Enjoy 2 exceptional days of guided walking set to prevailing alpine conditions and personal preferences. Around every turn there is a hidden glacial lake, imposing crag or beside the trail, a delicate display of life constantly enduring the elements of snow, wind and rain.

Features

• Today a full day walk/climb to the base of Cradle Mountain via spectacular Crater Lake and Marions Lookout
• At the end of the climb the rewards for your breathtaking achievement are awe-inspiring, never to fade
• It’s a different world beyond the Dove Lake tourist lookout and moorland, with emerging visions of mountain or bluff, crater lakes and panoramas set to inspire

Accommodation

Cradle Mountain Lodge

Meals

Lodge breakfast

Packed lunch and walking sustenance

Evening lodge cafe dinner

Travel

Driving: 0 kms Local park access service

Walking: 9.5 kms return on part formed trail including 1.4 kms climb on formed steps

Features

• Another long but inspirational walk across the Cradle Mountain Face Track, via Hanson’s Peak, Twisted Lakes and cushion plant moorlands
• The roughly formed trail, while more challenging, offers variation and access to two hidden gems, Little Horn and Lake Wilks
• Optional shorter strolls along the Cradle Valley board walk and enchanted forest trails are available
• Join an evening visit to a nearby Tasmanian Devil sanctuary

Accommodation

Cradle Mountain lodge

Meals

Resort restaurant breakfast and dinner

Packed hikers lunch and sustenance

Travel

Driving:  0 kms Local park access service

Walking: Optional Cradle Mountain Face Track Loop 10 kms with considerable climbing on rough formed trail. Optional 6 kms easy grade boardwalk trail through the Cradle Valley

Travel early from Cradle Mountain to the remote wilderness retreat of Corinna nestled between the ancient Tarkine Rainforest and the secluded Pieman River.

Features

• Founders and staff at Corinna invite you to “feed your soul and nourish your senses”, in and around their remote settlement, on the banks of the primitive river, saved from damming
• Board the unique Huon Pine vessel Arcadia II for a cruise down river to the Pieman mouth with the wild southern ocean
• There is much to learn about the Arcadia II itself and the river’s nick-name origins
• "The Pieman" was a pastry-cook transported to Van Diemen's Land in 1816. After a long series of offences in the colony he escaped and was recaptured at the mouth of the river.
• Savour the stunning reflections, freedom from other vessels and tourists and a truly  personal connection with the wilderness river and rainforest.
• Lunch and stroll the beach at Pieman Heads and on completion of the cruise mid-afternoon soak up the Corinna Wilderness Experience

Accommodation

Corinna Retreat Cottages

Meals

Early lodge breakfast

Lunch and dinner at Corinna retreat

Travel

Driving:  92 kms in 1 early morning stage

Walking: Stroll and relax at retreat

Today involves an early drive along back roads to the western harbour village of Strahan to catch a scheduled cruise taking in Hells’ Gate, Sarah Island penal station and Huon Pine forests

Features

• In 1982-83 on the Gordon River, memorable conservation encounters brought international focus to the cause of “Saving the Franklin” from hydro dam building on wilderness rivers
• Join a cruise across Macquarie Harbour and up the Gordon River. There will be time for village roaming in this quaint harbour setting later in the afternoon.
• An early evening visit to a local rookery will follow, to learn of one of the world’s most incredible bird migration events

Accommodation

Overnight village cottage accommodation

Meals

Early Continental breakfast

Cruise refreshments and lunch

Dinner at Strahan seafood cafe

Travel

Driving:  98 kms back roads to Strahan

Walking:  Roam and stroll the Strahan Village

Enjoy a relaxed travel day traversing the Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park to the village of Maydena, interspersed with short walks taking in a delightful waterfall in cool temperate rainforest, a legendary river and a window to wilderness peaks, scaled only by the hardened bushwalker

Features

• Take a reflective view over the depleted Queenstown
• Discover Nelson Falls hidden in the rainforest
• Walk part of the Frenchman’s Cap track for an eagles view across the wilderness to the Cap
• Cross the swing bridge over upper reaches of the legendary Franklin River where the great “Save the Franklin” conservation debate was ignited
• Lunch beside Australia’s deepest glacial freshwater lake having a depth of 220m
• Visit the “wall in the wilderness”, an extraordinary gallery of one man’s craftsmanship and vision, his unfolding works in Huon Pine and bronze
• Prepare for a wonderful day of alpine wilderness walking, discovering picturesque lakes and tarns located in the glacier scoured and massive boulder fields of Mt Field National park

Accommodation

Maydena cottages 2 nights

Meals

Village cafe breakfast

Tailgate M/Tea, A/Tea

Lunch at lakeside cafe

Cottage restaurant dinner

Travel

Driving:  276 kms in 4 relaxed stages throughout the day

Walking:  Roaming at travel features and 2 short walks each 1 to 1.5 kms long  on formed trails

After a short open climb, venture along rock slabs, boardwalks and “goat tracks” leading onto the iconic Tarn Shelf, the trail skirting around massive boulder fields and intimate tarns left by ancient glacial scouring.

Features

• A wonderful day of alpine walking through picturesque Mt Field National Park glacial lakes and tarns
• Trails rich in pioneer and early snow skiing history complete with remnant shelters
• Visit Twilight Tarn Hut for an insight into old school skiing and social times, with memorabilia on show within the hut
• Later a short walk to arguably Australia’s most picturesque waterfall
• Time permitting an immersion in the Styx River Valley old growth forests, the last stronghold of the world’s tallest flowering trees and the last known home of the Tasmanian Tiger

Accommodation

Maydena cottages

Meals

Packed lunch and walking sustenance

Breakfast and dinner at Cottages restaurant

Travel

Driving:  0 kms Local trail access only

Walking:  Optional 12 kms 7 hour circuit walk with undulating grades

Optional 4 hour return walk to Twilight Tarn Hut

Optional 1 kms Russell Falls walk on established path and 1 km Tall Trees circuit walk

An early start to climb the higher slopes of Mt Eliza, taking in the panoramic vista of Lake Pedder and assimilating the events which stirred and polarised the environmental conscience of the nation. Thoughts of great Tasmanian naturalists who gave their lives to the wild and the cause.

Features

• A brief visit to the Gordon River Dam, a curvature concrete dam with controlled spillway across the Gordon River. The impounded reservoir is called Lake Gordon. The dam is 198 metres long and 140 metres high, the tallest dam in Tasmania and Lake Gordon the largest lake in Australia
• Continue to Hobart, a delightful city of character and charm, set around its historic docks and Battery Point, all nestled under the towering bluffs of Mt Wellington
• Enjoy some free time to browse Salamanca Place, noted for its vibrant markets while we bid farewell or welcome part tour guests
• Reconvene early evening for our “onward” meet ‘n greet and briefing of the tour

Accommodation

Hobart Motor Inn 3 nights.

Meals

Breakfast at Maydena cottages

Tailgate M/Tea

Cafe Lunch and Dinner at Hobart restaurant

Travel

Driving:  298 kms in 5 stages throughout the day

Walking: 6 kms return ascent of Mt Eliza on formed but steep trail (part climb only)

Our program for the next two days could be quite active or relaxing set to the prevailing alpine conditions in the wilderness. From gazing across ancient peaks and ranges in the South-West, to edgy art creations sure to stir your mind and values, it’s all possible from Hobart.

Features

• Today a day walk in Hartz Mountains National Park for a summit viewing of the great South-West, including Precipitous Bluff, Federation Peak, the ancient jagged Arthur Ranges
• Alternatively, an enjoyable sedate boardwalk stroll to Lake Esperence and the Ladies Tarn with their King Billy Pines and darkened reflections, surrounded by delightful but delicate cushion plants and heath land

Accommodation

Hobart Motor Inn

Meals

Motel breakfast

Hiker pack M/Tea, A/Tea  and Lunch

Hobart restaurant dinner

Travel

Driving:  182 kms return in 2 stages for wilderness walk

Walking:  8kms return walk on undulating trail, board walks and finally a rocky climb of 500 metres to Hartz Peak

On the edge of Hobart, Mt Wellington presents some grand elevated views, evidence of our connection with Antarctica, past and present. Follow one man's vision to stir the inner sanctums of dreaming, philosophy and creativity, resulting in a controversial but huge tourism enterprise and economic benefit to the city.

Features

• Today, the options of a short drive and walk on Mt Wellington to view the Organ Pipes, evidence of Australia’s connection to Antarctica and the great Gondwanaland
• Take a memorable visit to the Antarctic Centre to learn more of the historic exploration programs in the deep south continent
• Visit the highly acclaimed Mona Art Museum guaranteed to challenge both the creative and obscure corners of our minds as complex people, stimulating group conversation and a journey into philosophy

Accommodation

Hobart Motor Inn

Meals

Cafe breakfast, Tea breaks and lunch

Restaurant dinner

Travel

Driving: 0 kms Local access only

Walking:  5 kms Organ Pipes walk, on formed undulating trail

You journey on for a few nights retreat at historic Port Arthur to explore the remarkable seascapes and capes extending out into the Tasman Sea and great southern ocean. Time to witness the forces at play between land and ocean and the quirky little settlement of Doo Town.

Features

• Travel from Hobart to Port Arthur visiting the historic village of Richmond which claims a number of Australia’s oldest buildings
• Study the ancient sea deposits and tidal paving, blow holes, remarkable arches and caves of the Tasman Peninsula
• Historic sites represent a dark page in our Indigenous and convict history
• A Tasmanian Devil sanctuary with endemic quolls, pademelons and free-flight bird show

Accommodation

Port Arthur Motel / Hotel 3 nights

Meals

Motel or cafe breakfast

M/Tea at historic bakehouse

Cafe Lunch and A/Tea

Dinner at Motel restaurant

Travel

Driving:  114 kms in 3 stages throughout the day

Walking: Casual roaming at seascape features

2 spectacular days ahead, exploring the wild sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula from above and below. The coastal scenery is arguably the most extraordinary and dramatic in Australia and your walks and sea journey will bring evidence and emotion to this claim. An amazing contrast to the alpine moorlands and wilderness rivers already etched in your memory.

Features

• Today a return walk to the dizzy precipice of 300m high dolerite cliffs and stacks at either Cape Hauy or Cape Raoul
• Share the world of Sea Eagles and large Pacific Gulls and far below, rocky shelves and platforms crowded with marine life at rest or play

Accommodation

Port Arthur Motel

Meals

Continental Breakfast at motel

Hikers lunch pack and sustenance

Motel restaurant dinner

Travel

Driving: 0 kms Local access only

Walking: 8 or 14 kms return walk on undulating trail to the head of the chosen Cape

A memorable 2 hour journey afloat, exploring the ecosystems below the towering sea cliffs and discovering how even in this wild place there are inherent environmental challenges.

Features

• An extraordinary “Wild Ocean” sea life boating experience beneath the towering 300m high dolerite cliffs, floating into colourful sea caves adorned with pink and purple lichen
• Close encounters with colonies of seals, seabird rookeries, the feeding grounds of giant Albatross, Little Penguins and endangered Kelp forests
• Also time in the afternoon to visit the historic ruins of Australia’s largest penal settlement of Port Arthur, arguably a failed experiment in reforming petty scoundrels from the English homeland

Accommodation

Port Arthur Motel

Meals

Motel restaurant breakfast and dinner

Cafe tea breaks and lunch

Travel

Driving:  0 kms Local access only

Walking:  Roaming at Port Arthur features

A sanctuary realised in more recent times to protect plants and animals threatened elsewhere. An island created by the rise and fall of the sea, multi-layered in human history and endeavour and one of Tasmania’s best bird watching sites.

Features

• Travel from Port Arthur to Freycinet National Park
• Along the way take a ferry transfer for a day of relaxed walking on historic Maria Island National Park
• An offshore retreat with historic village and industry ruins to explore
• Extraordinary compacted fossil and painted cliffs, crafted and revealed by wind and sea
• A sanctuary for free roaming Cape Barren Geese, Native Hens, Kangaroos, Wallabies and bird life
• Home to a captive breeding program for 15 Tasmanian Devils released there in 2012

Accommodation

Coles Bay village 3 nights

Meals

Motel breakfast

Packed hikers lunch and sustenance

Local cafe dinner

Travel

Driving:  130 kms in 2 stages plus Maria Island visit

Walking:  Approx 7 kms of walking to various Maria Island features - easy grade and trails

2 days of delightful walks discovering the picturesque Freycinet National Park.

Taking a longer and early walk to avoid invasive crowds clambering for “selfies” at the main lookout.

Features

• Dominated by the colourful granite domes of The Hazards, glowing in the sunset
• Tasmania’s most photographed and recognised feature of Wineglass Bay
• Declared by many to possess one of the world’s most beautiful beaches
• Enjoy a full day circuit walk onto and along the pristine beach of Wineglass Bay, then across the isthmus track to Hazards Beach and Fleurieu Point
• Enjoy the singing sand and contemplate the dark history behind the naming of the bay, in contrast with the present beauty

Accommodation

Coles Bay village

Meals

Village breakfast and dinner

Hikers packed lunch and sustenance

Travel

Driving:  0 kms Local access only

Walking: Outstanding 12 kms circuit walk on easy undulating and beach terrain

Taking it slow and steady one niche and grip at a time, the scramble to the top of Mt Amos is far more rewarding than the crowded lookout way below, but not to be taken for granted. Later, connecting with the intimate seascapes and creatures feeding in and around the rocky coves and ledges of Friendly Beaches becomes a therapeutic pastime.

Features

• Optional choice for an early energetic ascent of Mt Amos if you wish
• Visit Cape Tourville to view spectacular seascapes and granite island rookeries
• Sleepy bays filled with colourful lichen covered granite boulders
• Delightful coves, rocks, bird life and sea creatures welcoming you along Friendly Beaches
• By night a special trip to Bicheno, to visit a Little Penguin rookery (in season) and some nocturnal wildlife spotting.

Accommodation

Coles Bay village

Meals

Village breakfast and Bicheno dinner

Cafe tea breaks and lunch

Travel

Driving:  Local access only plus 82 kms return to Penguin viewing

Walking:  Optional 4 kms return rock scramble to the summit of Mt Amos - challenging for the unfit; Leisurely beach and cove walks

A busy closing travel day packed with scenic delights, especially near the hideaway settlement of The Gardens and the lichen encrusted “Bay of Fires”

Features

• Travel north along the east coast from Freycinet National Park for a mid morning visit to St Helens then roaming in the serene and colourful Bay of Fires
• Locals have managed to escape the fast life, preferring the simple values of beauty and harvest by the sea at The Gardens
• Lunch break at an historic bush pub “loaded with Aussie character”
• Deviate into the scenic wine growing regions of the island
• Continuing on to Launceston and journey’s end - having completed a full circuit of Tasmania and its extraordinary natural and historic features
• Arrive in Launceston late afternoon for next day connecting flights (of your choice) to the Australian mainland.

Accommodation

End of tour accommodation pre-arranged with tour guests - not included in tour

Meals

Restaurant breakfast

Cafe M/Tea and A/Tea

Clasic pub counter lunch

Travel

Driving: 329 kms in 5 relaxed stages

Walking: Roaming at various feature stops