Three Capes Photography Walk
Available by request for private groups | From $3,695 per person
Join nature photographer Luke Tscharke on a unique photographic exploration along Tasmania's Three Capes Track. Over the course of this 4-day journey, learn how to capture nature at its finest. We do not limit our photography to daylight hours, instead, we embrace the dawn and the dusk and explore all that this unique area has to offer during these magical times of day. We will also explore light painting, astrophotography and, with nature's co-operation, the magnificent Aurora Australis.
This walk takes place at the height of winter on a dry-foot track. The Three Capes Signature Walk is the only guided walk offering the full Three Capes Track experience including the only private lodge accommodation inside the national park.
For all enquiries and bookings please contact Tasmanian Walking Company on (03) 6392 2211 or email enquiries@taswalkingco.com.au
Introducing Luke Tscharke
Luke is an award-winning Australian landscape, nature, and travel photographer based in Hobart, Tasmania. His major passion is inspiring people to respect and connect with the natural beauty in the world around them.
Previously working as a biologist, Luke began photography as a hobby. It soon became a full-time career and lifestyle, exploring nature, rain, hail or shine, and experimenting with the latest equipment and processing software. He has merged his passion for photography with his love of bushwalking, creating memorable natural landscape images from locations across his beloved Tasmania, wider Australia and other parts of the world.
The quality of Luke's work has been recognised by awards in many photography competitions; publications in books, calendars and magazines; and work with corporations and charities. Recent collaborations include Australian Geographic, Tourism Tasmania and Sony Australia.
Nature and Night Photography Experiences
- Approximately 2 hours walking through coastal woodland.
- Sunset 5.42pm - shoot sunset from Crescent Lodge looking across to Crescent Bay and Mount Brown.
- After dinner - night sky and/or light painting photography workshop.
- Night photography - Milky Way through trees, western fall from Crescent Lodge lookout from 12.30am to 1.30am for those that are game. It is suggested that those who do stay up forego sunrise.
- Sunrise 6.41am - optional sunrise shoot from 6.15am.
- Approximately 5 hours walking through varied terrain including coastal heath, woodlands and cloud-forest. Photography opportunities include:
- Photography from the lookout on Mount Arthur towards Crescent Bay, early spring wildflowers, cliff-top landscapes and the cloud forest.
- A sunset shoot from the lodge at 5.15pm weather permitting with a long exposure view toward Cape Huay.
- Night time options include stars and Milky Way photography, aurora where possible and light painting. If it is cloudy or rainy, Luke will provide an indoor masterclass on aurora and night photography tips.
- Sunrise 6.40am - optional sunrise shoot from 6.15am. Approximately 6 hours walking with daypacks through silver gum forest to the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Photographic opportunities include shooting long exposures at the lookouts, cliff-top landscapes including the blade and Tasman Island, and dramatic early-spring skies and wildflowers and wildlife where encountered.
- Sunset shoot from 5.15pm, weather permitting, toward Cape Huay.
- Night time options include stars and Milky Way photography, aurora where possible and light painting. If it is cloudy or rainy, Luke will provide an indoor night-sky photography workshop.
Day Four
With six hours of walking, it is wise to consider it is a long day followed by a drive back to Hobart.
- Sunrise 6.40am - optional sunrise shoot from 6.15am.
- Cape Hauy is a spectacular photography spot, although the extra walk to Cape Hauy is optional.
- Photography at Fortescue Bay - weather and time permitting.
*The experience is a combination of walking and photography. Opportunities to take photos in remote locations are scheduled around walk logistics which are given first priority.
Testimonials
The 3 guides were Absolutely sensational. They gave us all correct info and we’re always ready to accommodate. Luke and his helpfulness with the photography aspect and the scenery was spectacular. We had sunshine days and rainy days and both types of weather were beautiful. 10/10 - Rosemary O. (2022 Walk)
Highlights? Macro of flowers, moss, and tall Dolomites tower majesty. 10/10 - Robyn L. (2022 Walk)
Highlights? Guides, accommodation, food, scenery, company. 10/10 Kim H. (2022 Walk)
I liked the photography. Luke was a source of many techniques. I enjoyed the whole experience. 10/10 Laurie H. (2022 Walk)
Recommended Photography Gear List
*This gear is to be carried in addition to your other gear. Please see our Gear List for details.
Wide-angle lens - For landscapes and night photography (ideally 16-35mm or similar).
Mid-zoom lens - For wildlife, nature, and distant landscapes (24-105mm or similar).
Long-zoom lens - For distant landscapes (70-300mm or similar) (optional).
Macro lens - For flowers and insects (optional).
Tripod -Lightweight tripod suitable for carrying during walking in a backpack.
ACCESSORIES
Batteries x 3 - Fully charged. There are limited opportunities to recharge batteries at the solar-powered lodges.
Battery charger
SD card x2 - Empty cards.
Three Capes Signature Walk (4-days)
Three Capes Lodge Walk is the only guided walk offering the full Three Capes Track experience including the only private lodge accommodation inside the national park.
Walk with us and we’ll take you a step further, a step deeper. We’re the only guided walking company authorised by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service to climb the iconic Blade and walk the Three Capes Track. You’ll rest your head in the only private accommodation within the Tasman National Park. Our exclusive, architect-designed Crescent Lodge and Cape Pillar Lodge are your havens within the wilderness. Think hot showers and superb dining.
Walking with lightweight packs and pulling a chair up to three-course meals, let our world-class guides take you on an unforgettable journey.
Day 1: Hobart - Crescent Lodge
Approximately 2 hours walking
Upon arrival at Stewarts Bay, we will make our way down to the jetty where a private boat will be waiting to depart for our short trip across to Denman’s Cove at 1.15 pm. Cruising with views back to Port Arthur, aside from the possible seal and dolphin spotting, some of the highest dolerite cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere come into view, an indication of the drama to come.
A short wade ashore from the boats signals your arrival at Denman’s Cove, where we’ll fuel you with local produce for lunch, in preparation for a gentle walk through coastal woodland to the rocky refuge of Surveyors Cove. At this point, if the Southern Ocean begs, head for a dip before a gradual incline up to the lodge.
Crescent Lodge is perched high, with far-stretching views across Crescent Bay to Cape Raoul, with guest rooms spilling into the gully. Settle in with a warm shower as your guides-come-chefs prepare a three-course feast of local fare. Post dinner, take your Tassie pinot to a quiet deck for your own private sunset.
Day 2: Crescent Lodge - Cape Pillar Lodge
Approximately 5 hours walking
Wake to the silence of Crescent Lodge and wander down to the stunning dining room for a hearty breakfast to start the day. From here, head due south with views across Safety Cove and Maingon Bay to Bruny Island. Climbing Arthurs Peak, 300 metres above sea level, is worth the oceanic vista. In these parts, White-Bellied Sea Eagles soar in the thermal currents, so be sure to look skyward. Lunch isn’t far away, an easy downhill descent to south-facing cliffs where pelagic seabirds are plenty - albatross, petrels and gannets. Here, there’s nothing between you and Antarctica.
Following lunch, skirt the edge of Tornado Ridge before heading south toward Cape Pillar Lodge, your base for the next two nights.
Day 3: Cape Pillar Lodge return
Approximately 6 hours walking (optional)
This is the most adventurous day of your journey. Today you’ll walk through silver gum forest (Eucalyptus Tenuiramis), a species endemic to the area, out to the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. There’s little wonder Cape Pillar has been afforded other names - Hurricane Heath and Desolation Gully. A side trip to The Blade is a must, with staggering views across to Tasman Island.
Lunch is served at Chasm Lookout - with Tasman Island’s weathered lighthouse in sight. It’s then a direct return journey home to Cape Pillar Lodge where three-course goodness and ocean views await. By now, walking strangers might just have become firm friends. Unlace the boots and read a book, with the sea breeze in your toes.
Day 4: Cape Pillar Lodge - Fortescue Bay
Approximately 6 hours walking (Cape Hauy side trip optional)
Time to farewell Cape Pillar's safe forest haven. From here you’ll cross Retakunna Creek (local indigenous dialect for creaking trees) en route to a patch of rainforest. Breathe it in - lush mosses, ferns and vibrant greens. Next mission is the peninsula’s highest peak, Mount Fortescue, climbing some 490 metres above sea level. Enjoy lunch with leafy-framed ocean views overlooking The Monument.
Take the side trip and enjoy the majesty of Cape Hauy - or simply remain with the group for a final cliff-walk descent onto the cool white sands of Fortescue Bay. This is your chance to drop the pack and sink your toes in pristine sands or perhaps take a celebratory dive into the crystal clear waves. We will then travel back to Hobart via the airport. We will finish in Hobart with a glass of celebratory bubbles.
Our Private Lodges
Each evening, settle into the only private accommodation within the Tasman National Park. Our lodges offer true shelter - a place of protection and refuge. They are simple yet sustainable. Comfortable and inviting.
Walkers have exclusive use of our two lodges along the Three Capes Track. Both are discreetly positioned along the trail, their design responding to contours of the land. Warm showers, generous lounge areas and plush pillows await.
YOUR EXPERIENCE
The final steps of each day’s walk lead to your lodge accommodation where afternoon tea is served. Free time allows you to explore the lodge, settling on a suitable perch for a glass of Tasmanian wine while your guides prepare the evening meal. As night falls, outdoor decking entices for stargazing on clear southern nights.
Large sliding doors in the living and communal spaces invite the outdoors in, encouraging connection with your surrounds. Each lodge features a dining and kitchen area, expansive views and private bedrooms.
OUR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT
We consider it a great privilege to provide the only private lodging along this trail, and have taken every environmental consideration during the design and build process. Our lodges rest lightly within the natural environment. Sustainability features include water minimisation features and the latest solar power technology. Bird-friendly Archimedes wind turbines bolster our renewable energy resources.
We’ve also worked closely with the topography of the land - each lodge aligning to contours of the existing landscape. This not only has minimised impact on the surrounding vegetation, but allows our accommodation to blend into nature’s setting.
We trust you’ll enjoy your days and restful nights with us.
Itinerary Details
Three Capes Photography Walk
- Available by request for private groups | From $3,695 per person
- 4-Day Guided Walk
- Each trip requires a minimum of 10 guests (Twin Share). The maximum is 13.
Bookings
- Phone: (03) 6392 2211
- Email: enquiries@taswalkingco.com.au
- or complete the below enquiry form
Limited Edition Walks - Terms and Conditions
These are in addition to our standard booking terms and conditions.
- All prices are quoted per person in $AUD including GST
- A deposit of $500 per person and the Guest Information Form are due within five days of booking
- Minimum numbers are required four months before departure.
- The final payment is due 90 days before departure. For reservations made 90 days or less from the departure date, full payment is due at the time of booking.
- Cancellations
- more than 90 days from the scheduled departure date, a fee of $350 per person will be charged with the balance payment refunded;
- within 90 days of departure, no refund is available. Bookings can be transferred to another person.
- Travel and pre and post-trip accommodation expenses are not included.
Inclusions
- Return transfers from Hobart
- Lodge accommodation
- All meals, non-alcoholic beverages and a selection of Tasmanian wines
- National Park Pass for the duration of your walk
- Boat transfer from Port Arthur to Denman's Cove
- Use of a backpack and weather-proof jacket for the duration of the walk
- Linen and comfortable beds
- Two qualified guides for the duration of the walk
- Photographer: Luke Tscharke
Enquire
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