4 Day Three Capes & Tasman Peninsula Trek

We start our tour early today with an early morning meeting in Hobart before heading off on our journey. 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.

We begin todays walk at the Remarkable Caves carpark. 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 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.

After the day’s walk, we head back to our accommodation for well-earned pre-dinner nibbles followed by a fabulous two-course meal prepared by your guides.

Walking Distance: 9kms, approx 4 hours

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.

The bushland opens up with spectacular views of the incredible dolerite cliffs of the Tasman National Park. Cape Raoul is just beyond the lower plateau to the east. A short distance to the 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).

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.

This evening we enjoy nibbles, followed by a two course dinner prepared by your guides.

Walking Distance: 14km, 6 hours approx

This is a well-constructed trail with fantastic views. This walk is spectacular however is graded moderate to hard due to several hundred meters of steps that go up, and down (you must navigate these heading out to the Cape and on the way back again). Extra care needs to be taken when navigating these steep steps on this part of the trail.

The Cape Hauy trail heads follows the rocky coastline and as the trail climbs, the She Oaks and Banksia’s of the lower coastline give way to dry sclerophyll forest.

The walk starts at a beautiful cove and there are some steep sections with stairs that you need to navigate in both directions. 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 thrilling views. The final segment of the trail, before reaching a large plateau, is quite steep and narrow and again care needs to be taken when walking through 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 if you are prepared.

After the walk, we then head back to our accommodation. This afternoon you have the option to visit the Port Arthur Historic Site (own expense).

Walking Duration: 8kms, 5 hours approx

After breakfast and lunch walking, we head out for our final day. This morning we head out on the 3-hour award wining Wilderness Cruise. Make sure you dress warmly for the cruise – warm jackets, scarves, beanies and gloves are recommended.

The boat gets very close to 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.

We are back on dry land by 1pm where we enjoy some lunch and make our way back into Hobart. We arrive back at approximately 4.30pm where we drop you back at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Davey St, Hobart.

If you are flying out that night you’ll need to book a flight out after 6.00 pm