Tasmania - Tarkine to Tasman Peninsula - 18 MARCH - 1 APRIL 2021 Highlights - International Park Tours
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Tasmania – Tarkine to Tasman Peninsula
18 MARCH - 1 APRIL 2021
Highlights
• Gaze over the Great Western Tiers & see spectacle subterranean caves at Mole
Creek Karst National Park
• Marvel at the town of murals in Sheffield & explore amazing geology at Rocky Cape
National Park
• Take in the splendour of The Nut in Stanley & stay in the secluded Tarkine Wilderness
• Wander ancient forests at Mt Donaldson & Mt Rufus & step back in time in the
seaside town of Strahan
• Ride the historic West Coast Wilderness Steam Train & experience Cradle Mountain
– Lake St Claire National Park
• Walk to Russell Falls, Mt Fields National Park, & hike the dramatic cliffs of Cape
Raoul in Tasman National Park
• Wander and contemplate the Port Arthur Historic Site & cruise the Tasman Peninsula
• Explore Hobart a contrasting blend of heritage, scenery and culture
Meeting in Launceston, we travel through classic ‘English-style’ countryside towards
Mole Creek Karst National Park. Here we stay two nights to explore the subterranean
world of Marakoopa Cave, gaze over the Great Western Tiers from the Alum Cliffs and
Devil’s Gullet walks and learn about the dark secrets buried underground on our truffle
hunt, along with the iconic Tasmanian devil. We turn to the north west coast, following
the Bass Strait to The Nut in Stanley, stopping to visit the iconic ‘Town of Murals’ in
Sheffield and explore the dramatic landscape of Rocky Cape National Park. Taking in
the remote town of Arthur River, we descend into the ancient landscape of the Western
Wilderness where we stay three nights in isolated rainforest cottages. To experience
the many moods of the Tarkine, we cruise the Pieman River, enjoy walks in Australia’s
largest temperate pristine rainforest and have the option to kayak secluded waterways.
We walk through prehistoric Gondwana landscapes to the summit of Mt Donaldson.
We visit the West Coast Pioneers Memorial Museum at Zeehan, and stop the night in
DETAILS
picturesque Strahan, steeped in pioneering stories. Our journey continues on board the Price: Twin share/person (starts
West Coast Wilderness Railway steam train, bound for historic Queenstown. Onwards to Launceston / ends Hobart)
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, we soak up lakeside vistas, hike Mt Rufus
and explore scenic shoreline trails. Crossing to the south east coast, we visit Russell Advanced Early Bird: (until 04 Dec 2020)
Falls in Mount Field National Park and stay three nights on the Tasman Peninsula to A$6,390
explore the geological marvel of Cape Raoul and explore Port Arthur Historic Site. The Regular: A$6,890
dramatic sea cliffs of Tasman National Park can only be fully experienced on a coastal
cruise. This is a chance to see a variety of sea life. We end our journey in Hobart. Single Supplement: A$1,490
Note: For guests who request a single
room the single supplement will be
charged. For single people who prefer to
share, we will try to find a suitable room-
mate, but if this is not possible the single
supplement surcharge will apply.
Minimum Group Size: 8 guests
Special Interest: Special Interest: Wildlife,
Botanical, History, Geology, Birding
For bookings call 07 5533 3583 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email info@parktours.com.au | 1
Tasmania – Tarkine to Tasman Peninsula
18 MARCH - 1 APRIL 2021 FAQ
WALKING RATING What COVID-SAFE procedures are in place for tours?
During our walking holiday strict COVID SAFE hygiene
Moderate: 5-18km per walking day, on mostly well graded tracks. There procedures will be in place. These include, but are not limited
are some moderate to challenging walks with some steeper sections on to:
non-graded tracks. This tour is for anyone with a good level of fitness,
and bushwalking experience. We reserve the right to be flexible with • Complimentary hand sanitiser will be available on tour
the itinerary to allow for unforeseen circumstances including weather • Daily health checks will be undertaken by your guide,
conditions, track closures and group fitness. in line with Queensland Health requirements. More
information will be provided to you before the start of the
INCLUSIONS tour.
• Physical or social distancing will be practiced during our
• 14 nights twin share accommodation – 3-4 star motel, homestead & daily activities. The current advice from the Department
cabin/cottage style accommodation with private facilities (12 nights) and of Health is for everyone to keep at least 1.5 metres apart
shared facilities (2 nights) from others (outside of their family unit) where possible.
• Meals include - 14 Breakfasts (B), 7 Lunches (L), 8 Dinners (D)
• Additional cleaning will be undertaken as required
• Private bus throughout program, ferry transfers where noted
• Mole Creek activities include - Marakoopa Cave entry & Truffle Farm Tour Please note ParkTours will comply with new policies and
• Tarkine - Pieman River Cruise procedures as they are made available through our industry
• Port Arthur Historical site entry including guided walk/harbour cruise authorities and Government to keep you safe and healthy
• West Coast Wilderness Railway steam train whilst on tour.
• Award winning Pennicott Wilderness Cruise - Tasman Peninsular How & when to book?
• National park, nature park and museum entry fees where noted To place your booking, simply visit www.parktours.com.au
• Professional tour leader assisted when required by local tour guides and select the “Bookings” page, or complete a Tour Booking
• Basic group tips where required form and return by post or email with your $A500 deposit.
• Pre-departure material including background & personalised A-Z tour Once you have booked on a tour, we will stay in contact with
information regular mailings (see below).
What information and contact can I expect?
EXCLUSIONS When you send your initial deposit, we will contact you to
confirm your booking. Please do not book any flights or travel
• Travel arrangements to start / end of tour arrangements until our office contacts you to advise that
• Airfares & taxes your tour has been confirmed to depart. Once the tour has
• Passport & visa expenses been confirmed to depart, a comprehensive pre-departure
• Heavy or excess baggage information pack will be sent to you, including a Tour A-Z,
• Travel insurance suggested packing list, medical questionnaire, balance of
• Personal expenses e.g. tour leader tips, drinks (alcohol, speciality tea & payment invoice, and pre / post accommodation options.
coffee), laundry, telephone, or optional tours The final mailing is sent approximately two weeks before
departure and includes final tour information, meeting points,
accommodation and guest list. This will also include any
TOUR LEADER additional documentation required under new Covid-Safe
procedures.
Twice-named ‘Eco Guide of the Year’ by Ecotourism
Australia, Barry Davies is one of the most experienced What is the group size?
nature tour leaders within Australia and New Zealand, We specialise in small group travel with a tour size normally
with a particular passion for birds and wildlife. Since between 8 to 18 guests. Consideration will be given for
2008 Barry has been a naturalist and lecturer aboard physical distancing regulations for bus travel. Please refer
an expedition vessel visiting islands from Fiji to to the front page for details on the minimum group size for
Papua New Guinea and has lead tours in Papua this particular tour. All tours need a minimum number of
New Guinea, Borneo, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia participants to operate at the price listed in the itinerary. If the
and New Zealand. His work background, previously as naturalist guide minimum number is not reached, a tour may still operate with
and activities manager at Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, coupled with a surcharge.
independent guiding explorations with his own specialist touring company, How fit do I have to be?
Gondwana Guides, provide him with considerable cumulative knowledge When you are assessing your ability to participate, age is not
of the ecological and biological nature of all regions within Australia, New necessarily as important as your fitness and recent walking
Zealand and the South Pacific Rim. experience. Please read the tour walk rating and the day-
by-day walking descriptions in the itinerary to determine if
the tour is suitable for your fitness level. If you have any
queries, we are happy to put you in touch with either the tour
coordinator or tour leader to discuss your fitness in more
detail.
What gear and equipment do I need to take?
Because we focus on half and full day walks, returning to
our accommodation in the afternoon, you don’t need to carry
any more than a daypack with rain wear, sunscreen, drinking
Click map to view water, camera and lunch. We recommend walking poles and
in Google Maps hiking boots on most of our tours as they offer good ankle
support and grip. A detailed packing list is included with your
tour’s information pack.
For bookings call 07 5533 3583 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email info@parktours.com.au | 2
Tasmania – Tarkine to Tasman Peninsula TOUR ITINERARY 18 MARCH - 1 APRIL 2021 Day 1 – Thu 18 Mar | Launceston Our tour starts in the riverside city of Launceston, famed for the Cataract Gorge with panoramic views, walking trails, sculpted gardens and a chairlift. If time allows, make sure you visit the Queen Victoria Museum housed in a 19th century railway workshop and its sister art gallery which lies across the river, by the sprawling Royal Park. We meet our tour leader and remainder of the group in the lobby of our centrally located hotel at 6:30pm. Driving a short distance to Cataract Gorge, we enjoy a leisurely walk through the Cliff Grounds Reserve to the Gorge Restaurant, for group introductions and tour briefing followed by a delightful welcome dinner. Meals: D Walks: 1km / easy walk along Cataract Gorge to dinner / bus ride back to the hotel (comfortable walking shoes required) Day 2 – Fri 19 Mar | Deloraine / Alum Cliffs / Tulampanga & Truffle hunt Departing Launceston our scenic drive takes us through classic ‘English-style’ countryside of rolling green hills, hedgerows, and working farms. We have time to explore Deloraine at our own leisure and are tempted by fresh local produce for tasty lunch. Our destination is Mole Creek, a small town in the upper Mersey Valley in central north Tasmania. Here we spend two nights in comfortable accommodation, close to Mole Creek Karst National Park with its mountain scenery, karst formations and varied walking trails. Our inaugural walk finds us exploring the enchanting Alum Cliffs (Tulampanga), which takes us to a forest lookout perched high above the Mersey River. Here we gaze upon the Great Western Tiers and the triangulation of three major sites, Quamby Bluff, Alum Cliffs Gorge and Western Bluff. Tulampanga was a place of particular social and spiritual significance to Aborigines because of the ochre found nearby. Late afternoon we search out the dark secret that dwells in the fertile soil with local truffle farmer Anne and her trusty hunting dog Douglas. Dinner will either be at our lodge or a nearby restaurant or hotel. Meals: B, L, D Walks: 2km / short climb, easy well graded track; 2km / easy truffle hunt walk, some uneven ground Day 3 – Sat 20 Mar | Mole Creek Karst National Park We visit Marakoopa cave, one of over 300 known caves and sinkholes within Mole Creek Karst National Park, to marvel at the karst gorges, large underground streams and springs. The caves are home to superb stalactites, stalagmites columns, subterranean streams and cathedral caverns hosting a range of fascinating animals which have adapted to their lightless environment with the glow-worm display in Marakoopa Cave the largest in any public access cave in Australia. In the afternoon, join your tour leader on the Devil’s Gullet walk, featuring dramatic views into a steep, narrow glacial gorge formed by vertical dolerite cliffs 220 metre high and topped by alpine forest. On return to our accommodation there is an option to visit Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary (own cost). A privately owned sanctuary, they care for native Tasmania fauna and flora, and house the world’s largest heritage population of endangered Tasmania Devils, along with a great range of marsupials, birds and reptiles. Dinner will be at a nearby restaurant or hotel. Meals: B, L, D Walks: 3km cave walk / 2km afternoon easy walk uneven ground ascent/descent For bookings call 07 5533 3583 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email info@parktours.com.au | 3
Tasmania – Tarkine to Tasman Peninsula TOUR ITINERARY 18 MARCH - 1 APRIL 2021 Day 4 – Sun 21 Mar | Sheffield / Rocky Cape National Park / Stanley Departing early, we travel north to visit Sheffield and spend time enjoying their mural park and creative galleries, before continuing onto Wynyard. Turning west with views of the Bass Strait, we stop along the way at Rocky Cape National Park, with its dramatic geological features and some of the oldest rocks in Tasmania. Passing Sisters Beach and Anniversary Bay, we continue to the town of Stanley on the north-west coast. After checking into our accommodation for the night, we take in the spectacle of the sunset over The Nut and explore the town at our own leisure. Meals: B Walks: 6km easy walks Day 5 – Mon 22 Mar | Tarkine Western Wilderness This morning we travel towards the western wilderness of the Tarkine to Corinna Wilderness Experience, our base for the next three nights. Here we explore the largest temperate rainforest in Australia and the northernmost point where the famous Huon pine grows. This ancient unbroken tract of rainforest is a living link with the ancient super continent of Gondwana. Walks vary from easy to moderate as we delve into Tasmania’s best kept secret. After checking into our accommodation we are free to explore the surrounds or simply enjoy the comfort of Corinna. Dinner is at the local restaurant this evening, where we taste the delights of the western region. Meals: B, D Walks: Easy local strolls Day 6 – Tue 23 Mar | Pieman River & Tarkine walks Join your tour leader for an early start (6:30am) to be transferred via MV Arcadia II down the Pieman River where we are dropped off to explore the rugged coastal landscape on foot. After lunch we re-connect with the boat and return to Corinna, exploring the scenic waterways. The skipper provides commentary about the unique history spanning the Tarkine, from the Aboriginal people (dating back 30,000 years) to current day. Afternoon options include self-guided walks, kayaking on the river or simply enjoying the wonder of the temperate rainforest environment. This evening, we suggest trying the local flavours at the Tarkine Hotel with a dinner of your own choice. Meals: B, L Walks/Activities: Cruise with option of local walks approx. 5km easy gradient, some sand and water crossings Day 7 – Wed 24 Mar | Mt Donaldson After an early breakfast, Mt Donaldson is the planned walk for the day. Following trails through open myrtle forests with glimpses of the Pieman River, we cross button grass plateaus then gently climb through delicate wildflower fields across the eastern face of Mt Donaldson. We reach a 360 degree view of the Tarkine interior from the Meredith Range through to Mt Dundas and the West Coast Ranges. As we track around the western face of the mountain, the Gondwana qualities of the Tarkine are revealed. It is easy to imagine the dinosaurs wandering through this ancient prehistoric landscape. The afternoon is at our leisure, either spent relaxing at Corinna or enjoying further walks in the local surrounds. Meals: B, L Walks: 8km / 4hr 400m ascent / descent moderate walk, mainly gravel and well defined tracks with boggy sections Day 8 – Thu 25 Mar | Zeehan / Strahan Departing the Tarkine we visit Zeehan, a classic mining town where the West Coast Pioneers Memorial Museum documents the rich For bookings call 07 5533 3583 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email info@parktours.com.au | 4
Tasmania – Tarkine to Tasman Peninsula TOUR ITINERARY 18 MARCH - 1 APRIL 2021 history of this region. The travel day ends in Strahan, a picturesque Tasmanian waterfront holiday town with a variety of stories to tell of the west coast pioneering days. Re-joining the group at 5:15pm at the Strahan Amphitheatre (next to the West Coast Information Centre) we enjoy Australia's longest running play, ‘The Ship That Never Was' which has been performed nightly since 1993. It tells the story of the last successful escape of ten convicts from the Sarah Island Penal Colony in 1834. Dinner is at our own choice this evening, with a plethora of places to choose from, all an easy walk from our overnight accommodation. Meals: B Walks: Easy town strolls Day 9 – Fri 26 Mar | Queenstown / Lake St Clair National Park This morning join the West Coast Wilderness Railway steam train as it makes it’s scenic journey from Strahan to Queenstown. Along the way you have the chance to visit historic stations, listen to historical on-board commentary and enjoy the only operating Abt rack and pinion section in the Southern Hemisphere. On arrival into Queenstown, the capital of Tasmania’s West Coast and home to the Mt Lyell Mining & Railway Company, your tour leader will collect you from the train station. We have time to explore the town at our own leisure and continue our travels to Lake St Clair. Passing by King William Saddle at the junction of the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, there is a dramatic and sudden change in the vegetation and its underlying geology where immense glaciers once carved the wild river landscape. In the afternoon we check into lakeside studio cabins at Lake St Clair Lodge, our base for the next two nights. Meals: B, D Walks: Easy town strolls and afternoon lakeside orientation walk Day 10 – Sat 27 Mar | Mt Rufus or self-guide walks lakeside Lake St Clair is at the southern end of the world famous Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Carved out by ice during several glaciations over the last two million years, this is the deepest lake in Australia and the headwaters of the Derwent River. Walking options today are many and varied ranging from 5 to 18km and you can choose from self-guided strolls, join your tour leader on a more challenging hike to Mt Rufus or simply just sit back and soak up the peaceful surrounds. For those just wanting to stretch your legs, there is an easy wander along the banks of Lake St Clair and Shadow Lake for glimpses of platypus. A rewarding hike above Forgotten Lake leads through forests of pandani, myrtle, deciduous beech and snow gums to the summit for panoramic views of Lake St. Clair, Mt Olympus and Mt Byron. Dinner is either at the Lake St Clair Lodge or the pub where we can enjoy the local atmosphere. Meals: B, L, D Walks: Group walk: 18km / 7hr circuit / 679m ascent / descent moderate rough track. Self-guided shoreline walks range from 1-4hr Day 11 – Sun 28 Mar | Russell Falls / Tasman Peninsula Traversing the southern edge of Tasmania, we travel to Tasman Peninsula stopping for a scenic walk to Russell Falls in Mount Fields National Park. This easy walk will take us through a mixed forest of towering swamp gums, the tallest flowering plant on earth, and species typical of wet forests and cool temperate rainforests, such as dogwood, musk and myrtle. Towards the falls, the track is framed by stunning tall tree ferns. We continue south east via Sorrell to visit the Tasman Arch and wander along the Tessellated Pavement. Our destination at days end is Stewarts Bay Lodge near Port Arthur, our For bookings call 07 5533 3583 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email info@parktours.com.au | 5
Tasmania – Tarkine to Tasman Peninsula TOUR ITINERARY 18 MARCH - 1 APRIL 2021 base for the next three nights. For those eager to see the Aurora Australis, join your tour leader later in the evening to search for the Southern Lights. Meals: B, L, D Walks: 1-3km / 600m waterfall circuit plus local walks Day 12 – Mon 29 Mar | Cape Raoul Tasman National Park is situated on the rugged Tasman Peninsula and features a spectacular coastal environment including soaring 300m high dolerite sea cliffs. Cape Raoul is one of the most spectacular cliff top walks in Australia and we appreciate this for ourselves today as we climb steadily to a vantage point over Raoul Bay. Here we stand on the edge of a 420m high cliff with commanding views of the coastline and then descend through eucalypt and banksia groves onto the heath-covered Cape Raoul plateau. From this point, there is only ocean between you and Antarctica! After a lunch break in a sheltered spot near the cape, we return on the same track and drive back to Port Arthur. Meals: B, L Walks: 14km / 5-6hr easy to moderate with some rough uphill / downhill sections Day 13 – Tue 30 Mar | Tasman Island Cruise / Port Arthur Historic Site This morning we join Pennicott Wilderness Journeys for an unforgettable three-hour wilderness cruise along the spectacular coastline and capes east of Port Arthur. Part of the Tasman National Park, we follow the coastline to view Tasman Island, the highest vertical sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere at Cape Pillar and explore waterfalls, rock formations, archways and deep-sea caves. The coastline is home to seals, dolphins, migrating whales and abundant sea birds including gannets, albatross, and sea eagles wheeling on the wind, cliff-nesting cormorants and peregrine falcons. The afternoon is free to explore the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site. You can enjoy lunch at one of the site’s cafes then explore more than 30 historic buildings, ruins, restored houses, heritage gardens and walking trails. Meals: B Walks: Self-guided short walks around Port Arthur Historic site Day 14 – Wed 31 Mar | Port Arthur Historic Site / Hobart This morning you have the chance to re-visit the Port Arthur Historic Site and join a guided walking tour, followed by a Port Arthur harbour cruise, included in the entry ticket. In the afternoon, we take a short side-trip to the southern end of the peninsula to visit Remarkable Cave. Unlike most sea caves, Remarkable Cave has two entrances on the ocean-side, which were created by erosion along fractures from ancient earthquakes. Leaving the peninsula, we travel to Hobart, the capital of the island state, and check into the Hadley’s Orient Heritage Hotel for our last night and farewell dinner. Meals: B, D Walks: Short walks around Port Arthur Historic site & Remarkable Cave Day 15 – Thu 01 Apr | Tour End Your tour ends today after breakfast or in line with your travel plans, however you may like to extend your stay in Hobart and enjoy the weekend markets or a visit to the eclectic Mona Museum (own cost). Meals: B Walks: None For bookings call 07 5533 3583 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email info@parktours.com.au | 6
WALKING HOLIDAYS & ADVENTURES
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
ParkTours have been leading small group walking holidays since
1975. Our like-minded guests bond easily and often create reunions,
celebrations and friendships, many of them life-long. Our tours are
active with regular half and full day walks. Aside from walking, we
also spend time meeting local people, tasting regional food and
immersing ourselves in the culture and history of a destination. Our
flexibility enables us to adapt to the likes, dislikes and agility of our Responsible Travel
travellers, and changing situations such as weather and unforeseen
For your protection, we are
circumstances. In most locations, we stay 2-3 nights and sometimes
member of the Australian
longer. This allows us to slow down, unpack our bags and enjoy
Federation of Travel Agents
the local atmosphere at different times of the day. Accommodation
(AFTA). Your payments are
is comfortable and unique plus locally owned and operated where
kept in a client account until
possible.
required for payment of your tour.
Our guides are dedicated, informative people who share their passion We are accredited with AFTA Travel
and knowledge on local history, culture, wildlife and topography. Accreditation Scheme (ATAS), a
Our journeys are designed to safeguard the ecosystems; benefit national accreditation scheme, endorsing travel
the communities we visit and contribute to the sustainability of agents who have met strict financial and customer
destinations. Travel is a chance to change your perspective. Nature service criteria. We also have advanced accreditation
always provides a new view if we take the time to look. with Ecotourism Australia, are members of the
Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and a Green
Circle member of Queensland Outdoor Recreation
“I find the organisation and attention to Federation (QORF).
detail is always good. Having travelled
quite a few times with ParkTours now I Serendipity of travel
would not consider a walking tour with Our Leader and local guides will continually work on
any other organization” your behalf to provide a memorable journey. We have
Catherine Eakin planned an intimate adventure, but adventure cannot
be guaranteed. If indeed it could then it would lose its
“I have had a wonderful experience appeal.
Though we do the best we can to plan a smooth
on my ParkTours trips. I know the journey, sometimes things change at short notice.
accommodation, meals, etc. will have Some things may take longer than anticipated,
the level of comfort I’m looking for” transport and accommodation arrangements may alter,
and you may experience occasional shortcomings and
Anne Stanfield
be frustrated by the ‘manana’ attitude; at other times
you will be amazed by local efficiency. Tour itineraries
may need to be modified but this is done so with your
needs in mind and to provide the best tour experience.
Disclaimer of Liability So, be flexible, surprised and delighted with the
Although Park Tours has prepared the Information contained in this itinerary with all due care and updates
serendipity that comes from being open to the
the Information regularly, Park Tours does not warrant or represent that the Information is free from errors or
omission. Whilst the Information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in unexpected. Your enjoyment of this journey is
circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the Information. The Information ultimately up to you.
may change without notice and Park Tours is not in any way liable for the accuracy of any information printed
and stored or in any way interpreted and used by a user.
Itinerary Updated: November 13, 2020 10:37 AM
T +61 7 5533 3583
1069 Binna Burra Road, Beechmont QLD 4211 Australia
info@parktours.com.au | www.parktours.com.au
You can also read
