Three Capes & Tasman Peninsula – 4 Day Walking Tour

Explore the highlights of the magical Tasman Peninsula over four fantastic days of walking and sightseeing.This itinerary incorporates some of Tasmania’s most spectacular scenery. Enjoy towering clifftops, marvel at amazing rock formations and take a cruise around the spectacular Tasman Peninsula.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fortescue Bay to Cape Hauy

Stop At: Cape Hauy, Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania Australia
We depart Hobart and head off for the day’s walk to Cape Hauy. This is a well-constructed trail with fantastic views. This walk is spectacular however is graded moderate to hard due to lengthy sections of well-constructed stone steps that ascend and descend nearly the entire length of the trail. (you must navigate these heading out to the Cape and on the way back again). The walk starts at a beautiful cove and there are some steep sections with stairs. There is a steep climb at the start (and end of the walk), but once at the top of the first saddle extensive panoramic views stretch far north past the Forester coast to Maria Island and south, detailing the ridges of Cape Pillar. Towards the end the track follows the cliffs edge, providing spectacular views.

The final segment of the trail, before reaching a large plateau, is quite steep and narrow and again care needs to be taken to navigate this section. Once at the end you are able to clearly view the exceptional rock formations of the Candlestick and Totem Pole, large columns of dolerite rocking out of the ocean. We then return via the same route. The terrain is quite rocky and there are ups and downs but it is a magnificent start to the tour as long as you are prepared. After the day’s walk, we head back to our accommodation for well-earned pre-dinner antipasto followed by a fabulous two-course meal prepared by your guides.
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: The Three Capes and Tasman Lodge in Port Arthur.

Day 2: Just south of Port Arthur to Cape Raoul

Stop At: Cape Raoul, Port Arthur, Tasmania Australia
After breakfast and lunch making we begin our walk today out to Cape Raoul. Offering some of the most spectacular coastal lookouts in Tasmania, Cape Raoul is an excellent return day walk within the Tasman National Park. With only a few steep sections, this is a comfortable walk allowing ample time to relax and enjoy the expansive views of the surrounding Tasman Peninsula and further south to Bruny Island.

At the trail head for Cape Raoul there are toilet facilities available on a small donation basis. We start walking through heathland and after a short gradual climb we cross a fallen log bridge above a small gully.

The bushland then opens up with spectacular views of the incredible cliffs. Cape Raoul is just beyond the lower plateau to the east. A short distance to your right is another open section of the cliff top allowing you a stunning view down to Shipstern Bluff, beyond to Bruny Island and Tasmania’s southern coast. From these lookouts, we also may have our first encounter with the intense winds the capes are famous for (some of the strongest recorded winds in Australia).

The trail heads east from here along the cliff tops, descending the steepest part of the trail first onto the Cape Raoul plateau.

Once on the plateau the landscape changes to stunning coastal banksia scrub and soon we see our first glimpses of the northern coastline including Mt Brown, Arthurs Peak and Mt Fortescue. Situated a little further east, are the impressive 300-metre-high cliffs of Cape Pillar.
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: The Three Capes and Tasman Lodge in Port Arthur.

Day 3: Crescent Bay and Mount Brown (optional visit to Port Arthur)

Pass By: Mount Brown and Crescent Bay Walking Track, Safety Cove Road, Port Arthur, Tasmania 7182 Australia
Tucked between the Remarkable Caves and Port Arthur, the Crescent Bay and Mount Brown track plays host to the most spectacular beach on the Tasman Peninsula. In addition to the enormous dunes and crystal-clear waters of Crescent Bay, the hike to the summit of Mount Brown offers hikers vast panoramic views of the peninsulas rugged coastline.

After breakfast and lunch making we depart from the Lodge and drive a short distance to the Remarkable Caves carpark where we begin our walk for the day. The first part of the hike crosses a series of sand dunes covered in coastal heath vegetation, and you may even spot an echidna. This section offers westerly views back towards Cape Raoul. The track then opens out into a gaping cavity known as Maingon Blowhole.

The track then heads inland onto the lower knolls of Mount Brown where a series of cairns will direct your ascent. The walk up to the summit (optional) is moderately steep, with views over Cape Pillar, Tasman Island, Arthurs Peak and further south to cape Raoul and Bruny Island.

Once back on the main track we reach Crescent Bay. This beach is incredibly beautiful and often sparsely populated.

We have some free time in the afternoon. You can simply relax or guides can drop you at the Port Arthur Historic Site where you can visit the interpretation centre of the visitor centre (self-guided and own expense).

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: The Three Capes and Tasman Lodge in Port Arthur.

Day 4: Wilderness Cruise

Pass By: Port Arthur Historic Site, Arthur Highway, Port Arthur, Tasmania 7182 Australia
After breakfast and lunch making, we head out for our final day. This morning we head out on the 3-hour award wining Wilderness Cruise which departs daily. Make sure you dress warmly for the cruise – warm jackets, scarves, beanies and gloves are recommended.

The boat passes close by the spectacular rock formations along the coastline and stops regularly for easy viewing and photography. See seals, albatross, white-bellied sea eagles and enjoy an exhilarating ride on this fantastic cruise.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.