SPOILER ALERT. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll experience each day. If you’d prefer to experience it firsthand yourself, skip over this next section by clicking here.
Day 1: Hobart, Port Arthur & Cape Raoul
Your day begins with a midday 40-minute boat ride from Port Arthur (the highlight for a lot of walkers), past the Isle of the Dead, and on to Denman’s Cover where you start with a wet landing. The coastlines are truly spectacular. You might even find yourself wanting to repeat the boat ride to continue taking in the seabirds, eagles, rocky coastlines, etc… Take it in while you can because, by the end of today, you’ll be on top of them.
The cove you arrive at is a rocky beach and the final point you’re at sea level for during the entire trip. If you have the time, swim, it’s your last chance to do so.
As you start the hike, you’ll be going straight up on some stairs before the incline becomes a little less demanding. You’ll walk for around half an hour through a eucalyptus forest where the trees are pointing in all sorts of directions from the wind. A wild scene. There’s a lookout where you can see Cape Raoul and across to Port Arthur. Take the view in as you regain your breath. From here, you’ll notice the first hut, the Surveyor’s hut (used by Parks and Wildlife bookings), while the tour continues on to their private lodging for the night.
For those on the tour, you’ll take off your packs and come inside to the lounge to find a cake ready for you. Tea, coffee, board games, books, it’s all there. And if you choose to start a book, you can take it with you to the next lodge and continue reading there! There’s a yoga area where you can meditate during sunrise the next morning if you’re an early riser. A special moment to take part in.
For the self-guided, find a bed, set up for the evening and share stories with friends and fellow hikers well into the night.