An inspiring travel guide to hiking the Fluted Cape Walk on Bruny Island, Tasmania. Includes everything you need to know with photography from the trail.
Bruny Island is an adventure and hiking paradise. One of the most rewarding hikes on the island is the Fluted Cape Walk, which offers excellent coastal views and abundant wildlife spotting opportunities.
In this guide, I aim to help you prepare by mentioning everything you need to know about the Fluted Cape Walk.
Where is the Fluted Cape Walk?
The Fluted Cape Walk begins at the appropriately named Adventure Bay on the eastern coast of South Bruny Island, Tasmania. There is a dedicated car park next to the Bruny Island Cruise terminal (not the car-ferry terminal) where you can leave your car and begin the hike.
- Google Maps Pin: "Fluted cape parking area"
How to Get to the Fluted Cape Trailhead
Adventure Bay is accessible by sealed roads suitable to any vehicle type. Expect roughly 35 minutes to get here if you're driving from the Bruny Island Ferry Terminal in the north.
Unfortunately, reaching the Fluted Cape track is not possible without your own transport (or hitchhiking) as there is no public transport going to Adventure Bay.
However, if you're set on seeing the Fluted Cape and the incredible southeastern Bruny coastline, then I can highly recommend getting a Bruny Island cruise from Adventure Bay. The best part is, if you book online, you can get transport from your accommodation on Bruny Island or even a guided bus from Hobart.
This trip has been ranked Australia's best tourism activity three times in the last ten years, so don't miss it!
Car Rentals in Tasmania
Unfortunately, the cost of bringing your own car on the Spirit of Tasmania has skyrocketed in recent years.
Now, it is usually cheaper to rent a car on arrival. I recommend using RentalCars.com in Tasmania to compare rates for different vehicles across dealerships.
(Rentals are limited in Tasmania so it's a good idea to book in advance).
The Fluted Cape Walk: Trail Guide
- Hiking Distance: 7.2 km (circuit loop)
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Elevation: 345 m total elevation gain |
315 m AMSL at the cape lookout - Difficulty: Moderate
The Fluted Cape track is a well-maintained loop hike that starts and finishes at the Adventure Bay car park. The best way to walk it is in a clock-wise direction, as this makes for a more enjoyable walk on the ascent.
The track follows a mostly flat eucalypt forest until it gets to Grass Point. From here, expect a gentle incline until you reach the Fluted Cape lookout point.
There are several great spots along the way to stop and admire the view. As a result, expect to spend at least 2-3 hours on the trail.
MORE BRUNY: Guide to The Neck Lookout
East Cove to Grass Point
The first section of the Fluted Cape walk begins on the beach at Adventure Bay. Hikers will need to walk to the far end of the beach (right) and cross a gentle stream before entering the forest track known as East Cove.
From here, the track turns left and follows the coast to Grass Point. Keep an eye out for wallabies in the scrub. There are a few clearings where you can get a great view of Adventure Bay.
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The Gulch and Penguin Island
After approximately 2 kilometres, you'll reach Grass Point. This is a rocky "gulch" or stream between the coast and Penguin Island.
While we didn't see any Penguins here, we took some time to admire the huge waves rolling in and read the information plaques that describe the whaling history of this region.
Grass Point is a good spot to turn around if you are not prepared to continue on the Fluted Cape walk. However, I highly recommend doing so as the views are excellent.
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The Fluted Cape
Immediately right from Grass Point the track continues and begins to climb for the next 2.2 kilometres until you reach the Fluted Cape lookout. This section of the Fluted Cape walk is the most beautiful in my opinion. Take your time and stop often to admire the sheer cliffs and deep-blue waters of the bays beneath.
It's a little tricky at first to tell where the trail finishes and loops back down. However, if you continue onwards on the obvious track, you'll eventually come to a signpost just before the Fluted Cape lookout.
Return to Adventure Bay
From the signpost at the cape, you'll walk back to Adventure Bay by following a forested track. This stretch doesn't offer any views but is still an enjoyable way to wrap up the circuit as you continue on a gentle stroll back to Adventure Bay.
Once you arrive back at East Cove, keep an eye out for the very rare white wallabies that are known to live here.
Where to Stay on Bruny Island
- Adventure Bay Holiday Home - This is the best-rated holiday and vacation home on Bruny Island. It is conveniently located right in Adventure Bay, close to the Fluted Cape and the Bruny Island cruise terminal. It features two bedrooms, a kitchen, a living area and outdoor areas.
- Bruny Island Escapes and Hotel Bruny - If you'd prefer to stay in a cosy cottage, then make sure to check out Bruny Island Escapes. They have several cottages throughout Bruny all featuring a private balcony, log fireplace and full kitchen facilities.
More Tasmanian Hiking and Adventure Inspiration
I hope that you enjoyed this quick guide to hiking the Fluted Cape Walk on Bruny Island Tasmania. For more adventure guides and Tassie travel inspiration, make sure to check out some of my other blogs below.