Spot humpback whales
THREE CAPES TRACK, TASMANIA
What will I see? There’s plenty to inspire awe on one of Australia’s newest multi-day hikes: the highest sea cliffs in the southern hemisphere at Cape Pillar, spiky echidnas and, in spring and autumn, humpback whales travelling to and from Antarctica, says Gail MacCallum of Tasmanian hiking gear and food provider Three Capes Gear & Gourmet. How hard is it? Designed as an introduction to multi-day walking, the 46km trail starts at Port Arthur and has proved very popular with families in the school holidays. Unforgettable moment “It’s got to be Day 3,” says Gail. “With Tasman Island in front of you, you can see the sweep of the coastline where you’ve come from, and all three capes. Standing, uncaged, in that space that you’ve got to on your own legs, it’s a pretty amazing experience.”
In a group or going solo? Designed as a self-guided, self-catered, waymarked track, it’s either paved, banked gravel or broad boardwalks that allow two walkers side-by-side. The accommodation is in new, beautifully designed eco-huts that sleep four or eight to a room, with gas stoves, board games, libraries and yoga mats, and a host ranger at each hut who can brief on terrain and weather. September to April is the busiest time, when numbers are restricted to 48 walkers starting the one-way trail each day, in staggered departures.
Find out more An adult pass to hike the track costs $495, threecapestrack.com.au. You can hire hiking gear and buy prepacked meals from $70 for three days’ food, or go luxe and add cocktails, cheeses and meals, such as beef cheek, in vac-sealed bags,
(03) 6234 4918, email 3capesgear andgourmet.com.au.