Bluap

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1
Walk: Russell Falls Walk. Easy, Junee Cave Nature Walk. Easy
Trans: Pick-up at Hobart Airport. Drive to Maydena (90km)
Accom: Giants Table Cottages (Self contained), Maydena
Meals: (lunch: own at Salamanca Place, Hobart) D

Those arriving today will be met at Hobart Airport and from here we’ll head into Hobart where our day begins in the historic Salamanca Place of Hobart. This harbour side area is a hub for arts and crafts and for lunch you will find a delicious range of fine foods in the many cafes.
Maydena is about 90km from Hobart. The road winds along the Derwent River before heading west along the Tyenna River.

At the entrance to Mt Field is a short walk to Russell Falls. Further on are the town of Maydena and the road to Junee Cave. A short nature walk takes us to the cave entrance where the Junee River rises to the surface. Interpretive panels describe the system which includes Australia’s deepest cave. Back in Maydena we settle into our cottages for a two night stay.

DAY 2
Walks: Tarn Shelf & Lake Webster 13.4km 6 Hrs Moderate (Actual route – weather dependent.)
Accom: Giants Table Cottages (Self contained)
Meals: BLD

Today we set out to experience Mt Field National Park. The drive up into the alpine is about 20km and our walks will take in tarns, lakes, forests and meadows. If the weather forecast is with us then we can set out for the full day hike via Tarn Shelf, Twilight Tarn and Lake Webster. The total climb on this circuit is 470m and the highest elevation gained is 1260m.

DAY 3
Walk: Foreshore walk at Bicheno town. 3km Easy Whalers Lookout. Easy
Trans: Transfer to Bicheno (225km)
Accom: Bicheno by the Bay (Self contained bungalows)
Meals: B D (lunch: own at Campbell Town)

Today we pack up and travel back to Bridgewater then north on the Midland Highway to Campbell Town for lunch at the bakery. The town of Bicheno is nestled on Tassie’s east coast just north of Freycinet NP. On arrival we will settle into our accommodation then you will have free time to explore the foreshore walk, stroll up to the nearby lookout or wander down town to a gallery or coffee shop.  There is also an Aquarium in town and nightly penguin tours which can be booked at our accommodation. Dinner at the Sea Life Centre.

DAY 4
Walks: Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach 12km circuit 4 ½ hrs Easy - Moderate
Accom: Bicheno by the Bay (Self contained bungalows)
Meals: B L (dinner: own in Bicheno)

Walk Description: Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach 12km circuit 4 ½ hrs Moderate The track starts at the Fisheries and climbs up to Wineglass Bay lookout before descending to the beach itself. There will be ample time to explore the beach before crossing the peninsula to Hazards Beach and taking the Hazards Beach Track beneath Mt Mayson to return to the starting point. This is a beautiful walk of easy grade with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery, bush and beaches.

DAY 5
Walk: Coal Mines Historic Reserve and convict ruins.
Trans: Transfer to Tasman Peninsula
Accom: Stewarts Bay Lodge (Self contained cabins)
Meals: B D (lunch: own in Sorell)

After breakfast we pack up and head south on the Tasman Highway. In Sorell there will be a stop for lunch before we drive down to the rugged, infamous and spectacularly beautiful Tasman Peninsula. Short walks at the Coal Mines Reserve introduce us to the sort of life that was experienced by the unfortunate early European inhabitants.

Stewarts Bay Lodge is on the water right next door to Port Arthur. Our cabins are self-contained and very comfortable. We are here for three nights.

DAY 6
Walk: Cape Raoul 13.6km return 5 – 6 hrs Moderate
Accom: Stewarts Bay Lodge
Meals: BLD

Walk Description: This walk is one of the highlights of the Tasman Peninsula. The well-defined track passes through mixed forest and coastal heath then accesses a number of excellent lookouts. The fluted columnar cliffs of the Cape plunge dramatically into the ocean and on a clear day there are sweeping views of Tasmania’s southern coastline and east to the Cape Pillar area.

DAY 7
Walk: Fortescue Bay to Waterfall Bay 14.5km 8 hrs Moderate - Challenging
Accom: Stewarts Bay Lodge
Meals: BLD

Description: The day begins with a short beach walk before taking us through lush forest and skirting quiet bays. The spectacular coastal cliffs are a feature of this walk and there are many places to enjoy the extensive views before the track begins ascending towards Tatnells Hill through a variety of forest types. From here the track descends to the cliff tops once again, ending at Waterfall Bay where the bus is waiting for us.

DAY 8

Today we farewell Tassie and return to Hobart Airport. If you plan to stay on we will drop you at your hotel in Hobart.

NB The guides will be returning the tour vehicle to Launceston so if you wish to get a lift and continue your Tasmania holiday in the north of the state you will be welcome to travel with them.

GUIDES

Teresa Cause Based in Boonah (Queensland) Teresa set up Horizon Guides in 2007 to offer a specialised bushwalking guide service. She has extensive experience in guiding tours in Australia and overseas with a particular emphasis on natural history. Teresa also owns an outdoor equipment business in Boonah called Far Outdoors 

Bill Forsyth Also from Boonah, Bill has travelled in many far-flung locations and loves wide open spaces and exploring the bush with camera in hand. He is self-employed as a rural contractor and part-time tour guide and driver.

GENERAL TOUR NOTES

Accommodations (all fully self-contained)
Giants Table Cottages www.giantstable.com.au
Bicheno by the Bay www.bichenobythebay.com.au
Stewarts Bay Lodge www.stewartsbaylodge.com

Meals
Except where listed all meals and snacks are provided. You will be asked to supply details on your booking information of special dietary requirements that you have. Please be specific especially if there are foods which trigger allergies.  Every effort will be made to cater for special dietary needs as long as we have the correct information in advance.

Laundry Facilities
Giants Table: two laundries on site.
Stewarts Bay Lodge: each cabin has a laundry with automatic washing machine and dryer.
Bicheno by the Bay: each cabin has a laundry with twin tub washing machine.

Alcohol
No BYO is allowed at the restaurants. There will be a chance to purchase supplies at various points along the way for consumption at the accommodations.

Daily briefings
Each evening there will be a briefing on the walks and options for the following day.

Mobile phone coverage
There is adequate mobile phone coverage in many places however coverage on the walks is patchy.

THE NATIONAL PARKS

Mt Field Gazetted as a National Park in 1916 Mt Field is one of Tasmania's oldest and most loved national parks. The park has a wide variety of scenic features including glacial lakes and tarns and kaarst features. Few other national parks in Australia offer such diversity in vegetation, ranging from tall swamp gum forests and massive tree ferns at the base of the mountain, through rainforest along the Lake Dobson Road and alpine vegetation at the higher elevations.

Freycinet Peninsula Gazetted as a National Park in 1916 this beautiful coastal park of 11,000ha is characterised by red granite mountain summits, precipitous headlands and magnificent sandy beaches. There is a great richness and diversity of flora (including over 100 species of orchids) and fauna – from the white breasted sea eagle to wombats and a host of shore life.

Tasman Peninsula Known to most as the infamous location for the penal settlement of Port Arthur, the coastline that surrounds the Tasman Peninsula is some of the most dramatic in Australia. Cliffs ranging up to 400m in height must have provided a fearsome sight for the convicts arriving by ship. Most visitors never see the wildest coast however access is available via constructed tracks along the top of many of the cliff lines providing spectacular walking.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (Pre/Post tour or alternatives to hikes):

Hobart: If you arrive before the tour Hobart has much of historical and contemporary interest including the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery that features an exhibit called “Islands to Ice – the Great Southern Ocean and Antarctica” as well as many fine permanent exhibitions. www.tmag.tas.gov.au

Bicheno: Bicheno Penguin Tours 1hr – private land, close penguin encounters. www.bichenopenguintours.com.au

Tasman Peninsula: Port Arthur Historic Site is adjacent to our accommodation. Every evening there is a Ghost Tour of approximately 90mins duration. www.portarthur.org.au
Wildlife cruises with Tasman Island Cruises 3 hrs departs from Port Arthur daily. www.tasmancruises.com.au
Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park. 5pm Tassie Devil Feeding. www.tasmaniandevilpark.com

We look forward to walking with you all and sharing these magnificent Tassie tracks!

Questions?

To receive a comprehensive information and reservation package, or if you have any further questions or would like to discuss the suitability of these walks for you, call 07 54634 114 (office hours) or email us.