:: Tarkine Trails ::

Q: What's unique about the Tarkine?
A: The Tarkine region is made up of 380,000 hectares of raw wildness, far from the beaten tourist trail. This vast natural landscape provides an experience unlike any other in Tasmania. Visitors are immersed in diverse and pristine ecosystems, unchanged for thousands, even millions, of years. Ancient rainforests, dramatic mountain ranges and stunning coastal scenery roll on as far as the eye can see. Abundant, pure water gushes from myriad rivers through rainforest, over wild coastlines and into the Southern Ocean. However, very few visitors make it to this area, amplifying its interest for those people wishing to experience wildness untouched by mass tourism.
Whilst on our Tarkine walks, we can almost guarantee you will see no other people. This is a truly unique experience in an ever crowded world. The Tarkine is truly the path less traveled!

Q: Where does the name Tarkine originate?
A: The name "Tarkine" refers to a vast area of wilderness bordered by the Pieman and Arthur Rivers. The name reflects the strong indigenous history of the region. The "Tarkiner" band of Indigenous Tasmanians lived in the region for thousands of years, frequenting the food-rich coastline as well as making seasonal migrations in land. The name Tarkine was dubbed by George Augustus Robinson after encountering the Tarkineer people near the Arthur river.

Questions about safety
Q: Are there snakes in Tasmania?
A: Yes, there are three species of snakes in Tasmania.

Tiger Snake
Copper head snake
Whip Snake

While all of these snakes are poisonous, they are by nature reclusive, and hence snake bites are a rare occurrence in Tasmania. These snakes are generally dormant during the colder months, but more active during summer. Snakes are not a problem if we observe some simple rules.

Be observant- keep an eye out and look where you are walking.
Make your presence known- snakes are very attuned to footsteps and vibrations, if they know you are coming, they will generally stay away.
Give them room- if you see a snake, give it plenty of space, don't harass it and try to stay relatively still.

Q: Are mosquito's a problem?
A: Mosquito's are active in Tasmania, especially during the summer and when close to water sources. Luckily, the Tarkine forest is not particularly mosquito-prone. Because there tend to be less mammals in the rainforest than on the coast or the button grass plains, there are smaller mosquito populations, which is good news for bushwalkers! Mosquito's can be easily managed by the application of insect repellants which are provided by Tarkine Trail's guides.

Q: What happens if I hurt myself or become ill whilst on tour?
A: Our guides are trained in remote area first aid and carry a comprehensive first aid kit to manage injuries or common illnesses in the bush i.e. tummy bugs, headaches etc. In the event that you hurt yourself or become chronically ill, we have an emergency beacon device (EPIRB) to alert emergency services and they will evacuate you by helicopter.

Q: Do you carry an EPIRB (satellite beacon device)?
A: Yes, all our tours carry an EPIRB which will automatically alert rescue services in the unlikely event of an emergency. In Tasmania, no fee is charged if you need to be evacuated in an emergency.

Q: Will I need Travel insurance?
A: We do suggest that you get travel insurance especially if your are an overseas visitor. It is important to remember that all emergency evacuation services in Tasmania are funded by the State Government. In the unlikely event of an emergency, you would not be billed for emergency evacuation to hospital. If you are concerned about insurance, we advise that you contact and consult with your travel/insurance agent.

Question about our tours

Q: Why should I choose a Tarkine Trails tour?
Tarkine Trails has gone out on a limb and created something truly unique in guided walks. We offer fantastic walks, great service, sound ethics, professional friendly guides, great food and good value, but so do plenty of other companies. The thing that really sets us apart is that we walk in an area with no other people, which is very rare if not impossible to get on formal walking tracks elsewhere in the world. For example

Cradle mountain (Overland track)
· between 8000 to 9000 people walking the track each year;
· 60 people at each campsite;
· A booking system to manage previously unsustainable use of the trail

The Tarkine Rainforest track
· Is a trail that was created by us and we are the only people commercially walking the track.
· Is the only multi day temperate rainforest walk in Australia.
· Delivers an experience of "deep forest immersion." We've coined this term in an attempt to describe multiple days spent in an ancient rainforest.

The Tarkine Coast Track
· An itinerary that was designed by us.
· There are no other commercial operators walking in the region.
· The walk explores an absolutely remote location with very few visitors.
· The walk explores one of the most stunning Aboriginal cultural heritage sites in Australia.
· The final evening of the tour is spent dining with a wild Tasmanian devil feeding display.

If you are looking for an experience that's fresh, new and invigorating, then Tasmania's newest walking frontier certainly provides it. Truly the path less travelled!

Q: What months do your tours operate?
A: Our season runs between November and the end of April.

Q: When do your tours depart?
Please refer to the specific trip itinerary for departure dates.
Tarkine Rainforest Track, Wild Tarkine Coast, Tarkine Explorer, Overland Track, Walls of Jerusalem, Specialist Trips, Fundraising Trips.

Q: Will you run trips outside those months?
A: Possibly. It depends on the trip and the number of people interested. We require a minimum number of five people to initiate such a trip .Please contact the office and we can discuss the possibilities.

Q: What are the prices of the tours?
A: Please refer to the specific trip itinerary of price details.
Tarkine Rainforest Track, Wild Tarkine Coast, Tarkine Explorer, Overland Track, Walls of Jerusalem, Specialist Trips, Fundraising Trips.

Q: Are your tour prices competitive with other tour operators?
A: Yes, our prices are basically equivalent to other operators, at the moment we are the only operator providing multi day walks in the Tarkine.

Q: What is the most popular tour you offer?
A: The Tarkine Rainforest Walk
This is our most popular walking tour. The Tarkine is renowned for its exceptional rainforest and this walk is generally our guests first taste of the region. This magical trek through ancient Gondwanic rainforest features pristine rivers, dramatic waterfalls, comfortable and cosy camping on soft soil and a chance for "deep forest immersion" which will leave you revitalized and inspired. People often go on to do the Tarkine coast walk on their next visit.

Q: Do you run tours with accommodation?
A: Yes, the Tarkine Explorer tour allows you to relax in comfortable accomodation after a day's walking and sightseeing. The six day tour involves three nights camping and two in accommodation.

Q: What's the difference between walking tours and Vehicle supported tours?
A: vehicle supported walking tours are tours which allow guests to carry lightweight packs, and allow for the added luxury of Hotel accommodation. These tours are for people who are not wishing to carry heavy packs and enjoy the luxuries of fine Tasmanian food and wine and a hot shower at the end of the day.

Q: What is the minimum number of people you take on a walk?
The minimum number of people is four. If there are three people wishing to do the walk and there are no others interested, then those three people can pay extra money to cover the price of the fourth person to make sure the trip runs.

Q: What is the maximum number of people you take on a walk?
A: The Maximum number of people on a trip is ten on the explorer and nine on bushwalks. This ensures that there is a good balance of social interaction mixed with space for privacy.

Q: Do you customise trips if I/we can't make your scheduled departure dates?
A: Due to the logistics of running the tours, we can only provide customised trips for group bookings of five people or more. Please contact the office as we can discuss possible dates.

Q: Is there enough time to rest and enjoy the experience?
A: Definitely. All walks provide ample time for you to relax and soak up the sights, sounds and beauty of the Tarkine. We encourage everyone to take time out to experience the wonder of these wild places for themselves. The Rainforest walk has specified rest days, when you can stay around camp, go for a day walk, or find your own special spot to relax.

Q: Will I see any other tourists on your walks?
A: Tarkine Rainforest Walk
The Tarkine Rainforest Track has been created by our business and at the moment no one else uses the area we visit. The walk provides the unique experience of being totally alone with only our group in a stunning wild place. This is a memorable feeling in an ever crowded world.

Wild Tarkine Coast walk
On this walk there is the potential of seeing the occasional local camper based at Sandy Cape. This has only happened a few times when we have run this trip. Compared with other walks in Tasmania, the likelihood of seeing other people on this trip is very small.

Tarkine Explorer (vehicle supported tour)
The Tarkine Explorer walks into areas that are less remote than the multi day walks, but again, it is very rare that we see people on the main walks we do.

Overland Track and Walls of Jerusalem - these are well known walks so you will see other people.

Questions about gear
Q: What does Tarkine Trails supply?
A: Tarkine Trails supply:
· Professional and passionate guides;
· Transport to and from the walk;
· High quality tents;
· All meals, including lollies, snacks and trail mix;
· All cooking and eating utensils;
· Hygienic hand wash
· Toilet essentials, toilet paper, first aid kits;
· All safety equipment including EPIRB device;
· Boat-trips (if relevant).

Q: What do I need to bring?
A: You need to bring gear to equip you for multiple days, and a range of weather conditions. A good pack (65 litres or over), sleeping bag, sleeping mat, torch, and waterproof coat are essential. Other requirements include : boots, warm jackets or jumpers, thermals tops and trousers, t-shirts, shorts, long sleve shirts, socks, underwear, gloves, sandals. A range of gear can be hired from Tarkine Trails at Aus$10-$25 per item. Make sure you consult the Passenger Gear List for the full list of gear needs before preparing for your trip. If you don't have a gear list and would like one, please contact us.

Q: Can I use my own tent etc?
A: Certainly. Provided your own gear is suitable, you are most welcome to use it on any of our tours. Follow the information in the Passenger Gear List and consult with our staff before your trip date to ensure that your gear is suitable.

Q: Will you check my gear before departure?
A: Yes. We run a gear check on the morning of the tour, at your accommodation or another appropriate place. We check all of your gear to ensure that it is suitable and, if necessary, you can arrange to hire any additional gear from us.

Q: Can I hire gear from you?
A: Yes we have a comprehensive list of hire gear items. (All in Aus$)
Packs $25 per item per trip
Goretex jackets $25 per item per trip
Goretex pants $25 per item per trip
Torches $10 per item per trip
Sleeping bags $25 per item per trip
Sleeping mat $25 per item per trip
Walking Poles $10 per pole per trip
Gaiters $10 per item per trip

All of our equipment is of a high quality to suit the conditions of the terrain that we walk. Please let us know upon booking if you wish to hire any of these items.

Q: How much weight do I have to carry?
A: Tarkine Forest Track - 15 - 20 kg
Wild Tarkine Coast - 15 - 20 kg
Tarkine Explorer - Day packs for all walks plus 2 short walks with packs of 10kg.
Overland Track - 18 - 22 kgs
Walls of Jerusalem - 14 - 18 kgs (Day 2 and 3 a pack free)

There are three reasons for the above variation in pack weight i.e. 14-22kg,

1. The weight of personal gear that people carry varies.
2. The weight of the food bags we provide varies
3. The Overland Track is an eight day walk, hence extra gear is required

Personal gear
The quality and age of gear that people bring is one factor in determining the overall weight of their pack. One person may have suitable gear that is 15 years old and weighs 16 kg. Another person may have brand new gear, the same items as the first person, yet it only weighs 14kg. Equipment gets lighter with new technology.

Food bags
Food bags vary between 2 to 4 kilograms. We distribute the food bags in accordance with peoples experience and strength. As each trip has both experienced and inexperienced walkers we find this the most equitable way to distribute this weight.

Tarkine Explorer
The six day Tarkine explorer (vehicle supported tour) has two short sections of walking with a larger pack. Please do not feel concerned about the weight, the distances are very short and the guides carry most of the weight and can easily help if needed.

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Q: What is the weight of the gear you provide?
A:
Multi day walks
Tent: 1.8 kg.
Food: 2-4 kgs
Snacks: 1 to 1.5kgs

Tarkine Explorer
Day Packs plus two short walks with overnight packs weighing between 7-10kg. If you are not capable of this weight, do not worry, your guide will be able to manage your share.

Q: Can you store any extra luggage that I have?
A: Yes. We can securely store any extra luggage you have and arrange for it to be available to you at your designated pick up point.

Questions about the guides
Q: What qualifications do your guides have?
A: All of our lead guides have remote area first aid training. This ensures that they are qualified to act in the unlikely event of an emergency. Our guides are also selected for their passion about Tasmania's wild places and knowledge of natural sciences.
Guides are also thoroughly trained in preparing and cooking meals for our tours.

Q: Do the guides know about flora and fauna?
A: All Tarkine Trails guides have comprehensive knowledge about Tasmanian flora and fauna and will be happy to explain or point out interesting examples for you. Some of our guides have tertiary training in ecology, botany and local history resulting in guides that are both skilled in bush craft as well as interpretation. Their understanding of the local environment will no doubt enhance your experience.

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Question about age/fitness
Q: Are your walks only for young, fit people?
A: No. People of all ages enjoy our walks: From children as young as 10 to seniors aged 80 and above! Age is not always an indication of fitness, and some 80 year-olds are far fitter than some 50 year-olds. While a reasonable level of fitness is necessary, age is not necessarily a barrier, depending on the walk you wish to do. . More than half of the people on our trips have never done an overnight walk before. On both the Forest and the Coast walk, there is ample rest time. Walking distances are challenging but able to be successfully completed by people of average fitness levels. Please contact us with any concerns.

Q: How fast do you walk?
A: We walk at a casual pace so that you can enjoy your surroundings. However, there are no rigid rules. People, often ask if our tours are an endurance test, the answer is clearly no. Whilst reaching our goal is rewarding, the focus of the walks is enjoyment as we go. Walking speed depends on the group, the weather and the terrain. We allow each member of the group to keep their own pace as long as they are within sight of their companions.

Q: Do I need a medical certificate if I am a senior?
Yes we require a medical certificate if you are over the age of 70 (65 for the Overland Track). The reason for this is that people occasionally fail to note significant medical issues for fear of not being able to participate on our walks. Their condition then arises on the walk and the guide is placed in the uncomfortable position of dealing with a complaint that was unknown to them.

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Q: What is the average age of people on the walks?
A: The average age of People on our walks is between 38-60. However, people of all ages participate and most trips include people from a range of age groups.

Question about Food
Q: Do we get wine on the tours?
A: Yes all of the tours include wine (Tasmanian where possible).

Q: What type of wine do you serve?
A: We serve Tasmanian wines on our tours (where possible).
· Pinot noir
· Cab merlot

Q: Is the food great?
A: Our food and meals consistently received praise from clients.

Q: Do you provide all the meals?
A: Yes. Tarkine Trails provides all the meals whilst on our tours unless the itinerary specifically states otherwise. Our meals are a variety of culinary delights from around the world and are made from Tasmanian grown/ made ingredients (where available). Tarkine Trails guides take pride in their meal preparation and love serving tasty wholesome food. You may need to buy lunch on the way to and from tours (refer detailed itineraries to clarify this). We stop at the best local cafes for these meals.

Q: What type of meals do you serve?
A: Tarkine Trails creates an array of culinary delights from around the world. Our guides create tasty, healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners. We also provide you with a plentiful supply of healthy nibbles, muesli bars lollies and chocolate (of course!).Evening meals include: Curry, Italian pesto pasta, Miso Soup, Asian Stir Fry, Mexican and Indian Dahl. Our deserts include Halva, pancakes, pudding and custard. Lunches include Japanese-style Nori Rolls and mountain breads served with fresh vegetables, local gourmet cheeses and tasty condiments.

Q: Should I bring any food myself?
A: Tarkine Trails will provide all you need, but you can bring some extra-special treat if you wish. We encourage you to bring snacks that you will desperately miss i.e Mars bars etc, because once you are there, there's no going back. Just remember that anything extra you bring adds to your pack weight.

Q: Do you provide vegetarian food?
A: Our food and meals are perfect for vegetarians. As it is difficult to carry meat on long trips, most meals are suitable for vegetarians.

Q: Do you cater for Gluten free (Coeliac) diet?
A: Yes, most meals are gluten free or can certainly be prepared that way if necessary.

Q: Is the food organic?
A: Most of the bulk food is organic, we purchase fresh organic food when it is available.

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Questions about the weather
Q: When is the best month to walk in Tasmania. (time)?
A: We recommend January to early April as the best time of year to walk. Our season starts in November and ends in April.

Q: Will I get sunburned?
A: Tasmania's sun can be very intense in summer. We advise you to wear appropriate clothing, hats and sunscreen. The forest walk is almost completely under the shade of the canopy, but the coast walk is very exposed to direct sun.

Q: Does it rain a lot?
A: Despite its reputation, Tasmania does not get as much rain as you might expect. In fact, Hobart is Australia's second driest capital city behind Adelaide! Of course, rainforest bush walks wouldn't be right without some rain, but it very rarely lasts long over the summer period.

Q: Is the weather good for walking?
A: In the months that we operate, November to the end of April, the weather is generally great for walking. There is a misconception that Tasmania is a cold harsh place to live and whilst this can be true in the alpine regions, as a whole, the island's climate is classified as temperate.

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Questions about transport and accommodation
Q: Is transport included in the trip price?
A: Yes, transport to and from your accommodation before and after the tour is included in the price of the tour. Please note that if your accommodation is not on our tour travel route, you may need to arrange transport to a point on the route so that you can meet us. For convenience, please try to arrange accommodation that is on the tour travel route.

Hobart departures
All Tarkine trips depart Launceston and drive via Devonport and Burnie. We actually drive from Hobart but don't recommend you depart from here as the drive is very long and the departure hours very early.

Q: Can you recommend a place of accommodation?
A: Yes, we have recommended accommodation in Launceston, Hobart and other towns. Please contact our office for accommodation details and discounts.

Q: Can you pick me up from the airport?
A: We can pick you up from the airport if it fits into our departure schedule. Please consult the detailed itinerary of the walk you are interested in or contact the office to confirm if this is possible.

Q: Can you pick me up from my accommodation (hostel/backpackers/hotel)?
A: Yes we pick you up from your accommodation providing it is on our tour route. All Tarkine trips depart Launceston and drive via Devonport and Burnie. We actually drive from Hobart but don't recommend you depart from here as the drive is very long and the departure time very early.

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Questions about Booking.
Q: How do I find out more about the walks?
A: To find out more about our walks please fill in the website enquiry form and we will respond with an answer to your questions send you and a pack of information including;

- Detailed itineraries (including gear list and walk grading)
- Invoice
- Booking form (including medical form)

If you do not wish to use the website enquiry form please contact us by phone or email
Phone: (03) 62235320
Fax: (03) 6223 8740
Mobile 0427397815
Email info@tarkinetrails.com.au

Q: How can I contact you?
A: You can contact the office via:

Website: Enquire
Email: info@tarkinetrails.com.au
Phone: (03) 6223 5320
Fax: (03) 6223 8740
Mobile : 0427 397 815

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Q: Can I book for next year?
A: Yes. You can definitely book a tour for next year. Simply contact us and we can arrange this for you.

Q: How do I book?
A: Contact Tarkine Trails by phone or email to let us know that you wish to book. We will forward you the following information via post or email,

Detailed itinerary (including walk grading and gear list)
Booking form (including pre trip preparation program and medical form).
An Invoice

Notes Re Payment

Payment can be made by cheque, credit card or EFTPOS.
Your booking is tentatively reserved until your deposit arrives. If a tour is close to full and we have other people wanting to book we will contact you to confirm that your payment is on the way.
If your departure date is more than 8 weeks away please pay the Aus$350 deposit using the information provided on the invoice. The balance of your payment will be due 8 weeks from your trip departure date. (Note: you can pay your deposit and balance due using the same invoice)
If your trip departure date is less than 8 weeks away then the full balance is due with your booking.

Return the completed booking and medical forms to us,

If you have any questions about the forms please contact us prior to returning them.
For accuracy and efficiency, we prefer to answer questions over the phone. We are happy to call you if you have questions, please email us to give us an appropriate time, or call and we will call you back.
We will process your booking and contact you if we need to clarify anything.

One week from departure we will call you to finalise pick up times and gear check times etc. At this point any last minute questions can be answered to ensure you are 100% prepared for your trip.

Q: Do I need to pay a deposit?
A: Yes, we require a deposit of Aus$350 to secure your place on the trip.

Q: Are your trips guaranteed to run?
A: While we always seek to ensure that each tour runs, there are times when numbers are too low to make the trip feasible. If other people cancel their booking or if unforeseen circumstances arise, we may need to cancel a tour. In this case, we will inform you immediately of the cancellation. You will then receive a full refund or, if convenient, you may transfer your booking to another date or tour.

Q: Can I receive a discount if I book early?
A: All bookings are at our standard rates unless we indicate differently in our trip specials

Q: Do children receive a cheaper rate?
A: Children (under 13) receive a 20% discount on all tours.

Q: Can I receive a discount if I do more than one tour.
A: Yes, the first tour is charged at the full price, if you return or do another tour, we offer a 10% discount on any subsequent tours.

Q: How do I book on behalf of a larger group?
A: If you wish to coordinate a group booking, simply provide us with the names and contact details for your group. We will then contact them and supply them with all the information they need. This saves you having to run back and forth receiving and supplying information for the group.

Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A: If you wish to cancel your trip six weeks prior to departure, a full refund will be given less the Aus$350 booking fee. If you cancel between six and three weeks prior to departure, a 50% refund will be given. If the notice of cancellation is within three weeks of departure, no refund is due. Tarkine Trails reserves the right the cancel the trip if there is not a minimum of four people booked onto that trip three weeks prior to that trips departure. If Tarkine Trails cancels the tour a full refund of monies paid to Tarkine Trails will be given. Tarkine Trails takes no responsability for a clients plane tickets or accommodation money lost as a result of Tarkine Trails canceling a trip.

Questions about our Business
Q: Is Tarkine Trails locally owned?
A: Yes. Tarkine Trails is owned by Tasmanians who live and work within the community.

Q: What is your environmental policy?
A: Tarkine Trails practices a minimum impact walking policy, which ensures that the unique areas you experience will stay that way for future generations of walkers. We are also advocates for the protection and sustainable management of Tasmania's wild regions.

Q: Why should I choose Tarkine Trails?
A: Tarkine Trails has gone out on a limb and created something truly unique in guided walks. We offer fantastic walks, great service, sound ethics, professional friendly guides, great food and good value, but so do plenty of other companies. The thing that really sets us apart is that we walk in an area with no other people, that's very rare if not impossible to get on formal walking tracks elsewhere in the world. For example

Cradle Mountain (Overland track)
· between 8,000 to 9,000 people walking the track each year;
· Max 45 people at each campsite;
· A booking system to manage previously unsustainable use of the trail.

However we still offer this trip as it is beautiful and the social element can be fun.

Tarkine Rainforest Track
· Is a trail that was created by us and we are the only people commercially walking the track.
· Is the only multi day temperate rainforest walk in Australia.
· Delivers an experience of "deep forest immersion". We've coined this term in an attempt to describe multiple days spent in an ancient rainforest.

Wild Tarkine Coast
· An itinerary that was designed by us.
· There are no other commercial operators walking in the region.
· The walk explores an absolutely remote location with very few visitors.
· The walk explores one of the most stunning Aboriginal cultural heritage sites in Australia.
· The final evening of the tour is spent dining with a wild Tasmanian devil feeding display.

If you are looking for an experience that's fresh, new and invigorating, then Tasmania's newest walking frontier certainly provides it. Truly the path less traveled!

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Q: What makes Tarkine Trails different?
A: Tarkine Trails specializes in walks off the beaten tourist trail. We have worked hard to establish and promote new walks in the Tarkine. This means that, by choosing our walks, you not only get a chance to explore Tasmania's wildest landscapes, you also help to develop environmentally, economically and socially sustainable employment opportunities in these regions. Ultimately choosing a holiday with Tarkine Trails contributes to the long term protection and sustainable management of the Tarkine.

Q: What security do you use on your website?
A:We use 128-bit SSL or higher