Stunning Southwest & Mount Field Guided Walk – 4 Days

Our Walks Are All Inclusive

All Our Walks Include

• Small Group of 10 or less
• You only carry your daypack, we’ll take care of the rest
• Guided walks designed to immerse you in the region’s beauty, history and wildlife
• Two experienced and accredited guides – safety gear equipped and full of knowledge about the region
• Return transport and tour transfers included

Plus, This Walk Includes

• 3 nights fantastic accommodation
• Breakfasts, lunch & two-course dinners, plus heaps of snacks, fruit & non-alcoholic beverages on & off the trail
• All National Park Entry Fees
• Carbon Offset Program in line with our commitment to sustainability

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Lady Barron Falls circuit

Distance: 7km, 3hrs walking approx.
Grade: 2, easy

Our central Hobart pick up is from the Hotel Grand Chancellor – please arrive at 7.30am for 7.45am departure.

We head west from the city, stopping en-route for short coffee break before commencing on our first walk of the trip – the Lady Barron Falls Circuit. This scenic walk in Mount Field National Park includes Russell, Horseshoe and Lady Barren Falls. The first section to Russell Falls is easy, and is one of the states most photographed and best loved natural attractions.

There is a short steep climb from here to Horseshoe Falls where we stop to appreciate another stunning waterfall. We continue along the meandering forest trail passing beneath towering Swamp Gums, the tallest flowering plants on the planet, before reaching the lovely more secluded Lady Barron Falls.

After a beautiful and relaxing walk viewing waterfalls, giant eucalyptus and dense rainforest we wander back to the vehicle and head to our next short outing to Junee Cave for a 1km (30 min) return walk. This cave is the exit point of an underground river which is part of a localised limestone karst network.

In the afternoon we arrive at Giants Table Cottages to unpack and settle in. This will be our place of stay for the next three nights.

Tonight’s meal will be a two-course dinner prepared by your guides.

Meals: Lunch and dinner

Lady Barron Falls.

DAY 2 – Tarn Shelf walk

Distance: 12km, 5 hrs walking approx.
Grade: 4, hard

After breakfast and lunch making, we head out and embark on the Tarn Shelf Walk – rated by our guides as ‘right up there’ among the best in the region.

This stunning walk takes you into the lesser visited higher reaches of Mt Field National Park. The track climbs onto an alpine plateau and passes by a series of glacially formed tarns and lakes as well as several rustic huts. In fine weather – this exhilarating walk offers incredible views of the surrounding ranges.

Some of the track is on the boardwalks to alleviate the muddier sections and to protect the rare and sensitive vegetation in the area, however it can still be occasionally wet underfoot at times. Tassie’s mountain weather can also be highly changeable in the alpine zone, so it is a good idea to pack that extra warm layer.

This track is especially spectacular in autumn when the leaves of the native deciduous beech tree changes colour. The Tarn Shelf is a hidden gem and you are likely not to encounter many other walkers whilst out on the trail. It is a fantastic walk and a real highlight of the tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Mt Field NP.

DAY 3 – Lake Pedder – Port Davey track to Red Knoll lookout

Distance: 8 km, 4hrs walking approx.
Grade: 3, moderate

After breakfast and lunch making, we pack up and head off for our walk. The 1 hour scenic drive into the heart of the South-West brings us to the start of the Port Davey track. This long-distance walking trail is the starting point of the challenging 5 day journey from Scott’s Peak to the remote outpost of Melaleuca.

Utilising parts of this trail, our walk passes through sections of wet forest and open button grass plains – offering expansive views across to the Western Arthur Range and Mount Anne. Mount Anne is the highest peak in the South-West area, at an impressive 1423m.

After we leave the main trail our route includes some short sections soggy track and scratchy native scrub – a small taster of what challenges have made the South-West wilderness notorious for generations of hardy bushwalkers. A long-sleeved shirt and pants are advised. We bunch together to take this section slow, and before too long the vegetation opens back up and our climb continues towards Red Knoll lookout. Along this ridge the views of Lake Pedder are spectacular. At the summit we are rewarded with a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain ranges that make up part of Tasmania’s largest National Park and World Heritage area.

After the walk we will enjoy afternoon tea, and weather permitting may even have the opportunity for a swim in Lake Pedder. We then head back to our accommodation – stopping along the way for the Creepy Crawly Nature Trail – which is as magical as the name suggests. This is a short 30 minute wilderness boardwalk track through lush, temperate rainforest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Views over Lake Pedder.

DAY 4 – Florentine Valley

Distance: 10-12km, 4hrs walking approx
Grade: 2 – 3, easy/moderate

After breakfast and lunch making, we head off into the Florentine Valley which is an area of dense old-growth rainforest. We are treated to a plethora of unique slow growing plant species, and many fine examples of tall eucalyptus. The track itself can be occasionally quite wet and slippery underfoot so although an easy short walk, care needs to be taken.

This trail is fantastic for photographers and macro-organism enthusiasts. The forest beams with life in the form of brightly coloured fungi, mossy tree trunks and decaying plant matter. It is incredible and awe inspiring.

A short climb to brings us out of the canopy to the Tiger Range Lookout, where views are afforded across the Florentine Valley to nearby mountains such as The Thumbs, The Needles and those of Mt Field National Park. This is a great short walk through an ancient   eco-system, passing through a variety of vegetation types.

In the afternoon – our walk can be extended further following the Timbs Track down to the Florentine River itself, passing through more old growth rainforest – or we can choose to include a secondary return walk to the lovely Marriott’s Falls. This stunning waterfall is especially worthwhile after heavy periods of rain.

We arrive back into Hobart by 5 pm to drop off guests.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Accommodation

We stay in the small alpine village of Maydena, surrounded by National Park and on the edge of the World Heritage Wilderness Area. Nestled on the banks of the picturesque Tyenna River, our self-contained cottages provide the perfect setting for your visit.

Accommodation style: We stay in rustic style cottages with communal dining area, balcony and views of the river. Surrounded by wildlife and a resident platypus, this is the perfect place to unwind after a days walking.

Rooming: Each cabin has four-bedrooms with a mix of single and queen beds. If you book a Single Supplement, you will have a room to yourself.

Bathrooms: Each cabin has two bathrooms. You will be sharing the bathrooms with other guests in your cabin.

Other: All towels and linen are provided. Each cabin also has wireless internet, an outdoor setting, kitchen, lounge, TV and lovely river views. There is a laundry on site.

Guest Notes

Getting there – Tours depart and return from Hobart. Direct flights are available through most airline operators.

Pick up location & time – We depart from The Grand Chancellor Hotel in Hobart, meeting at 7:30am for a 7:45am departure.

During the walk – Each day we provide breakfast, lunch and dinner (where applicable) as well as fruit, snacks and beverages to keep us full of energy throughout the walk. At the end of each day, we return to the evening’s accommodation to freshen up, relax, enjoy pre-dinner nibbles, and enjoy the local scenery. Each evening, our guides offer insights into the day’s walk, and talk through our upcoming adventures, using maps to give you greater insights into the journey.

Single stays (solos) – Single stay availability is limited on this tour, and while we can offer you your own room if available, facilities such as bathrooms and living areas may be shared with other guests. If you prefer your own facilities in their entirety, please contact our team to discuss upgrade options.

Drop-off location & time – We return to Hobart at around 5:00 pm on the final day of tour. If you plan to fly out on the last day of the walk, please book your return flight for after 7pm.

When making your accommodation arrangements, please contact Park Trek if you would like discount & other information on our recommended provider Hotel Grand Chancellor in Hobart.

*Please note – due to the mountainous nature of the terrain, and the famously changeable weather conditions – this walk is graded moderate to hard, meaning a good level of fitness is required. Quality wet weather gear is also essential. Your guides may choose to alter the planned itinerary accordingly if deemed necessary, however we will always provide the most scenic walking options possible, based on the local conditions.