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This Nature Bound Australia guided walking holiday features up to 15 memorable walks in 9 Australian National Parks (NP) and extensive World Heritage listed areas of the island State of Tasmania. Tassie is a hiking haven for the competant walker and the novice alike, with its enormously diverse inland and coastal wilderness areas beckoning . Much of its reserve is rugged and impenetrable containing abundant Australia wildlife, deeming it worthy of its heritage listing. Here is a popular natural history destination for Australian ecotours featuring spectacular crater lakes, alpine highlands and tarns, wild rivers through the wilderness attracting world acclaim, jagged glaciated mountain ranges and remote friendly beaches. From its original beginnings as a British penal colony and some brutal conflicts with traditional land owners, Tasmania has emerged as a popular contemporary retreat for people inspired by nature based ideals and values. They are drawn to the landscape, seeking a creative, expressive and more relaxed lifestyle, desirably away from the pace of the Australian mainland. Our Tasmania National Parks tours reveal exceptional sightseeing experiences every day, best enjoyed with a healthy desire for active walking . From remote alpine walks in high country where it can snow even in late spring and summer to glorious powder white beaches and pristine tangled forests, the island of Tasmania has been created and sculptured by an ever changing exposure to the elements. It is noted for some of the purest air and water on the planet. It is also claimed that conservationist and bushwalker action to save the wilderness in the 1960s and 70s led to the formation of the world's first "green" political party. All this suggests there are many magic moments and stimulating authentic experiences to be absorbed in "Tassie" and our guided walks are designed to capture these moments.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTSFrom Launceston, returning to Launceston, Tasmania (TAS) Cradle Mountain- Lake St Clair National Park - The beauty and presence of Cradle Mountain, its alpine walks and the climb itself are initially stimulated by an inspirational sighting of the mountain across Dove Lake. Dove Lake, Crater Lake, and Little Horn Spire are spectacular features contained in this World Heritage Listed setting. Walls of Jerusalem National Park- This remote walk in the World Heritage Listed wilderness will take us through a glacial valley and central plateau utilising boardwalks around tarns and lakes, edged by wild alpine flora. We visit an historic trappers hut and stand in awe of rugged dolerite peaks and features such as Herod's Gate, Solomons Throne and The Temple. We share chance meetings with occasional walking enthusiasts on their multi-day trekking adventure across the heartland of the islands north. We visit Historic Queenstown with its restored century old Abt Railway which winds its way through some of Tassie's wildest scenery. There is something quite magical and inviting about a Crayfish dinner and sunset cruise as we set sail from the village of Strahan, on picturesque Macquarie Harbour Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park - You can choose a cruise on the mighty Gordon River, scene of a major "No Dams" conservation battle of international focus which ultimately saw victory despite the 1400 arrests of protesters in the wild. Maybe an optional seaplane flight (at added cost) around the sheer and spectacular white-quartzite peak of Frenchman's Cap and then along the raging Franklin River to land on the Gordon, is more to your liking. Remnant forests of the slow growing historic Huon Pine (with its water repellent enduring properties) are protected in this impenetrable wild rivers area, one accessible specimen being 2500 years old We'll walk the Alpine moorlands and lakes of Mt Field National Park, observing the glacial cliffs, peaks and tarns and later viewing wildlife at dusk. Elevated walks will lead us to the wilderness sightings of towering Mt Anne, the jagged Western Arthur Range and Lake Pedder Care to roam the quaint markets of Hobart in search of some retail therapy? The fine arts and crafts at Salamanca Place should satisfy your needs.Wharves nearby are the berthing point each December for adventurous yachtsmen completing arguably the most challenging and dangerous ocean yacht race in the world. We will enjoy a leisurely walk under the impressive cliff face feature known as the Organ Pipes on Mount Wellington, overlooking Hobart Hartz Mt National Park- A day walk will provide us with glorious windows to the great southwest wilderness and subject to conditions, jagged Federation Peak Tasman Peninsula and Tasman National Park. - The historic and tragic penal settlement of Port Arthur, the ruins and a cliff top overview of remnant seascape forms, the totem pole, the candlestick, the lanterns, beaches and bays offer a day of reflection and scenic features. A one or two day guided walk to the towering rock formations of Cape Pillar and its 300 metre (1000ft) high sea cliffs is in the planning, for the energetic. The lofty sea cliffs are home to numerous sea birds and eagles while seals, dolphins and whales frequent the waters far below. Maria Island National Park- We'll spend a day leisure walking around the restored buildings on the island (recalling the days of convicts, whalers, farmers and smugglers), viewing the scenery and re-introduced wildlife (kangaroos, wallabies and Cape Barren Geese) which supported the declaration of a wildlife sanctuary and now the national park. Freycinet National Park with its grand pink granite overlooks to the turquoise waters of Wineglass Bay and its sweeping white beach, is one of the most photographed and memorable features of Tasmania. This and nearby Friendly Beaches provide a most relaxing and beautiful conclusion to our walking vacation. Images reminiscent of rural England, quaint villages, art and craft communities are ever present as we travel between the national parks of Tasmania.
WALKING ACTIVITYDay/Half Day walks scheduled for Cradle Mountain NP, Walls of Jerusalem NP, Mt Field NP, Hartz Mountain NP, Tasman NP, Maria Island NP, Freycinet NP, Short strolls included in all travel days as we shift from one National Park to another.
ACCOMMODATIONSelection from historic hotels, B&B's, quality motels, environmental and wilderness lodges with private and shared facilities
MEALSAll main meals (BLD), morning and afternoon teas included on all days.
GETTING THEREOur journey starts and finishes in Launceston in the centre north of the Island. Flights from Sydney (1hr 40minutes) and Melbourne (1hr 5minutes) by Qantas and Virgin are available.
DURATIONUltimate journey 18 days. Flight connections to Hobart make it possible to join select sections of this tour each of 9 days duration. See "Price of Application" below.
DEPARTURESOur groups meet at the departure point the evening before, for final administration and a Meet 'n Greet function.
BEST MONTHS TO VISITNovember to March
PARTICIPANTSAvailable to both independent travellers and groups.
INCLUSIONSMeals as indicated, tour memento, National Park entries, accommodation twin share, transport and guide services, celebration dinner, local guide fees, various feature entries and travel extras.
EXCLUSIONSFree time and personal costs. Any optional activities elected by participants and not part of our guided journey. Personal travel insurances. Pre and post travel arrangements. Australian departure taxes. Food and beverages additional to those provided.
OPTIONALSeaplane flight over Frenchman Cap and Franklin River
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
HEALTH AND FITNESS Trails will vary from the well formed to rough with some rock and boulder scrambling and tree roots to step over. You will need to carry a small day pack with essential provisions for the day and if selecting the two day / overnight walk to Cape Pillar a medium sized pack (provided) with added provisions for the overnight stop. ...More WHAT TO BRING WEATHER Expect rain (even sleet or snow) at any time though we visit in drier summer months
PRE AND POST TOUR SUGGESTIONSContact us if we can assist you with travel arrangements complementing this, Tasmanian Wilderness journey. These may include the following suggestions:
TERMS AND CONDITIONSWe invite you to read the terms and conditions of travel with Nature-Bound Australia before placing a reservation. You will be asked to confirm your understanding of these details when booking. Participation in our journeys will be on the basis you have read, understood and accepted the terms and conditions ...More
PRIVACY AND DISCLAIMEROur privacy and disclaimer statements govern the manner in which we manage and safeguard private information you supply us in enquiring of and participating in our journeys. Please read these before communicating with us ...More
ENQUIRE FURTHERTo enquire about a tour, please select the appropriate option below...
PRICE ON APPLICATIONOur tours are offered on a near all-inclusive price basis with generous extras and are designed for the discerning traveller who is a collector of authentic experiences. This tour is offered as an extended journey of 18 days to gain the ultimate and complete Tasmanian island experience, taking in the most diverse features of the island. Understandably, some guests have limited time and travel budget constraints but recognise the style and inherent value of a Nature-Bound journey. For these guests there is opportunity through flight connections to join select east side or west side (of the island) sections of the tour, each of 9 days duration with appropriate price variations. To find out more, click to see the online price on application form. You may also care to email us with your specific requirements. RESERVATION REQUEST
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