Glorious Tarkine 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

• 3 nights fantastic accommodation
• Breakfasts, lunch & two-course dinners, plus heaps of snacks, fruit & non-alcoholic beverages on & off the trail
• 2 dinners out at our local accommodations’ restaurants
• 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: 5km, 2hrs 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 Fals.

DAY 2 – Savage River and Whyte River walks

Distance: 9km, 4-5hrs walking approx.
Grade: 3, moderate

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. Here there is a real ethereal atmosphere, particularly after rain – as low cloud tends to hang around the ridgetop.

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! This is also a great place to look for platypus, most commonly seen around dusk or dawn.

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Glorious and sublime sunrises and sunsets.

DAY 3 – Pieman River Cruise and Tarkine Coast 

Distance: 8 – 10km, 4hrs walking approx.
Grade: 2, easy

This morning we rise a little earlier and take a sunrise boat cruise down the magnificent Pieman River, to reach the wild 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 either north or south, depending on the wind direction. We follow overgrown vehicle tracks to the pounding ocean. Some of the cleanest air in the world has been recorded in the area, travelling along the line of the roaring 40’s uninterrupted all the way from South America. 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. The region is also home to a high concentration of indigenous cultural sites, precious historical remnants of an ongoing 40,000-year Aboriginal inhabitation of Tasmania.

The walk south starts in the Pieman Heads shack community before tracing along the beach and then out to Conical Rocks, a striking headland covered with huge granite boulders.

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The Arcadia on The Pieman River.

DAY 4 – Mt Donaldson

Distance: 7km, 4hrs walking approx.
Grade: 3 – 4, moderate to hard

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.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch and Dinner

Mount Donaldson’s expansive surrounds.

DAY 5 – Montezuma Falls

Distance: 11kms, 3hrs walking approx.
Grade: 2, easy

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. For those game, a swing-bridge provides viewers with another angle from which to appreciate this natural wonder.

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 and take a short stroll through the streets to admire the town’s colourful murals.

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

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

Pick up location & time – We depart from The Grand Chancellor Hotel in Launceston, 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 Launceston 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 Launceston.