Cape Tourville, Tasmania - Lighthouse & Coastal Views in Freycinet National Park

Wander * Explore * Discover
Oct 1, 2021
4 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Cape Tourville, Tasmania - Lighthouse & Coastal Views in Freycinet National Park

The Cape Tourville walk is a short and accessible coastal circuit located in Freycinet National Park on Tasmania’s stunning East Coast. Despite its short length, this walk delivers some of the best coastal views on the Freycinet Peninsula, with sweeping ocean vistas, dramatic cliffs and a close-up look at the Cape Tourville Lighthouse.

Freycinet National Park covers much of the Freycinet Peninsula and is famous for its pink granite peaks, secluded bays, white sandy beaches and the iconic Wineglass Bay. The Cape Tourville walk is a perfect introduction to the park, offering spectacular scenery with minimal effort.

Cape Tourville: One of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks

The Cape Tourville walk is officially recognised as one of the 60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania. Its gentle gradients, wide paths and outstanding views make it one of the most accessible and rewarding short walks in the state.

The Walk Details

Distance: 600-metre circuit - Time: Allow 20 minutes - Grade: Grade 1 (easy)

This is a flat, well-formed circuit suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

What to Expect on the Cape Tourville Walk

The walk begins at the car park at the end of Cape Tourville Road. From here, follow the Great Short Walks sign along a well-maintained dirt track through coastal scrub.

Before long, the track reaches the coastline and transitions into a raised wooden boardwalk that runs along the top of the sheer cliffs at Cape Tourville. This is where the views truly open up.

Coastal Views & Landmark Lookouts

Along the boardwalk, interpretive signs highlight key landmarks to the south, including Carp Bay and Sleepy Bay, separated by a granite headland. On clear days, you’ll also catch glimpses of Wineglass Bay, with Mount Graham (579 metres) and Mount Freycinet (620 metres) rising behind it as part of the Hazard Mountains.

Looking further southeast, the coastline stretches towards Cape Forestier, where you can spot Lemon Rock, a small island just off the point. To the east lies the vast expanse of the Tasman Sea, a known migration route for humpback and southern right whales.

During the right season, keep an eye out for whales, dolphins and seals moving through the waters below the cliffs.

Cape Tourville Lighthouse

Partway along the circuit, a short dirt path leads to Cape Tourville Lighthouse. Built in 1971, this unmanned lighthouse features a striking white tower attached to a stone base. It stands 11 metres tall and sits at an elevation of 126 metres above sea level, offering commanding views over the ocean. After exploring the lighthouse area, return to the boardwalk to continue the circuit.

The Nuggets & Northern Coast Views

Continuing around the loop, you’ll reach another viewing platform overlooking a cluster of rocky islands just offshore, known as The Nuggets. Free binoculars are provided here, making it easy to spot seals resting on the rocks below. As you round the cape further, the views shift northwards, revealing rocky headlands and the sweeping coastline leading towards the Friendly Beaches, which stretch along the northern edge of the Freycinet Peninsula.

Wildlife & Facilities

Along the walk, there’s a good chance of spotting seabirds, sea eagles, seals, dolphins and in season, migrating whales. Informative signs throughout the circuit provide insight into the landscape, wildlife and geology of the area.

The closest toilets, picnic tables and electric BBQs are located at Ranger Creek and Honeymoon Bay, approximately 7.5 kilometres away.

Good to Know Before You Go

This is a lovely, flat walk suitable for wheelchairs and prams
Toilets, picnic tables and BBQs are available at Ranger Creek and Honeymoon Bay
A valid Tasmanian National Parks Pass is required to access Freycinet National Park

How to Get to Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park is around 2.5 to 3 hours’ drive from either Hobart or Launceston. From the Tasman Highway (A3), turn onto Coles Bay Road (C302), approximately 12 kilometres south of Bicheno. Continue through the township of Coles Bay for 28 kilometres on a sealed road to reach the main park entrance and the Freycinet Visitor Centre.

Final Thoughts - Is Cape Tourville Worth It?

The Cape Tourville walk proves that you don’t need a long hike to enjoy some of Tasmania’s most spectacular coastal scenery. With dramatic clifftop views, wildlife spotting opportunities and easy access, it’s one of the best short walks in Freycinet National Park.

If you’re short on time, travelling with family, or simply want a scenic walk without the effort, Cape Tourville is an absolute must.

Camping in Freycinet National Park

We stayed at Friendly Beaches within Freycinet National Park — a beautiful camping area close to the beach and sheltered by coastal vegetation. Stays are permitted for up to 14 nights, with toilets located near the day-use area. The campground is free for two adults, and the turn-off is around 19 kilometres before Coles Bay and the main park entrance.