Cape Hauy 2013

This walk took place on March 12, 2013 on a fine, but slightly overcast day.

This is going to be part of the Three Capes Walk that the Tasmanian Government hopes will attract more tourists to the area. Maybe.

Parking area

Now we find out where we're going.

We're off

A huge amount of work has gone into upgrading the track, which will enable anyone to walk, in this instance, to Cape Hauy. Government plans include a commercial operation with guides, huts and "a boat-based experience", whatever that is. It's a shame areas like this are being turned into Disneyland.

I've been on this track before, years ago and enjoyed it. Now, with the work that has been done it's not the same experience by any means. Much stone has been flown in by helicopter and literally hundreds of steps have been constructed, that aren't a pleasure to walk on. I think someone in our group gave up when they counted to over 700. I've heard the same complaints from other people who are not in our group and without prompting when they hear I've done the walk.

Secret Government security device zaps anyone who complains about the steps.

Back to the walk. We start at Fortescue Bay on the Tasman Peninsula, the start of the track is well marked and there is plenty of parking for vehicles.

The bush is dry, and in March, many flowering plants are in full bloom, so we're on our way. Before long we reach a very nice little stone bridge on which we have Morning Tea. Not so nice is what we find when we stand up. Don't know who it fell off of, but he enjoyed him/herself!

Good spot for Morning Tea

Uninvited guest. Shall we call him Cary Grant? In case you don't know Cary Grant's real name was Archie Leach (Leech). Best I can do for now.

At the beginning we walk along the foreshore before entering open forest. The track continues until you reach the junction with the Cape Pillar/Mt. Fortescue track, where we turn left.

Track junction

Ian's happy

That's where we're going.

That track you can see is all steps.

This leads toward the cape by heading down into a valley and up the other side.
Did I mention there are a lot of steps?

Distant view of Cape Pillar with Cathedral Rock at it's tip.

Looking back

There's a fair drop just here and this is as close as I get.

A bit of flat track on the bottom of the valley.

We're getting quite strung out now.

The island in the distance is the Hippolyte Rocks Nature Reserve.

There are many view points along the way, and lunch was had in a spot overlooking Mitre Rock.

Lunch

Just below the lunch spot.

Mitre Rock

After lunch it was just a matter of following our steps back. On the way, we came across someone resting beside the track. It was were completely unconcerned with us and regally ignored us as we passed. Quickly.

Just to end on a more pleasant note.

 The incredible views made up somewhat for all the interference with the track, and it was a good walk.

We had about a dozen walkers and covered 11km in 4:33 hours

Click here to download GPX file