Elevated view of the dolerite sea cliffs and rugged coastline at Cape Hauy, Tasmania.

    Towering dolerite cliffs frame the rugged coastline of Cape Hauy above the Tasman Sea in southeast Tasmania.

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    Cape Hauy

    Landmark

    Cape Raoul is a dramatic dolerite headland on the southern Tasman Peninsula, where towering sea cliffs and vertical rock columns rise above the Southern Ocean. The cape forms part of Tasmania's distinctive dolerite coastline, with a narrow ridge extending towards an exposed cliff-bound point. Elevated viewpoints along the walking route reveal immense cliffs, offshore rock formations and open ocean, making it one of the peninsula's strongest wilderness landscapes.

    -43.13888, 148.00510

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    Gallery

    Elevated view of the dolerite sea cliffs and rugged coastline at Cape Hauy, Tasmania.

    Towering dolerite cliffs frame the rugged coastline of Cape Hauy above the Tasma…

    Towering dolerite sea stacks and coastal cliffs at Cape Hauy on the Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania.

    Towering dolerite cliffs and sea stacks rise from the ocean at Cape Hauy on Tasm…

    Totem Pole, Candlestick and towering dolerite sea cliffs at Cape Hauy, Tasmania.

    The Totem Pole and Candlestick rise among the towering dolerite sea cliffs of Ca…

    Columnar dolerite cliffs, sea stack and coastal walking track at Cape Hauy, Tasmania.

    Towering dolerite cliffs and an isolated sea stack define the rugged coastline a…

    Hikers on the walking track beside towering dolerite cliffs at Cape Hauy, Tasmania.

    Hikers follow the clifftop track through coastal heathland at Cape Hauy on Tasma…

    Sheer dolerite columns plunge into the Tasman Sea beneath the cliffs of Cape Hauy in southeast Tasmania.

    Sheer dolerite columns plunge into the Tasman Sea beneath the cliffs of Cape Hau…

    Dolerite cliffs glowing in warm evening light at Cape Hauy, Tasmania.

    Warm evening light catches the rugged dolerite cliffs of Cape Hauy above the Tas…

    Winter sunlight catching the vertical dolerite cliffs at Cape Hauy, Tasmania.

    Low winter sunlight illuminates the upper edges of the towering dolerite cliffs …

    Quick Facts

    Access

    Serious Hike

    3+ hours

    Elevation Gain

    500 m

    Best Light

    Morning
    Golden Hour
    Overcast

    Low-angle light reveals the vertical structure of the dolerite cliffs, while softer conditions preserve detail across dark rock, vegetation and ocean.

    Why This Light

    Low-Angle Relief
    Softens Contrast

    Season

    Seasonally Distinct

    Summer provides longer daylight and generally more stable walking conditions. Autumn and spring bring variable cloud and changing coastal light, while winter can produce strong winds, rough seas and more demanding conditions on the exposed headland.

    Crowds

    Often Busy

    Restrictions

    Fee Common
    Seasonal Access Risk

    Cape Hauy is reached from Fortescue Bay via a substantial return hike within Tasman National Park. The well-defined trail includes numerous steep stone steps and repeated climbs and descents before reaching the exposed cape. A valid Tasmania Parks Pass is required, and strong winds and rapidly changing weather can affect conditions.

    Photography Notes

    Cape Hauy's defining subjects are its immense dolerite cliffs and the narrow offshore pillars of the Totem Pole and Candlestick. Wide-angle lenses convey the scale of the headland and surrounding ocean, while telephoto lenses are particularly useful for isolating the sea stacks, vertical columns and distant cliff faces. Side light reveals the structure of the dolerite, while mist and broken cloud can create strong separation between successive coastal layers. Rough seas add scale and movement far below the cliffs.
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