern Bluff is a short detour on your way to Cape Raoul and well worth the walk.
The track is well maintained and mostly easy underfoot, with a mix of dirt path, boardwalk, and some rocky sections. It’s suitable for most walkers with a moderate level of fitness, and while there’s a bit of up and down, nothing too strenuous. This walk doesn’t take you all the way out—you won’t see the Organ Pipes or the seal colonies from here—but you’ll still get that feeling of Tasmania’s wild coastline in full force.
It’s a great choice if you’re short on time or want to pair it with a day trip to Port Arthur or one of the other Tasman Peninsula highlights.
Cape Raoul Track hike
Now, if you’re ready for a bigger adventure, the full Cape Raoul Track is the way to go.
This one’s a 15 km return trail that’ll take around 5 to 7 hours, depending on your pace. It starts off the same as the lookout walk, but instead of turning back after the lookouts, you keep pushing on, following the trail as it hugs the cliffs and drops down onto the cape itself. This section is more rugged, with longer inclines and a steep descent to the lower plateau of the cape.
You’ll pass through coastal heath, with ocean on both sides, and be treated to incredible views of the Organ Pipes—those massive, vertical dolerite columns plunging into the sea. And if you look carefully, you might spot the Australian fur seals basking on the rocks far below.
So what grade is the Cape Raoul Hike? Cape Raoul Track is a Grade 4, meaning it’s best suited for walkers with a decent level of fitness and experience. The cliffs can be exposed, especially on windy days, so pack plenty of water, trail snacks, and layers to handle whatever the weather throws at you. Trekking poles are a good idea, especially for the descent and climb back up. And while the trail is well marked, it’s remote—so be prepared and leave plenty of daylight to complete the walk.
Which Walk Should You Choose?
If you’re after a short, accessible walk with two incredible lookouts and a gentler pace, the Cape Raoul and Shipstern Bluff Lookout walk is your best bet. It’s a great way to experience the magic of the cape without committing to a full day. Just make sure you visit Cape Raoul Lookout first if you’re tight on time—you don’t want to miss the Cape itself and those incredible cliffs.
If you’re craving a full-on adventure, with up-close views of the Organ Pipes, a chance to spot seals, and a real sense of Tasmania’s raw, untamed coastline, the Cape Raoul Track delivers. It’s long, exposed, and wild—but the payoff is unforgettable.
Cape Raoul Viewing point & Shipstern Bluff: what to expect
The lookouts at Cape Raoul and Shipstern Bluff aren’t just photo stops—they’re where you feel Tasmania’s wildness hit you full force. Expect to catch yourself standing still, staring at the ocean crashing against ancient cliffs, and thinking in awe: this has been happening for millions of years.
When you reach the Cape Raoul viewing point, you’re perched on a high clifftop, gazing out over the cape’s famous dolerite columns that drop straight into the swirling Tasman Sea. These sheer cliffs, formed when volcanic activity created Tasmania’s iconic columnar dolerite, are some of the highest sea cliffs in the southern hemisphere.
The lookout gives you a front-row seat to nature’s raw power, with waves smashing against the base and seabirds—gannets, albatross, even white-bellied sea eagles—riding the updrafts like they own the place. On clear days, you’ll catch glimpses of distant Cape Pillar and Tasman Island, and even across Storm Bay to South Bruny Island.
If you’re lucky, you might spot pods of dolphins playing offshore, or in winter, the spouts of migrating whales. The lookouts are also a prime vantage point for watching the tiny specks of Australian fur seals lounging on the rocky ledges below, though you’ll get a better view of the seals if you take the full Cape Raoul Track or a boat tour.
Over at the Shipstern Bluff Lookout, the view shifts—here you’re looking down into one of the world’s most infamous big-wave surf breaks. Shipstern Bluff (or “Shippies” to those crazy enough to tackle it) is a heaving, slabby wave that breaks over a shallow reef, producing huge, unpredictable swells. It’s a place of legend in the surf world, known for massive, multi-tiered waves and the occasional daredevil surfer carving a line through the chaos.
Standing on the lookout high above, you might catch a tiny speck of a surfer braving the conditions—or, more likely, just stand in awe at the sheer drop and the rawness of the scene.
Both lookouts offer plenty of spots to linger, take photos, and breathe in the moment. The track to each is clear and well-marked, and while the paths might get busy on weekends, it’s easy to find a quiet spot to yourself if you’re patient. Just remember: these cliffs are unfenced in places and the drop is significant, so give yourself space, mind the kids, and stay away from the edge!
Whether you visit one lookout or both, you’ll leave with a sense of standing at the edge of something ancient, wild, and unforgettable. The views from these cliffs aren’t just for the camera—they’re a reminder of how this mighty little island of Tasmania has held its ground against the ocean’s fury for millennia. And its so cooool!
Wildlife and Nature Along the Cape Raoul Walk
One of the best things about walking Cape Raoul is how much life you come across along the way—it’s not just a track to a pretty view. On our visit, we were constantly spotting wallabies darting through the bush, pademelons rustling in the undergrowth, and hearing the chatter of birds in the trees. The track starts in that classic Tasmanian eucalypt forest—dry, open, and full of blue gums and stringybarks—before it opens up into coastal heath as you get closer to the cliffs.
We walked it in early autumn, and even then, the track was dotted with low shrubs, wildflowers hanging on, and the occasional burst of colour from banksias or native lilies. You don’t need to be a botanist to enjoy it—the contrast between the green inland and the exposed, windswept clifftops is reason enough to stop and take it in. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch sight of a white-bellied sea eagle cruising overhead, or a peregrine falcon carving through the air at speed.
On the cliffs, the raw geology steals the show. Those towering dolerite columns—the famous Organ Pipes if you’re doing the full track—are a reminder that this landscape has been forming and reforming for around 170 million years. It’s one of those places where you feel time stretching out behind you.
If you’re on the longer Cape Raoul walk, keep an ear out as you approach the cape itself—you’ll probably hear the Australian fur seals long before you see them. They’re usually sprawled out on the rocky ledges way below, barking at each other and lazing in the sun while the ocean heaves around them.
Bring binoculars if you have them—you’ll get a better view of the seals and maybe even spot dolphins cruising the waves or, if you’re walking in winter, catch a glimpse of migrating whales offshore.
What I love most about this walk is that it’s never just a walk. The air smells like eucalyptus and salt, the wind has a mind of its own, and the soundtrack of waves and birds follows you the whole way. It’s one of those places where you can’t help but slow down, take it all in, and think to yourself what a bloody great decision you made to visit Tassie.
Cape Raoul Cruise or Boat Tour
We’ve done the Cape Pillar cruise with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys before, and it was one of those wild Tasmanian experiences that stays with you. Now, they’re offering a Cape Raoul cruise too—and if it’s anything like our Cape Pillar trip, you’re in for a ride. These guys know the coastline inside out, and their boats are purpose-built to handle the rough conditions while still giving you front-row seats to the unforgettable wildlife action.
On the water, the cliffs of Cape Raoul feel immense—rising out of the ocean in sheer, vertical drops that make you feel tiny in the best possible way.
There’s so much wildlife and sealife out there, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll see something: pods of dolphins surfing alongside the boat, seals sprawled on the rocky ledges, and if you’re there in the right season, whales breaching in the distance. The guides make it all the more interesting, pointing out the geology and sharing stories about the cape’s history and natural wonders.
But a word of caution—the sea out here can get rough, especially when the wind’s up, and the ride can be bumpy. If you’ve got a back or neck injury, it’s probably not the trip for you.
That said, if you’re after a real, raw Tasmanian nature experience, this cruise is absolutely worth it. It’s one of those “only in Tassie” adventures, where you get up close to cliffs that have stood against the ocean for millennia, with wildlife putting on a show and the sea spray in your face. Highly recommend.
Ready to experience Cape Raoul from the water? Pennicott offers two epic cruise options that include Port Arthur Historic Site entry. The Cape Raoul Cruises Boat Tour from Hobart departs straight from Hobart (no car needed!) or the 90 Minute Cape Raoul Boat Tour that leaves from the boat jetty inside the Port Arthur site itself (but your Port Arthur tix are included).
Whichever way you do it, it’s easy to jump aboard and see Cape Raoul’s cliffs from a whole new angle. And you’ll have a flipping great trip (no seal pun intended 😉)
Where to Stay Near Cape Raoul: Our Top 5 Picks
After a big day out at Cape Raoul, you’ll want somewhere comfy to kick back, with good vibes and a touch of adventure to match the wild coastline you’ve just conquered. Here’s where we’d stay—places we know will make your trip that much better.
1. Brewers Cabin – Self-Contained Cabin
Sleeps 4
SWe stayed at Brewers Cabin after a long day on the track, and let me tell you, it’s the perfect spot to collapse with a cold drink and some snacks. This cabin is tucked away in the bush, super quiet, with just enough modern touches to keep things easy. The deck’s a highlight—you’ll want to sit out there as the light fades, listening to the bush settle for the night.
This is our top pick because you’re at McHenry Distillery. And from personal experience, their beers and whiskies are top notch. Visit the tasting house, saddle up with a tasting paddle and settle in for some much deserved bush serenity. It’s a great choice if you want something peaceful but still close to Cape Raoul.
2. Little Possum Shack – Waterfront Cottage
Sleeps 6
If you’re bringing the family or just want a spot with a bit more space and a killer location, Little Possum Shack is hard to beat. It’s right on the water—literally step-out-the-door-and-you’re-there kind of close. The kids will love playing on the beach while you kick back with a coffee and soak in the view. Plus, it’s only a short drive to the Cape Raoul trailhead, so you get the best of both worlds: bush adventure and beachy relaxation.
3. Ruby’s Cottage – Farm Stay with Highland Cows
Sleeps 4
Now this one’s a bit of a hidden gem. Ruby’s Cottage is a cosy little farm stay where you can wake up to Highland cows grazing outside your window. It’s rustic, charming, and totally different from your standard hotel. After a day at Cape Raoul, coming back here feels like stepping into a slower world—quiet, green, and full of country air. Plus, those fluffy cows are an instant mood booster.
4. Port Arthur Holiday Park – Affordable Glamping
Safari Tent Sleeps 4
We love a bit of glamping since moving to Tassie, and Port Arthur Holiday Park is one of those places that manages to balance comfort with adventure. The safari tents here are a fun twist if you’re not into full-on camping but still want that close-to-nature feel. The facilities are clean, the vibe’s relaxed, and it’s an easy base for both Cape Raoul and a day wandering through the Port Arthur Historic Site. Budget-friendly and no fuss.
5. Stewarts Bay Lodge – Cosy Cabins Near the Beach
1, 2 and 3 bed cabins sleep up to 6
When you’re done exploring for the day, Stewarts Bay Lodge is the kind of place you’ll be glad to come back to. The cabins are tucked into the trees but close enough to the beach for a sunset stroll. They’ve got everything you need—comfy beds, a well-stocked kitchen, and decks where you can sit back and relive your day over a glass of Tassie wine. It’s an easy, comfortable option with a touch of wilderness on the side.
Practical Tips for Your Cape Raoul Adventure
Cape Raoul is an incredible day trip, but it’s worth planning ahead to make the most of it. Here are our top tips:
- Bring layers. Even if it’s sunny and calm at the car park, the cliffs can be brutally windy. A rain jacket, windbreaker, and a warm layer are essentials.
- Take enough water. There’s no water available along the track, and you’ll need plenty, especially if you’re tackling the full 15 km hike.
- Pack snacks. Trust us, trail snacks make everything better—whether it’s a couple of hours out to the lookouts or the full-day trek to the cape.
- Wear good shoes. The track is well maintained but can be rocky and slippery, especially after rain. Proper hiking shoes will save your feet.
- Start early. This gives you plenty of time to take it slow, soak up the views, and avoid hiking back in the dark.
- Bring binoculars and a camera. The cliffs, the wildlife, the ocean—this place is a photographer’s dream, and a good pair of binoculars makes spotting seals and dolphins so much easier.
- Leave no trace. It’s a national park, so respect the environment. Take your rubbish with you, stay on the track, and use the toilet at the trailhead before you go.
Why Cape Raoul Should Be on Your Tasman Peninsula Itinerary
Cape Raoul isn’t just a walk or a lookout—it gets under your skin. It’s raw, wild, and utterly unforgettable. Whether you’re there to tackle the full track or just want to catch your breath at one of the lookouts, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve stood at the edge of the world. Grateful for the land you’re standing on. Awestruck by how powerful and wild nature really is.
Add to that the bonus of a wild boat tour with Pennicott, cosy places to stay nearby, and a trail that’s accessible for both casual walkers and seasoned hikers, and you’ve got the perfect Tasman Peninsula adventure. So pack your layers, grab your water bottle, and get yourself to Cape Raoul. You’ll love it.
What’s Next?
- Explore more of the Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur: Check out our Day trip to Port Arthur guide for everything you need to know about visiting the historic site near Cape Raoul and other popular stops on the Tasman Peninsula.
- Rent a car in Hobart: It’s the best way to get to Cape Raoul and explore the Tasman Peninsula at your own pace.
- Plan more Tassie adventures: See our Top Hobart Day Trips for more ideas on where to go next.
FAQs
Where is Cape Raoul?
Cape Raoul is located on the Tasman Peninsula in southeast Tasmania, about 115 km southeast of Hobart. It’s part of the Tasman National Park and is known for its towering dolerite cliffs and dramatic ocean views.
How to access Cape Raoul?
Accessing Cape Raoul is easy if you have a car. From Hobart, it’s a 1 hour 45 minute drive via the Tasman Highway and Arthur Highway. Once you reach the Stormlea Road turn-off near Port Arthur, follow the well-maintained gravel road for about 9 km to the Cape Raoul car park and trailhead.
Is Cape Raoul worth it?
Absolutely. Cape Raoul is one of Tasmania’s most spectacular coastal hikes, offering sheer cliffs, ocean views, and a sense of wilderness that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re doing the shorter lookout walk or the full track, the scenery and experience make it well worth the effort.
What is the Cape Raoul Track length?
Cape Raoul Track is 16km long – out and back. It takes between 5 and 7 hours to walk, depending on stops, rests and how fast you go.
How long does it take to walk to Cape Raoul?
From the car park to the Cape Raoul viewing point (lookout), it’s about one hour each way, making it roughly a 2-hour return trip. If you’re walking all the way to the cape’s tip, allow 5 to 7 hours return, depending on your pace.
How hard is the Cape Raoul walk?
The Cape Raoul walk is easy in terms of terrain, with a well-maintained path and only gentle gradients—but it’s long, especially if you’re doing the full track. Expect a 15 km return trip if you go all the way to the cape’s tip. Most walkers rate it as moderate simply due to the distance.
How do I get to the Cape Raoul viewing point?
Drive down the the Cape Raoul Trailhead, which is located on the Tasman Peninsula.
Start from the Cape Raoul car park at the end of Stormlea Road. From there, follow the well-marked track through bushland and coastal heath. After about one hour of walking, you’ll reach the Cape Raoul Lookout, with breathtaking views of the cliffs and Southern Ocean.
