Mount Fortescue Circuit

Friday 6th May 2011

Cape Pillar from Mount Fortescue area

The walk starts at the day use area at Fortescue Bay on the Tasman Peninsula (National Parks Pass required).
Note: Due to the opening of the first section of the Three Capes Track this walk can only be completed in an anticlockwise direction because of National Parks restrictions.
As I knew it was going to be a long walk I set off at 0650 on a beautiful fine day. My aim was to walk to Cape Hauy and then on to Mount Fortescue and return via the Cape Pillar track, thus completing a circuit. The track was flat for the first kilometre before gradually rising to the Cape Hauy junction. On the way I came across a wallaby sitting on a rock beside the track.

From Cape Hauy

I then walked down the track to Cape Hauy where there are great coastal views. There were great views from many places along the track, really. After spending a little time taking in the scenery I retraced my steps back to the junction and continued on in the direction of Mount Fortescue. The track climbed steadily to Mount Fortescue and the summit was 11.2 kms. from the start allowing for the diversion to Cape Hauy. Around Mount Fortescue was an area of dense rainforest with moss everywhere, and ever so dark in there too that I almost needed a torch. There were no real views from the summit and the only way to really determine it was the summit was when I started going down on the other side.

Cape Pillar from along the track

The track then went downhill for a while and then back up to meet the Cape Pillar track at Tornado Ridge. From here it was basically all downhill back to the car on the Cape Pillar track. It was quite a long walk but very enjoyable because of the great scenery.
Distance: 22.2 kms.
Time: 7'48"
Ascent: 1207 metres
Click here to download GPX track.

Along the track

Looking towards Dolomieu Point

At Cape Hauy

At Cape Hauy

Along the track

Along the track

Along the track - sea cave