The Raptor Refuge

The Raptor Refuge is the only dedicated facility in Tasmania for the rehabilitation of raptors.

There are about 120 wedge-tailed eagle breeding pairs left in Tasmania, less than 110 pairs of grey goshawks and less than 200 pairs of white-bellied sea eagles. They are fighting against habitat destruction caused by coastal home development, boat accidents and collisions with power lines. Goshawks are also often shot to protect poultry.

In 1997 Craig Webb returned to his birthplace of Tasmania after many years in the Kimberly working as a veterinary nurse. He was registered as a licensed wildlife carer with Nature Conservation branch of Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.

Craig was initially involved with all facets of wildlife care but increasingly he was sought out by members of the public to look after injured raptors. At the time, there was no facility dedicated to the rehabilitation of Tasmanian raptors. This led to Craig having the idea of creating a working refuge that would care for and rehabilitate injured raptors so that they can be released back into the wild.

Craig bought the 20 acres of land and has worked tirelessly to build the refuge. His single-minded determination and commitment to Tasmania’s birds of prey has seen him construct the largest flight aviaries in Australia. These aviaries where the result of many sleepless nights trying to solve the complex engineering challenges of putting heavy, commercial fishing nets (almost two tonnes each), securely fastened with a series of ropes on pulleys, above and around the power poles that support them.

Behind the scenes, there are a number of committed volunteers helping to keep the Raptor Refuge running. The team has grown over the years and is made up of like-minded folk with a mixture of passion, pragmatic attitudes, intelligence and empathy for our beautiful and threatened raptors.

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. Your pace might quicken in the knowledge there is a massage, facial or relaxation bath on offer at Cape Pillar Lodge.

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.