The Philosophers' Tale
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1 Photo: Ollie Khedun Photo: THE VISION THE CONCEPT THE PROPOSAL The Philosophers’ Tale is The West Coast Range consists The Next Iconic Walk – The of 6 mountains on a north south Philosophers’ Tale 2019 proposal more than just an iconic walk, ridge. The ridge is trisected by the – Chapter One: Owen, takes it is made up of a series of Lyell Highway (between Mt Lyell people on a journey over 28km in iconic walks to be developed and Mt Owen) and the King River 3 days and 2 nights experiencing Gorge (between Mt Huxley and Mt mountain peaks, incredible views, over a period of time. There Jukes). This makes for three distinct button grass plains, cantilever are an abundance of coastal regions, each with their own part platforms and suspension bridges walks – the Overland Track to play in telling the bigger story. over deep river gorges down into All areas have been impacted cool temperate rainforest, majestic is now mature, and people by mining exploration or other waterfalls along the tranquil King are looking for the next development in the past 100 years. River on the incredible West Coast of Tasmania. With the option to option – The Philosophers’ The area is naturally divided into finish via train, hi-rail, raft, kayak, four zones, or in story telling Tale is just that. People will helicopter or jet boat, making it a parlance, ‘Chapters’. The Chapters be drawn locally and across truly unforgettable experience. (outlined on page 8), let’s call them the globe to experience these Owen, Jukes, Lyell and Tyndall lead View West Coast video iconic walks, returning time easily to the staged construction of any proposed track works. and time again to experience Similar to the Three Capes, the a different chapter that Owen Chapter is the focus of the captures the most incredible current proposal for the “Next Iconic Walk” to be completed within 3 scenery, tells engaging years and used whilst the other stories and will be one of Chapters are under investigation/ the most unforgettable construction or awaiting funding. All the Chapters are of comparable walks in one of the most size and would lend themselves incredible wilderness to multiple overnight stays. Each environments around. Chapter has its own part in the greater story and the track to be constructed to lead the walker through the tale and on a journey. Based on our research and investigation, the area proposed for Chapter One (the focus of this proposal) is Crown Land, administered by Crown Land Services, Forestry Tasmania or Parks & Wildlife. It is not in the World Heritage Zone. Some areas in further proposed Chapters include Hydro Tasmania land or World Heritage Area. Some of the land around Lyell and Owen is under lease. 2 CHAPTER 4: CLIFF CAMP TYNDALL MARTHA & MARY CAMP CHAPTER 3: LYELL CHAPTER 1: OWEN TOFT CAMP KING CAMP CHAPTER 2: JUKES DARWIN CAMP BIRD RIVER Indicative route 3 COME HERE TO FIND TRUE NATURE AND YOUR TRUE NATURE Horsetail Falls, Mt Owen 4 TARGET MARKET Everybody walks if they can. It is part of being human. It is how we explore our world. This walk would target similar • Operate year round – numbers Erudites markets to the Overland Track, Three less June – August, Chapters Experience seekers, desire to Capes Walk, Bay of Fires, Maria 1.2 and 1.3 recommended for explore, seek out hidden gems 60+ Island walks, but with differentiating experienced walkers in Winter year old and young 18-29-year- factors that will appeal: old explorers interested in guided • A maximum of 48 public walkers tours at a destination, fine dining, • To those who do not wish per day and potential for 14 encounters with nature, less likely to spend more than two guided walkers (similar numbers to have kids at home and more nights away from town to that of 3 Capes Track) likely to be empty nesters. • Families with children, the shorter • Accommodation would be in a Wilderness Explorers journeys combined with the story camp area – with planning to Wilderness explorers are aspects will prove appealing allow expansion to reach the intrepid travellers seeking an capacity set with each offering – • To those who either have experience tied to the dynamic positioned to ensure privacy and completed the other walks and untouched wilderness of a feeling of being with nature. or who are looking for an Tasmania, but also find the easier entry option • Not suitable for children stories and history intriguing. under the age of 8 • To those who are looking for a DEMAND STUDY fully catered premium product The Philosophers’ Tale will leverage where they carry just a day pack off those people to whom Tourism The target market and information Tasmania (TT) are marketing. TT is based on other walks (Overland Anticipated walker demographic: has identified a general market Track, Three Capes, Maria Island and for tourism to Tasmania within Bay of Fires) along with the markets • 30,000 to 40,000 to walk the domestic (interstate) market Tourism Tasmania is targeting. Chapter 1.1 The Philosophers’ – comprises 14% of Australian In addition to this, while there is Tale (Horsetail Falls) boardwalk travellers and is made up of people confidence within the industry for each year who share some characteristics the future of tourism in the region, – Age up to 90 years old but who approach travel and there has been no Consumer – Overall achievable by a wide tourism with different mindsets. The Demand Study undertaken on range of ages and abilities, Philosophers’ Tale primary market the West Coast for many years. almost everyone that can walk within this group are Life Long Destination West Coast understands – Easy Learners with an exploring mindset: the importance of obtaining a • 10,000 to 20,000 to walk Chapter Life Long Learners definitive study and is working 1.2 The Philosophers’ Tale Motivated, dedicated and closely with industry who are (Mt Owen) day walk each year perseverant to educational funding a demand study to provide definitive knowledge – Average age 32 endeavours. Continuous informal and formal education can be into how big the market actually – Age up to 65 years old achieved through listening, is, who the market is, what the – Moderate – good level of observing and experiencing. market is looking for, when they fitness and health is required. will come, how much they are Challenging uphill and downhill Raw Urbanites prepared to spend, and how long grades with rocky terrain Lives in a city or similar urban area. they will stay on the West Coast. One of a demographic class of The demand study will involve a • 8,000 to 12,000 to walk young, socially-conscious, urban range of products including walks. Chapter 1.3 The Philosophers’ professionals aged 30-39 with young Unfortunately, the results of this Tale each year families – more likely to have kids Demand study will not be available – Average age 38 years (holiday with or without family in by the time of submission. – Attract 40 to 60 age bracket tow). Desire to escape the rat race, (higher socio-economic connect with themselves, nature dynamic) that are looking to and locals drawn to nature – bush achieve goals in their lives walking/hiking, natural features and attractions, wildlife in its – Easy to Moderate – Good level habitat. DIY tourism – camping/ of fitness and health is required. cooking for themselves, fishing. Challenging uphill and downhill grades with rocky terrain 5 WALKING OPTIONS Walkers would be scheduled to depart at specific times via shuttle drop off at Horsetail Falls. Staggering start times prevents the walk from appearing crowded and provides a sense of being one with nature, at the walker’s own pace. OPTION 1: DELUXE EXPERIENCE PRIVATE EQUITY INVESTMENT A self-guided journey of discovery – provided with information to Given the uniqueness of the walk we believe that a private embrace the story and enhance walking company would be interested in investing in the the experience. Includes shared development of private lodges similar to that of Three “hut” accommodation (no heating Capes Track and undertaking guided walks over the track. or lighting – sleeping bags Given this the following options would also be available; required), heated cooking facilities (require personal implements) OPTION 3: with lighting, WCWR journey to SUPERIOR EXPERIENCE Strahan or Queenstown (other options available at a cost). Be guided over 3 days by experienced and knowledgeable guides providing the story and enhancing the experience. OPTION 2: Arrive at the “private lodge”, relax and unwind in the lounge DELUXE EXPERIENCE and reflect on the days experience with fellow walkers while (PACK FREE) dinner is being prepared. Includes private lodge accommodation for 2 with fresh linen (single supplement available), all meals, Option 1 + Pack FREE: carry Tasmanian wine with dinner, WCWR journey to Strahan only what you need for the day or Queenstown (other options available at a cost). (water bottle, lunch and rain gear), arrive at the “hut” to find OPTION 4: your pack in your shared room. SUPERIOR EXPERIENCE (PACK FREE) Deluxe Experiences – groups of 12 walkers (max 48). Option 3 + Pack FREE: carry only what you need for the day (water bottle, lunch and rain gear). Superior Experiences – 2 guides to 7 walkers (max 14) All options bring the experience in line with Tourism Tasmania marketing and existing walks such as Three Capes. Feedback from those undertaking Three Capes has shown a desire to undertake a spectacular walk, without the need to carry everything. Such options are being provided overseas with great success. A booking system with quotas will prevent overcrowding. JUST A LITTLE STROLL … JUST OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE #TASSIE STYLE 6 THE STORY This is not just a walk, but a complex and multi-layered story, revealed as one journeys through landscapes as dramatic as any imagined by Tolkein.