Three Capes Signature Walk
4 days - Guided Tour PackageOur groups meet for a gear check and briefing at the walkers base (located at 164 Murray Street, Hobart) at 9:30am before departing for Stewarts Bay. Upon arrival at Stewarts Bay we will make our way down to the jetty where our private boat will be waiting to depart for our short trip across to Denman’s Cove at 1pm. Cruising with views back to Port Arthur, aside from the possible seal and dolphin spotting, some of the highest dolerite cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere come into view, an indication of the drama to come.
A short wade ashore from the boat signals your arrival at Denman’s Cove. On day one, please wear shorts, zip-off walking trousers or pants that can be rolled above your knees. You may encounter knee-high waters, depending on where sandbanks have formed. At the beach, we’ll fuel you with local produce for lunch, in preparation for a gentle walk through coastal woodland to the rocky refuge of Surveyors Cove. At this point, if the Southern Ocean begs, head for a dip before a gradual incline up to the lodge.
Crescent Lodge is perched high, with far stretching views across Crescent Bay to Cape Raoul, with guest rooms spilling into the gully. Your smiling lodge host will greet you as you arrive and will ensure your time spent is comfortable, while also preparing a three-course feast of local fare. Settle in with a warm shower as dinner is prepared. Post dinner, take your Tassie pinot to a quiet deck for your own private sunset.
Approximately 2 hours walking
Wake to the silence of Crescent Lodge and wander down to the stunning dining room for a hearty breakfast to start the day. From here, head due south with views across Safety Cove and Maingon Bay to Bruny Island. Climbing Arthurs Peak, 300 metres above sea level, is worth the oceanic vista. In these parts, White Bellied Sea Eagles soar in the thermal currents, so be sure to look skyward. Lunch isn’t far away, an easy downhill descent to south-facing cliffs where pelagic seabirds are plenty – albatross, petrels and gannets. Here, there’s nothing between you and Antarctica.
Following lunch, skirt the edge of Tornado Ridge before heading south toward Cape Pillar Lodge, your base for the next two nights. Your pace might quicken in the knowledge there is a massage or facial on offer at Cape Pillar Lodge.
Approximately 5 hours walking
This is the most adventurous day of your journey. Today you’ll walk through silver peppermint forest (Eucalyptus tenuiramis), a species endemic to the area, out to the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. There’s little wonder Cape Pillar has been afforded other names – Hurricane Heath and Desolation Gully. A side trip to The Blade is a must, with staggering views across to Tasman Island.
Lunch is served at Chasm Lookout – with Tasman Island’s weathered lighthouse in light.
It’s then a direct return journey home to Cape Pillar Lodge where the relaxation pavilion, a hearty meal and a glass of wine and ocean views await. By now, walking strangers might just have become firm friends. Unlace the boots, read a book with the sea breeze in your toes. Those with a penchant for pampering can treat themselves to a massage or facial upon returning to Cape Pillar Lodge. What better way to ease tired muscles and settle in for our final, blissful night.
Approximately 6 hours walking
Time to farewell Cape Pillar’s safe forest haven. From here you’ll cross Retakunna Creek (local indigenous dialect for creaking trees) en route to a patch of rainforest. Breathe it in – lush mosses, ferns and vibrant greens. Next mission is the peninsula’s highest peak, Mount Fortescue, climbing some 490 metres above sea level. Enjoy lunch with leafy-framed ocean views overlooking The Monument.
If time permits, take the side trip and enjoy the majesty of Cape Hauy (an extra 4km) – or simply remain with the group for a final cliff-walk descent onto the cool white sands of Fortescue Bay. This is your chance to drop the pack and sink your toes in pristine sands and have a quick dip before we head back to Hobart via the airport. We can drop guests at the airport between 5.15pm – 5.30pm and then we arrive into Hobart at approximately 5.45pm for a glass of bubbles before hotel transfers. Alternately, stay and discover the Tasman Peninsula’s local produce, wines, whiskies, lavender, uncrowded beaches and more.
Approximately 6 hours walking (Cape Hauy side trip optional – an extra 2 hours)
