Cape Hauy is the shortest of the three major cape objectives on the Tasman Peninsula, but the distance understates the effort. The track repeatedly climbs and descends on stone steps before reaching a narrow headland above the Totem Pole, Candlestick and open Tasman Sea.
How to get there
The walk starts at Fortescue Bay in Tasman National Park. From the Arthur Highway, follow C344 for about 12 km to the campground and day-use area. The road is unsealed but Parks and Wildlife Service advises that it is suitable for 2WD vehicles; keep left on blind corners and expect campground and service traffic.
Fortescue Bay has toilets, picnic tables and barbecue facilities. A valid national parks pass is required. The Cape Hauy track leaves from the bay and is clearly signed.
What to see
Fortescue Bay
Do not treat the bay purely as a car park. Its sheltered white-sand beach is a worthwhile start and finish, particularly after the return descent. If you swim, remember the beach is unpatrolled.
Forest, heath and stone steps
The track begins in eucalypt forest before moving through coastal heath. Long flights of stone steps carry the route across repeated ridges and gullies, so the walk feels more strenuous than a relatively modest 9.4 km figure suggests.
In spring and early summer the heath can be particularly colourful. Higher sections open views on both sides of the cape rather than saving everything for the final lookout.
The Totem Pole, Candlestick and cliffs
At the end, vertical dolerite columns drop into the Tasman Sea and the Totem Pole and Candlestick stand separately from the surrounding cliffs. The height is easier to appreciate from the formed headland viewpoints than from photographs.
Cliff edges are hazardous and in places unprotected. Stay on the formed route and keep back from exposed edges, especially in gusty conditions.
The other two capes
Cape Raoul is a separate 14 km Grade 4 day walk from Stormlea. Cape Pillar is principally a multi-day objective reached either on the booked Three Capes Track or independently via the Old Cape Pillar Track.
Timing
Allow at least the official four hours and add time if you want a relaxed stop at the cape or Fortescue Bay. Four and a half to five hours is a more comfortable plan for photography, lunch and a slower return over the steps.
The track is subject to periodic maintenance and fuel-reduction closures, usually notified well in advance. Check the live alert rather than relying on an old itinerary.