THE POLE DANCER
Tasman National Park, South-Eastern Tasmania
Difficulty
Level 1: Growing Wilder
DISTANCE
→ 14.5km
ASCENT / DESCENT
↑ 755m ↓ 755
ROUTE STYLE
OUT & BACK
With some of the tallest sea cliffs in Australia, Cape Raoul is a daunting promontory jutting south from the Tasman Peninsula. This walk takes you through heath, woodland, and rainforest vegetation to stunning coastal seascapes that feature rock platforms, towering cliffs, offshore islands and swirling seas.
The Tasman Peninsula has an absolute abundance of dolerite and is a revered region for rock climbing amongst vertical terrain enthusiasts. Perhaps one of the most classic climbs on the peninsula is called 'Pole Dancer', a vertical pillar of dolerite at the tip of Cape Raoul.
The route begins in the Cape Raoul carpark at the end of Stormlea Road and follows a very smooth, well graded track to the end of Cape Raoul. At 14.5km in length, this out-and-back route is littered with remarkable viewpoints, jaw dropping plunges to the turbulent seas below, and nooks out of the wind to simply be still, quiet and joy-filled.
With some of the tallest sea cliffs in Australia, Cape Raoul is a daunting promontory jutting south from the Tasman Peninsula. This walk takes you through heath, woodland, and rainforest vegetation to stunning coastal seascapes that feature rock platforms, towering cliffs, offshore islands and swirling seas.
The Tasman Peninsula has an absolute abundance of dolerite and is a revered region for rock climbing amongst vertical terrain enthusiasts. Perhaps one of the most classic climbs on the peninsula is called 'Pole Dancer', a vertical pillar of dolerite at the tip of Cape Raoul.
The route begins in the Cape Raoul carpark at the end of Stormlea Road and follows a very smooth, well graded track to the end of Cape Raoul. At 14.5km in length, this out-and-back route is littered with remarkable viewpoints, jaw dropping plunges to the turbulent seas below, and nooks out of the wind to simply be still, quiet and joy-filled.
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Begin at end of Stormlea Road, an approximately 1hr40min drive from Hobart. For full access instructions visit HERE. There are toilet facilities and a boot wash station at the start of the track.
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The track gradually climbs before reaching a marked track junction with the trail to Shipstern Bluff & Tunnel Bay. Veer left on the marked track to Cape Raoul.
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You will reach a formal viewing platform at your first encounter with the sea cliffs. These are some of the largest sea cliffs in Australia and provide spectacular views to Shipstern Bluff and into the distance to Bruny Island as well as the Hobart region. Please supervise children around these hazardous cliffs and unprotected track edges.
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After traversing the cliff tops the track winds its way down onto the peninsula and begins a gently undulating journey towards the tip of the Cape. It is on this passage that you will find some short sections of stairs. Please continue to supervise children around these hazardous cliffs and unprotected track edges.
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Not long after passing a shallow lake (which may be dry in summer or after dry spells) the track climbs gently before reaching another junction. Turn left to reach Seal Lookout (5mins) or right to reach the formal Cape Raoul lookout. Well done, you made it! Here you will be able to marvel at the spectacular coastline, including Cape Pillar & Tasman Island to the north.
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Return via the same route and feel free to take the side-trip to Shipstern Bluff on the way home. Please note that this will make the route closer to 22km if you do opt for these additional kilometers!
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Please note, after leaving the carpark there are no other toileting facilties on the track. It is recommended that you carry a trowel. Please bury all faecal waste and toilet paper / tissues in holes 15-20cm deep and at least 100m from water and tracks. Cover and disguise the hole when finished.
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Toilets
Yes.
WaterNot that we would recommend drinking. Please bring your own. Closest water refill is Port Arthur.
ParkingYes. There is extensive parking although be aware that this track can get busy during peak periods and we suggest arriving early.
ServicesThe closest services are located at Port Arthur where there are some small cafes and basic convenience stores.
Phone coverage Very patchy Telstra reception.Very smooth gravel footpath which are mostly beautifully graded. Some short sections of stairs and cliff-top traverses (whilst limited exposure, some caution is recommended).
Approx. Duration 2.5 – 4.5hrs
