Bushwalkers to pay $495 to explore Three Capes Track on Tasman Peninsula

Bushwalkers will be charged close to $500 per person to enjoy a new 46-kilometre trial in Tasmania. Set to open by the end of the year, the Three Capes Track on the Tasman Peninsula will take in two capes, Cape Pillar and Cape Hauy, with views to Cape Raoul.

The Tasmanian and Federal Governments have put $25 million into constructing track, although the originally planned track to Cape Raoul has not been funded.

In 2014, travel guide Lonely Planet listed the Three Capes Track as a highlight for people visiting Tasmania when the state was named fourth in the "world's top regions to visit".

With bookings for the track now open, Tasmanian Environment Minister Matthew Groom told Parliament it would be a world-class tourist attraction, stating “it's already set to become one of the truly great Australian coastal walks and I think one of the great coastal walks of the world.”

Minister Groom said the provided accommodation meant walkers would not have to carry a tent, adding “each night walkers of the Three Capes Track will rest and relax in the warmth and comfort of striking, environmentally sensitive, architecturally designed hut nodes.

"Each node has sleeping cabins with comfy beds, spacious living areas, equipped with heating and cooking facilities."

However, the track will cost $495 for adults, children and concession holders will pay $395 while students walking as part of educational groups will pay $295, with the revenue raised to fund costs associated with the experience.

The Tasmanian National Parks Association (TNPA) fears that the costs will deter local families from using the track.

TNPA President Catherine Errey said the "huge price tag" would make people consider whether the walk was the best use of their money, stating "I think it will mean that a lot of people won't do the walk who might have otherwise.

"It could be a big flop financially, this is the worry, because not enough people will be prepared to spend that much money."

Erry said that the cost of $1,780 for two adults and two children made it prohibitive for families.

TNPA President Catherine Errey said the "huge price tag" would make people consider whether the walk was the best use of their money, stating "I think it will mean that a lot of people won't do the walk who might have otherwise.

"It could be a big flop financially, this is the worry, because not enough people will be prepared to spend that much money."

Erry said that the cost of $1,780 for two adults and two children made it prohibitive for families.

Minister Groom said the Government and the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service (TPWS) had looked at the cost of similar walks around the world, adding “based on our research, we believe the pricing structure that's been set is appropriate.

"Certainly the immediate response that we've had to the commencement of bookings for the walk has been quite extraordinary."

A 2009 study on the proposed walk stated: "Walkers undertaking the Three Capes Track will pay a fee for use of the huts that will be in addition to park entry fees. The feasibility study proposed a fee of $200 ($40 per night)."

Within the first 24 hours of bookings opening on Thursday, close to 300 people had booked in to walk the Three Capes Track.

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