Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service is celebrating 10 years of ecotourism operations on its premier coastal walk, the Three Capes Track.
On 23 December 2015, the first group of walkers set off to explore the rugged sea cliffs and coastline of the Tasman National Park in southern Tasmania.
A decade on, more than 106,000 walkers have followed in their footsteps to complete the 48-kilometre journey along the Three Capes Track.
PWS Acting Regional Manager (South) Brian Campbell attributed the success of the track to its distinctive and immersive experience.
“The development of the Three Capes Track has been a remarkable success story for the region and the state,” Mr Campbell said.
“We wanted to create a walk that showcased the beauty of the Southern Tasmanian coastline and share its history through memorable interpretation and engaging storytelling.
“The result is a spectacular ecotourism offering that fully deserves its reputation as one of Tasmania’s signature experiences.”
The Three Capes Track attracts more than 11,500 walkers annually – 85 per cent are interstate and international visitors, and 15 per cent are from Tasmania.
An estimated 15,000 Tasmanian walkers have completed the Three Capes Track since its inception.
The visitor experience starts upon check-in at the Port Arthur Historic Site, followed by an eco-cruise aboard the Pennicott Wilderness Journeys boat, taking in the towering sea cliffs, sea caves and marine life of the Tasman Peninsula.
Walkers are then dropped off at Denman’s Cove to begin their journey along the track over four days and three nights.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in making the Three Capes Track a truly special experience – from the hut designers and track builders through to the contractors and operational staff responsible for its ongoing maintenance,” Mr Campbell said.
“Special thanks to the host rangers, whose warm welcome and friendly advice ensures that all walkers have an enjoyable and enriching experience on track.”
The revenue collected from the Three Capes Track is reinvested back into the walk and other key sites and management programs within the Tasman National Park.
Sunset at Cape Hauy, Tasman National Park