Tasman National Park

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 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.

• 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.