Mount Fortescue Circuit

Friday 5th January 2018

Mount Fortescue

This circuit starts at Fortescue Bay, follows the Cape Pillar track to the Three Capes Track and then back along the coast, over Mount Fortescue and back to the start. I had done it before when it could be walked in a clockwise direction. It can only be walked anticlockwise now due to National Parks rules.
As it was holiday time, the camping area at Fortescue Bay was crowded out and even the walks car park had limited parking spaces. I set off along the Cape Pillar track and made good time to the Three Capes junction. The Cape Pillar track was quite clear and has had some maintenance done to it.

Cape Pillar track

Button Grass plains towards Arthurs Peak

Arthurs Peak

Once on the Three Capes track I followed it in a northerly direction, through the Retakunna complex, and began the climb up Mount Fortescue. There was a group of hikers just preparing to set off. About halfway up Mount Fortescue, I stopped on a convenient seat to have a snack and to let the hikers go ahead, as they were all young and fit looking. Oh to be that age again.

Three Capes Track

Three Capes Track

Area at Retakunna where helicopter lands

Convenient seat. Red paint is supposed to represent blood

I huffed and puffed up the remaining track to the top of Mount Fortescue. I did not stop at the lookout as there was no room due to the presence of the previously mentioned hikers. I knew there were plenty more lookout spots ahead. The rain forest around Mount Fortescue is quite pretty with lots of moss and tree ferns.

I carried on down to Red Dirt Bluff where there are heaps of lookout locations along the way.

Cape Pillar

Cape Pillar

Once past the lookouts I walked on to the Cape Hauy turnoff when I encountered the hikers again as they were settling down for lunch, and then continued on back to Fortescue Bay.

Three Capes Track at Fortescue Bay

Fortescue Bay

Fortescue Bay

Fortescue Bay

When I arrived back at the car there were people everywhere. All car parks were taken and people had improvised, and utilized every available small spot to park. It was quite chaotic and I was glad to get out of there.
This was a good walk with nice rain forest and coastal scenery.
Distance: 18.0 kms.
Time: 5'18"
Ascent: 730 metres
Click here to download GPX file.