The Three Capes Track is one of the best multi-day walks in Australia: about 48 kilometres over four days and three nights along the sea cliffs of Tasman National Park, with comfortable huts each night. You start with a boat ride from Port Arthur to Denmans Cove and finish at Fortescue Bay.
Because the huts provide bunks, gas cooktops and cookware, you carry less than on most multi-day walks. Parks Tasmania suggests your pack should weigh no more than 12 kilograms, including 2 litres of water. That makes clothing the part of your pack where getting it right matters most.
The weather you're packing for
Parks Tasmania puts it plainly: you're likely to get a variety of weather, often in one day. Sunny, calm days are common, but this is coastline shaped by strong winds, rain and sea fog. The cliff tops are exposed, so a warm afternoon can turn cold the moment the wind picks up.
The answer is layers: thin ones you can add and remove as you walk, rather than one heavy jacket.
Why fabric matters here
One of Parks Tasmania's top tips is to leave cotton and denim at home, because they soak up water and make you cold in wet weather. They recommend merino or polypropylene instead.
That's because both still insulate when damp, and on the Three Capes you'll likely be damp at some point, from rain, sea spray or sweat on the climbs. Merino has the extra advantage of not smelling after a few days, which matters when you're sharing a hut with a full group of other walkers.
What to wear while walking
This follows the official Parks Tasmania list, with what we'd choose for each:
- Walking shirt, long or short sleeve: Parks asks for a quick-dry fabric. A light merino tee is our pick for most days. Choose long sleeve if you burn easily: the cliff tops have little shade.
- Walking trousers or shorts: quick-dry fabric, not jeans.
- Light jacket, fleece or merino: for wind on the cliffs and cool mornings.
- Rain jacket with a hood, plus waterproof overpants: both waterproof, windproof and breathable. Don't skip the overpants.
- Socks and underwear: merino socks are worth it on a four-day walk.
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen: for the clear days.
- Beanie and gloves: yes, even in summer. The wind on Cape Pillar can be fierce.
What to wear in the huts
The official list includes a separate set for the evenings:
- Thermals, long-sleeve top and leggings, merino or polypropylene: wear them in the hut and to sleep in. On a cold day they also go under your walking clothes.
- Warm jacket: down, fleece or merino.
- A shirt and warm long pants: a dry set to change into.
- Light footwear: thongs, sandals or Crocs for around the huts.
You'll also need a sleeping bag rated to -5°C and a liner. The huts give you a bunk and a mattress, but no pillow or bedding.
How to cut the weight
If you're aiming for 12 kilograms, clothes are the easiest place to save:
- One walking shirt, not three. Merino doesn't smell after a day's walking, so one tee can do all four days. Your thermals are your clean change for the evenings.
- Let your thermals do two jobs. A merino thermal top and leggings cover the evenings, sleeping, and an extra layer on a cold, windy day.
- Pack a day pack. On day three you can leave your main pack at the hut and walk out to The Blade and Cape Pillar with something light.
- Leave spare luggage behind. You can store bags at Port Arthur Historic Site and collect them at the end.
Our Three Capes kit
For walking, a 100% superfine merino hiking shirt (short or long sleeve, depending on how you handle sun). For the huts and cold days, merino thermals, top and bottoms. For wind on the cliffs, a merino neck gaiter takes up almost no room. Everything is made in Melbourne from 18.4 micron Australian merino.
Planning another Tassie walk? Read our tips for hiking the Overland Track.
Sources: Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania: Three Capes Track packing list · Three Capes Track overview (Nomadasaurus)
