This four-night solo hiking itinerary on the Tasman Peninsula combines coastal scenery, clifftop views, and well-maintained campsites. The route includes Fortescue Bay, Bare Knoll, Cape Pillar, and Cape Hauy, and can be done without hiring a car.
This guide focuses on distances, campsites, water, facilities, and logistics, making it suitable for independent and solo hikers planning a multi-day trip in Tasmania.
Trip Overview
- Location: Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania
- Total duration: 4 days (usually can be done in 3 days but I chose to break it down more)
- Total distance completed: 41km
- Difficulty: Moderate (pack weight and hills add challenge)
- Camping: Free camping at Bare Knoll (first come, first served) + Designated campsite at Fortescue Bay ($13/night)
- National Person Park Pass: $47.75
- Solo-friendly: Yes
- Car required: No, there are other options if you want to save $ from renting a car.
How to Get There (Without a Car)
If you’re traveling without a car, joining a bus tour from Hobart is an easy option and you will learn heaps about Hobart and surrounds. I went with Gray Line Coach Experience Tasmania, which offers transfers for walkers ($48 one way). I met them at Brooke St Pier and departed at 8:30am. They offer some hotel pick-up and drop offs as well.
To get from Port Arthur to Fortescue, I booked a local transfer with Tasman Peninsula Local Transfers. Their website lists all the destinations they cover, and when I was planning, I messaged them and they were super helpful. On the day, Theresa was ready and waiting for me when the bus arrived at Port Arthur, making the transfer smooth and stress-free.
After the hike, I checked out of the campsite at 11AM and Theresa dropped me off at Port Arthur where I waited until 3:20pm for the bus tour back to Hobart. It was a lot of time in between to explore Port Arthur, have lunch, and dry out my equipment (tent and mat) from the heavy rain last night.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Fortescue Bay –> Bare Knoll
- Distance: 8km
- Overnight: Bare Knoll Campground
- Campground notes: Tent platforms, drop toilets with toilet paper, no reliable water at the campsite, water can be sourced from nearby huts.
The walk from Fortescue Bay to Bare Knoll is a steady introduction to the track. With a full pack, this section can feel challenging. At the start of the hike, I may have missed the sign that there was no water at Bare Knoll. If I knew, I would’ve stopped by Retakunna Hut (10minute detour) to hill up my bladder prior. It was still really early when I arrived at Bare Knoll so I walked back to get water. You can also fill up water at Munro Hut nearby. Water is untreated so ensure you carry aqua tablets (you can buy them form the chemist).
Day 2: Bare Knoll <> Cape Pillar
- Distance: ~14-15km return
- Overnight: Bare Knoll
This day hike allows you to leave your main pack behind and carry only a daypack. The trail passes Munro Hut where water can be refilled if not done so yet. Because I hiked this in January, it was still pretty cool weather, I think 1.5-2L of water was adequate for me. The route to Cape Pillar offers expansive coastal views and cliff edges. There is an optional side section known as The Blade, which looked steep and exposed and I skipped it.
Day 3: Bare Knoll –> Fortescue Bay
- Distance: 8km
- Overnight: Fortescue Bay Campground (book ahead online and pay in person on arrival)
- Campground notes: Hot showers ($2 for 1 token = 4 minutes), reliable water source, designated spacious tent areas (assigned on arrival).
I initially planned to hike from Bare Knoll to Cape Hauy via Fortescue Track with my pack. But the map from the start of the trail says “Walkers cannot proceed in a westerly direction from this junction“, so I walked the same way back to Fortescue Bay and set up camp. Since it was a shorter walk than planned, I decided to have a late start.
This campground is well-equipped and a comfortable place to rest before the final day hike. My legs needed it after Cape Pillar and before Cape Hauy!
Day 4: Fortescue Bay –> Cape Hauy
- Distance: ~10km return
- Stairs: roughly 4500 total!
- Overnight: Fortescue Bay Campground
- Other day hikes: Canoe Bay (2hr return) and Bivouac bay (3hr return)
Cape Hauy is a popular and busier track compared to Cape Pillar. The trail includes steep climbs and descents, making it a solid final hiking day. Views from Cape Hauy are impressive, looking back towards the Tasman Peninsula coastline.
I was going to do another 2 hour walk to Canoe Bay or 3 hour walk to Bivouac Bay but my legs had enough from all the stairs! It started raining in the afternoon so I called it a night. I chose to stay another night in my tent, making it a 4 night solo trip for me.
Is This Hike Worth It?
Yes. This itinerary offers a mix of challenging terrain, accessible logistics, and high-reward views. I saw a lot of beautiful wild life animals, including echidnas, wallabies, and a Superb-Fairy wren!
