Three Capes Pack Free Guided Walk

There are a few reasons why I believe our experience really stands apart. Life’s An Adventure was actually the first company to offer guided walking holidays on the Three Capes, long before the famous Three Capes Track and its hut system were built. Over the years we’ve refined our itinerary to showcase what we genuinely believe are the very best walks on the Tasman Peninsula, while also supporting local businesses and communities along the way. The biggest difference is that our tour is completely Pack-Free. On the 4 day Three Capes Track walk you will need to carry your clothes and overnight gear for 4 days and then add a few litres of water and you have an extra 10kgs on your back – on this track there is one way in and one way out – so if your body has had enough, part way through there is no turning back.  On Life’s An Adventure’s Three Capes walk you simply head out with a small day pack containing your lunch, water and jacket with flexible walking options each day to suit your fitness. I think it makes the whole experience far more enjoyable and allows you to focus on the incredible scenery instead of a heavy backpack. Another difference is the walks themselves. Many people are surprised to learn that some Three Capes itineraries spend most of their time on the Three Capes Track, walking only Cape Pillar for 3.5 days, while Cape Hauy is often an optional side trip at the end of the trip, that many are at this point too tired to discover. We take a very different approach by giving you the opportunity to experience all three spectacular capes. On Day One we walk to Cape Raoul, which is actually my favourite. Many itineraries don’t include it, but I think the organ-pipe like towering dolerite sea cliffs and resident Australian fur seals at its base make it one of Tasmania’s most spectacular coastal walks. Day Two follows the beautiful trail from Waterfall Bay to Fortescue Bay, winding through cool rainforest, towering eucalypts and spectacular cliff-top lookouts. It’s a traditional bushwalking trail that feels wonderfully natural, rather than kilometres of constructed boardwalk. On the final day you’ll walk to Cape Hauy to see the famous Candlestick and Totem Pole rock formations before choosing how you’d like to experience Cape Pillar. You can either take a breathtaking helicopter flight over Cape Pillar and Tasman Island or join a wilderness cruise beneath Australia’s highest sea cliffs, often spotting seals, dolphins and other marine wildlife along the way. For me, that’s what makes this itinerary so special. Rather than simply walking one famous track, you experience the very best of the Tasman Peninsula by land, sea or air, all without carrying a heavy pack. I genuinely believe it’s the most complete and rewarding way to experience the Three Capes.

I would describe this walk as moderate , but there are certainly a few challenges along the way. The biggest thing guests notice is the number of steps, particularly on Days One and Three. You’ll definitely feel your calves working, so if you have access to stairs at home, it’s well worth including them in your preparation before the trip. The effort is more than rewarded. Every climb seems to reveal another spectacular lookout, with dramatic sea cliffs, endless ocean views and some of Tasmania’s most iconic coastal scenery. More often than not, you’ll find yourself stopping to catch your breath simply because you want another photo. The longest day is Day Two, but our flexible walking options mean you don’t have to complete every kilometre if you don’t want to. You can walk a shorter section in the morning on this day if you prefer and then have some free time to visit nearby Port Arthur Historic Site (a 10 minute walk from our accommodation) or relax at the accommodation and have a stroll along the waterfront area and bay.  Each day offers a shorter Flexible walking option, allowing you to tailor the experience to your fitness level while still enjoying the highlights of the Three Capes. If you have a good level of fitness and enjoy walking regularly, you’ll find this tour both achievable and incredibly rewarding.

Yes, there is free Wi-Fi available at our accommodation, although it’s only accessible in the reception and restaurant areas rather than inside the cabins. Mobile phone reception can also be a little patchy on the Tasman Peninsula, depending on your provider. Personally, I think that’s part of the charm. It’s the perfect excuse to switch off for a few days, enjoy the spectacular scenery and reconnect with nature. Most guests tell me they don’t miss being connected at all once they’re standing on top of those incredible sea cliffs.

The Three Capes are located on Tasmania’s spectacular south east coast on the Tasman Peninsula, approximately 1.5 hours from Hobart. Throughout the tour, all transfers are in our private vehicle, so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey. On Day One, we travel directly from Hobart to Stewarts Bay Lodge (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes), where we collect our freshly prepared picnic lunches and meet any guests who have chosen to join us there. From the lodge, it’s just a 20-minute transfer to the start of our spectacular Cape Raoul walk. On Day Two, it’s only a 23-minute transfer from the lodge to the start of the Waterfall Bay walk. At the end of the day, after finishing at Fortescue Bay, it’s another 23-minute transfer back to the lodge. On Day Three, we again enjoy a short 23-minute transfer to the start of the Cape Hauy walk. After your walk and your chosen finale, whether that’s the helicopter flight over Cape Pillar or the wilderness cruise, we make our 1.5-hour private transfer back to Hobart. We’ve carefully designed the itinerary to keep driving to a minimum, allowing you to spend as much time as possible enjoying the spectacular scenery rather than sitting in the vehicle.

“How much do I have to carry?” The answer is, not much at all! Our Three Capes Walk is completely Pack-Free, so because we’re based at Stewarts Bay Lodge for all three nights, you simply leave your suitcase in your room. Each morning you’ll head out with just a small day pack containing your water, lunch, rain jacket and any personal items you’d like for the day. Unlike some Three Capes walks where guests carry their clothes and overnight gear in a “light pack” that often ends up weighing close to 10 kilograms once you add water and snacks, you’ll never need to carry more than you need for the day. Personally, I think it makes a huge difference. Instead of worrying about a heavy backpack or sore shoulders, you can focus on what you’ve come to see, the incredible sea cliffs, coastal views and wildlife that make this one of Australia’s greatest walks. After all, walking holidays should leave you feeling inspired, not exhausted.

One of the things I really like about this tour is that we’re based at one accommodation for all nights. It means you can settle in, unpack once and really relax after each day’s walk, rather than packing and moving accommodation every day. We’ve chosen to stay at Stewarts Bay Lodge, nestled amongst beautiful bushland on the Tasman Peninsula. It’s around a 20-minute drive from the walking trails, striking a great balance between being close to the walks while offering a peaceful place to unwind each afternoon in super comfortable beds. The chalets are spread throughout the property, giving you a lovely sense of privacy, and it’s just a short stroll to the lodge’s restaurant, where we’ll enjoy some of our meals during the tour. Guests stay in modern two-bedroom Deluxe Chalets, which offer plenty of space to relax after a day on the track. Each chalet features a comfortable lounge and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, dryer and two bathrooms. While the kitchen is there if you need it, you won’t have to cook, we’ve got all your meals covered. The main bedroom is a little larger and features an ensuite with a spa bath. Most are configured with a king bed, making them ideal for couples or guests travelling on a single supplement, although a few chalet main rooms can be configured with twin beds. The second bedroom is a slightly smaller room and has twin beds and its own private bathroom located just outside the bedroom door with a shower. If you’re travelling on a twin-share basis, we’ll allocate rooms accordingly. If you’d prefer more privacy, you can upgrade to have the chalet exclusively for yourself (subject to availability and an additional cost). Solo travellers can also upgrade to have their own room. After a rewarding day on the trails, it’s the perfect place to put your feet up, enjoy the peaceful bush setting and recharge before another day exploring Tasmania’s spectacular Three Capes.

One of the things I love about this tour is the food. Tasmania is renowned for its incredible produce, and wherever possible we showcase the best local ingredients throughout your stay. On your first evening we’ll dine at the elegant 1830 Restaurant, where the floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the beautifully illuminated Port Arthur Historic Site. It’s a pretty special setting to finish your first day. You’ll enjoy a delicious entrée and main course, with the menu celebrating fresh, seasonal Tasmanian produce sourced from local growers and producers. Dinner is accompanied by a selection of Tasmanian wines or non-alcoholic beverages. On the second evening we dine at On the Bay Restaurant at Stewarts Bay Lodge, where you’ll enjoy a main course followed by dessert in a relaxed waterfront setting, again with wine or non alcoholic drinks accompanying dinner. Breakfast is served in the restaurant each morning, with barista-style coffee and a selection of teas to help start your day. (For tours departing on a Sunday or Monday, when the restaurant is closed, breakfast provisions are supplied in your chalet for you to prepare yourself, and dinner is enjoyed at another excellent local restaurant.) Each day we provide freshly prepared packed lunches to enjoy out on the trail, so you can stop at one of the many spectacular lookouts and soak up the scenery. On the final day, guests choosing the helicopter experience enjoy lunch at the beautiful Lavender Farm, while those on the wilderness cruise receive a takeaway lunch to enjoy during their adventure. I always say that great food is part of a great walking holiday, and I think this tour delivers both in equal measure.

This is probably the question I’m asked more than any other, and the truth is, there isn’t a wrong answer. They’re both incredible experiences; you just get to experience Cape Pillar from two completely different perspectives. If you love spectacular views and want to appreciate the sheer scale of the landscape, I’d probably lean towards the helicopter flight. Flying over Cape Pillar, Tasman Island and Australia’s highest sea cliffs is simply breathtaking. You really appreciate how rugged and dramatic the coastline is, and it’s a perspective very few people ever get to experience. Before the flight, you’ll also enjoy a visit to the local gin distillery for a tasting and lunch at the nearby lavender farm, which makes for a lovely relaxed afternoon. If you’re someone who enjoys wildlife and being out on the water, then the wilderness cruise is hard to beat. Seeing those towering sea cliffs from below gives you a completely different appreciation of their size, and there’s always the excitement of spotting Australian fur seals, dolphins and seabirds along the way. The guides on board are fantastic and share plenty of interesting stories about the coastline and its wildlife. If I could only choose one… I’d probably pick the helicopter. The views over Cape Pillar and Tasman Island are something you’ll remember for the rest of your life. But if you’ve always dreamed of getting up close to Australia’s highest sea cliffs and love the chance of seeing marine wildlife, the cruise is an unforgettable experience too. Whichever option you choose, you’re finishing your Three Capes adventure in a pretty spectacular way.