Bookings for Three Capes Track now open

[aloftas]

Merry Xmas Al, best wishes to you.

Thanks Nuts, all the best to you, and may a prosperous year greet you.

This guy^ is an excellent teacher.

Thank you.

[stepbystep]

It's open, and the first punters loved it....a brave(and strange) new world of walking in Tas....

[Nuts]

Cowards.
A $ to be made?

Thanks Al. I'm happily a flea, I've seen what role $ + ambition play in this world. Unfortunately it seems, so far, we just have to live with this Befuddled 'vision'.

[Hold On]

deleted

[DanShell]

I just spent a few days down there as an independent walker. I think Ill start another thread about it in a few days (Im about to head away again until early next years so it'll have to wait) but it is really disappointing that the only place they are allowing people to camp is at Wugalee Falls area.

It didnt really suit the way we wanted to walk the circuit and as those that have been there would know it is down in a damp mosquito infested valley and is the last place I would want to camp, when there are so many better options up the top with some potential views.

The only water you are 'allowed' to drink is from the creeks and the only creek that was just flowing enough would have been lunch time creek or down at Whugalee. One ranger told use we are not allowed to drink the tank water at the toilet at Whugalee as it is only for washing hands.
We told him it is leaking and loosing its water and he shrugged his shoulders and said "we know".

All the other potential camp sites have no camping signs erected. Don't even think of asking for water from massive amount of water tanks they have at the monstrosity of huts and buildings they have built!

Again Ill most likely start a thread on its own but we even had one of the 85, yes 85 'three capes experience' walkers tell us that her pass says we are not allowed to be on the track it is only for those that have paid the $500. You won't see many of the Hut 1 walkers because they get off their boat and go to hut 1 which is on the new section that we are not allowed to walk along.
But you will see all the 40+ hut 2 and 40+ hut 3 people as they all overlap when they are walking from the two huts and down to Cape Pillar.

We left the area very much feeling as though we were second class citizens and one of the rangers we tried to have a chat too needs some diplomacy lessons very quickly but more on all that when I get back from my next little adventure.
If I get a few minutes Ill try and get some photos of the buildings up to show you!

[DanShell]

These pics only show a small amount of the buildings. I have a video that I'll process at a later date that really shows how large the development is at each site.









The track is also like a national highway. I wore my crocks for a large part of it and could have done for all of it if I wanted.

[Drifting]

This about sums it all up for me:

http://www.themercury.com.au/news/opini ... f4d813e4bc

[Mountain Rocket]

Ha was just about to post that Drifting. My thoughts exactly.

[Hold On]

Much bigger than this?, perhaps the problem can be identified in the seemingly burdensome wording of the P&W mission statement itself, a product of politics rather than science or acknowledgement of intrinsic worth:

Screen Shot 2015-12-30 at 12.41.19 AM.png (41.26 KiB) Viewed 21412 times

'Sustainable Use'

And yes, I couldn't leave that contribution here though yes, Wof J.. Next?

[photohiker]

On another note, nobody is entirely sure of the outcome regarding income. We wont know for some years, media release indicates envisaged 6000 walkers this summer.

Is that 'capacity' or 'actual bookings'?

[Hold On]

Expected this summer, photohiker. But the point is, while it's obviously not a money tree, how many would be 'ok' by us? If the annual outcome was any substantial profit, would that really be 'better' or more a concern (given that 'outfarming' the highest end return/potential is a basis of the current vision)?

[photohiker]

Sure. I was just trying to see if the 6000 over summer was even possible.

Summer is 3 months, about 90 days. 66 people for every day on average. Is that even possible? Nope.

The three capes website says: "There will be up to 48 people booked to start the walk each day, year round." So, that would be 125 days with every single day fully booked. The walks started on December 23rd, so almost a month of summer lost. So we have about 67 possible days of summer bookings for 2015/16 for a possible total of 3216.

Looking at the 3 capes booking calendar, there are only 12 days fully booked, and another 12 70% booked until June.

I think it's a fiction, just marketing spin.

[Hold On]

Sorry, 'over the first year'.. which I am thinking would mostly consist of summer bookings, perhaps not. A new era where P&W take on the role of marketeers? I mean really, what even triggers the thought pattern that this can be a good thing, precedent? Conflicting interest 101.

[tastrax]

This about sums it all up for me:

http://www.themercury.com.au/news/opini ... f4d813e4bc

Alas, Mr McGlone at it again. He has plenty of contacts within PWS and plenty of contacts in other organisations that have been working on the Three Capes for years. He has also had plenty of opportunity to write, comment and influence others opinions. Alas he has failed to get his own way.

I know there are folks that don't like these developments but lets be honest - is it better in the Tasman Peninsula area where at least the environment is more robust or would folks have preferred it on the Anne Circuit, The Spires or The Denisons?

Some of the comments in the article are completely spurious.

I hate writing these comments as its sure to bring out some trolls that want to bash PWS (or ex PWS staff) but it needs to be said.

[MrWalker]

I'm surprised that after complaining about all the other developments for the walk Peter McGlone says we should have a proper lookout with handrail at Cape Hauy. I have seen the small area on top and can understand that it would be easier to peer over the edge by leaning on a solid handrail, but such a lookout would surely detract from the appearance of the place even more than putting in steps along the way.

[tastrax]

Exactly, what about some personal responsibility. Put a handrail in there and folks will lean on it, stand on it, "plank on it" (remember that fad!) and then the maintenance regime will be huge for PWS. Then every other location on the track with similar fall heights or exposure will be subject to the same knee jerk reaction.

Enjoy the outdoors - don't turn it in to a sterile risk free environment.

[PeterJ]

.....I hate writing these comments as its sure to bring out some trolls that want to bash PWS (or ex PWS staff) but it needs to be said.

Now Phil, you are aware that I have been a supporter of most things PWS has done in the past and in fact met with Stuart Lennox the then Three Capes project manager in 2007 and worked out what I thought were some acceptable options for existing walkers to Cape Pillar area. At his request I then put this in writing.

However, I was on a walk in the area this week and quite frankly I am disgusted with what PWS has done, and I do not get upset easily. The PWS website currently has under Tasman Peninsula a walk listed to Mount Fortescue via Hauy track, but when I got to the junction with the Cape Hauy track, there was a sign said no entry (due to the spurious excuse of phytophthora). I will post more comments on the forum shortly.

The other irritant is the placing of the non 3 Capes walker’s campsite at a stupid location. I wonder if whoever decided that spot has ever done an overnight walk to the area.
It seems to me that PWS has decided to get nasty to local or non 3 capes walkers.

Anyway I don’t intend to let things rest and will pursue this.

Peter Franklin

[tastrax]

Go for it Peter - if they have made stupid decisions they need a good kick, likewise if the website is presenting false information! I just hate seeing completely false things in news articles from folks that should know better.

[Beeper]

It should be remembered that the project was an initiative of the previous Labor Govt to create another hut based walk and PWS are just the agents implementing it. The Tasman Peninsula area is not high grade wilderness and as Tastrax has said, I would rather see areas like this tagged for commercial development and leave the really special areas like the Arthurs etc left alone. The Peter McGlone news piece is an interesting read (but has errors of fact) and typical of the many written representing those that are and were always going to be dead against the project. I suspect in a few years time, when the dust has settled, teething issues have been resolved, it will be recognised widely alongside the Overland Track, as one of the great walks in Oz, and Tasmania in general will be better off for it.

[Nuts]

Public hut upgrades, permit systems and track works followed fame on the OLT, they have largely been a thoughtful and well executed response that can still be seen as primarily for protecting the environment. In fact the placement of camping platforms, upgrading of huts and much of the modern track building could have been better or more efficiently placed if it wasn't for the policy (real or envisaged?) to try to minimise the necessary footprint.

But we seem to be accepting a shift to find environmental damage acceptable soley to make new such experiences easier and apparently more lucrative.

It's not an architecture forum, there'd be something wrong if we rejoiced in the view of a new hut complex, whether or not that is what one is going to look like. Huts make MIB sense, need a footprint, here we need water, a roof, contained best in the smallest area, a hut. Most of the components are ok and the 3C environment is indeed more 'robust' (from what iv'e seen of it and with some involvement in similar track projects on the east coast). Now, falling squarely back to the planners (and who knows, maybe part of a plan), in a squeeze of public access outcry, is it to be various campsite impacts as well as these huts?

Aside, it's largely being missed, and perhaps why should we care.. As alluded earlier, a historic event, it appears existing operators were issued what are effectively 'keep out' notices for 3C on Xmas eve. With hints of more to come. Parks service representatives may be hard pressed to perform but, with respect, their working day does end... some of us also just also happen to care about this foundation industry of mib commercial bush walks, that, despite afaik, a dedicated professional record, somehow strong enough to survive minimal political interest to support, seems to be collateral, in this case blown off in a flurry of latte froth?), some of these changes are deeply concerning. If the proponents of such plans can't grasp a semblance of the deeper respect many hold for wilderness (or respectfully sharing it with others), we would expect our park service does. If service members enthusiastically facilitate such plans then yes, they carry out actions for those that obviously don't effectively represent many of us (and while I for one really appreciate the efforts, 'friends of' groups policy can be little more than lip service) Standing governments shouldn't matter in the process, see how close Lyons results were?

Personally, I can't see this project separately from the EOI (bergs), it's not either or, it's this first, starkly obvious. Support will be seen for the 'new imagining' not a single project (however well it fits).

HNY

(Cape Tourville needed handrails, I would have thought a similar track classification? odd point that it was)

[waterfallman]

Serviced Hotels..? I think not. From the scuttlebutt I've heard, when the pampered guests (probably including finicky people from the Asian area) go for a shower, they will have cold water pouring on them from a bucket. A fancy bucket nonetheless. But if they want hot water, then they'll have to manually fill up another bucket at a gas burner, and lift it up and tip their hot water into the reservoir for the shower. I can hear the grumbles of outrage now! Pity if you've got delicate female arms and have trouble lifting 10kg of very hot water above your head! This will be very interesting to observe. Watch this space.

[zorro]

Hopefully this might be an alternative to all the halfwit underprepared idiots that tackle the O.T. There is a segment of our community who believe they have right of passage to any area because of their age, wallet and arrogance. How much do the socks and sandals brigade pay for the Cradle huts [walk ?] There is nothing like a wilderness experience to recharge those batteries. Hot showers, beds, hot cooked roast dinners, buses, boats and all you have to carry is your pyjamas. VOMIT !!!!

[weetbix456]

Serviced Hotels..? I think not. From the scuttlebutt I've heard, when the pampered guests (probably including finicky people from the Asian area) go for a shower, they will have cold water pouring on them from a bucket. A fancy bucket nonetheless. But if they want hot water, then they'll have to manually fill up another bucket at a gas burner, and lift it up and tip their hot water into the reservoir for the shower. I can hear the grumbles of outrage now! Pity if you've got delicate female arms and have trouble lifting 10kg of very hot water above your head! This will be very interesting to observe. Watch this space.

Whaaaaaaaat??? Yes, such fussy folk those general Asain types...Every one of them...Ohhh and god help those invalid fragile females...so grateful that I am a strong & sturdy patronising male


On another note...this whole TCT shamble is somewhat becoming embarrassing. For many, an "overnighter" to Cape Pillar from the "designated campground" could turn into a bit of an uncomfortable unnecessary push. It's nowhere near far enough to call it quits for the day on the walk in - nor close enough to the cape to warrant dumping the packs and returning back later that evening. It's not unlikely some will stay out for a three day trip in response.

We're supposedly meant to all feel welcome in our parks - yet anyone now "milking the system" by camping out will feel uneasy, shun & awkward running into $500 ticket holders, and those very ticket holders are in tune likely to feel a little ripped off if they have been promised exclusive rights to the place for the duration of their stay as DanShell suggests.

Root Rot signage cover-ups to block clockwise access to Mt Fortescue are reminiscent of Forestry public-relation hog-wash. Denying thirsty walkers from drinking water??? It's par on physical abuse!

Let's not forget the official political statement backpedaling over the past year or so. It sounds like a confused mess - and doesn't give me much confidence things have/are being run effectively nor with an environmentally friendly conscience. There are better ways to have laid this "new walk" out for the greater markets. This is far far from a true Tasmanian walking experience.

[gayet]

This is far far from a true Tasmanian walking experience

One may need to define a "true Tasmanian walking experience" to validate that statement. Does it mean-
- Mud and bogs
- dodging overhanging shrubbery
- climbing over/under/around tree falls
- avoiding scoparia
- finding a way through the horizontal...

Or could it be -
-relatively safe and easy to follow duckboarding
- nice steps up the hills
- appropriately placed huts and tent platforms
- useable toilets
- accessible water tanks ...

I think there would be a wide range of opinions on that, but why does the Tasmanian experience need to be tailored to the least capable user at the exclusion of those more equipped and experienced to fend for themselves and so access a different experience?? I know I would not be able to make the Mt Anne circuit, but that doesn't mean the circuit has to be redeveloped to enable me to walk it. Just because some people don't want to carry their own gear and look after themselves doesn't mean everyone has to forego that challenge.

I know, repeating the same outcry voiced previously. If enough outcries are made, perhaps someone will hear them and consider the concerns next time??

[DanShell]

I didn't have an issue with those that are taking on the $500 experience. Good luck to them. If I was able to spend $1000 on a 4 day walking experience Id love to take my wife and make a nice little trip out of it, in fact we do spend that and more on little trips to Melbourne or where ever every now and then.
They are still doing the same walk and seeing the same things, they are just doing it in more comfort.

My issue is that the independent walker from my personal experience is being made to stay in an unappealing area and treated like a second class citizen in regards to not being able to use any of the nice fancy facilities. Now obviously I wouldn't expect to be able to stay in the 'huts' having not spent any money but it wouldn't hurt to set up some loo's or other camping areas in places along the track that is better suited to the way they are forcing us to walk it. Or at the very least allocate one water tank at the two developed sites we now are forced to walk through with a sign on it saying independent tight *&%$#! walking scum can drink from here

I won't complain about the development or the process of getting to the stage they are now at as it is the crying over spilled milk scenario. But Ill now complain about how I was made to feel while down there because of the commercialisation of the area.

[weetbix456]

I'm more focused on the exclusivity of the experience more than anything else. Where all are equal & respected as fellow walkers. I generally feel a great sense of pride & overwhelming helpfulness when I speak with many locals in the bushwalking community. I don't approve of the "them" & "us" mentality this may promote. Let's use the central plateau as an example - where there is a well appreciated consensus that all walkers are welcome to take shelter in any of the public huts; and that the first to arrive get no higher priority over the total occupation of the site if others were to arrive later in the day. You band together - and friendships are formed.

IMHO the TCT structure as is stands as a rip off New Zealand type attempt to legitamise further development into other Tasmanian wilderness areas, solely with big $$$ players in mind. With the money that's been already spent - existing tracks could have been greatly improved to a comfortable, less visual & sustainable standard; much more modest/hidden huts could have been constructed (open for ALL walkers); & hardened campsites established at existing practical intervals for greater flexibility. The Three Capes could have actually been a "3 Capes" walk with an additional option to continue along to Waterfall Bay or bail out at certain spots (Port Arthur, Remarkable Bay, Fortescue) along the way. I'm a fan of track work which minimises the degradation of underfoot areas (eg. duckboarding, hardened surfaces to minimise erosion, camp platforms), but this is tunneling through our valued areas with very little though given to the physical & emotive impact it has created.

[Soggysausages]

Hi All,

I have just been doing some research on the Three Capes Track and came across this thread and thought I'd like to put my 2 cents in as I seem to be on the "other side"

I am an avid walker from NSW and have traveled to Tasmania twice, once to do the Overland Track and another time to do the South Coast Track. Both of which were amazing experiences that i'll cherish for life.

I think some of the harsher criticism of the track itself is largely misplaced as it seems to me that the three capes track is really targeted towards people like me who love the hiking experience but aren't looking for a massive physical challenge (which the SCT was). On this trip my wife will be coming along and while she is fitter than me, she isn't keen on mud or having to carry a large pack so the Three Capes Track setup seems ideal.

It is a shame that the PWS has made it so difficult to do the pillar walk without paying the fee but I can sort of understand where they are coming from. The government has made a massive investment and it needs to protect the income stream. It's just a little misguided.

In terms of cost I think someone else has mentioned that it is cheaper than going on a holiday anywhere else, so it doesn't bother me too much, and I believe that in a year or two when they don't generate the numbers they expect then they will lower the price.

Finally, it's a shame that the walkers/rangers are treating you guys as second class citizens, the way I see it, doing the walk without the use of the facilities deserves respect rather than derision.

[Chris]

Thought this was was an interesting and balanced report on walking the 3CT in the latest Sunday Examiner by journalist Rob Shaw.
Sorry about the extraneous rubbish and the missing lines on p1 - haven't yet learned to crop screen shots.

[north-north-west]

Have they really turned the lovely little climb up onto the Blade into a fancy stone staircase? I just so far I saw my brain . . .

[photohiker]

Thanks for the article, Chris!

haven't yet learned to crop screen shots.

That is easy on the Mac.

To get the whole screen like you did, Shift+Command+3

To select an area of the screen and capture it: Shift+Command+4 Your cursor will turn into a crosshair, Just click and drag across the area you want to capture. When you release the mouse button, the area will be screenshotted.