Cape Pillar

The track from Fortescue Bay along the old cape Pillar track is in good condition and all the boardwalk is still in place. It is kept cut in part due to it being the access for the hut wardens.  The bridge at Agnes Creek has gone due to a tree falling and destroying it.
The Blade and Tasman Island
A steady but not steep track rises from the creek to the plains, which are colourful with flowers during Spring through early summer. It is easy walking to the Arthurs Peak junction.  Arthurs Peak track which had become quite overgrown has been recut by HWC as at November 2016. From the junction, the track goes through wooded areas before emerging on the plains of the Ellarwey Valley in two steps and joins the new Pillar track.
From here it is high quality track with sections under boardwalk and others hardened with gravel.  Just after one section of boardwalk start there is a gap in the vegetation indicating the old Cape Pillar track which descends to Lunchtime Creek.
It takes 1:15 to Arthurs Pk turnoff another 1:15 to Lunchtime Creek turnoff and less than 10 minutes down a steep section to the creek
Campsites aren’t that plentiful, but two to three are on the other side of the creek, depending on tent size. Some others exist about 10 minutes further along the track in a sandy area.  Quite a number say 4-5 or more tents will fit here.
The old track continues and is pleasant walking, although as at Nov 2016 an old banksia is blocking the track and requires a scramble. The new track is again met after around 50 minutes of walking. Cape Pillar is some 2:15 along the track. It is high quality and good until near Perdition Ponds bypass where it just becomes far too much boardwalk. Beyond the track along the cliff tops is terrific walking and the views superb. Expect to take 2:15 hours from the junction with the old track to Cape Pillar.

Recently cleared track  over plain near Snake Hill

A good easy walking gravel section of the track on cliff top
















Map      Hippolyte Tasman
Last Updated  Friday, 13 January 2017
Start Point      Fortescue Bay car aprk
 
Hazards      Cliffs are very close to the track in places.
Facilities       No facilities for non 3 capes paying wallkers
Route Grade      Moderate due to length and sections of old track to be used.
Route Distance Klms       25
Days      2-3

Access       Aprox 1:30 travel and 105 k from Hoabrt
Features      Hibbertia blackeyed susan and many other wildflowers, M squamea brilliant in Nov

Related Links      
Google Bushwalks Blog
Jalbum







Comments