Discover the Fluted Cape Walk: A Scenic Tasmanian Treasure
Discover the Fluted Cape Walk: A Scenic Tasmanian Treasure
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If you’re after jaw-dropping coastal cliffs, wild bucket list adventures, and a dose of Tasmania’s untamed beauty, then the Fluted Cape Walk on Bruny Island is calling your name! This challenging track delivers on all fronts: rugged nature, wildlife, and spectacular views that’ll make your heart sing.
Nestled within South Bruny National Park, this 6.6km circuit is great for anyone with a moderate level of fitness. Whether you’re out for a weekend adventure or simply chasing that perfect shot of Tasmania’s coastline, this Grade 3 hike ticks all the boxes. If you need some of the technical details check out Trail Hiking Australia, otherwise let’s dive into what makes the Fluted Cape Walk so special!
The Hike
Starting from Adventure Bay, you’re immediately welcomed by a beautiful beach with bay views and tranquil azure waters. The trail quickly immerses you in a canopy of trees, with native flora all around. As you follow the Grass Point Track, you’ll notice the beach debris— reminding you Tassie had a significant maritime history, particularly the bay whaling industry that once thrived here. (Don’t miss the placards that tell stories from this era.)
From there, the trail transitions into open heathland and rocky terrain, preparing you for the true star of the show: Fluted Cape itself. At the trail head, the walk begins to climb/decline depending on which way you go, revealing those incredible distant hills and magnificent cliff formations. This section is known for its steep inclines/declines—so be prepared for some heart-pumping moments, especially when navigating the dangerous cliff edges (lots of lose pine needles so be careful). But with the beautiful views at the top? Totally worth it!
Why Fluted Cape is Special
The towering dolerite coastal cliffs of Fluted Cape are a geological marvel, carved over millions of years. Standing more than 270 metres above the beach strait, the cliffs offer panoramic views of the Southern Ocean. This area is also an important ecological hub. South Bruny National Park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the famous brown wallabies, which are frequently spotted hopping around.
For birdwatchers, the cliffs are a nesting ground for seabirds, and during whale migration season, there are often sightings from the cliff tops. Plus, the chances of wildlife encounters here are pretty high, especially if you visit at dawn or dusk.
Getting There
Your adventure starts with the Sealink Bruny Island Ferry from Kettering, about 40 minutes south of Hobart. The ferry ride is a scenic 20-minute journey across the beach strait of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, offering plenty of opportunity for a casual boat cruise and maybe even some dolphin spotting along the way.
Once you’ve arrived on Island, it’s a straightforward drive to Adventure Bay, where the Fluted Cape Walk begins. There’s a car park next to the Bruny Island Cruise terminal, so you won’t have any trouble finding a spot. Once parked, grab your gear and head to the trail head.
OR join completed this walk and more on our Bruny Island and South Coast of Tasmania walking tour.
The Climb/decline to the Cape
This challenging track is a loop, and you can start via Grass Point Track and complete the loop in a clockwise direction or head directly towards the Fluted Cape track and complete the walk in a anticlockwise direction. We recommend clockwise and here’s why… the Grass Point route provides a gentler section to start on before you hit the incline up to the Cape and completing the climb to the top rather than descending from the top downwards means you will have views of the Cape ahead of you the whole time.
Either route prepare for some exhilarating moments—the views of vast ocean and bays are breathtaking. There are plenty of small trees to cling to so take it slow along the cliff edges and stop for breaks often.
Wildlife and Views
One of the biggest highlights of this bushwalking experience is the abundance of wildlife. Apart from the friendly brown wallabies, you might catch a glimpse of seabirds or even dolphins frolicking in the azure waters below. The chances of wildlife encounters are best in the early mornings or late afternoons when the animals are most active.
The views from Fluted Cape are nothing short of spectacular. The magnificent cliffs rise dramatically from the ocean, offering some of the highest coastal cliffs in Australia. The contrast between the rugged cliff edges and the calm, azure waters below is pure magic.
Make the Most of Your Visit
While the Fluted Cape Walk is an adventure in its own right, pairing it with other Bruny Island experiences will turn your trip into an unforgettable getaway. Adventure Bay is perfect for a post-hike picnic or even a dip in the beautiful beaches. The island itself is brimming with artisanal produce—cheese, chocolate, and oysters to name a few—so don’t leave without indulging in the local fare.
Discover Tasmania’s South Coast with Inspiration Outdoors
Over six incredible days, join us as we explore the wild beauty of Tasmania’s South Coast, from the rugged trails of Bruny Island to the breathtaking views of Hartz Mountain and the untouched shores of South Cape Bay—just one step away from Antarctica! This is your chance to immerse yourself in the dramatic landscapes and rich history of this unique region, where jurassic capes, secret coves, and vibrant wildlife await.
We take the time to truly experience Bruny Island and the south coast’s wild, unspoiled nature. From walking along remote beaches to learning the stories in its maritime history, this journey will leave you refreshed, inspired, and craving more of Tasmania’s raw beauty.
Let us take care of the details—join us for a Tasmanian adventure that will linger long after the last step.
