Day 1: Hobart - Crescent Lodge
At the start of your walk we will pick you up from the Old Woolstore at approximately 9.20am or you can make your way down to our walkers base at the ILX Atrium (27 Hunter Street, Hobart) which is a 5 minute walk from the Old Woostore. 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 a 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.
In Denman’s Cove 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.
Approx 2 hours walking
Day 2: Crescent Lodge - Cape Pillar Lodge
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 relaxation bath on offer at Cape Pillar Lodge.
Approx 5 hours walking
Day 3: Cape Pillar Lodge return
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, read a book with sea breeze in your toes.
Those with a penchant for pampering can forego today’s walk and spend the day at Cape Pillar Lodge. Enjoy one of our relaxing treatments ranging from 30 to 60 minutes and immerse yourself in the enchanting surrounds.
Approx 6 hours walking (optional)
Day 4: Cape Pillar Lodge - Fortescue Bay
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 (4km return) - 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 6.00pm) via the airport (approximately 5.30pm). We will finish in Hobart with a glass of celebratory bubbles.
Approx 6 hours walking (Cape Hauy side trip optional)
