Dolomieu Point

Saturday 17th May 2014

The Lanterns, Totem Pole and Cape Hauy from around Thumbs Point

I had walked to Dolomieu Point a few years ago from Fortescue Bay but I had not walked the section of the Tasman Coastal Trail between Tatnells Hill and Dolomieu Point before. I decided to start from Balts Road as I had also not done that section up to Tatnells Hill either. Why not combine the two, I thought, so that is exactly what I did.
To reach the Balts Road starting point, drive just past Taranna and turn into Camp road. Follow this for 2 kms. and turn into Balts Road which is followed for 1.3 kms. to a junction. Go straight ahead for 2 kms. to a small parking area. This last couple of kilometres is 4WD only but not too bad.

Looking north from Tatnells Hill

I set off about 0800 and the first 1.5 kms. was on an old forestry track which went downhill to meet a walking track up to Tatnells Hill. This track was quite overgrown and obviously gets little use. Even though it was overgrown, it was not too hard to follow with the occasional marker here and there. After about an hour from setting off I reached the top of Tatnells Hill and walked down to the junction with the Tasman Coastal trail. From Tatnells Hill to Dolomieu Point was basically downhill all the way with a few minor ups and downs. Of course, this meant that it was going to be all uphill on the way back, which I must admit, I am not that keen on later in the day. I would much rather do any uphill early on.

Looking towards Cape Hauy from Tasman Coastal Trail

The trail down to Thumbs Point was in good condition and very easy to follow. There were only fleeting glimpses of the coastal scenery at a few spots but the walking was enjoyable with the forest varying from rainforest to more open forest. From Thombs Point to Dolomieu Point the track mostly followed along the top of the cliff line with spectacular views from the many lookout spots along the way. I reached Dolomieu Point just over 3 hous from setting off and had lunch at the same place as i did a few years ago, overlooking the great scenery.

An example of the Tasman Coastal Trail

After lunch it was time to head back. The climb back up turned out to be a bit of a slog but I eventually made it back to the car just before 1500. It took me 3'40" to get back. I was quite glad to eventually arrive. All up quite a good walk with great coastal scenery to enjoy.
Distance: 20.7 kms.
Time: 7'00"
Ascent: 1030 metres
Click here to download GPX track.

Thumbs Point

Looking north from Thumbs Point

Thumbs Point

Looking south towards Cape Hauy

Thumbs Point

Looking south towards Fortescue Bay

Looking north from Dolomieu Point

130 metres to the sea below

To walk to Dolomieu Point from Fortescue Bay start at the Fortescue Bay day use area(National Parks Pass required) and walk up the beach in a northerly direction to the track at the end of the beach. The track then goes past Canoe Bay and Bivouac Bay before a short climb to Dolomieu Point. A good walk.
Distance: 12.4 kms.
Time: 3'45"
Ascent: 560 metres

Click here to download GPX track from Fortescue Bay.