Last week we spent a couple of days doing the Cape Raoul walk on the Tasman Peninsula. The hike is approximately 5 hours return, and is most often done as a return day walk.

Last light on the dolerite columns of Cape Raoul

There is however a very convenient grassed area only about 1 km from the Cape itself which is a great place to set up a tent for the night. For me personally, landscape photography isn’t all that rewarding taking beach & coast scenes during the midday hours when the sun is bright and the shadows are harsh. Spending a night out allows you to capture the true drama of nature  – its dawn and dusk or its nothing!

Stunning pre-dawn colours at Cape Raoul. Something special was brewing!

Sunrise: Cape Raoul, Tasman Peninsula

Cape Raoul, like much of the coastline of south east Tasmania, is known for it’s plunging dolerite sea cliffs. These cliffs appear to be made up of many vertical columns of rock as the dolerite erodes and crumbles. All of the hikes on the Tasman Peninsula reward with stunning views of various geological formations.

Dolerite columns at dawn

Cape Raoul, Tasman Peninsula

Cape Raoul Walk Description

The Cape Raoul walking trail starts at the end of Stormlea Road. It isn’t a difficult walk by any means, passing through dry eucalypt woodland and coastal scrub and heath. A short while into the walk you will pass a turn off to Shipsterns Bluff – a very popular destination for surfers. Continuing on you will soon reach your first vantage point over Raoul Bay. The trail then undulates somewhat but eventually climbs to the grassy clearing I mentioned earlier. From here it is a 10 minute walk out to the spectacular views of the cliffs.

Cape Raoul bathed in morning light, Tasman Peninsula

In the summer months snakes are quite likely to be encountered so tread carefully and give them lots of space. They will get out of your way if you leave them alone. Many of these images are available as fine art prints, please contact me to discuss purchasing.