Tasman on track for walk revamp

PLANNED improvements to walking tracks on the Tasman Peninsula will make one of the state’s most spectacular hidden gems more accessible.

The track from Remarkable Cave to Crescent Bay and Mount Brown, near Port Arthur, is expected to be closed from May 1 to October 1 for construction.

The Remarkable Cave site in the Tasman National Park is set to receive a complete facelift at the same time, with new elevated pedestrian walkways, better parking and rehabilitation of the escarpment to protect the environment and improve sustainability.

The Parks and Wildlife Servivice said the upgrades had bbeen timed to avoid the peak vivisitor period.

“These upgrades will allow vivisitors to enjoy better facilities aand improved short and partday walks to spectacular coastal locations in the area, while bbetter protecting the environment as visitor numbers increase,” it said on social media.

“Works will include the upgrade to 3.7km of walking track at Remarkable Cave and Crescent Bay and Mt Brown. Crescent Bay is a hidden gem on the Peninsula and this new track will make it more accessible, with Mt Brown as an exciting side trip.”

The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment called for tend- ers for the projects on the weekend.

A DPIPWE spokesman said once the track from Remarkable Cave to Mt Brown and Crescent Bay was completed, it would provide an outstanding day-trip experience as a oneoff or it could be added to the beginning or end of a Three Capes walk.

He said the track would be upgraded to a similar standard to existing Three Capes walks.

Tasman Mayor Kelly Spaulding said day walks were becoming a major drawcard for the area.

“The multi-day Three Capes track experience brings in big numbers and spending but there’s a huge market down here for shorter day walks,” Cr Spaulding said.

“There’s huge potential at Remarkable Cave and Crescent Bay that hasn’t been discovered.

“Any new infrastructure or improvements to existing walks will benefit the region and bring people back.”

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said the changes were not only about coping with the current tourism boom but planning for the future.