Hiking the Cape Queen Elizabeth Track to find the Bruny Island Arch

The enchanting Cape Queen Elizabeth Track combines beach and bush adventure. Offering a plethora of brilliant landscapes to explore, the hike along the Cape Queen Elizabeth Track is a stunning escapade with a rewarding view of Bruny Island’s Mars Bluff Arch.

Here is everything you need to know about hiking the Cape Queen Elizabeth Track and finding the Mars Bluff Arch on Bruny Island.

Table of Contents

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Accommodation

If you want to turn your day trip into an extended holiday on Bruny Island there are plenty of great choices available.

For Free/Budget Camping, check out the Tas Parks website with information on where you can camp on Bruny Island.

Places to stay on Bruny Island

Budget
The Campsite at the Neck. There is no booking system for it. It’s on the first come first serve basis. With basic and clean facilities it’s perfect for budget travellers.

Moderate
The Captain Cook Holiday Park
OR
This Rustic Beachfront house both located on Adventure Bay

Luxury
Pure luxe at Adventure Bay Retreat
OR
A secluded beachside getaway at the Cloudy Bay Beach House

Compare prices of Hotels to see the best deal you can get!

I always find the cheapest rates by searching Hotels Combined– I’ve pre-filled Bruny Island for you below so just click search and explore what’s on offer!

Hike details of the Cape Queen Elizabeth Track

How to get there

Drive around 30min from Hobart to Kettering and catch the Sealink ferry across to Bruny Island (more details in this post)

The start of the Cape Queen Elizabeth track is located on Bruny Island Main Road (directly across from Bruny Island Honey)

Total Distance

The entire distance of the Cape Queen Elizabeth Track is 12 km return.

I only hiked to the Mars Bluff Arch which is around 6-7km return.

Walking time

About 1.5-2 hours return depending on how fast you walk. There is direct access to the Bruny Island Arch along the beach which is a faster and less challenging route – but can only be done during low tide! Check the tides here before setting off.

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Difficulty

Easy! It’s flat all the way and only requires a very short section of uphill (which you can avoid at low tide!)

Directions

After disembarking your ferry onto Bruny Island, drive about 20 mins down Bruny Island’s main road until you reach Bruny Island Honey.
The Cape Queen Elizabeth Track starts on a via an unused 4WD track directly across the road from Bruny Island Honey. There is a small carpark you can use here.

Hiking the Cape Queen Elizabeth Track to find the Bruny Island Mars Bluff Arch

The initial part of the walk is flat and well maintained. Big Lagoon and Little Lagoon are passed next before the trail opens up onto a lengthy coastline of Neck Beach below Mars Bluff.
During low tides, Miles Beach can be directly accessed by skirting the coast below Mars Bluff. Following this route, the walk can be done as a circuit but be sure to only attempt this at the lowest tides.
Alternatively take the junction to the left climbing to the apex of Mars Bluff. From the top of the Bluff, tremendous views showcase the unique beauty of The Neck and the Fluted Capes further off. The trail then descends through coastal dunes to the secluded Miles Beach.