CRESCENT BAY - SAT. 2ND JANUARY 2021 (date changed)

Crescent Bay takes us over delightful rocky coastal scenery with views towards the high cliffs of Cape Pillar, Tasman Island and Cape Raoul. The track has been recently updated with plenty of parking and is a great way to start off the new year. We will be visiting Remarkable Caves, Maingon Blowhole and Mt Brown for those that prefer the extra views, then time on the beach and sand dunes for lunch. Suitable for families with energetic younger children, and everyone else too!

Walk Route:
The walk is in the Tasman Peninsula National Park and starts at Remarkable Cave carpark. It is an easy walk with the elevation staying around 20m above sea level. When we arrive we will take in the view from Maingon Lookout taking in the rocky coast and notably the bull kelp anchored to the rocks amid the wild surf. Next down the stairs to check out Remarkable Caves at the cliff base. Then back to the carpark where the track starts 100 metres up the road. The track runs roughly south and south-east and gets quite sandy at times. The way ahead is on high exposed, scrubby dune country views out to sea. The track has been rather prickly with twigs and branches overhanging the trail, however reports suggest the recent updates to the track could make walking more comfortable. After 1.4km, we will reach Maingon Blowhole. This deep ravine and blowhole is spectacular if the sea is up. Great care is need near the rim as the edges are steep and unstable. Another 1.4km later those that do want to see the view from Mt Brown will turn off and climb 170m over 900m for more great views of the peninsula. From the turn off to Mt Brown it is a 300m descent to the beach for some lunch and a dip if the temperature and surf is right.

Meeting Times and Places:
We will meet at 10am at the remarkable caves carpark. Allow about 4 hours for the return trip and rest and lunch at the beach. Bring lunch and a drink.
If you are interested in going on this walk, please phone Dan Hutchison on 0457 765 907 to book in.
See road details below. As this is an easier local walk, you could certainly just turn up on the day, but Dan would like you to make yourself known and needs to record you on the registration sheet for insurance purposes. And of course, he would like to introduce you to the other walkers!
If you negotiate any travel arrangements with the leader or one of the other walkers, please be at any meeting place 5 minutes ahead of departure time.

How to get there:
Tasman National Park is located in the south-eastern corner of Tasmania. It's a 90-minute drive on sealed roads from Hobart via Sorell on the A3, and then the A9 (Arthur Highway) toward Port Arthur (101 km from Hobart). The park straddles both the Tasman and Forestier peninsulas, however most of its accessible features are on the Tasman Peninsula.
Access to the south-western part of the park is also via the Arthur Highway (A9), then following Safety Cove Road for 6 km from Port Arthur township to access Remarkable Cave and walking tracks to Maingon Blowhole, Mount Brown and Crescent Bay.

Warnings:
Please take note of the weather forecast on the day. Make sure you bring drinking water - we suggest 1 litre per person. Walkers are advised to wear sturdy boots or sneakers. You should always carry wet weather gear as well as warm clothing including gloves and beanies in case of sudden weather changes. The exposed headland can be cold and windy, especially at this time of the year.
You should always carry wet weather gear as well as warm clothing in case of sudden weather changes.
Follow this link for further information on clothing suggestions for exposed conditions.
Click this link for a more detailed discussion of Preparation, Food and Safety guidelines for Boots N' All walks.

Map Details and References:
For Crescent Bay and Mt. Brown , 1:100000 map is Storm Bay (Tasmap 8411) and 1:25000 map is Raoul (TasMap 5521).
Some good details and a map of the walk can be found on this website...Crescent Bay Track to Mount Brown - Tasmania, Australia | AllTrails