Arthurs Peak

Thursday 18th February 2016

Crescent Mountain in the rain

 Unfortunately, I did not choose a very good day weather wise to do this walk today as it was rainy and windy, but apart from that it was a nice walk. I had been to Arthurs Peak before but wanted to check out some more of the Three Capes Track, so I decided to combine the two.
It was quite fine when I left home but it started raining about halfway down to the Tasman Peninsula. Of course I was optimistic that it would clear up. It didn't really.
I set off from the car park at Fortescue Bay and along the old Cape Pillar track for about an hour to the Arthurs Peak turnoff. There used to be a sign here but that has been removed. A few cairns still mark the junction.

Sign at the start of Cape Pillar track

Start of Arthurs Peak track

The rain persisted as I walked along the Arthurs Peak track. The track is more overgrown now than when I last did it but it can be followed reasonably easily, requiring some pushing through the scrub in places. I reached the base of Arthurs Peak and climbed up coming upon a boot cleaning station on the track, which is new. After that it was a short walk up to the Three Capes Track. This track climbed steeply up to Arthurs Peak via stone steps which was easier than walking along the cliff edge, but not as much fun. At the top I met six walkers doing the Three Capes Track and they had come from the Surveyors Cove huts that morning and were going to Munro camp on Cape Pillar.
There was no view at all from here as visibility was no more than 50 metres. I got out my camera to take some shots anyway and discovered that it was not working. I think it ingested some rainwater and refused to work. I started down the Three Capes Track and then remembered that I had my phone with me so took a few photos along the way which are not real good but I will include them anyway.

Three Capes Track

Three Capes Track

 There is a sign at this seat with a story about it. Apparently it was supposed to be located 1.0 km. further along the track but could not be placed there due to nesting eagles which tend to attack helicopters. They tried to relocate it by hand but it is too heavy. The photo does not convey the size properly, as it is quite large.

Three Capes Track

On Three Capes Track

As I reached an open area of the track the skies partially cleared for a moment to grab a few quick photos.

The track now left the coast line and headed inland through some nice forest to eventually arrive at the old Cape Pillar track junction. Along the way was another elaborate seat.

Three Capes Track

"Love in the Woods" seat

"Love in the Woods" seat

Sign on Three Capes Track at junction with Cape Pillar Track

Cape Pillar track junction

Once I reached here it was simply a matter of following the old Cape Pillar track back to the car.
This was an enjoyable walk despite the weather and for some better photos check out my previous post here.
Distance: 19.8 kms.
Time: 5'43"
Ascent: 600 metres
Click here to download GPX file.

Surveyors Cove

Saturday 16th January 2016

Surveyors Cove

 Our aim today was to walk in to Denmans Cove and then to check out a little of the Three Capes Track (really only Two Capes at present) by walking to Surveyors Cove. It turned out to be a good day. Access to the walk start and previous post here.
We set off and reached Stinking Bay in no time. It did not live up to its name as there was not much smell today. There were a couple of campers here.

At Stnking Bay looking towards Arthurs Peak

At Stinking Bay looking towards Mount Brown

Stinking Bay Beach

We continued on along the beach and then on to the track at the end of the beach. After 1'50" we reached Denmans Cove. Not much had changed since I was here last except for a large buoy in the cove and a board walk leading to the start of the Three Capes Track.

Denmans Cove

Port Arthur from Denmans Cove

To Three Capes Walk

Start Three Capes Track

Start Three Capes Track

We set off up the track and immediately came to this sign below.

This sign is ambiguous, and I would suggest is purposely made that way to deter independent walkers. All that is required to walk the Three Capes Track is a valid Parks Pass and to camp instead of staying in the huts. See article here. As there were no signs designating that this section of track was one way we headed up the track, but not before disinfecting our boots at the cleaning station. The track was wide, wide enough for two people to walk side by side.

Three Capes Track

Three Capes Track

Three Capes Track

It was very easy walking, definitely not bush walking, but good for the tourists, I suspect. There was great scenery along the 2.0 km. section that we did to Surveyors Cove.

Mount Brown from Three Capes Track

Looking towards Cape Pillar from Three Capes Track

Looking towards Stinking Bay from Three Capes Track

Bush walking luxury

Looking towards Point Puer from Three Capes Track

More bush walking luxury

Interestingly we came across a guy sitting on on of the seats, and engaged him in conversation to get some information. He had paid for the walk, but because of time restraints was not completing the entire walk and was catching the boat out from Denmans Cove at 1230. He had stayed at the huts at the Surveyors Cove site overnight and had been up to Arthurs Peak and back and then down to where he was now. Maybe that is all two way track - I don't know, and maybe if you pay you get special dispensation. It is very difficult to get accurate information. I do know that there are signs at the Cape Hauy junction stating that it is forbidden to walk along the coast in a southerly direction.
After a good chat we carried on to Surveyors Cove, which was not as nice as Denmans, but just the turn around point, really.

Surveyors Cove

Surveyors Cove

After a quick turn around we headed back to Denmans for lunch and to watch the boat come in. Our guy was there waiting. It did not arrive on time so we decided to head off and spotted it heading in about 20 minutes later. It was packed with walkers. We then simply walked back to the car. It was quite warm walking back through the bushy section.
This was indeed a good walk and achieved the aim of checking out the "Three Capes Track".
Anyone wanting to walk this section of the Three Capes Track without having to pay could use this access but at this stage there is only one camping ground open at Wughalee Falls. This is about 19 kms. from the walk start.
Distance: 14.9 kms.
Time: 5"21"
Ascent: 435 metres
Click here to download GPX file.