Tarkine Explorer

Six days - Vehicle supported tour
Hotel and Tent based Accommodation

Please Note - The Itinerary for this trip will be updated by Mid May 08. Please contact the office for any information on the changes.

The vehicle supported tour is the perfect option for those people not wishing to carry heavy packs over long distances. On this tour we undertake day walks from our remote base camps into some of the most spectacular locations in the Tarkine. We spend two nights in tents at our rainforest base camp. The camp is no more than 30 minutes from our drop off point, making it possible for you to carry whatever you are comfortable with. On the remaining three evenings, we stay at hotel/motel accommodation providing you the luxury of a warm shower.

Features

  • We circumnavigate the Tarkine
  • Two nights in our remote ancient rain forest camp
  • No need to carry heavy packs over long distances
  • A Day walk through ancient rain forest to the Huskisson, a truly wild Tasmanian river
  • Panoramic mountain top views
  • Indulge in fabulour meals and a variety of Tasmanian cheees and wine
  • Walk through stunning coastal scenery with amazing aboriginal heritage sites.
  • Explore forests of giant Eucalypts, the worlds largest hardwood Trees
  • Get up close to a wild Tasmanian Devil feeding
  • Experience the largest patch of temperate rain forest in the Southern Hemisphere

Departs (Nov 08 to April 09)

  • 1st, 15th & 25th of each month

    Exceptions
    (no trip 25th Nov 08, or 25th Dec 08)
    (no trip 1st Jan 09, Departs 2nd Jan 09 instead)

    Price $2,499

  • Download a copy of the detailed itinerary including gear list and walk grading.
    (right click then save as)

     

  • Day One:
    Short walk to camp - 1 km
    Drive from Launceston to Burnie and then head south toward our forest camp. Our first walking destination is the John Lynch rain forest located in the Southern Tarkine. Departing the vehicle we walk for about thirty minutes into tall Eucalypt forest with an under story of moss covered rain forest. This is the first of two occasions that we carry lightweight packs with our tents and sleeping gear, you carry whatever you can manage. Our campsite is nestled amongst giant Eucalyptus stringy barks.

    Day Two:
    Day Walk to the Huskisson River - 4km
    We wake and prepare our day packs for a remote walk to the Huskisson River, one of Tasmania's wildest rivers. Being nothing more than a series of tags through the rain forest, the remoteness of this walk guarantees that we'll see no one for the entire time, such a treat. The grand Eucalyptus canopy towers above an under story of ancient Myrtle, Sassafras and giant Tree ferns. The five hour round walk to the river is challenging in parts, but the reward is well worth it and yep it's perfect for a swim. A gourmet lunch is served at the Huskisson and then we simply relax by the river exploring, reading or swimming and then return to camp for dinner around a camp fire.

    Day Three:
    Drive to Corinna - Day walk to Mt Donaldson - 6km
    We pack up camp and head back to our vehicle. Following a scenic three hour drive we arrive at the beginning of the Mt Donaldson walk. After lunch, we begin a four hour day walk to one of the most spectacular and unique views in Tasmania. The peak of Mt Donaldson is covered with button grass that descends to rain forest in the lower valleys. The view captures the Norfolk ranges to the North, the Pieman River valley and Southern Ocean to the west and the Savage River rain forest to the east. On returning to the vehicle we head toward the historic town of Corinna on the banks of the Pieman River, the Tarkine's southern boundary. Tonight we stay in Corinna's new cabins, set amongst the rain forest and beneath the stars we enjoy comfortable beds and a warm shower.

    Day Four:
    Pieman river cruise and coast walk - 6 km
    We wake, pack our gear and board the Arcadia 2 for a breakfast cruise down the rain forest flanked Pieman River. In the early morning the mist hangs atop the water and the famous Pieman river reflections are just gorgeous. On arriving at the coast we head North for a day walk, exploring the many sheltered coves and beaches and learning of the extraordinary aboriginal history of the area. In the afternoon we reboard the Arcadia 2 for another night at Corinna.

     

    Day Five:
    Norfolk Ranges, Donaldson River and Wild Tasmanian Devils.
    Today we drive North through the heart of the Tarkine. Whilst driving the Western explorer, we are treated to views of the Norfolk Range to the West, whilst to the East we see the Savage River rain forest, the largest tract of cool temperate rain forest in the Southern Hemisphere. Lunch is served on the banks of the Donaldson River before driving further north to our second night of hotel based accommodation at Arthur River. This evening we have the opportunity to see wild Tasmanian Devils feeding in their natural habitat. This memorable experience allows you to view wild Tasmanian Devils feeding just metres from you while you sit back and relax in the comfort of our coastal shack.

    Day Six:
    Several short day walks through the Tarkine Forest - 1.5 km each.
    We depart Arthur River and drive across the Northern section of the Tarkine's rain forests, stopping at a number of forest reserves including Lake Chisholm, a sink hole lake surrounded by lush forests, and Julius River. After lunch, we drive back to Burnie and then arrive in Launceston at approximately 6.00 pm.

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