A quick travel guide to the Cape Tourville Lighthouse and lookout walk in Freycinet National Park, Tasmania. Experience breathtaking coastal views and abundant wildlife at this unique lookout spot.
It’s a shame that Cape Tourville is often overshadowed by many of the other popular walks and lookouts in Freycinet National Park. While all are equally astonishing, visiting the Cape Tourville Lighthouse on the easternmost cape of Freycinet is a must for any visitor.
In this post, I’ll outline everything you need to know about the quick and easy Cape Tourville Lighthouse and lookout walk.
I'm Olly, a full-time traveler for the past 5 years. I visit every destination I write about & handpick all recommendations.
About Cape Tourville Lighthouse and Lookout
While the automated lighthouse at Cape Tourville is relatively modern (1971), this region of the Tasmanian east coast has a long colonial history. The Cape was named after French Admiral Comte de Tourville, during french exploration of the peninsula in 1802.
Long before that, indigenous Tasmanian aboriginals shared a deep connection with the land. They lived, hunted, fished and conducted ceremonies and gatherings all throughout the Freycinet Peninsula. Evidence including middens dates indigenous occupation back at least 40 000 years.
Today, the Cape Tourville lighthouse serves as a navigation beacon but is better-known for its great lookout and short board-walked track.
Where is Cape Tourville & How to Get Here
Cape Tourville is located approximately 7.8 kilometres from Coles Bay within Freycinet National Park. To get here, head towards the Visitor Centre on Freycinet Drive and turn left onto Cape Tourville Road. Continue for just over 5 kilometres on this winding road with steep sections.
All of these roads are sealed and we managed to get here without any problems in our big LWB van. There is a large car park right at the start of the short track with adequate space for large vehicles and even caravans.
- Google Maps Pin: "Cape Tourville Lighthouse"
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 DiscoverCars 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).
RELATED POST: 10 Awesome Walks in Freycinet
The Cape Tourville Lighthouse and Lookout Walk
- Hiking Distance: 600 m loop
- Duration: 15-20 minutes
- Elevation: Flat
- Difficulty: Very easy
The Cape Tourville lighthouse and lookout loop is a very easy, mostly flat loop walk on a raised boardwalk. It is suitable for anyone and is wheelchair accessible.
The views from the lookout include a glimpse of Wineglass Bay, the amazing Hazards (Mount Amos), the southern Freycinet Peninsula, Mount Freycinet, as well as a rocky outcrop abundant with seals known as "The Nuggets".
There are a few lookout points with plenty of signs and information plaques detailing history and wildlife information along the track.
Also, make sure to keep an eye out to sea as whales, dolphins, eagles, seals and many other coastal animals are frequently spotted here. There is a pair of fixed binoculars at the viewpoint for The Nuggets. If you look closely, you might be able to spot some seals basking on the rocks.
The Ultimate Tasmania Travel Resource
Looking for more Tasmania travel guides & adventure inspiration? Below are my most comprehensive blog posts that will serve as a great free resource for your trip.
RELATED POST: 12 Incredible Things to do in Freycinet
Where to Stay Near Coles Bay For Walks in Freycinet
- Picnic Island - Ever wanted to stay on a private island? What better place to do so than on Picnic Island, a beautiful island gem just off Coles Bay. Visitors will have the entire island to themselves with rustic waterfront cabins and a fully-equipped kitchen and living area.
- Freycinet Lodge - Located in a waterfront location within Freycinet National Park, Freycinet Lodge offers luxury cabin-style accommodation, two restaurants and a bar. You’ll also get a buffet breakfast included. This is one of the best-located spots to begin your Freycinet National Park walks.
- Eagle Peaks - Another great option is Eagle Peaks, which has good WiFi and free private parking near Coles Bay. This is a unit-style accommodation option featuring a dining and seating area, a fully-equipped kitchen, and great scenery at your doorstep.
More Things to do on the East Coast of Tasmania
Did you enjoy this quick guide to visiting the Cape Tourville Lighthouse and lookout? If so, make sure to check out some of my many other guides for more Tassie travel inspiration!