Start of the Three Capes Track

Having completed a very intense few weeks in the gym training for another expedition, it was with some trepidation that we flew down to Hobart from Sydney. Trepidation in the sense of not knowing too much about the 3 Capes Track, as it only recently opened back in December, 2015. Trepidation, in the sense of hiking with 24 other people from our group, of which we were the newbies, plus carrying 20kg in my pack – at least we weren’t going to starve on the first night. However, we needn’t have worried.

Fresh off the boat and walking to the start of the track

Following a 1 1/2 hour bus drive down to Port Arthur, we were transported by boat across to Denmans Cove to begin our hike.

Southern Right Whale. Photo: Ange Anderson

Enroute, we were treated to a ‘whale show’, with southern right whales heading back down south to Antarctica for the winter.

Misty but still spectacular views of the ancient sea cliffs

For the first couple of days visibility was restricted due to sea mist/fog, but then the sun came out for a joyous last couple of days with views to die for.

Cape Pillar with Tasman Island in the background

Onwards and upwards!

Trevor

Stunning dolerite rock spires looking out over the Great Southern Ocean

Insights

Getting there and back – drive yourself or catch a scheduled bus, which you need to pre-book.

The track is 46km, and takes 3 nights/4 days to complete. You can only walk in one direction, with bookings for the huts limited on a daily basis. The track is open every day of the year – Three Capes Track

Accomodation is in well equiped eco-lodges, with a ranger on site at each location – briefings held daily at 6pm.

Surveyor Eco-lodge

Bunk beds with mattresses

Kitchen with pots, pans and cooking utensils

You need to carry your own gear including sleeping bag, food and water. With regards to the latter, while drinking water is available from the kitchen in the huts, there are no other places where you can obtain water.

Steps up and down and up again to Cape Hauy

The 2 hour return track out to Cape Hauy is steep in some places. It has lots of stone steps so be prepared!

Quirky seats along the track

Story-telling features along the track

Arty installations along the track

Look out for the quirky seats and resting points along the track – plus local wildlife such as wallabies or echidnas.

Echidna – Photo: Wendy Faulkner

Remember the golden rule when in a wilderness area – pack up your garbage and pack it out.

For something different, another hike you can do in Tasmania is the Bay of Fires Walk

There’s a mix of boardwalks and more natural track

What a beautiful day to go hiking!

The famous Totem Pole – a challenge for rock climbers