takayna / Tarkine Wilderness Highlights Hiking Tour - 5 Days

Day 1 · Launceston to Hellyer Gorge to Corinna 5km, 2hrs walking approx

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   Corinna

   11 hours

   Our trip departs from Launceston, from where it is a 1½ hour drive to the small seaside town of Penguin. Next stop is Hellyer Gorge. This circuit walk 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.

   Next stop is Philosopher Falls, a lovely 1½ hour return walk through primeval rainforest close to the headwaters of the Arthur River. 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.

   We travel to our rainforest retreat of Corinna- an old mining town whichhas been lovingly converted into accommodation. 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.

   Dinner tonight at the restaurant

Corinna Wilderness Experience in shared two bedroom cabins with shared bathroom facilities.

Day 2 · Savage River to Whyte River 9km, 5hrs walking approx

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   Corinna

   12 hours

   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. Throughout autumn, this trail in particular is a hotspot for fungi hunting.

   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.

   There typically is 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 Experience in shared two bedroom cabins with shared bathroom facilities

Day 3 · Pieman Cruise's and Tarkine Coast 9km, 4hrs approx

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   Corinna

   14 hours

   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. For the most part it is an easy, well graded walk.

   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 indigenous cultural sites, precious historical remnants of an ongoing 40,000-year Aboriginal inhabitation of Tasmania.

   There may even be an opportunity for a very refreshing swim today.

   Return via the Pieman River is aboard the historic Arcadia II built from Huon Pine and other local hardwoods.

   Enjoy an afternoon of short walks or self-guided kayak.

Corinna Wilderness Experience in shared two bedroom cabins with shared bathroom facilities

Day 4 · Mt Donaldson to Tullah 7km, 4hrs approx

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   Tullah

   12 hours

   This morning we check out of our rooms, 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 at the hotel restaurant

Tullah Lakeside Lodge in hotel style accommodation

Day 5 · Tullah to Montezuma Falls to Launceston 8km, 3hrs approx

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   Montezuma Falls

   11 hours Admission included

   Today our final walk is to Montezuma Falls. At 104m, these are the highest single drop waterfall in Tasmania, and consequently have become a popular west-coast icon.

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