Facilities and walking tracks at Remarkable Cave on the Tasman Peninsula to be upgraded

Planned walking track upgrades on the Tasman Peninsula will make one of the state’s most spectacular hidden gems more accessible.

Aerial view of Crescent Bay and beach on the Tasman Peninsula. Picture: EDDIE SAFARIK

PLANNED walking track upgrades on the Tasman Peninsula will make one of the state’s most spectacular hidden gems more accessible.

The track from Remarkable Cave to Crescent Bay and Mount Brown, near Port Arthur, is expected to be closed from May 1 to October 1 for construction.

The Remarkable Cave site in the Tasman National Park is also set to receive a complete “facelift” at the same time, with new elevated pedestrian walkways to be installed, improvements made to parking, and rehabilitation of the escarpment to protect the surrounding environment and improve sustainability.

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service said the upgrades had been timed to avoid the peak visitor period.

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“These upgrades will allow visitors to enjoy better facilities and improved short and part-day walks to spectacular coastal locations in the area, while better protecting the environment as visitor numbers increase,” the service wrote on social media.

Surf near Remarkable Cave. Picture: KANE YOUNG

“Works will include the upgrade to 3.7km of walking track at Remarkable Cave and Crescent Bay and Mt Brown. Crescent Bay is a hidden gem on the Peninsula and this new track will make it more accessible, with Mt Brown as an exciting side trip.”

The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment called for contractors to submit tenders for the projects on the weekend.

“We will upgrade the track from Remarkable Cave to Mt Brown and Crescent Bay. When this section of track is completed, it will provide an outstanding day trip experience that locals and visitors can do as a once off, or tack on to the beginning or end of their Three Capes track walk,” a DPIPWE spokesman said.

The spokesman said the track improvements would be upgraded to a similar standard to existing Three Capes walks and make it much easier for most people.

“The views from Mt Brown extend west to Cape Raoul and east to Cape Pillar. Crescent bay is a popular beach destination and is a beautiful, but often little visited part of the peninsula.”

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Tasman Mayor Kelly Spaulding said day walks were becoming a major drawcard for the area.

“The multi-day Three Capes Track experience brings in big numbers and spending but there’s a huge market down here for shorter day walks,” Cr Spaulding said.

“There’s huge potential at Remarkable Cave and Crescent Bay that hasn’t been discovered. “Any new infrastructure or improvements to existing walks will benefit the region and bring people back.”

Luke Martin said the upgrades would draw visitors into regional parts of Tasmania. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Luke Martin said the changes were not only about coping with the current tourism boom but planning for the future.

“These projects have been on the drawing board for years and years and they’re finally receiving funding and some proper attention,” Mr Martin said.

“People have high expectations of parks infrastructure nowadays and we’re planning for the future and allowing these drawcards to grow sustainably.

“By investing in our parks infrastructure it draws visitors into regional parts of Tasmania, where tourism has most benefit.”

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