Tasmania’s newest exciting tourism venture, the Three Capes Track, officially opens for bookings today with visitors set to enjoy the world class attraction in time for Christmas.
Our national parks and reserves are world class and a key part of our plan to make Tasmania the environmental tourism capital of the world. The latest figures show our plan is working, with visitor numbers to our parks up 50,000 compared to last year.
The Three Capes Track will be the jewel in the crown of Tasmania’s wilderness walks. Already named among the world’s hottest new experiences by Lonely Planet, the multi-day walk spans 46 kilometres across the state’s far south east, leading visitors through Tasmania’s breathtaking natural landscapes with exhilarating cliff top outlooks on Cape Pillar, Cape Hauy and stunning views to Cape Raoul.
Not only will this walk deliver an unforgettable wilderness experience for visitors, it will deliver significant economic benefits for the state, including creating almost 280 jobs and generating more than $16 million in spending. On the Tasman Peninsula alone, the track will generate $1 million a year and create 44 jobs. This is in addition to the 40 jobs created throughout the track’s construction.
The first steps of this track won’t be on dry land, instead walkers will start the experience with a Pennicott Wilderness Journeys cruise departing from the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site.
From there, walkers will experience four days and three nights of natural wonders from rainforest pockets through to towering eucalypts and some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs.
Each night walkers will rest and relax in the warmth and comfort of striking environmentally-sensitive, architect designed hut nodes where sleeping cabins with comfy beds sit a short stroll away, via comfortable boardwalk, from specious and ergonomic living areas equipped with heating and cooking facilities. There will be no need to carry tents, sleeping mats or stoves, making this experience highly accessible no matter your bushwalk experience. Host rangers will also be on hand at each cabin site to assist and enhance visitor experiences.
The track and hut infrastructure will accommodate up to 48 walkers departing daily with the track open for guests from December 23rd. Revenue raised from ticket sales will fund direct costs including the Pennicott Wilderness Cruise, bus transfer from the end of the track back to Port Arthur, host rangers and ongoing maintenance and development of the track.
This is a world-class experience and pricing has been determined to ensure it remains accessible to tourists and Tasmanians alike. Prices will range from $495 for the premium multi-day, accommodated experience, concession and children’s tickets will cost $396 and educational group tickets will cost $295. As with the Overland Track, day walks such as Cape Hauy, Cape Raoul and Shipstern Bluff will not attract a fee and can continue to be enjoyed by walkers with a valid park entry pass.
Experiences such as the Three Capes Track are the essence of Tasmania’s brand. Tasmania has some of the best in the business when it comes to ecotourism and this walk demonstrates how visitors can be exposed to wild natural beauty and truly challenging experiences, should they chose to do so, while at the same time enjoying safe facilities that are inspiring and sensitively designed.
We want to make it easier for more Tasmanians and visitors to experience our unique, world class natural assets and enhance their time here through a range of recreational and tourism activities.
This Government has a plan to attract 1.5 million visitors a year which the industry says will create 8,000 new jobs and the Three Capes Track will help us reach this goal.
Bookings can be made online at www.threecapestrack.com.au
Matthew Groom, Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage
