March 2025 - Fluted Cape, Bruny Island

The March 2025 walk was the Fluted Cape track on Bruny Island. Thanks to Wayne for organising the walks and then putting together this report.

There ended up being seven walkers on the day after several walkers withdrew at the last minute. Get well soon Kat, we missed you!!

Four walkers, being Bob, Caroline, Gary and Angie day tripped over on the ferry on Friday morning. Summa, Gerwyn and Wayne came over on Thursday and camped at the Neck Campground on Thursday and Friday nights.

The walk was scheduled for 11:00am to enable the day trippers to get to the ferry and down to Adventure Bay. After the obligatory coffees were procured on the way, the walk commenced just after 11:00am. It was a marvelous day for a walk with sunshine, no rain and a mild breeze coming off the sea.

At a track junction part way to Grass Point, the walkers split up, with Caroline, Gary, Summa, Gerwyn and Angie heading anti-clockwise to Fluted Cape, while Bob and Wayne headed clockwise to Grass Point. When they reached Grass Point, Bob and Wayne had a small rest and chat, to prepare for the steeper part of the trail ahead. Bob had only planned to complete part of the Fluted Cape climb, as part of his rehab from recent health issues, so we started the upward slog, utilising every good vantage point to enjoy the scenery, have a rest and gather our breath.

Part way up the climb Bob decided it was time to turn around, go back to the Pennicott cafe for a coffee, then find a good place to read a book while waiting for the rest of us to reappear.

Wayne continued the climb, having lots of rest stops, sorry scenery stops along the way. The scenery on the water consisted of Pennicott boats, with some seabirds on the wing and on the water, plus numerous swallows darting all around. We met up on Saturday with some people from a Friday Pennicott cruise who had spotted a whale on their cruise. Lucky buggers!!

Wayne met the other walkers towards the end of the Fluted Cape climb. After a chat, most of them continued down the path toward Grass Point, however Gerwyn joined Wayne and continued the climb to the top of the track.

While enjoying the scenery we met up with a Japanese tourist who was cycling around the state and we had a chat. The others had previously met the tourist near the top of the track. He was taking his time to appreciate the great scenery, which we often take for granted.

After reaching the top we headed inland and gradually meandered our way down the track towards the junction at the bottom, then headed back towards the Pennicott cafe to meet the others. The cafe was preparing to close, when we arrived, however we were able to get a Valhalla Choc Top, which Wayne thought was a much better option than a tea, coffee, hot or iced chocolate etc.

After we finished at the cafe, Bob and the daytrippers headed back to catch the ferry to mainland Tasmania. Summa, Gerwyn and little old Wayne headed back to our camp at the Neck Campground, where we indulged ourselves in a lovely dip to rest the sore leg muscles in the water after our long walk. Surprisingly, the water was very pleasant, probably something to do with the amount of warm water heading down the east coast of Australia from the tropics. Personally, Wayne will be glad when the East Australian Current reaches Cockle Creek, because even in summer, the water in the sea can be freezing there.

After our dip we retreated back to camp, lit the firepot to enjoy the rest of the afternoon, while we plotted a less energetic walk for the following morning before we headed back to the ferry and home.

We had decided on the Cape Queen Elizabeth track, for convenience, but didn't want to climb the hill to get over to the arch. With the tide too high to walk around Mars Bluff to Moorina Bay and the arch, we settled for the shorter walk past Big Lagoon to Neck Beach. No swimming there, as it was a colder day with a shower or two. Still it was a nice walk that didn't stress the tired legs and muscles from Fluted Cape too much.

The oystercatchers were also enjoying a quiet day at the beach.

After the walk we climbed in our vans and prepared to head to the ferry and farewell Bruny Island. All in all, a successful time on Bruny Island for the walkers and campers.