One of Australia’s premier coastal walks will be off-limits to visitors this autumn as Tasmania rolls out part of its bushfire mitigation strategy.
Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) has announced the Three Capes Track will be closed from April 28 to May 11 to carry out planned burns and routine maintenance.
The closure is part of a state-wide fuel reduction program aimed at lowering bushfire risk while protecting the natural environment and cultural heritage of the Tasman National Park.
“The planned burns have been timed during autumn, when conditions are more stable and predictable and fuels are dry enough to achieve favourable burning outcomes,” a PWS spokesperson said.
The closure will affect the Three Capes Track, Old Cape Pillar Track, Bare Knoll Campground, Cape Hauy Track and part of the Mill Creek campground at Fortescue Bay.
These areas will remain off-limits until authorities declare them safe to reopen following the burn operations.
The 48-kilometre Three Capes Track, renowned for its stunning views of Australia’s highest sea cliffs, attracts thousands of walkers each year who typically complete the journey over four days and three nights.
The journey begins at the Port Arthur Historic Site, where walkers board a purpose-built vessel for a 75-minute cruise along the coastline, before being dropped at Denmans Cove to begin the hike.
While the track closure may disappoint some visitors, several alternative walks in the Tasman National Park will remain open, including the Waterfall Bay Track, Tasman Coastal Trail, Cape Raoul Track and Tunnel Bay Track.
The boat ramp at Fortescue Bay will also stay open.
PWS carries out similar closures each year as part of its strategy to keep walkers safe and maintain the Three Capes Track’s status as “Australia’s premier coastal walk”.
