Hike the Three Capes Walk in Tasmania over 4 incredible days of coastal hikes, sunsets and wine tastings. Hobart - Hobart With 48 kilometres of hiking over 4 incredible days, this adventure is the perfect way to get off the beaten path and out exploring at literally, the edge of the world. Starting and finishing in Hobart, you’ll be amazed at how much beauty can be packed into a 4-day trip. With the Southern Ocean setting the perfect backdrop for coastal hikes, sunsets and wine tastings – it’s hard not to fall in love with this part of Australia.
Day 1: Arrive, Hike To Crescent Bay
Our trip begins in Hobart where we'll start our journey with a drive to Stewarts Bay, on arrival our private boat will be waiting to depart for our short trip across to Denman's Cove. We'll cruise the sea 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. We'll refuel you with local produce for lunch in Denman's Cove, in preparation for a gentle walk through coastal woodland to the rocky refuge of Surveyors Cove. You’ll be carrying your belongings for the next 4 days in your 50L backpack, so all you'll need to bring is your clothing and toiletries, with the exception on day 3 where you can just take a daypack. The lodges are very well-appointed, and will provide all the food, bedding and everything else you'll need! (though you may need to also carry your packed lunch on a day or two. If the Southern Ocean begs, we'll head for a dip before a gradual incline up to the lodge. Our accommodation for the night, Crescent Lodge, is perched high above with far stretching views across Crescent Bay to Cape Raoul, with guest rooms spilling into the gully. Lets settle in with a warm shower as your guides-come-chefs prepare a three-course feast of local fare. After dinner you can take your Tassie pinot to a quiet deck for your own private sunset.
Day 2: Hike To Cape Pillar Lodge
You'll be amazed at the silence you wake to at Crescent Lodge, wandering down to the stunning dining room for a hearty breakfast to start the day. From here, we'll 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 and in these parts, the White Bellied Sea Eagles soar in the thermal currents, so be sure to look skyward. We'll enjoy lunch on the trail after an easy downhill descent to south-facing cliffs, where there's nothing between you and Antarctica and pelagic seabirds are plenty - albatross, petrels and gannets. Continuing on, we'll skirt the edge of Tornado Ridge before heading south to Cape Pillar Lodge, our base for the next two nights. Our suites slope downwards from a cliff edge that overlooks the Southern Ocean and the lodge boasts a viewing platform. We're sure the pace may quicken in the knowledge there is a massage, facial or relaxation bath on offer at Cape Pillar Lodge.
Day 3: Hike Cape Pillar
Our most adventurous day awaits us today as we walk through silver gum 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. We'll have all day to explore so a side trip to The Blade is a must, with staggering views across to Tasman Island. Enjoying lunch at Chasm Lookout with Tasman Island's weathered lighthouse in sight, we'll then make our way back home to Cape Pillar Lodge where the relaxation pavilion, three-course goodness and ocean views await. The evening is then yours to explore and enjoy on your own - you could head out for a walk on your own, exploring the lodge's surroundings, or simply spend the evening at Cape Pillar Lodge and immerse yourself in the enchanting surrounds.
Day 4: Return To Hobart Via Fortescue Bay, Farewell!
Today we'll farewell Cape Pillar's safe forest haven and journey across Retakunna Creek, (local indigenous dialect for creaking trees) en route to a patch of rainforest where we can breathe in the lush mosses, ferns and vibrant greens. Our last mission is the peninsula's highest peak, Mount Fortescue, climbing some 490 metres above sea level where we'll be rewarded with lunch and leafy-framed ocean views overlooking The Monument. There's an option to take a side trip to Cape Hauy to enjoy the majesty of the Totem Polem, a sea stack popular amongst rockclimbers. Or you can simply choose to remain with the group for a final cliff-walk descent onto the cool white sands of Fortescue Bay. You'll have the chance to drop your pack and sink your toes in pristine sands or perhaps take a celebratory dive into the crystal clear waves. We'll travel back to Hobart and celebrate the last few days with a glass of bubbles!