- Written by Mat Young. Outdoor Professional, Tasmania Guide, and an Ambassador for K2 Base Camp. -
Three Capes Track Hiking Guide
The Tasman Peninsula has a rich colonial history as the home of the Port Arthur Historic Site. In the late 1820’s Governor Arthur commissioned a penitentiary to be constructed on the peninsula, with the first convicts arriving in 1830. The Peninsula was uniquely suited to this purpose for its proximity to Hobart, abundant natural resources and unique geography.
But these days it is more commonly known for its dramatic scenery, huge sea cliffs, abundant wildlife and volatile weather. With the tallest sea cliffs in the southern hemisphere, all manner of birds, mammals and marine life (it’s not uncommon to spot whales or pods of dolphins swimming offshore), it really is a nature lover’s paradise.
The construction of the Three Capes Track has given countless adventurers easy access to explore this stunning part of Tasmania and I would encourage pretty much anyone to give it a crack.
Here is what you will read in this article.
Table of Contents:
At a Glance: What, Where, When, How?
What:
The Three Capes Track is a 4 day, 48km hike through the South-Eastern part of the Tasman Peninsula. As a permit based hike, adventurers receive access to well graded trails and huts equipped with various amenities. This makes it a great first multiday hike as the gear, skill and fitness requirements are relatively low.
Where:
The trail is located on the Tasman Peninsula in the SE corner of Tasmania. Beginning at the Port Arthur Historic Site (approximately 90 minute drive from Hobart) 4 days of hiking will see you finishing at Fortescue Bay.
When:
You can hike the trail year-round and different times of year have their own pros and cons.
My personal favourite is spring, particularly late October to early November, as this is when the coastal heath is flowering most abundantly.
How:
After booking your permit on the park's website, you arrive on your designated day and check in at the Port Arthur Historic Site, this is also where you leave your car. From there, you are ferried over to Denman’s Cove to begin your 4-day hike. Once you finish at Fortescue Bay, you will be shuttled back to your car at the Historic Site; the shuttle and ferry are included in your permit fee.
What:
The Three Capes Track is a 4 day, 48km hike through the South-Eastern part of the Tasman Peninsula. As a permit based hike, adventurers receive access to well graded trails and huts equipped with various amenities. This makes it a great first multiday hike as the gear, skill and fitness requirements are relatively low.
Where:
The trail is located on the Tasman Peninsula in the SE corner of Tasmania. Beginning at the Port Arthur Historic Site (approximately 90 minute drive from Hobart) 4 days of hiking will see you finishing at Fortescue Bay.
When:
You can hike the trail year-round and different times of year have their own pros and cons. My personal favourite is spring, particularly late October to early November, as this is when the coastal heath is flowering most abundantly.
How:
After booking your permit on the park's website, you arrive on your designated day and check in at the Port Arthur Historic Site, this is also where you leave your car. From there, you are ferried over to Denman’s Cove to begin your 4-day hike. Once you finish at Fortescue Bay, you will be shuttled back to your car at the Historic Site; the shuttle and ferry are included in your permit fee.
Planning: Water, Food, Navigation, Weather and Difficulties
Water
Heathy soils and high cliffs don’t lend themselves well to holding water however the huts are well supplied with water, so as long as you have enough capacity to last you throughout the day water isn’t really an issue on the trail.
Food
If you have never done a multiday hike before, pairing lightweight freeze-dried meals and calorie dense snacks is the best way to minimise your load, food can be heavy.
Weather
The weather down on the peninsula can be dramatic at any time of year, gale force winds are common, it’s a windy place. Being prepared with good quality layers is compulsory in Tassie, no matter the time of year.
Food
If you have never done a multiday hike before, pairing lightweight freeze-dried meals and calorie dense snacks is the best way to minimise your load, food can be heavy.
Weather
The weather down on the peninsula can be dramatic at any time of year, gale force winds are common, it’s a windy place. Being prepared with good quality layers is compulsory in Tassie, no matter the time of year.
Navigation is exceptionally straightforward on this hike as the trail is a well-formed highway through the bush. Parks does a map specifically for the Three Capes, which covers the entire route and includes some track notes and other pertinent information.
Notes on the hike: Itinerary, Side Trips
Day 1
Day one includes checking in and a ferry ride through Port Arthur, after arriving at Denmans Cove. A short 4km walk up a slight incline will see you arriving at Surveyors Hut for the first evening.
Day 2
At 11km this day has a few ups and downs including Arthur’s Peak, the trail offers some dramatic views of the cliffs along the southern coast of the peninsula. Eventually arriving at the beautifully located Munro Hut.
Day 3
This is the longest day at 19km, to make life a little easier most hikers leave their packs at Munro hut to collect on their return. This day is an out & back of Cape Pillar and a special experience, arriving at the end of the cape you will be perched ~300m above the water and look out over Tasman Island.
Day 4
Your final day is dramatic and for some, quite challenging; 14ks and many many stairs make up the final stretch of trail out to Cape Hauy and Fortescue Bay. But again, the rewards are spectacular scenery. To soothe those sore knees and rinse off, a swim at the beach when you finish is compulsory in my opinion.
Gear List
The amenities that are provided within the huts make this hike super achievable for people who don’t have all the gear. My recommendation would be not to overcomplicate things by taking way more than you need. My list is minimal; a lot of people like extra clothes, some people even carry a flask of wine. Whatever floats your boat, but the trail is gentle enough that you can get away with taking some luxuries. As long as you’re prepared to carry it for 4 days.
Core Items
Hiking pack: 50L should be plenty. If you’re filling up a pack larger than this, I would be asking some questions.
Sleeping bag: Personal preference and depends on what time of year you do this hike, however, something around the 0 degree mark would probably be fine for most of the year.
Water Carriage: 2-3L capacity
Cooking Equipment: As a minimum a pot and utensils for use on the communal gas facilities in the huts.
Collapsible Day Pack: Sea to Summit does one that collapses to the size of a golf ball.
Clothing
Raincoat: Goretex or equivalent, pit zips are nice to have.
Fleece jumper: A good quality mid layer to put on if temps drop or the wind picks up.
Synthetic or Down insulated jacket: Depending on the time of year, probably not necessary in summer.
Hiking pants: Lightweight, comfortable, quick drying.
Hiking shorts: Nice to have in warm weather.
Hiking boots: Something comfortable is the priority, the trails are well-graded and compact, so comfort underfoot is the priority with this walk.
Accessories
First aid kit: Bandage, snake bite bandage, alcohol wipes, bandaids, strapping tape, hydralite & ibuprofen as minimum.
Headtorch: Something that can take both rechargeable and AAA batteries is an advantage.
Powerbank & Cables: USB charging facilities at the huts means you can keep your kindle or phone charged.
As Tasmanian hikes go, this is logistically simple and requires minimal equipment to accomplish. That being said, you should still do your research, buy good gear and prepare physically, 48km carrying a pack is still 48km carrying a pack. Those who go out there prepared and ready for the elements will be rewarded with an enjoyable experience and a great sense of accomplishment.