Working at Bluey, I'm surrounded by hiking tales and stunning Tassie trail photos. I'm always answering questions about our merino gear for hiking, but it's been so long between hikes (we used to wear plastic bags over our socks to keep the rain out!) that I can honestly consider myself a newbie. Those mountains have been calling me back for ages, but I never answered. Until now, that is. Out of the blue, I got invited to hike the Three Capes. How could I say no? Here's how my first Tasmanian hike went.
A little bit about the Three Capes Track - Tasmania
The Three Capes Track is a captivating ‘Y’ shaped trail named after the three capes in the area: Cape Raoul, Cape Pillar, and Cape Hauy.
This remarkable walking adventure along the stunning Tasman Peninsula showcases the region’s raw beauty and historical significance. The creation of this track took ten years of planning and four years of construction, officially opening in December 2015.
The Huts (Overnight Sites)
Sleep
Each overnight site has the same well-designed huts. You keep your first night's room number for the whole trip, making it easy to settle in. The rooms have comfy bunk beds, long wooden benches, and hooks inside and out for your gear. There's no heating or pillows, though. It gets super dark at night—no light pollution out here. You need a head torch because the rooms don't have lights. Not bringing one was a huge mistake. I ended up stumbling around in the dark, bumping into everything while looking for a lost earplug, socks or my beanie.
Toilet/Shower
First-time hikers might find the no-flush toilets, limited mirrors, and pedal-operated outdoor sinks a bit out of their comfort zone. But you'll adjust quickly. It's more comfortable than hiking with a tent, and you'll be too tired to care anyway!
At the Munro site, you'll find two private outdoor showers with a unique twist. Instead of regular taps, you'll fill a metal bucket with warm water, then pour it into a shower sack. Hoist the sack up with a rope, hook it in place, and voila! You've got a slow, relaxing drip that lasts over 5 minutes. It might sound odd, but after a long hike, this shower is pure bliss!
Get your soap and shampoo ready before pulling the cord, a tip from Ruthie, an avid hiker (and lovely sis in law). Once the water starts, it's hard to stop, so make the most of it, don't waste those precious minutes. Don't forget to hang your clothes in a dry bag on the hook. The showers do not have a roof. It caught my husband off guard during a sudden downpour mid-shower—his gear got soaked!
Also remember to pack light post-hike footwear.You'll want those hiking boots/shoes off ASAP. Going barefoot or in your socks isn't an option on the site. The loos are far from the huts, especially at Munro. You'll be glad to have something easy to slip on for those midnight bathroom trips!
Eat
The shared kitchen and dining areas have a good vibe, and hikers are such a friendly mob. These spaces come with heating, cooking gear, solar lights, and USB charging. Bring your own cutlery, dishes, and tea towel. There's running water, but signs say to boil it. Most hikers drank it straight, but I boiled mine to be safe. Maybe it's okay seasonally? I should've checked with the rangers.
Pack fresh food for the first few days, especially fruit and veggies. Tassie's cool nights keep things fresh, unless you're hiking in peak summer. Also, do yourself a favour and bring a variety of snacks for each day. I made the mistake of eating the same thing daily (blame it on laziness?), and now the sight of rice crackers makes me queasy. Learn from my mistake and mix it up!
The Track
The Three Capes track offers stunning ocean views and amazing rock formations. It's a 48 km hike over four days, mostly on boardwalks and gravel - pretty easy-going. But heads up: Day 4 is packed with stairs, so save some energy for that!
They limit it to 48 hikers starting each day. We went during April school holidays, so there were lots of families. The kids were great, but we sometimes craved quiet moments. If you too seek quiet experiences, try avoiding school holidays. If you can't, watch when those large groups of hikers leave in the morning. Starting earlier or later and you may be lucky enough to experience the track all to yourself! Not guaranteed, but worth a try.
Day 1
Park your car at Port Arthur's long-stay lot and grab all your hiking gear. Your adventure kicks off right here! It's about a 10-minute walk to the Port Arthur Historical Site building. Look for the hikers' welcome area tucked under the stairs. This is where you'll tick your name off and receive your tag. The tag must be clipped on your bag. If time is on your side, you can leave your bag in the safe storage room and go upstairs to grab a bite before the cruise. The ham sandwich in a baguette we shared was super tasty and fresh!
Make your way to the dock early. Chill out, snap some group photos, and enjoy the view of Port Arthur. Once aboard the boat.The friendly boat crew will hand out raincoats if it's wet. The hour-long trip is amazing—you'll spot local birds and learn some history. Pay attention even if you're buzzing with excitement; the info they share comes in handy when you're on the trail later.
Photo © Darren Colbert
Time to get off the boat at Denman Cove. This might seem a bit daunting, but it's actually one of the most exciting parts. You'll need to take off your shoes and socks, roll up your pants, and walk straight into the water. Don't worry about it—just surrender. Three Capes is perfect for letting go. Just enjoy the moment and the nature around you.
The first two hours of the track aren't too tough, but you might be tired from the excitement. You'll meet a ranger when you arrive—each hut has a different one. They do a quick nightly chat about rules and stuff. Listen up for the weather report. Knowing what to wear makes your hike way better. Changing clothes mid-hike is a bit of a pain, so plan ahead.
Tip: when you get to your room, set up your sleeping bag, pillow, and anything else you need for the night. The sound of zipping and unzipping can be annoying when you're trying to sleep. Also, lay out your clothes for the next morning to head out smoothly without waking anyone. (Thanks again Ruthie!)
Another tip (thanks, @juliajpatten) drink a litre of water when you wake up. I kept a thermos by my bed, and it stayed warm all night, so I drank it while still in my sleeping bag. This way, you can use the bathroom before hiking but remember to bring water for the day.
Day 2
Today, you have 11 kilometres ahead, and it will take you 4 to 4.5 hours to reach Munro. Along the way, you’ll find unique and distinctly Tasmanian story seats scattered throughout the 3 Capes Track. Designed by UTAS architecture students, these 18 seats tell stories about the region’s history, environment, and natural features. They actively engage walkers in learning about the area. My favourite was “The Lightkeeper’s Daughter.” It was a sad story that highlighted the challenges of living in a lighthouse during that era.
Take in the breathtaking views as you wander through eucalypt forests, heathlands, and open moorlands. After conquering Arthurs Peak, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Crescent Bay, Mount Brown, and Cape Raoul. Head east along the cliffs, passing through the picturesque Ellarwey Valley. Finally, return to a towering eucalypt forest. At the track junction, turn south and continue your journey through more enchanting forests and heathlands. The anticipation builds as you spot the boot washdown stations—a sign of your progress and the imminent arrival of your well-deserved shower!
Day 3
Sunrise alert! Don't miss it—Munro offers a stunning view of Cape Hauy. I've seen hardcore sunrise fans doing their sun salutes on the deck, and if you're into yoga, no need to bring your mat; the huts have mats and bolsters for everyone. It gets busy quickly with hikers in awe, phones in hand, taking selfies. If the deck's too crowded, try the helicopter pad near the toilets.
Day three is my favourite—I loved the long, winding path of the Snake. Plus, you only need to carry a day pack today, yay! The Blade has amazing views, but if you're not a fan of heights, it might feel intimidating. Go as far as you want—it's up to you. I made it to the top but couldn't sit on that top boulder. Most people do, but hey, it's not a competition.
Day 4
Confession: I didn't do my homework before starting the Three Capes and thought day four would be a relaxing stroll to the bus stop. I was so wrong! With about 4,500 steps, it was a gruelling day. If you're not an experienced hiker, the constant up and down can be quite a challenge.
If I could do day four again, I'd hang out in the forest longer. Mount Fortescue is like a magical world with weird mushrooms and moss all over. Sun rays look like golden ribbons, and the air is filled with an enchanting aroma. Trust me, it's worth slowing down
The next part of the day is the climb to Cape Hauy. Now's the time to be honest with yourself. You might feel great with plenty of time before your bus arrives, or you might be exhausted and worried about an injury. Depending on your personality, you might want to push to the top for the achievement, or just climb as far as you can, then relax at the Photo Finish post and enjoy more time on the beach. It's your call, and there's no medal at the end. We pushed ourselves and were exhausted. The view was beautiful, but I'm not sure it added much to the experience. I'm glad I did it, but it meant no beach time for us, and I was dying to dive into that turquoise water
After the Photo Finish post, you've got a 10-15 minute walk to the beach and bus stop. Heads up: toilets and showers are a bit further, and there's no food or drinks at the stop. Pro tip from Julia: stash a 'goodies bag' in your car with comfy clothes, shoes, snacks, and drinks. Trust me, you'll be glad to see it after your hike.
What else? Don't skip the 50+ sunscreen, even on rainy days. Tassie's high UV levels, changeable weather, and the exposed track mean you could start in rain gear and end up sunburnt. The midday sun is especially fierce, so protect your skin.
Final take
How do I feel after my first Tassie hike? I love it. I just want to go back! I'm hooked and wish I'd done it sooner. Now I want to hike everywhere—it's a bit obsessive. I'm already shopping for new gear. Speaking of which, I forgot to mention why merino layers are your best hiking friends. I'll cover that next time. There's so much to say, so stay tuned for more advice on what to wear and pack!
Emma
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