4
Introductory to Moderate
Activities
  • 11 days short walks
  • 1/2 day wildlife cruise
  • Fully guided Port Arthur Historic Site tour
Accommodation
  • 11 nights twin share cabin style accommodation
Meals
  • 11 Dinners
  • 11 Lunches
  • 12 Breakfasts

12 Days$AUD

Trip Code: SOG5456

Trip highlights


  • Summiting Cradle Mountain (1545m) and its surrounding alpine plateau
  • Exploring world famous Wineglass Bay
  • Spectacular Pieman River Cruise
  • Abundance of endemic wildlife and ancient flora on Maria island
  • Exploring Australia's largest cool temperate rainforest - the Tarkine Rainforest
  • Explore Port Arthur Historic Site
  • Walk to Cape Raoul and Cape Hauy
  • Enjoy the award winning Tasman Island Wildlife Cruise
  • Wildlife spotting for whales, fur seals and rare sea-birds
  • Visit the highest sea-cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere

To the south of the Australian continent lies a wilderness island called Tasmania. At the edge of the world, Tasmania showcases unique endemic wildlife and flora and holds one of the largest wilderness world heritage areas in the developed world.

On this specially crafted itinerary we explore the diverse natural wonders that are on offer. From Australia's highest coastal cliffs and the largest cool temperate rainforest in the southern hemisphere to the summit of Cradle Mountain and the charm of some of Australia's oldest towns and settlements, this outing offers a truly in depth look at Van Diemans Land.

You will experience the best of the Peninsula: coastal walks, convict history and a wildlife cruise, all complimented by delicious meals and local knowledge provided by your experienced wilderness guides.

The highlight of this thrilling cruise is the abundant wildlife: fur seals, albatross, marine life, and often dolphins and whales!

Allowing numerous days to explore gives you a deep appreciation of what makes this area so special. Join us on this exciting active adventure of the Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania's premier coastal wonderland. Then journey into the Alpine region and explore some of Tasmania's highest summits and iconic features. Tasmania's highest mountains and surrounding wilderness area is simply unbeatable.

Activities:

Itinerary

Our tour begins with a group briefing at 9.00am in Hobart. From here we drive west to Port Arthur visiting the Devils Blowhole, Tasman Arc, Devils Kitchen and Waterfall Bay en route. After a picnic lunch we then take a guided tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site before returning to our accommodation for dinner. (L,D) Accommodation:Parsons Bay Retreat

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we enjoy the thrills of the Tasman Island Cruise where you can see the stunning cliffs of the Tasman Peninsular, frolicking seal colonies and you may even see migrating whales. After lunch we undertake the stunning walk on top of the cliffs you saw on the cruise to Cape Raoul. The track is challenging – undulating through wind-blasted coastal scrub – yet supremely rewarding. Keep a look out for Pademelons and Bennets wallabies on the track, and the endangered Wedge-tailed Eagle swooping overhead. We come across huge sea cliffs which are home to the infamous Shipsterns Bluff, one of Australia's biggest and most gnarly surf-breaks. Here there is an abundance of bird life and expansive views across the Tasman sea and to Cape Pillar. If the time of year is right, we may even be lucky enough to see whales migrating along the coast! (B,L,D) After an amazing day we will aboard the vehicle and drive 1.5 hours so we are ready for our adventure to Maria Island tomorrow. Accommodation: Prosser River Holiday Units, Orford

Meals:  B,L,D

In the morning we will take a short 10 minute drive to Triabunna to catch the 9am ferry. Here we can choose from some of the wonderful short walks such as the Painted Cliffs and the Fossil Cliffs on Maria Island or a longer walk to the summit of Bishop and Clerk (620m). Listen to the call of native birds as we climb steadily up through eucalypt forest, then out into scrub battered low by the elements. The view from this peak is incomparable as you gaze across the expanse of the island and out over the Tasman Sea. In the afternoon we can choose to walk back via the Reservoir Circuit Track. You may choose to spend the few hours before dinner soaking in the history of Darlington, or taking a quiet stroll along the beach as the sun sets and reflecting on all you have achieved over the last few days. We then will take the last ferry back to Triabunna and stay in Orford. Walking distance: 12km | Walking time: 5 hours Accommodation: The Prosser River Holiday Units- Orford

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we leave behind Orford and travel up the east coast to Coles Bay. Here we take in the Freycinet National Park with walks to either Cape Tourville or Sleepy Bay. In the afternoon we enjoy the tranquil waters of the harbour in twin kayaks. Accommodation: Iluka Cabins

Meals:  B,L,D

We explore the spectacular Freycinet region further today with a leisurely walk on the Hazards Beach track with time to relax on white sands of the World Famous Wineglass Bay. An optional Mt Amos walk for anyone wanting a decent leg stretch or free time to relax and swim at the beach. Accommodation: Iluka cabins

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we leave the stunning Freycinet beaches to head further north up the coastline - stopping along the way at the Douglas Aspley National Park to walk the Douglas Gorge circuit walk before driving on to the historic city of Launceston. After checking into our accommodation we have a chance to refresh and do a short walk around Cataract Gorge before heading out to dinner at the Cataract Gorge restaurant with the opportunity to spot native wildlife on our return. Accommodation: www.leisureinnpennyroyal.com.au

Meals:  B,L,D

After an early breakfast we head west to explore the breathtaking Cradle Mountain National Park. On the way we may get time to visit Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary to see some of the local wildlife. Once we arrive at Cradle Mountain we will have the opportunity to walk Dove Lake Circuit Walk with shorter walks in the afternoon including a visit to the historic Waldheim Cabin. Accommodation: Highlanders Cabins or Cradle Mountain Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we have the opportunity to summit Cradle Mountain (weather permitting) or the alternative Dove Canyon Walk. After a full day walking in the park we have time to refresh before our evening meal at the Cradle Mountain Lodge. Accommodation: Highlanders Cottages or Cradle Mountain Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we head north west to the World Heritage Tarkine Wilderness area, where we walk to Philosophers Falls. From here we transfer to Mount Donaldson where we enjoy our lunch on the trail to the peak. We have the chance to rest our legs on the short drive to our accommodation at the historic town of Corinna. Accommodation: www.corinna.com.au

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we rise early to enjoy the serenity of a breakfast cruise on the Pieman River. We will have the opportunity to see and hear the abundant local wildlife as they start their day as you glide down this pristine waterway aboard an historic Huon pine vessel. We will stretch our legs for a few hours exploring the rugged Tarkine Coast at Pieman Heads before returning by boat back to Corinna. You can choose to undertake the Whyte River Walk or spend an afternoon kayaking on the river. Accommodation: www.corinna.com.au

Meals:  B,L,D

After a relaxed breakfast we will make our way back to Launceston (approximately 4 hour drive). There is many local and interesting food sites and places to visit on the day including Ashgrove Cheese, a small vineyard called 3 Willows and enjoy the beautiful countryside while journeying back to Launceston. In the early evening we will take a short walk up Cataract Gorge in Launceston, and then enjoy some lovely local produce for dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation: Penny Royal Launceston

Meals:  B,L,D

After check out we can transfer to the Launceston Airport where the trip concludes. Domestic flights only can be taken from Launceston Airport – for international flights passengers can easily fly from Melbourne or Sydney. Flights to these destinations depart regularly each day from Launceston.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • Professional wilderness guide/s
  • 11 nights cabin accommodation
  • 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners, snack and hot drinks
  • Transport by private minibus
  • National Park fees
  • Port Arthur Historic Site Entry
  • Tasman Island 3 hour cruise
  • Emergency communications & group first aid kit

  • Accommodation before and after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature: alcoholic beverage, car-parking etc.
  • Travel insurance

Suitability

Introductory to Moderate

4

This adventure involves trekking for up to 5 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to four times a week. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions, kayaking or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.


Departure dates


Priceper person from

$AUD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Sierra Club Tasmanian Adventure 2020 trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Trip reviews


Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.