Ladies trip

Jude had never been on a trip with girlfriends, leaving the boys at home to do what they do when they are home, so it was about time to get one organised. The initial tentative seed was planted years ago, and the first whatsapp went out to a random collection of girlfriends spread all over the country. Those interested became part of the planning sessions and after a lot of calendar checking a date was set for September 2020. Chantel, Fiona, Ella, Kerry, Jenn and Laura were going to join Jude to hike the Three Capes track in Tasmania.

And then of course we all know what happened. Covid came along and messed everything up. We put the plans on ice and waited.

Fast-forward nearly two years and the second attempt was booked for June 2022. This time Chantel, Erica, Jo, Kerry, Kim, Lorna and Mingyuan were up for the challenge. A few from the old crew couldn’t make it, but some fresh blood was added and we still ended up with a similar group size. This time the walk would be in winter though. It would mean less people on the track, but also a chance of cold and wet days. But, it can also rain or snow in summer in Tasmania and we were all willing to take the risk.

Jon dropped Jude off at the airport in Brisbane and soon she landed in Hobart. It was good to be ‘on the road’ again. Erica had left her car at the airport so Jude picked it up and drove to the meeting point with Kim, Gary and Sean who had brought their dog along too. After a hike on Mt Wellington we drove further up to the top where we built a snowman and a snow-woman, and had a snowball fight. After an excellent meal Jude drives to Erica’s place alone before returning to the airport the next morning to pick up Erica who had finished her shift and together they drive to Cape Raoul.

hiking with Kim, Gary and Sean on Mt Wellington

Jude and Kim in the snow on top of Mt Wellington

we build a snowman on top of Mt Wellington in Hobart

Cape Raoul is technically one of the Three Capes (as the walk actually only visits 2 of the 3 capes) so we wanted to hike this one too. The weather was perfect and the views amazing. It was a great taste of what was to come.

Erica and Jude on the Cape Raoul hike, it is one of the Three Capes but not included on the Three Capes hike….

Slowly more members of the group arrived, new friends were made and old friends hugged again.Kerry, Jo, Erica and Jude spent an evening at Dark Mofo, the annual art and culture festival in Hobart celebrating the winter solstice, before getting the bags finalised at Erica’s place the day before we would start the hike. We drove towards Port Arthur in the afternoon, stopped at Bangor (winery) for an excellent tasting session, and stayed overnight in a caravan park nearby where we had an absolute feast whilst having lots of laughs.

Jude, Erica, Jo and Kerry enjoying a colourful evening at Dark Mofo in Hobart

Jo’s bag didn’t arrive with her on the flight, luckily it was dropped off at Erica’s place the next morning

Kerry, Jude and Jo enjoying wine and chocolate before heading to the caravan park before the hike

The group was finally complete at Port Arthur after Kim, Chantel, Mingyuan and Lorna joined us there the next morning, ready to check in and bring our packs to the boat. Jude nearly left her down jacket and camera in the car, luckily she realised the last minute and ran back to grab them before the boat left.

the crew ready for the boat trip and the hike – Lorna, Kerry, Kim, Chan, Jude, Erica, Jo and Mingyuan

We hopped on board the ferry that would take us across to Denmans Cove, and because it was such a beautiful sunny day, we went out to the end of the bay for some sightseeing. We spotted several types of birds, including a black-browed albatross and even found a australian fur-seals. So cute.

staring out towards Tasman Island where we would be hiking soon

we spot long-nosed fur-seals frolicking in the bay on our boat trip to the start of the Three Capes hike

The landing in Denmans Cove was rather cold, as we had to hop out of the boat in knee-deep water to wade ashore for the start of the hike. Unfortunately we had to say goodbye to Kerry here as she wasn’t able to join the walk, but we would see her on the other side again, back at Port Arthur.

the water is freezing when we hop off the boat to wade to Surveyors Cove where we were starting the hike

First things first and we all grabbed our tucker boxes out and enjoyed our shared lunch on the beach before heading out for a relaxed and gentle stroll to our first overnight camp at Surveyors Hut, only 4 km away. We stopped at the ‘seats’ and read the stories that accompanied each seat. This set the tone for the rest of the days.

we take our time getting to the first hut as it is only 4km away

On the way we were lucky enough to spot a dusky tasman peninsula dusky antechinus, so cute, as it was rummaging around the littered forest floor for tasty morsels to eat.

super cute tasman peninsula dusky antechinus

The huts were very posh and luxurious, and even have a heater in the main kitchen – dining area. We definitely needed that each night. Every hut also has a very knowledgeable ranger on site and on day 2 there is even a hot bucket shower for everyone. As most of the rooms were empty (it is winter, in summer each of the 48 beds are always occupied), our group split up over two rooms, Chan, Lorna and Mingyuan in a small 4-bunk room and Erica, Jo, Jude and Kim in a large 8-bunk room.

The hiking days are short and the trail is very wide and luxurious with lots of boardwalks so none of the usual Tassie bogs and mud. The sun shone most of the time, we had a few very brief showers, but most of the rain that did fall down was all overnight.

For the first night, Jude had brought dessert for everyone. And after a very sumptuous, homemade dehydrated dinner it was time to enjoy a real, full-size banoffee pie. Delicious. We had plenty leftover, and shared the remains with the family who were still rather hungry as they had only brought two packs of Back Country cuisine dehydrated food bags which had proven not enough for the two teenage boys and their parents. It was their first overnight hike, so they were very happy with the additional food.

dinner on the first night, the bannofee pie is ready to eat in the middle of the table

The next day we only had 11km to cover, estimated to take 4-4.5 hours, from Surveyors Hut to Munro Hut. There are a few small hills to pass, but nothing major. The first section of the walk follows the coastline, and we had spectacular views over the cliffs on the other side of the bay where we had sailed with the boat the day before. We saw plenty of funky mushrooms and plants, took many photos with great views, and continued to read the booklet when we reached another seating area. We stopped along the way for some lunch, and still reached Munro Hut in the afternoon. We relaxed, explored the area, did some stretches, and of course we all enjoyed our warm bucket shower before another delicious, homemade dehydrated meal in the warm kitchen area.

start of day 2 – Jo, Chan, Lorna, Mingyuan, Erica, Jude and Kim

Kim, Jude and Jo heading out at the start of day 2

another one of the seats along the trail, this time it was wombat poo cubes

Jo, Kim and Jude hiking through the forest on day 2

there are many, many stops along the way to take photos of all the weird and wonderful mushrooms we spot

one of the colourful mushrooms

Jude, Kim, Jo, Erica, Mingyuan and Lorna on day 2

stretching and yoga at Munro Hut

The way the Three Capes walk works, is that they provide the mattresses in the rooms, as well as a full kitchen including gas stoves and all pots, pans and utensils you could possibly need for cooking. That means your pack is very light, as you only need to bring a sleeping bag, your personal bowl and cutlery, and your food. Hiking with such a light pack is a treat.

stunning sunrise view from the deck at Munro Hut

The next day our packs were even smaller and lighter, as this is the day where you can walk to Cape Pillar. Once you turn around at Cape Pillar, you walk the same track back until you reach Munro Hut again where they have a storage shed for your big pack. All you need to carry for the day is your lunch, and when you reach Munro Hut you collect your bigger pack and continue the short walk to Retakunna Hut, the last one of the hike. It is an hour past Munro Hut that you reach the junctions which you passed the day before, and then another 10 minutes to the last hut, bringing the total for today to 19km.

a very light backpack at the start of day 3 – hiking to Cape Pillar and back from Munro Hut

It was another glorious, sunny day and we hiked to the end where we scrambled up Cape Pillar. Many more photos were taken along the way as the views are simply stunning, and you get a great look at Tasman Island from several sections on the trail. We had a very relaxing day and reached our last overnight stop in the late afternoon where we were soon cooking up another storm. We had 4 course dinners every night, plus of course chocolate and some nice drinks to go with it.

everyone in front of Tasman Island

Jude at Cape Pillar

lunch in a random spot on the way back to Munro Hut after walking to Cape Pillar in the morning

Jude and Kim arriving at Retakunna Hut after day 3

Kim cooking up a storm in Retakunna Hut

The last day starts with Mount Fortescue, pretty much as soon as you leave the hut, you start the ascend. And then it is pretty much down hill from there all the way to the Track Junction. This last day is only 14km, estimated to take 6-7 hours again, but because most people (including most of us) have to catch the bus to take you back to Port Arthur, you do need to check your timing. But, we all made great progress and spent quite a long time at another one of the capes, Cape Hauy. From the Track Junction this is another one-way hike, and you can leave your big pack at the junction. You do have to be careful here though as local ravens have learned how to unzip backpacks to get to food. We had our lunch at Cape Hauy before returning to pick up our packs at the junction. We caught a few rain drops on the way back, but luckily the sun won.

a small break with a view on the way to Cape Hauy on day 4

enjoying the sunshine on Cape Hauy on day 4

And before we knew it, we were on the last stretch of the hike into Fortescue Bay. A few last photos with the Three Capes sign along the way, and then we finished the hike at 2pm. Erica and Jude quickly jumped into the sea after taking one last group photo. Hugh was there to pick up Mingyuan, Chantel and Lorna, and Erica, Kim, Jo and Jude hopped into the waiting bus (it was leaving at 2.30) that would take us back to Port Arthur where Kerry was waiting for us.

Jo, Jude and Kim at the Three Capes sign near the end of the hike

the whole group in Fortescue Bay after completing the Three Capes hike

Jude having a quick dip after the hike in Fortescue Bay

That night we all shared two huge desserts one last time in Hobart, where they have a fantastic Dessert Cafe called Honey Badger. You should seriously try it if you are in the area.

we shared two large desserts at Honey Badger back in Hobart after the hike

we spent our last night together in a hotel in Hobart, these rooms with 4 beds are perfect

It had been a fantastic trip, with even better company. We missed the people who couldn’t make it this time, but are hoping they can join in the next trip as we definitely need to do this more often!