How lucky are we? We woke up to yet another gloriously sunny morning and, while a bit stiff, the legs were ready for another amazing day out on the Three Capes Track.
Let’s go….
Logistics:
Day: 3
Date: Thursday, 15 September 2022
From: Munro Hut to Cape Pillar & back
To: Retakunna Hut
Official Distance: 19km Actual Distance: 18.8km
Total: 34/48km
Time: 6h
Ascent: 6299m Descent: 619m
Weather: Endless sunshine and light breezes
Stayed At: Retakunna Hut
General Comments:
- Despite the very comfy sleeping quarters, I am still not sleeping well. Excitement? Nocturnal noises? A brain that simply won’t shut down? Or knowing that at some stage soon I am going to have to wander out into the chilly night for the long trek to the loos? All of the above.
Our room has 4 sets of double timber bunks. They are solidly made – with no squeaks or rattles – and the mattresses are thick and firm. There are a couple of benches and plenty of hanging hooks for hats and coats. The rooms are definitely designed for function, not beauty, but they are perfect for our needs. I understand there are also a couple of smaller rooms that sleep four people if you are walking with a small group of friends. I imagine you could request these rooms when you book.
- Ranger Joel recommended we get up early to enjoy the spectacular sunrise from the helicopter pad/viewing area. Many of us did just that and, while it was very pretty, I think I have seen just as nice sunrises from my own front verandah at home. No matter, we were up early and that gave us plenty of time to get ready for our longest day.
- Out & Back: Today was to be 19km in total, with an out and back route to Cape Pillar, returning back to Munro Hut and then walking on to Retakunna Hut. It was an incredibly beautiful day and even more so because you got to see the same scenery twice, but from a different perspective ie. in reverse.
- Timing: The times I have included in these posts are very generous in comparison to the distance covered. They include plenty of time for stopping to admire the views, taking photos, snack breaks and chatting to fellow walkers. As our beds were always guaranteed at the next hut, there was no need to rush unnecessarily.
Top Tips for this Section:
- Story Seats: If you have the energy and inclination, I recommend you read the information book, focussing on the specific section you will be walking the next day. It makes the path more relevant and interesting, especially the information about each of the story seats you will find on the path. It is a great way to get humans to engage even more closely with the landscape as we pass through.
- Bag Storage: Munro Hut has a secure, dry storage shed to leave your backpack as you complete the out-and-back route. This facility makes this walking day so much more enjoyable as you are not carrying your big, heavy pack. You could carry a small, foldable daypack to use during this stage or simply pull out the dry bag from the main compartment of your backpack and leave that in the shed. I did that as I wanted to have access to my water bladder etc., and it worked out perfectly.
- Cliff Top Views: Today’s path spends a lot of time meandering close to spectacular cliffs made up of towering dolomite columns. The views are simply stupendous and it is virtually impossible to stop taking photos.
While the path does hug the cliff on the way to Cape Pillar, you are perfectly safe and there is little risk of toppling over the edge. If you have a thing about heights, you may like gaze lovingly inland rather than out to sea as you pass by these sections.
If you are a bit nervy, The Blade (262m) will definitely be off-limits for you. Sit and relax in the shade at the bottom of The Blade and wait for your friends to return from the rocky climb up to the top. Don’t miss the walk out to Cathedral Rock. From there you can enjoy equally beautiful views back to The Blade, out to Tasman Island and northwards to Cape Hauy.
For those wondering where the third cape is, as in Three Capes Track, there isn’t one! Yes, poetic licence has been used in naming this path. There is another cape in the general vicinity – Cape Raul – but you would have to swim across to it, rather than walk. As the ol’ saying goes, don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story.
- Rubbish: Like most national parks in Australia, there is a strict policy of ‘pack it in, pack it out’ for any of your rubbish. This creates an interesting exercise of trying to minimise packaging and being very conscious of how much waste we actually generate. Have a spare zip lock bag to store this rubbish as it can get a little stinky after a couple of days. Food waste such as tea bags and apple cores etc. go into a compost bucket for onsite processing and disposal.
- Energy: Today is a slightly deceptive day as after your 16km return walk to Cape Pillar, you feel like you are done for the day, but there is still another 3km to get to Retakunna Hut. Rest and revive at Munro Hut on your return, repack your main backpack, grab a snack and then push on for the final stretch.
- Beef Jerky: This is my new favourite snack and I loved comparing recipes and homemade batches with other walkers. I must fire up the dehydrator again soon.
We are on the home strait now, but have your wet weather gear handy.
Resources:
- Three Capes Track – Read more about it – HERE
- Parks Tasmania – Read more about it – HERE
- Overview of the whole Track – Read more about it – HERE
- Day 1 on the Three Capes Track – Read more about it – HERE
- Day 2 on the Three Capes Track – Read more about it – HERE
#travelinspo #threecapestrack #discovertasmania #adventurebeforedementia #longdistancewalks #australianbush #oceanviews #bushwalks #greatoutdoors #birdlife #digdeep #coastalwalks #nationalparks #capepillar #theblade #capehauy
Life...one big adventure 
Just as well the timing is generous as you would be hard pressed not to stop every few minutes for photos. It looks stunning.
+1 for the homemade jerky. Was just saying to my son I want to make some just to eat at home. Who says it’s only for hiking?
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I like the way you think…and eat! I am tempted to make some jerky for home too, but would eat it all in one sitting! Best to keep it out of temptations way! 🙂
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Easily my favourite section, Mel. Love those views! Not even sure what beef jerky is but I’ll not fret about it.
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Beef jerky is marinated and dehydrated beef strips. It sounds a bit grim, but is delicious and a really satisfying snack when you are out strolling the countryside. Not quite as delicious as Portuguese cakes, of course, but a wee bit more portable.
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I’m more inclined to ‘health’ bars with nuts and seeds 🙄💖
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Yep, they are on the menu too. Portable and a good sugar hit.
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🤗🍫🍬💖
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Lovely views, what a beautiful part of the walk!
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We were definitely spoilt with stunning views…
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Fantastic…wonderful photography!
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Many thanks. Mel
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Wonderful views. I imagine beef jerky is the same as biltong? Usually venison in SA rather than beef.
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Yep, same same. I also loved ostrich biltong when I was in RSA. Although not many ostrichs are readily available in Aus. Emu perhaps? Hard to catch though! 🙂
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What fabulous scenery – and a really informative post as always
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Thanks for your feedback. Much appreciated.
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The rock formations are outstanding.
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They sure are. Nature’s works of art…
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I just thought of you this evening. We’ve been watching some Australian nature documentaries (nothing like getting started early) and tonight’s showed us some of Tasmania (and it’s eponymous Devil).
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Yes, the poor Tassie Devils are having a rough trot with their facial tumour disease. Fingers crossed they find a cure one day…
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Oh, I haven’t heard of that. It sounds awful. Fingers crossed.
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Yes, it is all very sad. Aus has a terrible track record when it comes to preserving and celebrating our native animals.
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Such stunning scenery, I think I would be lagging behind the group as I would be continually stopping to take photos 🙂 I tried biltong just once in SA – never again, it was horrible 😦
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Yes, it was a photographer’s paradise. Wherever you looked was yet another stunning vista. I’m afraid I am a biltong fan! 🙂
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Ha, don’t you just like “endless sunshine” weather conditions while on a hike (except, it seems on your last day you were not that lucky)! And yes, I love your views – it will be very easy to take a 100+ photos on this day! Delicious beef jerky – but in our case, it’s biltong … we’re big fans (sorry Eunice) 😄.
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I’m with you. Love a good bit of chewy biltong! 🙂
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Love the views of that rocky island and the sea stacks! What a great hike this is! Maggie
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Thanks Maggie. I still can’t believe how lucky we were to do this.
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Absolutely amazing images. I’m both impressed and envious of your talents with the camera.
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Ah, that’s more by good luck than good management! 🙂 I am more of a point and click girl.
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That looks like such a fun adventure! Not sure I would survive it lol. But still looks like fun 😀
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Well, you’ll never know unless you give it a try! 😉
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