An adventurer's guide to New Year's: 7 unique places in Tasmania

Celebrating New Year's Eve on the Overland Track | Jim Whitehead
Celebrating New Year's Eve on the Overland Track | Jim Whitehead

Ah, New Year's Eve. That one evening that can often set the tone for the year ahead with promises to exercise more, eat better, trek often and have adventures.

And while you might have big aspirations for the night, if you’re not careful you could end up welcoming the new year with a vague sense of déjà vu – same old parties, same old fireworks display in your same old hometown. Why not welcome the new year somewhere inspiring and kick it off with an adventurous foot forward? 

These multi-day trips will promise one of the most fulfilling and memorable starts to the year that any party could ever give you. But you better secure your place early as the holiday season books out fast.

If you do miss out on trips running over New Year's Eve, you can still find plenty of summer departures in December, January and February.

New Year's trip ideas for adventurous travellers

Walls Of Jerusalem Circuit


Experience spectacular mountains, pristine wilderness and unique flora and fauna on this stunning walk. During this six-day full-pack expedition, you'll bushwalk through Tasmania’s only true alpine National Park, the Walls of Jerusalem. The first three days are spent exploring the more remote parts of the national park.

Alpine herb fields and highland lake country abound as you visit Lake Adelaide, Lake Meston and Junction Lake – to name a few. In the southern confines of the national park, you'll also have the opportunity to summit Mt Ragoona and Cathedral Mountain. View dates and trip details.

Tarkine/Takayna Rainforest Walk and River Cruise

Rainforest River, The Tarkine |  <i>Peter Walton</i>


Feel as if you have the ancient forest to yourself with private access to sections of the Tarkine. The rainforest's natural history dates back 100 million years and provides a sanctuary for at least 60 rare or endangered species, with coastal plains that provide important feeding grounds for the world's rarest and fastest parrots: the orange bellied and swift parrots.

You'll also enjoy a cruise to the mouth of the Pieman River, bordered by a dense forest filled with myrtles, sassafras, celery-top pine, laurels, blackwoods and giant tree ferns.

Explore this incredible wilderness area guided or as a shorter self-guided experience. View dates and trip details.

Flinders Island Walking

Spectacular coastal walking on Flinders Island |  <i>Andrew Bain</i>


With a mesmerising mix of spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and aboriginal and European history, Flinders Island is the gem in the crown of island walking in Tasmania. Over this diverse and rewarding itinerary, you will experience six days walking the rugged peaks and sweeping coastlines, taking the time to swim in the crystal clear waters and photograph the endless picture-perfect vistas.

You have the opportunity to summit the dramatic granite peaks of both Mt Killiecrankie and Mt Strzelecki, the second of which is the highest point on the island at 756m giving you spectacular 360-degree views of Flinders Island in its entirety. View dates and trip details.

South Coast Track


The south coast of Tasmania is, quite simply, awesome! Look south and feel the tingle of Antarctic air. This remote, rugged track follows Aboriginal trade and migration routes which were more recently utilised by shipwrecked European seafarers who found themselves washed ashore by the wild southern seas.

The track leads eastward along wild beaches, across streams and rivers frequently swollen with torrential rain. You'll climb several mountain ranges well above sea level into alpine conditions – at times, complete with snow! This is a challenging trek with some long days, big packs, and trying conditions. For our guides, they consider it one the hardest trips but, for the few that lead it, it's also their favourite.

The South Coast Track is a stunning place and those that venture there come away inspired, invigorated and re-energised. View dates and trip details.

Overland Track

Barn Bluff, one of the highlights when hiking the Overland Track |  <i>Emilie Ristevski</i>


The Overland Track is Australia’s premier extended bushwalk. The Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is renowned for its beauty, featuring abundant wildlife, rare and unusual vegetation and dramatic scenery. Starting at Dove Lake, situated beneath Cradle Mountain, we head south for the wilderness adventure of a lifetime.


The itinerary follows a moderately graded trail for 70kms, finishing our journey with a ferry crossing of Lake St Clair. Averaging just over 10km per day to walk the track, this allows you to best appreciate highlights and side trips along the way. View dates and trip details.

Cycle, Kayak and Walk Tasmania's East Coast


Selected as one of National Geographic Traveler magazine’s '50 Tours of a Lifetime', this complete active adventure traverses all the must-see highlights of Tasmania’s spectacular East Coast. With a combination of vehicle supported cycling, kayaking and walking you will make the absolute most of this adventure playground.

Over six days you will cycle through the picturesque rural landscape, past vineyards and lush orchards, along the stunning coastline, and down deep forested valleys. Kayak the sparkling aquamarine waters of Freycinet National Park and walk to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Wineglass Bay, and spend two days discovering Maria Islands’ rich history, world-class scenery and extremely friendly wildlife.

Each day you will make the most of the great outdoors, and each evening is spent celebrating and relaxing over a delicious 3-course meal showcasing the finest of Tasmania’s famous produce. View dates and trip details.

Franklin River Rafting

Rafts and reflections on Tasmania's Franklin River |  <i>Glenn Walker</i>

The Franklin is one of the world's last great wild rivers and it forges through the rugged southwest of Tasmania, through deep gorges, quiet pools and magnificent temperate rainforest. This expedition provides a true wilderness adventure, an experience we pioneered back in 1978.

 

Regardless of the river level, you will be in good hands as our professional guides have an exceptional safety record.

Any descent of the Franklin is demanding and while previous rafting experience is not required, some wilderness knowledge, along with a sound level of fitness, is essential. View dates and trip details.

Travel Inspiration, Where to spend New Year's Eve in Australia, Adventurous ideas over Christmas, NYE ideas in Tasmania, best places to go for New Years in Tasmania, New Year's in Tasmania, adventure holiday ideas over New Year's

Comment (0)

Your comment will be visible after the administrator's approval.







b i u quote


Save Comment
Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips