Business Retreats
Rainforest Retreat
Tarkine Explorer
Tarkine Getaway
Tarkine Rainforest Track
Wild Tarkine Coast
Overland Track
Specialist Trips
Book Now
Check Availability
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Our
Wilderness Travel & Tours
Questions about Safety
General Questions
-
What’s the difference between walking tours and vehicle supported tour?
-
Do you customize trips if I can’t make your scheduled departure dates?
Questions about Gear
Questions about the wilderness travel guides
Questions about Fitness
Questions about Food
Questions about the weather
Questions about Booking
Wilderness Travel Discounts
Group bookings
Cancellation
Questions about our Wilderness Travel Business
FAQs About Our
Wilderness Travel & Tours
Q: What’s unique about the Tarkine?
The Tarkine region is made up of 447,000 hectares of raw wilderness, far from the beaten tourist trail. This vast natural landscape provides a Tasmanian experience unlike any other. People who travel here 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 wilderness untouched by the heavy footprint that mass tourism leaves. 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 truly is the path less travelled!
Q: Where does the name “Tarkine” originate?
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 “Tarkineer” band of Indigenous Tasmanians lived in the region for thousands of years, frequenting the food-rich coastline as well as seasonally migrating inland. 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?
Yes, there are three species of snakes in Tasmania.
-
Tiger Snake
-
Copperhead Snake
-
White-lipped Snake or Whip Snake
While all of these snakes are poisonous, they are reclusive by nature, 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 mosquitos/insects a problem?
Mosquitos/Insects are active in Tasmania, especially during the summer and close to water sources. The rainforest is not particularly mosquito-prone. As there are less mammals in the rainforest than on the coast or the buttongrass plains, there are smaller mosquito populations, which is good news for bushwalkers! Mosquitos can be easily managed by the application of insect repellents which are provided by Tarkine Trails guides.
Q: What happens if I hurt myself or become ill whilst on tour?
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 of an injury or sudden chronic illness, 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)?
Yes, we carry an EPIRB on all our tours which, upon activation, will automatically alert rescue services in the unlikely event of an emergency. In Tasmania, no fee is charged to you or to us if you need to be evacuated in an emergency.
Q: Will I need travel insurance?
We do reccomend that you get travel insurance, especially if you 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.
General Questions
Q: Why should I choose a Tarkine Trails tour?
Tarkine Trails has gone out on a limb and created something truly unique in the area of 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. So why should you book your Tasmanian holiday with us? The thing that really sets us apart is that we walk in areas where there are no other people, which is very rare if not impossible on formal walking tracks elsewhere in the world.
For example:
Cradle Mountain (The Overland Track)
-
8,000 to 9,000 people walk the track each year
-
60 people at each campsite
-
A booking system to manage previously unsustainable use of the trail
In saying that, we still love the Overland Track, it just offers a different experience to a trip into the Tarkine.
The Tarkine Rainforest Track
-
A trail created and maintained by us, the only company commercially walking the track
-
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 Wild Tarkine Coast
-
An itinerary that was designed by us
-
One of the most stunning Aboriginal cultural heritage sites in Australia
-
An absolutely remote location with very few visitors
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 walking tours operate?
Our season runs between October and early May
Q: Will you run trips outside those months?
Yes, depending 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 is the most popular tour you offer?
The Tarkine Rainforest Walk & the Tarkine Explorer
This is our most popular multiday 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 peat soil and a chance for “deep forest immersion” which will leave you revitalized and inspired. People often go on to do the Wild Tarkine Coast walk on their next visit. The Tarkine Explorer (vehicle based tour) is our most popular product.
Q: Do you run tours with accommodation?
Yes, the Tarkine Explorer tour allows you to relax in comfortable accommodation after a day’s walking and sightseeing. The six day tour includes two nights at our Tiger Ridge rainforest base camp, two nights at Corinna Eco Cabins and one night at our standing camp on Geoff Kings property Kings Run.
Q: What’s the difference between walking tours and vehicle supported tours?
Vehicle supported walking tours are tours which allow guests to carry lightweight packs, and allow for the added luxury of a standing camp and 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 only three people wishing to do the walk and no other bookings, those three people can ensure the departure of the walk by contributing extra to cover the cost of a fourth person.
Q: What is the maximum number of people you take on a walk?
The Maximum number of people on a trip is ten. This ensures that there is a space for social interaction but also the opportunity for privacy.
Q: Do you customise trips if I/we can’t make your scheduled departure dates?
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 so we can discuss possible dates.
Q: Will I see any other tourists on your walks?
Tarkine Rainforest Walk
The Tarkine Rainforest Track has been created by our business and at the moment almost 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 we will potentially encounter 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 go into areas that are less remote than the multi-day bushwalks, but again, it is very rare that we see people on the main walks we do.
Questions about Gear
Q: What does Tarkine Trails supply?
Tarkine Trails supplies:
-
Professional and passionate guides
-
Transport to and from the walk
-
High quality tents
-
All meals, including lollies, snacks and trail mix from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day
-
All cooking and eating utensils
-
Hygienic hand wash
-
Toilet essentials, toilet paper, first aid kits
-
All safety equipment including EPIRB device
-
Flights and boat-trips (if relevant)
Q: What do I need to bring?
You need to bring gear to equip you for multiple days, and a range of weather conditions. A good pack (65 litres or more), sleeping bag, sleeping mat, torch, and waterproof coat are essential. Other requirements include boots, warm jackets or jumpers, thermal tops and trousers, t-shirts, shorts, long sleeved shirts, socks, underwear, gloves, sandals. A range of gear can be hired from Tarkine Trails at $25/$10 per item. Make sure you consult the gear list in the detailed itinerary for the full list 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?
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?
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?
Yes we have a comprehensive list of hire gear items.
-
Packs $10 per item per trip
-
Goretex jackets $10 per item per trip
-
Goretex pants $10 per item per trip
-
Torches $5 per item per trip
-
Sleeping bags $10 per item per trip
-
Sleeping mat $10 per item per trip
-
Gaiters $5 per item per trip
-
Walking Poles $5 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?
-
Tarkine Rainforest Track – 15-20 kg
-
Wild Tarkine Coast – 15-20 kg
-
Tarkine Explorer – Day packs for all walks plus 2 short walks with packs not exceeding 10kg.
-
Overland Track – 14-16kgs
-
There are three reasons for the above variation in pack weight i.e. 12-20kg
-
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 a six day walk with three food drops, hence we are able to store more gear on route.
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.
Q: What is the weight of the gear you provide?
Multi day walks
-
Tent: 1.7 kg.
-
Food: 2-4 kgs (except overland track)
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?
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. On the Tarkine Explorer any extra gear will stay with you in the trailer whilst you are on tour.
Questions about the wilderness travel guides
Q: What qualifications do your guides have?
All of our lead guides have remote area first aid training and have often completed a Certificate III or IV in outdoor guiding. 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?
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.
Questions about Fitness
Q: Are your walks only for young, fit people?
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?
We walk at a casual pace so that you can enjoy your surroundings. However, there are no rigid rules. People, often ask if our walking 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 65. 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.
Q: What is the average age of people on the walks?
The average age range of people on our walks is between 35-65. However, people of all ages participate and most trips include people from a range of age groups.
Questions about Food
Q: Do you provide all the meals?
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?
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!).
Bushwalks – Evening meals include: Curry, Italian pesto pasta, 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.
Tarkine Explorer – much like the bushwalk menu but with a gourmet boost. Ocean Trout Pasta, Wallaby strips, BBQ, and Seafood Stew are some of the dishes on this tour. The wine and snacks are of a better quality as you are closer to a vehicle or accommodation.
Q: Should I bring any food myself?
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?
We can adjust our menu to suit vegetarians. The menu on any of our bushwalks is basically vegetarian anyway due to inability to store meats for the duration of any trip.
Q: Do you cater for Gluten free (Coeliac) diet/other dietary considerations?
Yes, most meals are gluten free or can certainly be prepared that way if necessary. We can adjust for food allergies – nut, shellfish, dairy etc
Q: Is the food organic?
Most of the bulk food is organic, we purchase fresh organic food when it is available.
Questions about the weather
Q: When is the best weather in Tasmania?
The most settled and warmest weather is from Jan to March, however the weather is generally very pleasant for walking from Nov through April.
Historical Averages
Go to http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/index.shtml
Tarkine Rainforest Track – click on Preolena
Tarkine Explorer – click on Waratah, Savage River Mine and Marrawah
Overland Track – click on Cradle Valley and Lake St Clair
Wild Tarkine Coast- click on Savage River mine, Marrawah or Cape Sorell (Marrawah & Cape Sorell are both on the coast but far away from Tarkine – similar conditions. Savage River is the closest station in proximity to the WTC but is inland.)
What’s the weather like now?
Go to http://www.weatherzone.com.au/region.jsp?lt=wzstate&lc=tas for temperature, wind and rain conditions in Tassie towns.
Q: Will I get sunburned?
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 and overland track are very exposed to direct sun.
Q: Does it rain a lot?
The majority of the rain on the NW coast of Tasmania falls during May and October (2/3 of the annual rain) with the remainder falling during our tour season.
Questions about transport and accommodation
Q: Is transport included in the tour price?
Yes, transport to and from your accommodation before and after the walking 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 time very early.
Q: Can you recommend a place of accommodation?
Yes, we have recommended accommodation in Launceston, Hobart and other locations on our pickup route. Please contact our office for accommodation details and discounts.
Q: Can you pick me up from the airport?
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. Hobart airport is not available on the morning of departure, Launceston if you arrive prior to 730pm on the morning of departure.
Q: Can you pick me up from my accommodation (hostel/backpackers/hotel)?
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.
Questions about Booking
Q: How do I find out more about the walks?
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: 0405-255-537
Email info@tarkinetrails.com.au
Q: How can I contact you?
You can contact the office via
Email: info@tarkinetrails.com.au
Phone: 0405-255-537
Back to top
Q: Can I book for next year?
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?
Step 1 – check the availability of your tour through our online booking engine
Step 2 – select the tour and date you wish to book
Step 3 – you will receive an email with details on how to make your payment.
Payment Options – direct transfer or cheque (credit card or EFTPOS payments can be arranged for a 1.5% fee)
If your departure date is greater than 2 months away then a deposit of $350 per person is required. If your departure date is less than 2 months away then the full balance is payable.
Q: Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes, we require a deposit of $350 to secure your place on the trip.
Q: Are your trips guaranteed to run?
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.
Wilderness Travel Discounts
Q: Can I receive a discount if I book early?
All bookings are at our standard rates unless we indicate differently in our trip specials
Q: Can I receive a discount if I do more than one tour.
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.
Group bookings
Q: How do I book on behalf of a larger group?
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.
Cancellation
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
If you wish to cancel your trip six weeks prior to departure, a full refund will be given less the $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 responsibility for a clients plane tickets or accommodation money lost as a result of Tarkine Trails canceling a trip.
Questions about our Wilderness Travel Business
Q: Is Tarkine Trails locally owned?
Yes. Tarkine Trails is owned by Tasmanians who live and work within the community.
Q: What is your environmental policy?
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?
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)
-
8,000 to 9,000 people walk the track each year
-
60 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 is 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 travelled!
Q: What makes Tarkine Trails different?
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.
