Overview
Your pick for day three – an adventure through silver gum forest out to Cape Pillar and the infamous Blade or lazing the day away at the lodge. We must say, the views out to Tasman Island from the Blade are something else. Those with plenty of kilometres left in the legs can take a side trip on the final day out to Cape Hauy while others can choose a direct route to Fortescue Bay. From here, we’ll take you back to Hobart where we’ll raise a glass to our four days well spent!
Itinerary
Approximately 2 hours walking
At the start of your walk we will pick you up from MACq01 between 9.00am - 9.10am, followed by the Old Woolstore between 9.05am - 9.15am. Or make your way down to our walkers base (164 Murray Street, Hobart) at 9.30am. Here you will meet your guides and have a briefing.
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 1.15pm. 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. Settle in with a warm shower as your guides-come-chefs prepare a three-course feast of local fare. Post dinner, take your Tassie pinot to a quiet deck for your own private sunset.
We pick up from MACq01 bwetween 9.00am - 9.10am and The Woolstore at between 9.05am - 915am, or you can make your own way to our walker's base at 164 Murray Street Hobart for a 9.30am start. If you are staying at The Henry Jones Art Hotel you are across the street from MACq01 so please cross the road for your shuttle. When we reach our base in Hobart we will have a gear check and briefing before departing for Stewarts Bay.
Approximately 5 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, facial or plunge bath on offer at Cape Pillar Lodge.
Approximately 6 hours walking
This is the most adventurous day of your journey. Today you'll 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. 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 sight. It's then a direct return journey home to Cape Pillar Lodge where the relaxation pavilion, three-course goodness and ocean views await. By now, walking strangers might just have become firm friends. Unlace the boots, and read a book with the sea breeze on 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 (Cape Hauy side trip optional - an extra 2 hours)
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.
Take the side trip and enjoy the majesty of Cape Hauy - 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 or perhaps take a celebratory dive into the crystal clear waves. We will then travel back to Hobart (approximately 5.45pm) via the airport (approximately 5.30pm). We will finish in Hobart with a glass of celebratory bubbles.
We will welcome you back to the Hobart office with bubbles and nibbles, afterwards we can drop you back at selected hotels in Hobart's CBD.
Trip Inclusions
- Return transfers between Hobart and the start & finish of the walk
- Accommodation (twin share) each evening in one of our private lodges
- All meals and non-alcoholic beverages, plus a limited selection of Tasmanian wines
- National Park pass
- Boat transfer Stewarts Bay to Denman's Cove
- Use of a backpack and Gore-tex jacket for the duration of the walk
- Quilts, pillows and a comfortable mattress at each lodge
- Sleeping sheet and pillowcase to carry with you
- Two qualified guides for the duration of the walk.
- Tasmanian Walking Co's Track Notes list everything you need to prepare and get excited about your adventure, all in one document. From pickup times to gear lists, daily distances to accommodation details, this is your Three Capes (Signature Walk) go-to-guide.
Operator
Walk with us and we’ll take you a step further, a step deeper to climb the iconic Blade and walk the full Three Capes Track. Read more
Guests consistently agree in their feedback that our Three Capes Lodge Walk guides are our most outstanding asset. Read more
Our groups have exclusive use of our private accommodation along the Three Capes Track. Read more
Trip FAQs
Our trips depart year round. From September through until the end of May we depart every other day for June through until August we schedule five departures per month.
Each trip requires a minimum of seven guests and has a maximum of 14 guests. All accommodation is twin share. If you book on as a single walker or in an odd-numbered group and the trip fills to capacity, read more you will share a room with another walker of the same gender.
The minimum age for guests on our Three Capes Lodge Walk is 10 years old. There are no upper age restrictions, however, for guests walking with us who are 69 or above we do require a GP to sign off on a letter we provide.
Our groups have exclusive use of the only private Lodge accommodation along the track. Our lodges are architecturally designed to sit lightly within the environment with stunning views. The Lodges do read more not forego creature comforts with plenty of lounge areas and a dedicated relaxation area at Cape Pillar Lodge.
As long as you exercise regularly, are capable of walking an average of 12km for four consecutive days (with the longest day being 18kms), and are comfortable with varied terrain, you’ll be fine! This read more track is considered a "dry foot track" so mud will not be an issue!
On the morning of your departure, the guides will carry out a thorough gear check to ensure you have suitable gear and help you reduce pack weight. If you adhere to our gear list, your pack will likely read more weigh between 7kg and 9.5kg. With special attention to reducing pack weight, your pack and its contents can weigh as little as 6.5 kg. The pack and weather proof jacket that we provide have a combined weight of 2.5 kg, leaving 4.5- 6.5 kg for your personal items.
Each person must carry their lunch, all items on the essential gear list plus any extras such as camera.
You will need lace-up hiking shoes or boots that have sturdy, treaded soles. We cannot over-emphasise the importance of appropriate footwear. Running shoes, sand shoes, elasticised boots and similar are read more not acceptable. Boots must be worn in to minimise the risk of blisters. If you haven’t worn your boots for awhile please dust them off, take them for a walk and make sure the soles are still firmly attached to the boot. There is nothing worse than your boot failing on day one. You will be unable to commence the walk without the appropriate footwear.
Our guides are passionate outdoor enthusiasts, educated interpreters and fantastic cooks all rolled into one. Two knowledgeable guides accompany each trip. This allows plenty of time for interpretation read more at interesting points along the track, photo opportunities, rest breaks and walking at your own pace.
All meals and snacks are provided. The guides prepare scrumptious meals each night. We are quite happy to cater for special dietary requirements, we just need to know in advance. We use fresh Tasmanian read more produce and evening meals are served with a selection of Tasmanian wines. *Please note in the best interests of our guests and staff we promote the responsible service of alcohol.
Pre and post accommodation needs to be booked independently, however details on accessing exclusive accommodation deals with Tas Walks partner hotels will be provided by your advisor once you have booked your trip.
At the start of your walk: We pick up from MACq01 between 9am and 9.10am and then The Old Woolstore between 9.05am and 9.15am (please not depending on traffic conditions our bus may be up to 10 read more minutes late). The shuttle bus will not collect from hotels unless we’re advised that you need collection. Alternatively you can make your own way to our walker’s base located at 164 Murray Street, Hobart at 9.30am.
If you are staying at The Henry Jones Art Hotel you are across the street from MACq01 so please cross the road for collection. If you are staying anywhere else within Hobart, please make your way to our walkers base by 9.30am sharp (located at 164 Murray Street).
At the conclusion of your walk: The group will arrive back into Hobart at approximately 5.45pm for some celebratory bubbles with a Hobart airport drop off between 5.15pm and 5.30pm.
Trip Reviews (6)
However, there were limitations regarding the cooking tools at the lodge which impacted the read more food preparation. It would significantly enhance the experience if the team could have a toaster and a kettle to support guests' requirements for hot water and toast. I understand there may be solar power issues, but I believe this is surmountable with good batteries. Catering for 14 guests, particularly in the morning, would be easier for everyone if these appliances were available. Regardless, I definitely recommend this walk and TWC. It was my third big active walking holiday in Australia and I love it. It's a great way to meet new people and explore the wild.
The trip arrangements were excellent, but what truly elevated our journey were our two guides, Kieran and Shinae. They transformed a trek into a tour de force, generously sharing their extensive botanical knowledge and local insights in a narrative style that was as entertaining as it was informative. The warmth and camaraderie fostered during our nightly reviews emerged as a standout element, fostering a genuine communal experience.
With all these amazing experiences, I would definitely recommend this trip to others, provided they are comfortable with the considerable cost. Despite the expense, the sheer richness of the experience and the memories created make it worth every penny.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Tasmanian Walking Company. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Similar Tours
5 Days Launceston Launceston
Operated By: Tasmanian Walking Company
5 Days Uluru Uluru
Operated By: Tasmanian Walking Company
3 Days Hobart Hobart
Operated By: Tasmanian Walking Company
5 Days Launceston Launceston
Operated By: Tasmanian Walking Company
