Three Capes

FLORA

The pine-like trees on the track with woody nuts are Tasmanian Native Cypress Pines (Callitris rhomboidea) – the scientific name describes the interesting shape of the nuts quite well! You may also encounter Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoos in this area. These fabulous birds mainly eat seeds including gum trees, banksias, hakeas, and grass trees. They also dismember seed cones looking for wood-boring insects. The birds here belong to a subspecies found only in Tasmania (Calyptorhynchus funereus xanthanotus).

The exposed, rocky high points on the 3 Capes Track are dominated by hardy alpine shrubs like Pinkberries and other heath species. In January, the track may be lined with pink wildflowers. These are Trigger Plants (Stylidium). The name refers to the pollination mechanism of the flowers. When an insect lands on one of the blooms, their weight triggers the spring-loaded white “floral column” (fused stigma + anthers) to dab it with pollen, & at the same time reciprocally collect any pollen that the insect may already be carrying. The tall, spindly looking plants along the walk, with strappy leaves arranged in spiral clusters are Pineapple Candleheath, a Tasmanian alpine endemic (Richea dracophylla).

You will also see many conifer-like trees with long, thin, drooping green branches on the last section of the walk. Depending on the season, these trees may have small, fleshy, red-orange fruits with a green seed embedded in them. These are also known as Native Cherries (Exocarpus cupressiformis) which are edible when ripe. Give one a try when you are there! They really are quite tasty.

You will likely see many Banksias in flower on the Tasman Peninsula. These are Silver Banksias (B. marginata – also found in VIC, NSW, ACT, and SA). They may grow up to 9m in height but will start to produce flowers as soon as they are over 1m tall. Silver Banksias are significant producers of nectar for birds and insects in this region. You will hear the “eee-gypt” call of the Crescent Honeyeater around the Banksias.

FAUNA

The Tasman Peninsula and the 3 Capes area is a haven for wildlife from the tiniest of Pygmy possums to wombats,  Seals,  Whales, Dolphins, Tasmanian Devils and wallabies.

Long-Nosed Fur Seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) are becoming more common to the area now they are not hunted. Approx. 75 – 100 individuals may be hauled out here. During the 1800s, these fur seals were hunted almost to extinction for their thick fur coats. They are now slowly recovering. This species is found in Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, and New Zealand. In Tasmanian waters, it mainly occurs on the west and south coasts. Only a small number of long-nosed fur seals (also sometimes known as the New Zealand fur seal) breed on remote islands off the south coast. The total population in Tasmania is 350 - 450. About 100 pups are born annually. Australia-wide, the population is estimated to be 58,000. Their main prey includes redbait, jack mackerel, and lantern fish. They also eat seabirds such as little penguins and shearwaters.

There are two wallaby species in the peninsula, the endemic Tasmanian pademelon found nowhere else on earth and Bennetts wallabies. They are easy to spot as you walk as their numbers are fairly high now that they are protected.

The Tasmanian bettong and Long-nosed potoroo, also both macropods, are more likely to be seen at night, possibly around your accommodations. Macropods are the common name given to marsupials that generally have largish hind legs.

Through the day you are likely to spot Echidnas, Blue-tongue lizards sunning themselves and a wide variety of other fauna. Echidnas are monotremes, egg laying mammals, the other being platypus. Their spiky exterior is the defence to any threat from predators.

Birdlife includes Tasmanian rosellas, Tasmanian native hens and White-bellied sea eagles which breed on the peninsula. If you look hard owls and tawny frogmouth roosting in the trees, even through the day.

Common wombats are prolific in the area, although generally nocturnal, they can be seen before dusk scratching away searching and foraging for food. A koala's closest living relative they can actually grow up to 1.3m long and weigh up to 35 kgs. Interestingly they have been clocked running at speeds of 40 km per hour and their poo is cube-shaped.

Tasmanian devils have a fearsome reputation but they are actually shy. These were reintroduced by Tasmanian Parks. They are a marsupial with sharp teeth and an otherwordly howl, which led to them to being called a devil by the early settlers. Devils are carnivores and can weigh up to 14kgs, however they mostly eat carrion, but they do hunt down snakes, birds, insects and fish.

Lastly, it is worth mentioning the common brushtail and ringtail possums, they are loving it on the peninsula, with limited predation, previously mostly by humans, they are easy to spot in the evening in eucalypt trees that surround the accommodations.

Casalingo

Explore a well-kept secret local Italian restaurant that doesn’t scream ‘tourist.’ Hidden down a side street, Casalingo is a quiet yet sleek restaurant that produces the best hand rolled gourmet pasta and pizzas in town!

Sandy Feet Café

Do you want something extra healthy and delicious to kick off your walking holiday? Sandy Feet Café has a side selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also grab something tasty for the road at their health food store.

Great Ocean Road Brewhouse

Live music, local wine, and the #1 craft beer on the Great Ocean Road are what gives this brewhouse its fame. Great Ocean Road Brewhouse boasts over 100 of the best craft beers available! Add on the family-friendly bistro that has hearty and delicious meals, and you will be stuffed to the brim.

La Bimba

La Bimba offers the option of fine dining while being environmentally friendly. Partnering with local farmers, fisherman, and vineyards allow this classy restaurant to provide you with the freshest products to create a sumptuous meal.

1. The 3 Capes region on the Tasman Peninsula is more than just walking destination.

There’ plenty to do on the Tasman Peninsula and there are a couple of main attractions outside of hiking that are worth a visit.

The Port Arthur Historic site is world heritage listed and probably one of the best-preserved penal settlements worldwide. The gardens are as equally beautiful. As are the views over the ocean. You can easily spend a day wandering the buildings: there’s also guided tours on offer, including one centred on ghosts.

When on the Tasman Peninsula, one of the highlights is to get on the water. If you enter Port Arthur as part of your ticket price, there's a 30 min cruise on the water. But if you want more than that, Pennicott express otherwise known as Tasman Island Cruises, a fabulous option to ‘leisurely’ cruise around the Tasman Sea.

There’s also the Lavender Farm, the dog line at Eaglehawk Neck and various small walks outside of the 3 Capes track like The Tessellated Pavement, Devils Kitchen, Tasman Arch and the blowhole to explore.

2. The official 3 Capes Track is actually only 2 Capes.

The third Cape, namely Cape Raoul is equally as spectacular and is quite separate from the main Three Capes Track. The walk is superb as are the views. Cape Raoul is also home to Shipsterns Bluff which has a massive reputation as a big surf destination. Plenty of surfers have met their match (no one has died according to locals) on what is one of the heaviest (and gnarliest) waves in the world. The other 2 Capes are Cape Huay and Cape Pillar; all of the capes are unique in their own way.

3. Make sure you prepare for hiking before you come

To start with the walks involve some up and down. Suitable training is absolutely necessary if you are not already walking fit. It is vital you practice walking up and down hills. For many walkers banging out 20kms is no issue, but once they get on an incline they unravel. Walking up is an entirely different kettle of fish. Walking up hill uses a different muscle range in your legs (and glutes if you still have them, they can get weak as we get older). That’s why our legs freak out when you climb stairs.

Make sure you break in your shoes if you have to purchase new ones. Blisters are the number one injury on walking tracks and new shoes are often the issue. Blisters don’t sound like much, but they can ruin a walk and there isn’t much you can do if the shoes don’t fit or haven’t been worn in.

4. What to bring when walking the 3 Capes track

What you pack is somewhat dependent on 2 things. What your intending to from a walking perspective and the time of year.

There are many options, including doing the Tasmania National Parks walk and staying in their huts. You need to book online on their website. If your choice is to stay in comfortable accommodation and dine out and walk, then a walking holiday might be a good idea.

Needless to say you will need a backpack regardless to carry your gear. If you’re slack packing as we like to call it, walking with a day pack and getting picked up each day and taken back to accommodation your pack will be much smaller and lighter. If you're going on the hut walk please see this site for the additional gear you'll need to bring.

What's common ground though is the following: The need for good wet weather gear, especially a gortex jacket. Good walking shoes or boots are a must and at least 2 litres of water, 3 in summer as there is no water on the tracks.

I strongly recommend using hiking poles on the 3 Capes walks. Most of the walks on the 3 Capes have a lot of up and down and they will be a big help with stability and fatigue. Using poles has been said will ensure another 15 years of knee use before replacement! See this article for more information if you're interested.

From a safety perspective, a mobile phone fully charged and a backup battery are vital. With Emergency + app loaded on your phone, you can be tracked anywhere by rescuers, actually within 8 metres. The app also allows you to communicate with emergency services and assist rescuers if heavens forbid you run into any problems.

You will need some means of navigation and detailed maps of the walks you intend of doing. And don't rely on technology as there copious stories of people relying on tech and it failing and having no means of navigation. Don't forget a fail includes dropping your phone, losing it or running out of battery. Its happens a lot.

Lastly, a warm jumper is essential as is a sunhat, sunscreen (at least 30+), a first aid kit and toilet paper.

Whether or not to carry some of the following will be dependent on the weather conditions. By the way check the weather the night before walking and in the morning. It can get really hot or really cold and windy, so both have to be considered in whether walking is feasible (fortunately this doesn't happen often). In any case bringing waterproof overtrousers may save the day if it is wet as will be a warm hat. Sunglasses, camera, matches and a small torch are also worth packing. One last thing, I always carry a version of nappy rash cream, or a ( a rash powder), if its hot and you have solid legs it can make or break a walk. Also a must is Campeed for blisters. DO NOT leave home with out it.

There is more information on what to bring in the above FAQ section of this page.

5. You need to take your time

Take your time, be present, give your self the gift of doing very little. Take a book, an easel if you must or your drawing pad. Write something that is not work-related. Sit back and enjoy the view, if its not at our lodging then there's magic places along the Tasman Peninsula all over the place to sit and enjoy the serenity. To factor in extra time to sit and chill on the track, so you will need to do your research on the walks to make this happen. Breathe in the freshest air in the world, air that has travelled up from Antarctica (by the way the Great Ocean walk also has the freshest air in the world as does Portland in Victoria). It reminds me a bit of the oldest town in Victoria, all 3 of them. What is guaranteed is that the air is fresh, but who's to know what wins the freshest air competition. Does it even matter. Enjoy your exploration of Tasman Peninsula.

The climate on the Tasman Peninsula and the Three Capes is temperate.

The 3 Capes self-guided walking holidays is available year-round. However, October through to May are a more suitable and popular time to walk.  This is still a lovely time for walking, but it is Tasmania so your need to be prepared with at least a good quality wet weather jacket. Our local guides who live on the Island swear that June and July are also good times to walk also as the weather is often crisp and there is no one around. Please see our What To Bring section in FAQ’s for more information.

For more information please see the Bureau of Meteorology’s information concerning average temperatures and rainfall levels throughout the year.

Unsure which group guided Three Capes tour is right for you? See below for a quick overview on each of our group tours:

Three Capes Walk, Tasman Peninsula – 4 Days

Embark on a 4 day guided adventure through our Three Capes Walk walking tour, located on the Tasman Peninsula. Immerse yourself in ancient dolerite columns, lush rainforests and scenery as you trek between Cape Hauy, Cape Raoul, and Cape Pillar.

One of the highlights is the award-winning Wilderness Cruise, which offers a unique sea-level perspective of Cape Pillar. Plus, if you’re lucky you can get the chance to spot migrating whales.

With Auswalk’s 4 Day Three Capes Walking Tour, you can choose to stay in private chalets at Sewarts Bay Lodge, with inclusions of gourmet meals and views of surrounding nature. Auswalk will take care of all the logistics including all transport and accommodation for a pack-free walk.

Suitable for those seeking a shorter walking tour time frame whilst still being able to experience one of Australia’s most pristine coastal areas.

Bay of Fires, Freycinet, Wineglass Bay and the Three Capes – 7 Days

Explore the Bay of Fires, Freycinet, Wineglass Bay and the Three Capes in just a week!

You’ll start at the Bay of Fires, with its pink granite and beaches, then trail through the Freycinet National Park to Wineglass Bay.

There will be beautiful cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula to take in during your walk, including Cap Hauy and Cape Raoul. The last day of the walk concludes with a scenic trail featuring Remarkable Caves, Maingon Blowhole, and Crescent Bay Beach. This is an easy stroll, with smooth tracks.

For a higher challenge, the Mount Brown Summit is an option. At the end of the trip walkers will head back to Hobart, passing through the village of Richmond.

What’s included in Group Guided Three Capes Tours with Auswalk?

• An expert guide to help lead you throughout the entire walk, providing insights into the landscape, history and wildlife.
• Guide and navigation tools provided for worry-free walking.
• Transport and luggage transfers, allowing you to walk without carrying a heavy pack - including luggage tags and insulated lunch bags for convenience.
• 3 or 4 night accommodation in a comfortable, well-located area with ensuites
• All meals included, with a chef-prepared 2-course dinner each night, hearty breakfasts, and packed lunches provided daily.
• Entry fees covered for National Park Admission

Book Your Three Capes Tour Today

See below for a quick overview of our self guided Three Capes walking tours!

Three Capes, Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur – 4 Days

The 4 Day Three Capes tour follows a journey through Cape Hauy, Cape Raoul, and Waterfall Bay. Highlights include seeing dramatic coastline of sea caves, towering sea stacks, turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, as well as the highest vertical sea cliffs in Australia.

Walk through a mix of coastal heath, rainforest, and dry woodlands. Accommodation is at Stewarts Bay Lodge, with chef-prepared dinners and packed lunches. The itinerary includes access to Port Arthur Historic Site and an optional Wilderness Cruise to Cape Pillar.

Three Capes, Mount Brown and Port Arthur – 5 Days

If you’re after a slightly more comprehensive and relaxed experience with an extra adventure to Mount Brown and time at Port Arthur, consider the 5 Day Three Capes route at Auswalk.

Optional activities include a Wilderness Cruise to Cape Pillar. Enjoy a relaxed walking pace while taking in epic views of Australia’s highest sea cliffs and Southern Ocean.

What’s included in Self-guided Three Capes Tours with Auswalk?

• Daily transfers to and from each walk as well as to and from Hobart.
• Luggage tags and insulated lunch bags for convenience.
• Pack-free walking (no need to carry your own gear; everything is taken care of).
• 3 or 4 night accommodation in a comfortable, self-contained area with ensuites (depending on the tour length).
• Chef-prepared 2 course dinners, hearty breakfasts and packed lunches each day.
• Navigation apps, maps, and information packs provided for worry-free walking.
• Entry fees covered for National Park Admission.
• Entry to Port Arthur Historic site.

Book Your Three Capes Tour Today

As with any journey, it is essential to be prepared for your walking holiday. While we will be transporting your luggage from accommodation to accommodation, you will still be carrying a lightweight day pack with you. Here is what we suggest that you carry with you each day:

• Walking notes, a map, and a map case
• Picnic lunch packed in an insulated container (when supplied)
• Quality waterproof jacket with a hood
• Warm jumper or jacket
• Sunhat
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen (at least 15+)
• 1 to 2 litres of water
• First aid kit
• Toilet paper
• Some money
• Mobile phone (please note that reception is not available in all walk areas)
• Personal insect repellent, band-aids, and a small container of salt mixed with rice grains
• Personal necessities (example: required medication)

Now that we have the essentials packed, it is time to think of those additional items that may be worth packing along with you. These may include and are not limited to:

• Waterproof over-trousers
• Warm hat
• Sunglasses
• Camera (with an extra battery or sim cards)
• Binoculars
• Notebook and pen
• Matches
• Small torch
• Walking stick
• Thermos (for hot drinks)
• Additional snacks

Cape Raoul

Cape Raoul was named by the French explorer, Bruni d'Entrecasteaux for the pilot of his expedition, Joseph Francois Raoul. This French team visited Tasmania’s east coast in 1792 while searching for the lost French expedition of La Pérouse (which had come to grief in the Solomon Islands, but this wasn’t discovered until decades later).

Dolomieu Point

Dolomieu Point was named by the d’Entrecasteaux Expedition in honour of the French mineralogist Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu (1750 - 1801). This is also who the Italian Dolomites are named for!

Cape Hauy

The dolomite columns at Cape Hauy, at the east end of the Tasman Peninsula, were likened to a rank of organ pipes and named after the respected French scientist and mineralogist, Hauy.

Port Arthur

Port Arthur, the former penal colony is now one of Tasmania's iconic tourism destinations. It is located in between Cape Pillar and Cape Raoul near Carnarvon Bay.  It was named after George Arthur, the lieutenant governer of Van Diemens Land. The settlement first started in 1830 as a timber station and morphed into a penal colony.

Cape Pillar

Cape Pillar is one of the 3 stand out capes (there are a few other capes) on the Tasman Peninsula. The Cape Pillar cliffs rise to 300m high.  The later sections of the Cape Pillar Track follow the newly established Three Capes Track which can be done as a day walk but it is over 30km long.