4 Day Three Capes Track Walk

We depart Hobart headed for the Tasman Peninsula and the Remarkable Caves where we begin our first walk of the day. Along the way we may stop at Pirates Bay lookout for panoramic views of Pirates Bay and Cape Hauy.

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. There is the option to swim here if weather safely permits.

After the day’s walk, we head back to our accommodation to check in, go for a swim if you please and enjoy a well-earned pre-dinner nibbles followed by a fabulous two-course meal prepared by your guides.

Distance: 9 km, 5hrs walking

Accommodation: 4 star – Stewarts Bay Lodge – Log Cabin, Port Arthur

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

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, the walk is a comfortable walk allowing ample time to relax and enjoy the expansive views of the surrounding Tasman Peninsular and further south to Bruny Island.

To start our journey, we walk through lovely heathland and open woodland with a gradual climb before crossing a bridge above a small gully. The bushland provides spectacular views of incredible cliffs. Cape Raoul is just beyond the lower plateau to the East. To your right is another open section of the cliff top with stunning views to Shipstern Bluff and beyond to Bruny Island and Tasmania’s South coast. From these lookouts we may encounter the intense winds the capes are famous for (among 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.

After a great day’s walk, we head back to our accommodation for a well-earned pre-dinner nibbles and a hearty meal prepared by your guides.

Distance: 14 km, 6hrs walking

Accommodation: 4 star – Stewarts Bay Lodge – Log Cabin, Port Arthur

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast and lunch-making we depart for the walk to Cape Hauy. This is a well-constructed trail with fantastic views. This walk is spectacular and 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 lovely cove. There is a steep climb at the start and end of the walk, but once at the top of the first saddle you will be rewarded with extensive panoramic views stretching 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. Extra care needs to be taken when navigating these steep steps on this part of the trail.

The final segment of the trail, before reaching a large plateau, is quite steep and narrow and again care is required to navigate this section. At the end you will have clear views of the exceptional rock formations of the Candlestick and Totem Pole – large columns of dolerite rocking out of the ocean. We then return on the same route. The terrain is quite rocky and there are ups and downs, but it is a magnificent walk.

Before dinner we have some free time. You can simply relax, swim at the beach or our guides can drop you at the Port Arthur Historic Site to visit the interpretation center (self-guided, own expense).

Distance: 8km, 5hrs walking

Accommodation: 4 star – Stewarts Bay Lodge – Log Cabin, Port Arthur

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

After breakfast and lunch making, we head out to join the 3-hour award winning Pennicott Cruise. You’ll get to see Cape Pillar and / or Cape Raoul from the sea – unforgettably dramatic.

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.

Make sure you dress warmly for the cruise – warm jackets, scarves, beanies and gloves are recommended.

After our cruise we enjoy lunch at one of our hand picked locations; Stewarts Bay, where you can enjoy a swim, the incredible Tessellated Pavement or Pirates Bay. After lunch and reflecting on our 4 day journey we begin our return arriving back in Hobart at approximately 5pm where we drop you back at the Hotel Grand Chancellor.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch