Many long-distance adventure journeys around the world are praised for the challenges and unique landscapes they take in. The adventurer partaking these epic expeditions has different reasons as to why they chose the adventure. From pushing themselves mentally and physically, wanting to accomplish something grand and memorable or commit to a goal, walking through nature and being disconnected to technology and their busy lives. 

Discovering a destination in an alternative mode of transport and seeing more of what’s on offer as opposed to the touristy landmarks. Coming to mind is The Great Himalayan Traverse at 152 days exploring the entire 17,00km length of Nepal’s trail. Walking the pilgrim trail of the Spanish Camino over 36 days or the ultimate New Zealand Adventure trekking from the North Island to South Island in 22 days. 

One new exclusive adventure that is here in our backyard is The Great Tasmanian Traverse. That’s right, exploring the ‘Apple Isle’ of Tasmania, from end to end. Once a thriving apple grower and exporter, Tasmania is regarded as an island pristine with World Heritage Listed wilderness and iconic mountains. It is a land of the world’s tallest flowering trees, home to endemic unique wildlife such as the Tasmanian Devil and the White Wallaby and houses one of the largest enduring intact temperate forest ecosystems. Shaped like a rough heart, the island sized at 68,401 km² and around 320kms across is approximately the same size as Ireland.  

The Great Tasmanian Traverse covers Northern Tasmania from Launceston the island’s second largest city, through the iconic Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, paddling down the mighty Franklin River, down to the remote southern tip and back to the capital city of Hobart. 

Combining a range of multi days treks and various transportation from rafting, sailing, flying and walking. The epic 39-day adventure starts with the Coast to Cradle Trail. The first section of five, the first six days are spent walking from the north coast of Penguin along the Leven Canyon ascending Black Buff Range and onto Mt Beecroft. The second sector of the adventure is trekking the international renowned Overland Track. 

Tasmania’s only alpine national park and home to the most iconic mountain in Tasmania – Cradle Mountain. During the next seven days the adventure includes summiting Cradle Mountain and Mt Ossa and walking around photogenic Lake St Clair. Frenchman’s Cap is on the West Coast and this trek marks the third sector of the epic journey. The sea of dolerite peaks features Frenchman’s Cap, one of Tasmania’s most striking peaks. One of the oldest geological areas on the island, the ancient sediment visibility within the folds inside the dolomite and quartz rock is a site to be seen. 

During this trek admire the glistening white quartz and dense rainforests as you make your way towards the Franklin River. Section four is an energetic adrenalin pumping rafting journey. It is here where you start your own historic venture along the majestic Franklin River. Eight days of being one with the river and taking in the pristine wilderness. If you remember, reminisce back 40 years ago when Australia endured its biggest ever environmental campaign to save the Franklin River. It was so controversial it entered into the political stage and swayed the national elections. 

We cannot thank enough the dedication of the people who sought to protect this beautiful wilderness. The Franklin River is one of the last places on this planet where it hasn’t changed in 40 years. A place where there has been no construction built over the decades like the dam that was to be built and flood the Franklin River. 

The last section explores the remote South Coast of the ‘Apple Isle’. The hike is on the South Coast Track. Covering an 85-kilometre distance from Melaleuca, only accessible by air to the beautiful Cockle Creek. The terrain varies from dense lush rainforest, muddy plains, river crossings, navigating large pebbles on a beach to stunning coastlines. A highlight of the trek is the climb over the Ironbound Ranges, taking in the incredible views. 

The Great Tasmanian Traverse - this is one epic adventure!  Join today to be part of the inaugural group and it's also on sale until 31 July 2019.