10 Day Tasmania & The Three Capes Walking Itinerary

Welcome to Hobart, the capital of the Apple Isle!

Nestled amongst the foothills of Mt Wellington, Hobart is a harbour town with heritage charm and a modern lifestyle. From the bustling waterfront of Salamanca Place to the historic houses of quaint Battery Point, Hobart is a gorgeous place to wander and get lost in.

Take a bus to the summit of Mount Wellington for panoramic views over the city, or board a ferry at Brooke Street Pier and sail upstream to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).

You won't be short of delicious dining options this evening: Hobart has fast become one of Australia's top gourmet hotspots, thanks to its amazing local produce.

Accommodation: Hobart - 1 night

Ready to walk the world’s edge? Journey along some of the world’s highest sea cliffs with The Three Capes Lodge Walk, the only fully guided Three Capes Track experience with accommodation inside the National Park. 

Day 1: Hobart - Crescent Lodge

Approximately 2 hours walking

At the start of your walk we will pick you up from MACq01 between 9.00am - 9.10am,  follwed by the Old Woolstore between 9.05am - 9.15am. Or make your way down to our walkers base (164 Murray Street, Hobart) at 9.30am. 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.

Day 2: Crescent Lodge - Cape Pillar Lodge

Approximately 5 hours walking

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.

Day 3: Cape Pillar Lodge return

Approximately 6 hours walking (optional)

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.

Day 4: Cape Pillar Lodge - Fortescue Bay

Approximately 6 hours walking (Cape Hauy side trip optional)

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. The 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 - 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 5.45 pm) via the airport (approximately 5.30 pm).  We will finish in Hobart with a glass of celebratory bubbles.

Accommodation: Hobart - 3 nights

The South West – Where the Wild Things are… Discover the grandeur and spirit of Tasmania

This eight-hour tour explores the remote and harsh southern coasts and waterways of this rugged and beautiful region of Tasmania. Landing at Melaleuca Airport, take to the water and explore the pristine waterways of The Port Davey Marine Reserve taking in Waterfall Bay and the Breaksea Islands.

After a gourmet lunch featuring delicious Tasmanian produce, we disembark the vessel and explore the Melaleuca Museum and the Needwonnee Walk, a fantastic monument to the rich indigenous history of the area. Returning to the skies, we head inland over The Arthur Range, arguably Tasmania’s most spectacular mountain range.

Taking in Mount Picton and The Huon Valley, we return to Hobart via Mount Wellington for a birds-eye view of the beautiful capital of Tasmania before landing back at Cambridge.

Spend the day exploring the spectacular landscapes of Bruny Island. Your adventure highlights the unique natural environment of Bruny Island. Take in the glorious views from the iconic Neck Lookout, climbing the 240 wooden steps to take in the narrow isthmus between north and south Bruny Island. Step back in time with a walk through the ancient Mavista Rainforest and breathe in the cleanest air as you stroll under the towering canopy. Keep an eye out for the rare white wallabies that thrive on our private reserve.

Get Shucked's famous Bruny oysters will be served alongside lunch to keep you fuelled as you explore the island. Lunch is accompanied by two glasses of premium local and Tasmanian wine, beer or cider.

Collect your rental car this morning and make your way along the coast to Freycinet National Park.

Freycinet National Park

If you thought Tasmania couldn't get any more beautiful, Freycinet will prove you wrong. Against a backdrop of pink granite mountains, you'll discover secluded bays, pristine waters, white sandy beaches, local wildlife and incredible walking trails.

Wineglass Bay is the jewel in Freycinet's crown. Nestled at the foot of the forest-covered mountains, you'll see a crescent of white sand bordering the emerald waters of the bay. Admire it from the Wineglass Bay lookout point or grab a picnic and hike down to one of the most beautiful beaches you have ever seen (2.5hrs return).

Suggested Activity: Bicheno Penguin Tour (30 mins from Freycinet)

At night begins to fall, see Little Blue Penguins return to their burrows on a twilight guided penguin tour. This is a rare and thrilling chance to get very close to the world's smallest penguins in a private rookery. Watch as they emerge from the ocean after a hard day of fishing and head home for the night

Approximate Distance: 195 km | 121 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Accommodation: Freycinet National Park - 2 Nights

Spend today among the pink granite peaks of Freycinet National Park and cruise to idyllic Wineglass Bay, rated as one of the ten best beaches in the world by Outside magazine.

Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park, with its stunning pink granite peaks, is located on Tasmania's east coast. At Wineglass Bay the pink granite mountains form the backdrop for secluded bays, pristine waters, white sandy beaches, local wildlife, and walking trails.

Wineglass Bay Cruise

Nestled underneath the Hazards Mountain range, Wineglass Bay is a location of primeval peace and beauty. Experience the tranquility from a truly unique perspective with award-winning Wineglass Bay Cruises. The scenery is stunning, the wildlife abundant, and you will experience a rare, intimate outlook on one of Tasmania’s most extraordinary places.

Expect to see abundant local wildlife including sea birds, penguins, dolphins, seals and whales as you sail from the gentle shores of Coles Bay to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Stop for lunch at Wineglass Bay and enjoy some of Tasmania’s finest fresh produce, selected by the head chef at Freycinet Lodge.

Say farewell to Tasmania today as you make your way back to Hobart and board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your Tasmanian adventure and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.

Approximate Distance: 195 km | 121 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 40 minutes