Three Capes LARK Whisky Walk with Chris Thomson
Available for groups by request | Price upon application
Includes an exclusive pre-walk whisky tasting at The Still.
On this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, you'll walk the inspiring Three Capes Track over four days. On each of the three evenings, in the warmth and comfort of our stunning lodges, you'll share a whisky and stories with LARK's head distiller Chris Thomson. Take your senses on a journey in Tasmania's wild and epic landscape.
The experience begins in Hobart, the night before the walk starts, Where you'll join a private tasting for our group at The Still, LARK's Hobart cellar door.
On the Three Capes Track itself, after each day's walk, we'll gather for a well-deserved pre-dinner whisky or whisky cocktail — it's your choice! Dinners with Tasmanian wines follow. We'll finish each evening, around the fire with LARK's head distiller Chris Thomson and share a tasting and stories. This is an incredible opportunity to savour whiskies with their maker. This is an incredible opportunity to savour whiskies with their maker. Discover what Chris tastes, savours and values. Witness how flavours and aromas become stories of inspiration and creation from a master distiller.
The Three Capes Track is a journey to the world’s edge and a spectacular backdrop to witness the soaring flight of Tasmania's sea eagles. Journey along some of the world’s highest seacliffs with The Three Capes Signature Walk, the only fully guided Three Capes Track experience with accommodation inside the National Park.
Please note, that pre-walk accommodation is not included and by your own arrangement.
Quick facts - what's included.
Pre-walk tasting
LARK, A Deep Dive Whisky Experience - May 22, 20243 at 3:30pm. 30 Argyle St. Hobart. (Value $299)
Four-day Three Capes Limited Edition Lark Whisky Walk
LARK whisky tasting with Chris Thomson each evening
A special departure gift from LARK whisky — a Bellroy Sleeve and a bottle of Classic Cask Single Malt Whisky 100 mL
Return transfers from Hobart, boat transfer from Port Arthur to Denman's Cove
Lodge accommodation, linen and comfortable beds
All meals, non-alcoholic beverages and a selection of Tasmanian wines
Use of a backpack and weather-proof jacket for the duration of the walk
Two qualified guides for the duration of the walk
National Park Pass
LARK DISTILLERY
A COMPILATION OF CREATIVE GENIUS AND TASMANIA'S PURE ENVIRONMENT.
Tasmania is ideally situated to make malt whisky, and yet 150 years after the last licensed Tasmanian distillery closed its doors, it took a whisky lover to realise the environment was perfect.
The vision of producing a Tasmanian malt whisky was born in 1989 on a trout fishing trip in the highlands of Tasmania.
Bill Lark's father-in-law, Max, produced a wonderful bottle of single malt, and as they enjoyed a drink in the park at Bothwell surrounded by Georgian buildings, barley fields and the gentle flowing of the Clyde River, Bill remarked to Max, “I wonder why there isn’t anyone making malt whisky in Tasmania?”
This question stuck with Bill, as well as his equally curious wife Lyn, leading them to inquire into the details of obtaining a distillation license. This inquiry lead to the discovery of Australia’s antiquated distillation laws and eventually to their amendment. Thus, in 1992, the Lark household became the first Australian distillery to produce single malt spirit in 154 years. The spirit continued to grow and evolve, leading to the creation of a rich Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky aged in small casks. Finally in 1998, after years in the making, from Bill and Lyn’s kitchen table to Davey Street Bond Store, the first LARK Distillery Single Malt Whisky was released commercially.
For over 30 years, the LARK team has built what is now one of Australia's most famous whisky distilleries, recently nominated as one of four distillers for the Worldwide Whisky Producer of the Year award.
CHRIS THOMSON
Chris is the Head Distiller and Blender at LARK Distillery. He has been with the business for over a decade, starting out in production by bottling whisky as early as cask 21. His experience as Forty Spotted Gin Distiller and Co-Founder and Director of Hemly Cider has allowed him to expand his knowledge in the spirits industry and share his ideas at LARK to elevate their whisky to a new level. He brings a new range of innovation and creativity into his role, experimenting with different cask finishes and flavour palettes, which has helped LARK win some of the world's most prestigious awards. Under his stewardship in 2022, LARK was named Whisky Distillery of the Year and produced the Whisky of the Year (Christmas Cask III) at the Australian Whisky Awards, along with top accolades from the Icons of Whisky Awards including Sustainable Distillery of the Year, Campaign Innovator of the Year and Highly Commended for Distillery of the Year.
Three Capes Lodge LARK Whisky Walk (4 days)
Each evening we'll start and finish with an exceptional LARK whisky. A pre-dinner cocktail gets us started. Our three-course dinners are accompanied by a selection of Tasmanian wines.
After dinner, we'll sit and savour a glass with Chris. As the darkness descends at our lodges, there is nothing better than nestling into one of our comfortable couches or an arm chair with a dram of whisky and to let it guide our senses. We'll sit with a glass and take time to savour the whisky's character and share stories with Chris. In Tasmania's brilliant and remote wilderness, please remember that Responsible Service of Alcohol is very wise and will help you wake up fresh for the following days challenging hike!
OUR FEATURED WHISKYS
CLASSIC CASK
Where it all began over 30 years ago. LARK’s flagship Tasmanian single malt whisky tells the tale of how the whisky industry was reborn from a simple question that founder Bill Lark posed “I wonder why there isn’t anyone making malt whisky in Tasmania?”
A BRAND NEW RELEASE
Be one of the first to try the brand new and highly anticipated release that is set to become part of the LARK signature collection.
DARK LARK 2023
The annual sell-out release, shrouded in mystery, celebrates light in the depths of winter.
LARK, A Deep Dive Whisky Experience | May 22, 2024 3:30pm
Arrive in Tasmania the day before you begin your walk, to be welcomed with an exclusive tasting tailored to our walking group.
On May 22, the day before you begin your walk on the Three Capes Track, meet at The Still, 30 Argyle St, Hobart, at 3:30pm. Here, we'll spend an hour in the whisky lounge with one of LARK's whisky experts, hearing the tales that built Tasmania's iconic whisky brand and taste whisky that’s too rare to even make it to LARK's back-bar.
The Still is a retail and tasting room by day that meanders into a suave whisky and cocktail lounge experience as the sun sets and the night unfolds.
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 Denmans Cove at 1.15pm. 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 boat signals your arrival at Denmans 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 calls, head for a dip before a gradual climb up to the lodge.
Crescent Lodge is perched high with far stretching views across Crescent Bay to Cape Raoul, and 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, settle into the couch with a glass of LARK Classic Cask and a conversation with Chris Thomson.
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 but ocean between you and Antarctica.
Following lunch, skirt the edge of Tornado Ridge before heading south towards 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.
After dinner, as the stars rise above the spectacular view towards Cape Hauy, it's time for a tasting of the brand new release created by LARK's Head Distiller Chris Thomson.
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 seacliffs 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 the relaxation pavilion, three-course goodness and ocean views await. By now, walking strangers might just have become firm friends. Unlace the boots, read a book with the sea breeze in your toes.
Those with a penchant for pampering can forego today’s walk and spend the day at Cape Pillar Lodge. Enjoy one of our relaxing treatments ranging from 30 to 60 minutes and immerse yourself in the enchanting surrounds.
The last evening will see the group undertake a sensory exploration of LARK's Dark Lark, a mysterious whisky that celebrates Tasmania's winter.
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 star gazing 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 Whisky Walk
- 4-Day Guided Walk
- Each trip requires a minimum of 8 guests (Twin Share). The maximum is 12
- Walk dates - May 2024 | Price $4,195
Bookings
- Phone: (03) 6392 2211
- Email: bookings@taswalkingco.com.au
- or complete the below enquiry form
Special Interest 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
- The final payment is due 90 days before departure. For reservations made three months 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;
- between 90 and 60 days prior to departure, you will be charged 50% of the full trip cost with the balance refunded; or
- within 60 days of departure, no refund is available. Bookings can be transferred to another name.
- Travel and pre and post-trip accommodation expenses are not included.
- Pre-walk accommodation following your Deep Dive Whisky Experience is not included.
Inclusions
- Return transfers from Hobart
- Lodge accommodation
- All meals, non-alcoholic beverages and a selection of Tasmanian wines
- National Park Pass
- 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
- LARK whiskies each evening
- A special departure gift from LARK whisky — a Bellroy Sleeve and 100ml Classic Cask Bottle
- LARK, A Deep Dive Whisky Experience. The Still, 30 Argyle St, Hobart. (Value $299)
Enquire
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