An earthcache placed along the Cape Hauy Walk with amazing view just about all the way along the track.
One of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks.
A stunning there and back walk to some awe-inspiring cliffs. The track, part of the Three Capes Track, first undulates through woodlands and heath containing an abundance of wildflowers. It then drops down a steep set of mostly stone steps, before ascending again towards the cape. Cape Hauy juts out into the restless ocean, with views on both sides. The cape itself has spectacular dolerite columns that plunge directly into the sea. Keep an eye out for seabirds, eagles and even passing whales: camera and binoculars recommended.
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. The park straddles both the Tasman and Forestier peninsulas, however most of its accessible features are on the Tasman Peninsula.
Know before you go!
Toilet, picnic, barbecue and camping facilities are available at Fortescue Bay.
With the exception of designated areas in the Fortescue Bay campground, Tasman National Park is a Fuel Stove Only area and campfires are not permitted.
To find out what fuel stoves are permitted see the Fuel Stove Only area page.
Campsite bookings are recommended from September to April.
Safety
Remember the safe walking guidelines
Plan to walk safely
Be prepared
Avoid walking alone and let someone know your plans
Record your trip intentions in the log books
Be prepared to turn back
Walker safety - day walks
Even for a short walk on a fine day, carry a light pack with a weatherproof jacket, warm hat, water (1 litre per person for every 3 hours of walking), some high energy food and a first aid kit that includes an emergency space blanket. At the same time, be prepared for bright sunshine—carry a sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen. Insect repellent can also make your walk more comfortable and be sure to take a rubbish bag and carry your rubbish out with you.
If your mobile phone has a signal take it with you. Limit use of your phone to conserve the battery. If your short walk takes you into very remote areas it would be wise to pack extra food and an emergency shelter or tent.
Earth Cache
A sinkhole is a natural depression or hole in the Earth's surface caused by the dissolution of a layer or layers of rock.
Most sinkholes are caused by karst processes – the chemical dissolution of carbonate rocks, collapse or suffosion processes.
Karst is a topography formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. It is characterized by underground drainage systems with sinkholes and caves.
Suffosion sinkholes are normally associated with karst topography although they may form in other types of rock including chalk, gypsum and basalt. Suffosion occurs when loose soil, loess, or other non-cohesive material lies on top of a limestone substratum containing fissures and joints. Rain and surface water gradually wash this material through these fissures and into caves beneath. Over time, this creates a depression on the landscape of varying depth.
Earth Cache Questions
1) How do you think the sinkhole at this site formed? Was it one of the ways listed above or another way?
2) Are the rock edges of the sinkhole similar to any other formations around the area? Does this affect how you think this was formed? Is it truly a sinkhole or another type of geological structure?
3) Estimate the width of the hole from the track in a Westly direction. Without going near the edge, how deep do you think the hole is?
4) Optional - Take a photo with your GPS showing the sinkhole
You may log your find immediately but send the answers via message to the owner within 10 days to ensure your log is not deleted