Tasmania Walking Tours

Waldheim to Barn Bluff Hut Enjoy an early breakfast before we pack up and head off on the bus to Cradle Mountain/ Lake St Clair National Park. On the summit of Cradle Mountain in 1910, Austrian-born Gustav Weindorfer proclaimed, “This must be a national park for the people for all time.” It’s fitting our walk begins at Waldheim in Cradle Valley, where Weindorfer’s story is told. We set off on the track, venturing through ancient temperate rainforest, passing the dramatic glacially-carved Crater Lake. We climb the steepest section of the whole Overland Track today and pause for a hearty lunch. Reaching Marion’s Lookout (1,250m) after negotiating steps leading through steeper sections, offers a satisfying reward. Providing weather conditions allow, we enjoy staggering views of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake. Every uphill step is worth it. We continue around the base of Cradle Mountain along the edge of a spectacular glacial cirque before dropping into Waterfall Valley. Our private hut awaits, beneath towering Barn Bluff, having completed the steepest part of your journey (excluding side trips). It’s a welcome retreat after several hours walking over exposed alpine plateau where some days the wind howls – a reminder of nature’s power.

12km (Moderate) Barn Bluff Hut to Pine Forest Moor Hut Today we’ll be walking across plains where glaciers once rested, slowly moving and scouring out shallow tarns. The track provides an undulating trek with a few sections of exposed moorland and multiple hill climbs and descents. We take our time venturing across vast button grass plains where ancient pencil pines fringe alpine tarns. Rising from the moors, the peaks of Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff are behind us. Look ahead, and the stately Mt Pelion West comes into view. Those looking for additional challenge today can take a side trip to Lake Will. Hugged by pencil pines and with its narrow quartzite sand rim, Lake Will is striking. Keep an eye out for gravel mounds along the way, remnants of Joseph Will’s coal mining efforts in the 1890s. Further along the track, Lake Windemere offers an opportunity for an invigorating swim. This evening, at Pine Forest Moor Hut, enjoy dining with views out towards Mt. Oakleigh.

Pine Forest Moor Hut to Pelion Plains Hut This morning we venture through gorgeous myrtle-beech rainforest as we descend around the base of Mt Pelion West, down to the Forth River before it plunges into Lemonthyme Valley. We’ll take a break at Frog Flats beside the Forth River, which happens to be the Overland Track’s lowest point. From here, it’s a gentle ascent back out of the valley. We leave thick Eucalypt forest behind as the trees part to reveal Pelion Plains. Uninterrupted views of Mt Oakleigh’s dolerite spires now come into play. The Pelion Plains area offers a host of side trips, hugged by mountainous terrain including peaceful nooks to rest and an abandoned copper mine to explore. Come nightfall, we’ll be nestled amongst dry sclerophyll forest at Pelion Plains Hut. Day 4 *PLEASE NOTE THAT

7km (Challenging or Moderate) Pelion Plains Hut to Kia Ora Hut Today begins with a climb of almost 300m to Pelion Gap through beautiful rainforest. Pelion Gap is a plateau stretching between Mt Pelion East and Mt Ossa, affording fantastic views to the south as well as back to the north. There’s plenty of time for side trips from Pelion Gap including the option to summit Mt Ossa. At 1,617m, it is Tasmania’s highest peak. There are other less challenging climbs, including to the Japanese Gardens on the slopes of Mt Doris. From Pelion Gap it’s a further two hours of gentle downhill to the hut. Today, choose to keep things relaxed or challenge yourself to stand atop the island’s highest point. Once we arrive at Kia Ora Hut, enjoy a Tasmanian drop with spectacular views out to Cathedral Mountain.

Kia Ora Hut to Windy Ridge Hut Day five is about icy-flowing waterfalls. We depart Kia Ora hut and walk about an hour to Du Cane, where a 1910-built hut remains from the long-gone days of animal trapping. Du Cane Hut is a fine spot to rest, surrounded by native gardens and overlooked by the spectacular Du Cane Range. From here, we wander through some of the oldest forest in the National Park, with King Billy pines as much as 2,000 years old. Now, we are above the Mersey River, which descends deeply northward towards Bass Strait, spilling down cliff faces. There are three major sets of waterfalls in the area. We aim to visit one or more of these, choosing the best to have lunch beside depending on conditions. During the afternoon, we make our way over Du Cane Gap, then descend beside the spectacular Falling Mountain to Windy Ridge Hut. Tonight is a celebratory one, our last evening on the track.

Windy Ridge Hut to Lake St Clair Our destination today is Australia’s deepest natural lake – Lake St Clair – shaped by glaciations over two million years. Birdsong helps us along this final day as we walk mainly through flowering dry sclerophyll forests. We arrive at Narcissus at the northern end of Lake St Clair in time for lunch, before boarding the Lake St Clair cruise boat for a spectacular 17km cruise back to Cynthia Bay. There’s typically around an hour to look around the Visitor Centre here. The return trip to Red Feather Inn is through the trout fishing mecca of the highland lakes, descending the rugged Western Tiers.

Day 2 11km (Moderate) Crescent Lodge to Cape Pillar Lodge Wake to the silence of Crescent Lodge and wander down to the stunning dining room for a hearty breakfast to start the day. From here, head due south with views across Safety Cove and Maingon Bay to Bruny Island. Climbing Arthurs Peak, 300 metres above sea level, is worth the oceanic vista. In these parts, White Bellied Sea Eagles soar in the thermal currents, so be sure to look skyward. Lunch isn’t far away, an easy downhill descent to south-facing cliffs where pelagic seabirds are plenty – albatross, petrels and gannets. Here, there’s nothing between you and Antarctica. Following lunch, skirt the edge of Tornado Ridge before heading south toward Cape Pillar Lodge, your base for the next two nights. Your pace might quicken in the knowledge there is a massage or facial on offer at Cape Pillar Lodge.

Cape Pillar Lodge return This is the most adventurous day of your journey. (18km Moderate) Today you’ll walk through silver peppermint forest (Eucalyptus tenuiramis), a species endemic to the area, out to the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. There’s little wonder Cape Pillar has been afforded other names – Hurricane Heath and Desolation Gully. A side trip to The Blade is a must, with staggering views across to Tasman Island. Lunch is served at Chasm Lookout – with Tasman Island’s weathered lighthouse in sight. It’s then a direct return journey home to Cape Pillar Lodge where the relaxation pavilion, a hearty meal and a glass of wine and ocean views await. By now, walking strangers might just have become firm friends. Unlace the boots, read a book with the sea breeze in your toes. Those with a penchant for pampering can forego today’s walk and spend the day at Cape Pillar Lodge. Enjoy one of our relaxing 30 minute treatments and immerse yourself in the enchanting surrounds

18km (Moderate) Cape Pillar Lodge to Fortescue Bay Time to farewell Cape Pillar’s safe forest haven. From here you’ll cross Retakunna Creek (local indigenous dialect for creaking trees) en route to a patch of rainforest. Breathe it in – lush mosses, ferns and vibrant greens. Next mission is the peninsula’s highest peak, Mount Fortescue, climbing some 490 metres above sea level. Enjoy lunch with leafy-framed ocean views overlooking The Monument. If time permits, take the side trip and enjoy the majesty of Cape Hauy (an extra 4km) – or simply remain with the group for a final cliff-walk descent onto the cool white sands of Fortescue Bay. This is your chance to drop the pack and sink your toes in pristine sands and have a quick dip before we head back to Hobart via the airport. We can drop guests at the airport between 5.15pm – 5.30pm and then we arrive into Hobart at approximately 5.45pm for a glass of bubbles before hotel transfers. Alternately, stay and discover the Tasman Peninsula’s local produce, wines, whiskies, lavender, uncrowded beaches and more.

9km Easy, Launceston to Forester Beach Camp Start at Red Feather Inn, taking time to fuel up for breakfast before boarding our bus and travel to Mt William National Park via a scenic route that includes the rich pastoral landscapes of north-eastern Tasmania. It’s time to get your walking boots sandy. Our beach stroll this morning begins at Boulder Point in Mt William National Park. In clear conditions, the Bass Strait islands of Flinders and Cape Barren are visible to the north. We’ll nestle into a protected beach along the coastline for lunch, enjoying the company of native birds, rare shells and marine artefacts. From day one your guides will begin unravelling the Bay of Fires tales; its early inhabitants, visiting explorers and how it came to bear its fiery name. After about four hours walking, we’ll arrive at the Forester Beach Camp, tucked away in secluded dunes. These semi-permanent tents are our home for the night. Relax on the deck with a local wine, take a dip or explore the dune swale location while your guides prepare delicious Tasmanian fare

14 Km Easy:Forester Beach Camp to Bay of Fires Lodge Following a relaxed breakfast at the camp we walk south, absorbing the coastline’s bold colours and solitude. Along the ridgelines of sand dunes, views extend across heathlands and out to the ocean. We’ll visit marsupial lawns, often encountering quiet native animals and the tracks they leave at nightfall. We will be crossing a tidal creek this morning so be prepared! The creek can vary from very shallow to waist deep. Our guides will find the best route across and assist with carrying backpacks. Our lunch spot today is a beach sheltered behind the dunes near Eddystone Point Lighthouse. We’ll have time to explore the lighthouse and its long-standing story before we trek far-stretching beaches that lead to the celebrated Bay of Fires Lodge. Afternoon tea will be waiting, along with spa treatments for those who want to indulge. Pre-bookings are best if you’re keen to sink into the outdoor tub or settle in for a luxurious few hours at the spa. Come evening, venture into the library, cast a line off the beach or have your hosts deliver a cold drop while you dip toes into a foot spa on the back deck. Dinner is a Tasmanian long-table affair, featuring produce from the island matched with fine local beer and wine.

6 hours Easy Bay of Fires Lodge return Rise early to the native birds accompanying the dawn, waking to the aroma of a hot-cooked breakfast and freshly brewed coffee. If it’s a sunny morning, breakfast on the deck can reward you with whale spotting and dolphins surfing the waves. Later in the morning, kayak down Ansons River and experience the riparian ecology of this winding waterway. Cross the bird-rich waters of Ansons Bay and conclude with a stroll over the dunes of Abbotsbury Peninsula back to the lodge. After dinner is when the native wildlife wander out – keep an eye out for wombats, wallabies, Forester kangaroos, possums or even a Tasmanian devil. Don’t forget to look up! The night sky from this pristine coastline is an awesome spectacle.

4Km Easy:Bay of Fires Lodge to Launceston Following a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, there’s plenty of time for a morning swim or final spa treatment before we depart the lodge. Unlike our other walking, today we venture through eucalypt forests and coastal heathland. We’ll enjoy a forest lunch to the sound of native birds, including the endemic green rosella. We travel on to Launceston where you have the option of leaving us from Red Feather Inn, Launceston Airport or Launceston CBD. If you are staying at Quamby Homestead we will organise a transfer for you. Upon our return to Red Feather Inn there will be time to raise a glass to the five wonderful days spent together.