At a Glance
Recognised as one of the world's largest cool temperate rainforests, north west Tasmania's Tarkine Wilderness is pristine, enchanting, lush and untouched. This fully guided hike is the ideal exploration of the Tarkine region, with 477,000 hectares of untouched forest thick with tree ferns, giant man ferns, Huon Pine and spectacular rivers and streams yours to discover.
Immerse yourself in the heart of The Tarkine on this 5-day moderately challenging experience. The region is home to unique habitats which support myriad wildlife species. See signs of burrowing crayfish, platypus and stunning birds. On your daily guided walks you will witness incredible scenery including Mt Donaldson, the striking Tarkine coast as well as the incredible Philosopher's and Montezuma Falls. On day 3, you will enjoy the Pieman Cruise on the Arcadia II - ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All transport and guiding
- Small group of 10 or less
- 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinners (one dinner at own expense)
- Three nights' accommodation at the Corinna Wilderness Experience and one night at the Tullah Lakeside Lodge
- Guided walks each day with experienced guides
- Pieman river cruise on the Arcadia II
- Amazing walks including Mt Donaldson, Tarkine coast, Philosophers Falls and Montezuma Falls
- Return group transfer from/to Launceston
- All National Park entry fees
Itinerary
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5 km walking, (approx. 2 hours) Easy Grade Depart Launceston at 8:00 am. Our trip departs from Launceston, from where it is a 1½ hour drive to the small seaside town of Penguin. Here we stop for a short break, before leaving the busy world as we know it behind. Continuing west, we turn onto a minor highway – pausing for a short riverside walk at Hellyer Gorge. This circuit features many of the rainforest species that we will soon come to be familiar with. It’s then onto the historic tin mining township of Waratah, where we break for lunch above the local waterfall. From here, our main hike for the day takes in the silent surrounds of Philosopher Falls, a lovely 1½ hour return walk through primeval rainforest close to the headwaters of the Arthur River – the generally accepted northern boundary of the Tarkine region. On returning from our hike, it’s only another hour or so before we arrive at the rainforest retreat of Corinna. This old mining town has been lovingly converted into visitor accommodation, and is a gorgeously peaceful spot to spend the next three nights. Located on the banks of the mighty Pieman River – the site features a pub and restaurant, kayak hire, and a variety of shorts walks which you can explore at your own leisure. Tonight you enjoy a delicious dinner in the Tannin restaurant at Corinna. |
Corinna Wilderness Experience
Lunch, Dinner |
9 km (approx. 4-5 hours walking combined), Moderate Grade Today we undertake two separate walks through impressive temperate rainforest, travelling along the banks of two major tributaries of the Pieman River. After breakfast and lunch making, we walk straight from our cabin doors and immediately onto the trail. Our first destination is the Savage River, located north of Corinna on the far side of Ahrberg Hill. As our ascent is made, tangled vegetation gives way to a more open understory – revealing large old trees with a gnarled solitary appearance. A long descent brings us to the river bank, where we take a well-earned break and soak up the ambience of this peaceful location. Throughout autumn, this trail in particular is a hotspot for fungi hunting – and anyone into macro photography could easily find themselves lost in their pursuit for many hours. From here we can either retrace our route back to Corinna, or take an adventurous journey up river to explore a little further. Once back at Corinna we have lunch, followed by another 1½ hour walk to the mouth of the Whyte River. This trail takes us past many close-up examples of Huon Pine – a Tasmanian endemic and one of the longest living trees in the world, some reaching in excess of 2000 years old! Finishing our loop, the trail brings us directly back to our cabins. There should be ample time this afternoon for a bit of relaxation before dinner, consisting of nibbles and a fabulous two-course meal prepared by your guides. |
Corinna Wilderness ExperienceBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
8-10 km (approx. 4 hours walking combined), Easy Grade This morning we rise a little earlier and take a sunrise boat shuttle down the Pieman River, to reach the magnificent Tarkine Coast. Smashed by huge surf, and punctuated by rocky headlands – this is a wild stretch of coastline, and a photographer’s paradise. After being dropped at the Pieman Heads, we walk north following overgrown vehicle tracks to the pounding ocean. Along the trails, numerous small creeks are crossed, and occasionally it can be a little muddy – but for the most part it is an easy, well graded walk. Approaching the promontory of Rupert Point, many striking rock features provide clues to a tumultuous geological history. Outcrops allow for grandstand views, where one can make out in the distance the wide expanse of dune country north of the Interview River. At our turnaround point, we stop for morning tea – and enjoy the sounds and sights of the waves rolling endlessly across the ocean. Beach combing on our return, there may even be an opportunity for a very refreshing swim! Our journey back up the Pieman River is aboard the historic Arcadia II. This vessel is built from Huon Pine and other local hardwoods, and makes a slow and relaxing punt back to Corinna. In the afternoon, there is plenty of time for short walks, or maybe a self-guided kayak along the river – before an excellent two-course dinner prepared by your guides. |
Corinna Wilderness ExperienceBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
7 km (approx. 4 hours walking combined), Moderate to Hard Grade This morning we check out of our rooms, and pack our bigger bags away in the trailer – before departing on the hike to the summit of Mount Donaldson. This is a steady climb that passes through a variety of changing vegetation types, and one that gives an outstanding appreciation for the vastness of the area. Beginning in the rainforests surrounding the Savage River, we soon break free of the tree-line. Our efforts are rewarded with breathtaking views far across the Tarkine wilderness and beyond. In fine weather, this is a real highlight of the trip. Retracing our route, we head back to Corinna for lunch before crossing the infamous Fatman Barge to the southern bank of the Pieman River. Rounding the base of the Meredith Range and the Tarkine’s southern boundary, we pass over the Reece Dam and the Whaleback Lookout on our way to Tullah – an ex-hydro village encircled by craggy mountains. Here we will spend our final night together on the shores of Lake Rosebery. Tonight’s dinner is at the Tullah Lakeside Lodge Bistro (at guest own expense). |
Tulla Lakeside LodgeBreakfast, Lunch |
8 km (approx. 3 hours walking), Easy Grade After breakfast and lunch making, we jump back in the bus and head off on our final walk to Montezuma Falls. At 104m, these are the highest single drop waterfall in Tasmania, and consequently have become a popular west-coast icon. Arriving early morning generally sees few other people on the trail – following a gentle gradient, tracing the old path of the North-East Dundas Tramway through stunning forest. Contouring high above the Ring River (a tributary of the Pieman) for almost the entire walk, this is a relaxing way to unwind from our adventure. The falls themselves are often heard before they are seen – an impressive sight in all conditions, but especially so after heavy rain. We then retrace our route back to the bus, and begin our return drive to Launceston. Along the way – we pass close by to Cradle Mountain, and call in to the charming township of Sheffield to break up our journey. Here we can grab a coffee (own expense). Returning to Launceston around 4.30pm, we can take you to the Launceston airport or drop off at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston on your return. This itinerary is provided as an example only - prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Please contact us for group bookings or private departures.
More Info
- The departure point is Launceston Tas
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Launceston
Private road & charter flight transfers can be arranged for you. Contact us for your bespoke transfer arrangements.
Day 1: Approx. 9 km, 2 hours
Day 2: Approx. 12 km, 5 hours
Day 3: Approx. 12 km, 3-4 hours
Day 4: Approx. 10 km, 2 hours
Day 5: Approx. 6 km, 3 hours
Total: Approx. 49 km
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Three nights' accommodation at the Corinna and one night at the Tullah Lakeside Lodge. Corinna Corinna is an historic mining town, set in pristine rainforest on the banks of the majestic Pieman River in western Tasmania. It was inhabited by white settlers in 1881 and proclaimed a town in 1894, following a flood of people coming to the area in pursuit of gold. It sits at the southern end of the Tarkine the largest temperate rainforest in Australia － and is the northern most point where the famous Huon pine grows. This ancient unbroken tract of rainforest shows a world beyond human memory and is a living link with the ancient super continent Gondwanaland. The trip accommodation includes two-bedroom cottages which have a twin room and double room, shared bathroom plus its own lounge and kitchen area. Each cabin has its own bathroom, but none of the individual rooms within the cabin have their own ensuite. You can choose a single supplement if you would prefer not to share a room, this means you would have one room in the two-bedroom cabin and could be sharing the cabin (and bathroom) with one or two other guests. The eco wilderness retreat cottages have their own private facilities. Corinna runs on solar power. There is electricity for charging devices, but no television, mobile coverage or wi-fi at Corinna. For heating purposes there is a small gas fired log fire in each cabin.
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Tullah Lakeside Lodge The atmosphere is laid back and friendly, yet the attention you'll receive is unsurpassed for comfort & friendliness from local staff, good rooms and great dining. Its restaurant has fantastic alfresco dining over looking the lake. The accommodation at Tullah Lakeside Lodge is motel-style, either twin or double bedding configurations (single room available for additional expense at time of booking). Each room has its own bathroom facilities with toilet and shower, linen/towels and tea/coffee facilities are included. |
Summer (December, January, February) means miles of squeaking sand, long twilights, the white lace of surf, warm sun on your back, breezes from the sea, green light on fern fronds and insects buzzing over amber pools. It's the time to head for the beaches or bushwalk in the forests to cast a lure for trout. In the forests and on the coast wildflowers are blooming.
Average high 21°C (70°F)
Average low 12°C (54°F)
Winter (June, July, August) is a dusting of snow on highland peaks and toasting your toes by an open fire. Winter days are often crisp, clear and bracing.
Average high 12°C (54°F)
Average low 8°C (46°F)
Spring (September, October, November) is cool, fresh and green, and the season for celebrating a new beginning as nature bursts into life. Spring is also the time to get ready for some trout fishing action, as the fish start biting again in our inland lakes and streams.
Average high 17°C (63°F)
Average low 8°C (46°F)
Autumn (March, April, May) is a mellow season with calm, sunny days. It's the time when the native deciduous beech blazes with colour. Not to be outdone, the European trees are also a riot of red, orange and gold.
Average high 17°C (63°F)
Average low 9°C (48°F)
(Data sourced from Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, Units = °C)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
