Walk the Tasman Peninsula

Welcome to Tasmania! Your walking adventure begins in Hobart (nipaluna in the language of the muwinina and palawa peoples, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Hobart is now located). Meet your local leader and travel companions for a 9:30am welcome meeting and pick up something tasty to have later for lunch. Take a short walk to ningina tunapri - TMAG's Tasmanian Aboriginal culture gallery - to start our journey off by connecting to the Traditional Owners of Tasmania. Then say goodbye to Hobart and make tracks for the historic village of Port Arthur. On arrival, learn more about Port Arthur’s history as a former penal colony on a visit to the historic site.

Fuel up for the day ahead with breakfast at your accommodation, then drive to the trailhead of the Cape Raoul track. Follow the trail away from the coast through heathland which eventually gives way to views of the showstopping dolerite cliffs of the Tasman National Park. Walk along a plateau alive with yellow-flecked coastal scrub as glimpses of Mt Brown, Arthurs Peak, Mt Fortescue and the soaring cliffs of Cape Pillar are revealed to you. Finally, you’ll come upon the dramatic and jagged spires of Cape Raoul, an unusual and fascinating sight. Pause for a picnic lunch at a scenic spot along the track, then head back along the same path before returning to Port Arthur for an evening at leisure. (B/L)

Jutting into the Tasman Sea, the dolerite columns and sea stacks of Cape Hauy are really something special. Head out to explore this unique landscape today, setting out after breakfast to the walking track’s trailhead. First walk through delightful woodland and heath, dotted with colourful wildflowers, then descend towards the cape along a steep set of stone steps. Stop en route for a picnic lunch and take the opportunity to admire your incredible surroundings. Continue along to Cape Hauy and feel like you’re on the edge of the earth as wild waves crash into the striking dolerite formations. Once you’ve had your fill of stunning scenery, return the way you came and head back to Port Arthur for an evening at leisure. Perhaps use the opportunity to uncover the village’s spooky past during an after dark tour. (B/L)

This morning it’s time to stretch your legs and head out on your final walk. Visit the aptly named Remarkable Cave which impresses with its sea-carved sandstone tunnels, then head to Fortescue Bay. Begin your walk by strolling the beautiful white sands of the bay before crossing a rocky headland sheltered Canoe Bay. Look out for Little Penguins that live between the boulders. Return the same way after a picnic lunch. On your way back to Hobart we'll stop to visit Waterfall Bay, Tasman Arch and Tessellated Pavement. Arrival back into Hobart will be around 5pm, at which point your adventure will come to an end. (B/L)