Can you walk the Three Capes Track
for the cost of a Parks Pass?
The answer is yes if you only want to visit Cape Pillar and/or Cape Hauy …and stick to a few rules. A few suggestions are listed below:
What are the track differences?
The original Cape Pillar alternatives still shape up well against the Three Capes Track. With only the short section between Denman’s Cove and Tornado Ridge missing, you won’t miss out on any major components of the trail by walking directly to Cape Pillar. You will of course miss out on the cruise and cabin accommodation options.
The walks in summary:
Three Capes Track: Leaving Port Arthur and finishing at Fortescue Bay, this 4 day – 46km track is the ultimate in luxury hiking. Climb aboard the chauffeured boat and begin your hike witnessing the incredible dolerite cliffs from ocean level. That truly is impressive. From there its an easy and relaxed walk along platformed and even stepped tracks. Accommodation each night is in comfortable cabins with fantastic views from 2 of the 3 spots. No particular day is challenging, 17km being covered on the three day being the most challenging taking about 6 hours.
4 Days, 46km, Medium Difficulty, Cost $495 for adults
Cape Pillar Circuit: Leaving and finishing at Fortescue Bay this 3 day, 38km track includes the best of the Cape Pillar area without the luxuries or expense of the Three Capes Walk. No boats or ocean level views here. Though the incredible view from the top is still the same. While the camp location isn’t ideal, it isn’t too bad and acts as a base to experience Cape Pillar as a day walk (no packs needed!). No particular day is challenging along this route, the longest 17km day back to Fortescue via Cape Hauy is completed in about 6 hours.
3 Days, 38km, Medium Difficulty, Cost $30 for adults (the price of a 8 week Parks Pass)
Cape Pillar Direct: Leaving and finishing at Fortescue Bay this 2 day, 30km track goes directly to and from Cape Pillar with minimal fuss via the inland track. Again, no luxuries here. No boats or ocean level views, though the incredible view from the top is still the same. Cape Hauy and Mount Fortescue are also off the cards. That’s okay though, we didn’t come for those. Accommodation isn’t great. While the camp location isn’t ideal, it isn’t too bad and acts as a base to experience Cape Pillar as a day walk (no packs needed!). One of your days will be long and challenging, about 20km and 7 hours while the other will be short and sweet. This does allow for an early evening swim at Fortescue Bay once completed.
2 Days, 30km, Medium Difficulty, Cost $24 for adults (the price of 2 day Parks Pass)
Camp and Cabin locations for each walk, along with track details have been highlighted on the maps below.
Please note these maps are for illustrative purposes only. Base map supplied by Land Information System Tasmania.
A closer look at Wughalee Falls and Bare Knoll
Wughalee Falls and Bare Knoll campsites consist of 8 established tent platforms, toilets and water tanks. Bare Knoll is the recommended campsite, as it is more directly on track and is within a drier area.
Above are the Wughalee Falls photos. Thanks to bushwalk.com forum member DanShell for allowing us to use his photographs.
Hopefully, this guide has begun to clear up any confusion. If any information appears incorrect or you would like to provide further details, please feel free to contact us.
Happy Hiking!