Rex Murray of Maffra, a former Sub-District and Sale-Maffra Cricket Association umpire, recently embarked on a memorable adventure with his daughter Laurel, completing a modified version of the famous Three Capes Walk on Tasmania’s spectacular Tasman Peninsula last month.
At 78, Rex undertook the challenging trek after months of preparation, walking up to 70 km a week around Maffra to build endurance. The father-daughter duo flew from Melbourne to Hobart before beginning their four-day journey.
Day one saw the pair tackle the 11.2 km Cape Hauy return walk, a medium-to-challenging trail offering breathtaking views of Pirates Bay and the Tasman Peninsula. “It was not a walk in the park,” Rex admitted, describing the climb as a wake-up call for even a seasoned walker.
The next day included the Remarkable Cave, Mount Brown and Crescent Bay return walk, covering 10 km with an elevation gain of 339 metres. While Laurel reached the summit of Mount Brown, Rex stopped partway to rest his sore foot, reflecting the physical demands of the trail.
Thursday’s highlight was the 18 km Cape Raoul return walk, including a detour to Ship Stern Bluff Lookout. Facing a sudden squall and near-zero temperatures, the pair persevered to reach the Cape, where they were treated to sightings of breaching whales, fur seals and native birdlife.
Their adventure concluded on Friday with a visit to historic Port Arthur, a site offering over 30 historic buildings, ruins, restored houses and heritage gardens. For Rex, the journey was as much about shared experiences with his daughter as the challenging terrain. “It’s hard to appreciate the joy, satisfaction, and pride until you do it with your child,” he reflected.
The four-day expedition combined rugged natural beauty, historic sites and family bonding, leaving Rex and Laurel with memories they will cherish forever.
