Tasman National Park

Park Coastal park in Tasmania with sea cliffs

Jagged dolerite cliffs, sea arches and offshore stacks make Tasman National Park a draw for hikers and boaters. Visitors follow coastal tracks to Cape Pillar, take cruises around Tasman Peninsula geology, and watch for seals and seabirds.

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Tasman National Park protects the southern and eastern coastline of the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, Australia, and is notable for high sea cliffs, coastal rock formations and forested headlands. The park conserves dramatic geology and marine-influenced ecosystems rather than large plains or inland ranges.

Key sights are towering sea cliffs and promontories such as Cape Pillar and Cape Raoul, coastal formations including the Tasman Arch, the Blowhole and Devil’s Kitchen, and multiple coastal walking tracks. The park contains multi-day walking infrastructure, most notably the Three Capes Track, a roughly 46-kilometre coastal track linking major headlands over 3-4 days.

The area has long-standing connections with Tasmanian Aboriginal people and later European sealing, whaling and maritime use; in the 20th century sections were progressively reserved for conservation and public recreation. Management since designation as a national park has focused on protecting coastal geology, seabird colonies and native vegetation while supporting walking and low-impact tourism.

The park sits on the Tasman Peninsula, southeast of Hobart, adjacent to the Port Arthur historic area. Access is typically via road onto the peninsula or by boat from nearby harbours, with trailheads and viewpoint car parks on the peninsula’s rim.

  • Viewing by boat: Boat trips from Port Arthur and nearby bays are a common way to view the park's sea cliffs and rock formations such as the Tasman Arch and the Blowhole.
  • Best viewpoints and safety: Best cliff-top views are from Cape Hauy and the Cape Pillar promontory; weather can change rapidly so allow time and waterproof gear for walks.

What to See #

  • Cape Pillar and Cape Raoul: Steep sea cliffs rising to around 300 metres in places, with dramatic coastal outcrops and cliffs at Cape Pillar and Cape Raoul that are the park's signature features.
  • Three Capes Track (multi-day walk): Three Capes Track - a purpose-built multi-day walking track of about 46 kilometres linking cliff viewpoints at Cape Hauy, Cape Pillar and Cape Raoul; usually walked over 3-4 days with basic camps/cabins provided.
Tasman National Park
Tasman National Park, Tasmania, Australia (access via Tasman Peninsula)
-43.1768, 147.9372
Park open year-round (some facilities seasonal)
Park entry free; fees apply for some campsites and commercial tours

How to Get to Tasman National Park #

Tasman National Park is on the Tasman Peninsula, southeast of Hobart. The usual access point is via the Arthur Highway (A9) to Port Arthur (about 90-100 km, roughly 1.5 hours’ drive from Hobart). From Port Arthur, follow park signage to individual sites (Tasman Arch, Cape Raoul, Cape Pillar). Some tracks require 4WD access nearby or boat/kayak approaches.

Tips for Visiting Tasman National Park #

  • Drive the Tasman Peninsula circuit early in the morning to catch coastal light on sea cliffs such as Tasman Arch and Devil's Kitchen.
  • Book any guided sea-kayaking or boat tours from Port Arthur in advance during summer - operators sell out on good weather days.
  • Hike the Cape Pillar track (multi-day) with a guide if inexperienced in remote coastal hiking; the last sections are exposed and require good route-finding.

Best Time to Visit Tasman National Park #

Summer offers the most comfortable weather; spring and autumn are excellent for fewer crowds and dramatic coastal conditions.

Summer
December-February · 10-22°C
Warmest weather and longest daylight - best for sea activities and coastal walks, but expect more visitors.
Autumn & Spring
March-May, September-November · 8-18°C
Cooler, with dramatic weather and fewer crowds; autumn colours and strong coastal light make for good photography.

Weather & Climate near Tasman National Park #

Climate

Tasman National Park's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 5°C to 18°C. Moderate rainfall (886 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
18°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
11° 18°

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy

February

February is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 18°

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

March

March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 17°

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy

April

April is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
12°

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

71 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with 90 mm of rain.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy

November

November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy

December

December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy

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