Beautiful Tarkine & Cradle Mountain Highlights Guided Walk – 5 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

• 4 nights fantastic accommodation
• 4 Breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 two-course dinners, plus heaps of snacks, fruit & non-alcoholic beverages on & off the trail
• An early morning cruise exploring the Pieman River & Tarkine Coast
• All National Park Entry Fees
• Carbon Offset Program in line with our commitment to sustainability

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Philosopher Falls and Hellyer Gorge

Distance: 9km, 2.5hrs walking approx.
Grade: 2 – Easy

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. Here we pass under a canopy of ancient myrtle beech, interspersed with leatherwood, sassafras and ferns, before reaching a viewing platform looking out over the waterfall. This easy walk is a fantastic introduction to the area.

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’s dinner is at the Tannin Restaurant (Drinks at guest’s own expense)

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Philosophers Falls.

DAY 2 – Pieman River and Tarkine Coast

Distance: 12km, 3-4hrs walking approx.
Grade: 3, Moderate

Today sees us departing our place of stay around sunrise as we are taking the boat MV Arcadia down to the mouth of the Pieman River and out onto the wild Tarkine Coast. It’s an absolutely stunning piece of coastline and a scenic paradise.

The historic Huon pine vessel the Arcadia takes approximately one and a half hours to travel the 22km down to the Pieman Heads where you will disembark with your Park Trek guides and explore the wild Pieman Heads.

The track can be muddy and wet in places as it deviates in and out of the coast. There is the opportunity for a lunchtime swim if weather permits.

We spend the whole morning out on the trail. We come across many Aboriginal middens that line the coast and may be lucky enough to spot a Tasmanian Devil in the wild.

We make our way north before turning around to retrace our steps and hop back on board the MV Arcadia for lunch and an early afternoon cruise back to Corinna.

We are back mid-afternoon and there is also the option of a paddling a canoe on the Pieman or Whyte river where you have a good chance of seeing platypus in the wild. Or else you can always relax on the porch of your cabin.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Cruising the Pieman River.

DAY 3 – Mount Donaldson & Cradle Mountain 

Distance: 8km, 3hrs walking approx.
Grade: 3, Moderate

After breakfast and lunch making we pack up and head off to Mount Donaldson. This is a three-hour circular hike to the summit of Mt Donaldson where we enjoy morning tea on top of Mt Donaldson with spectacular views into the heart of the Tarkine – one of the best panoramic vistas in the area.

We then head off to Cradle Mountain and check into our cabins at the Cradle Mountain Discovery Holiday Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The spectacular Cradle Mountain.

DAY 4 – Crater Lake & Marion’s Lookout

Distance: 10km, 4hrs walking approx.
Grade: 3 – 4, Moderate to hard

We depart for the day after breakfast and making lunches. Today we partake in a very scenic 10 km walk.

Starting from Ronnie Creek we will take the Lake Lilla Track up to Lake Lilla and then head onto Wombat Pool and Crater Lake.

From here we make our way up to Marion’s Lookout, which includes a very steep climb and Kitchen Hut. We then head back via the Horse Track to meet the vehicle.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch and Dinner

Mount Donaldson’s expansive surrounds.

DAY 5 – Dove Lake

Distance: 6kms, 2hrs walking approx.
Grade: 2, Easy

After breakfast and lunch making we head off on a stunning two-hour loop walk around Dove Lake.

We will wander through typical Tasmanian rainforest. The Lake is one of the best-known walks in Tasmania, the Dove Lake Circuit is one of the best short walks in the Cradle Mountain region.

At just 6 km, the flat, gravel and duckboard track is very easy going, leaving you to focus entirely on the jagged peak of Cradle Mountain, which looms above the track.

Along the way, there is a great mix of terrain including scrubby button grass, sandy beaches, cascading streams and at the mid-point of the walk, a very special rainforest known as the Ballroom Forest.

If time permits, we can enjoy one of the short walks near the entrance of Cradle Mountain National Park to showcase the rainforest, waterfalls and magnificent Kingbilly pines including the King Billy Walk and Enchanted Walk. Here we will see some different endemic flora of Tasmania.

We then make our way back to Launceston returning approx. 4-4.30pm.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation

Corinna Wilderness Experience (3 nights):  Corinna is your home in the wilderness – an oasis in the heart of the Tarkine. Our rustic, miner-style cottages provide a level of homely comfort with modern, clean facilities and amenities. All accommodation options are fully self-contained and boast unrivalled views of the Tarkine wilderness. From your doorstep, it’s just a short walk to immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of an ancient and scenic rainforest.

Our eco wilderness retreat cottages have their own private facilities; all linen is included. Our accommodation includes two-bedroom cottages which have a twin room and double room, shared bathroom plus its own lounge and kitchen area.

Corinna runs on solar power so just be mindful of this, 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.

Tullah Lakeside Lodge (1 night): Located on the banks of Lake Rosebury, Tullah Lakeside Lodge features private lakeside access, a restaurant and bar.

Our accommodation at Tullah Lakeside Lodge is in spacious premium rooms, 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.

Guest Notes

If you are flying out that night you’ll need to book a flight out after 7pm from Launceston.

Limited single supplement may be available at additional cost, please speak to our Reservation team at time of booking.

When making your accommodation arrangements, please note Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston offer Park Trek guests a discounted rate.  Simply quote ‘Park Trek’ upon booking to receive this offer.