Tasmania - Tarkine to 06–20 March 2020 (14 nights)

Highlights

• Walk through eucalypt and tree fern forests to • Experience the fabled Walls of Jerusalem National Park • Marvel subterranean caves at Karst National Park • Take in the splendour of The Nut in Stanley • Stay in secluded Tarkine wilderness cottages • Explore ancient forests at Mt Donaldson & Mt Rufus • Experience - Lake St Claire National Park • Walk to Russell Falls in Mt Fields National Park • Hike the dramatic cliffs of in • Take time to contemplate the Port Arthur Historic Site • Cruise the Western Wilderness & Tasman Peninsula

Meeting in Launceston, we travel to our first walk at Liffey Falls surrounded by cool temperate rainforest. Staying three nights in the Mole Creek area, we explore the subterranean world of Mole Creek Karst National Park. After walks in the Jurassic landscape of Walls of Jerusalem National Park, we have the chance to learn more about the iconic Tasmanian devil. We turn to the north west coast, with views of the Bass Strait all the way to The Nut in Stanley. Along the way we visit the iconic Sheffield murals and . Taking in the remote town of Arthur River, we descend into the ancient landscape of the western wilderness where we stay in secluded rainforest cottages. To experience the many moods of the Tarkine, we cruise the Pieman River, enjoy walks in 's largest temperate myrtle-beech pristine rainforest and have the option to kayak secluded waterways. We walk through prehistoric Gondwana landscapes of button grass plains and wildflowers to the summit of Mt Donaldson. We visit the West Coast Pioneers Memorial Museum at Zeehan and soak up lakeside vistas at Cradle Mountain- National Park. Choose to hike the trails of Mt Rufus or explore the DETAILS scenic shoreline. Crossing to the south east coast, we visit Russell Falls in Mount Field National Park, arguably 's prettiest waterfall; certainly, it's most Price: Twinshare / person (ex Launceston, ends ) photographed. We stay on the Tasman Peninsula and explore the geological marvel of Cape Raoul and the stories of the Port Arthur Historic Site. The dramatic sea Price until 31/3/20: A$7,050 cliffs of Tasman National Park can only be fully experienced on a coastal cruise. This is a chance to see a variety of wildlife including hundreds of seals, migrating Single Supplement: A$1,170 whales and abundant sea birds. We end our journey in Hobart and enjoy the Note: For single people who prefer kaleidoscope of culture, art and markets. to share, we will try to find a suitable roommate, but if this is not possible the sole-use surcharge will apply.

Minimum Group size: 8 guests

Special Interest: Wildlife, Botanical, History, Birding

For bookings call 1300 197 201 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email [email protected] | 1 Tasmania - Tarkine to Tasman Peninsula 06–20 March 2020 (14 nights)

WALK RATING FAQ

Easy to Moderate: 5-17km per walking day with shorter or longer options How & when to book? (moderate options are due to ascent and decent on nominated walk Our biggest message to you is BOOK EARLY!! Many tours days). This trip is for almost anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. We suggest that at least 8-12 weeks prior to the walk, you begin walking book out very quickly so the moral of the story is the early for at least one hour each day at a reasonable pace, increasing duration bird catches the worm! Please send your completed Tour of walks over time to include hill walks to build leg strength and fitness. Booking Form and a deposit of A$500 per person per tour. Consider walking instead of driving the car. Take advantage of using stairs To place your booking, simply visit www.parktours.com. to practise ascent / descent techniques. Speed is not the essence to au and select the “Bookings” page, or complete a Tour bushwalking, rather stamina and confidence in your own abilities. Booking form and return by post or email with your deposit. Once you have booked on a tour, we will stay in contact INCLUSIONS with regular mailings (see below). What information and contact can I expect? • 14 nights twin share accommodation: 3-4 star hotel/motels & cabin/ When you send your initial deposit, we will contact you to cottages with private facilities (3 nights shared) confirm your booking. Please do not book any flights or • Meals included: 14 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 8 Dinners • Private bus throughout program, ferry transfers where noted travel arrangements until our office contacts you to advise • Port Arthur Historical site entry including guided walk/harbour cruise that your tour has been confirmed to depart. Once the • Award winning Pennicott Wilderness Cruise – Tasman Pennisular tour has been confirmed to depart, a comprehensive pre- • National park, museum entry fees where noted departure information pack will be sent to you, including a • Professional tour leader assisted when required by local tour guides Tour A-Z, suggested packing list, medical questionnaire, • Basic group tips where required balance of payment invoice, and pre / post accommodation • Pre-departure information pack options. The final mailing is sent approximately three weeks before departure and includes final tour information, EXCLUSIONS meeting points, accommodation and guest list, and a Tour Companion. • Travel arrangements to start / from end of tour • Airport transfers What is the group size? • Heavy or excess baggage We specialise in small group travel with a tour size normally • Travel insurance between 8 to 18 guests. Please refer to the front page for Personal expenses e.g. drinks (water, alcohol, tea & coffee), laundry, details on the minimum group size for this particular tour. All telephone, optional tours / excursions, tour leader tip tours need a minimum number of participants to operate at the price listed in the itinerary. If the minimum number is not TOUR LEADER reached, a tour may still operate with a surcharge. How fit do I have to be? Twice-named ‘Eco Guide of the Year’ by Ecotourism When you are assessing your ability to participate, age Australia, Barry Davies is one of the most experienced nature tour leaders within Australia and New Zealand, is not necessarily as important as your fitness and recent with a particular passion for birds and wildlife. Since walking experience. Please read the tour walk rating and 2008 Barry has been a naturalist and lecturer aboard the day-by-day walking descriptions in the itinerary to an expedition vessel visiting islands from Fiji to Papua determine if the tour is suitable for your fitness level. If you New Guinea and has lead tours in Papua New Guinea, have any queries, we are happy to put you in touch with Borneo, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia and New Zealand. His work either the tour coordinator or tour leader to discuss your background, previously as naturalist guide and activities manager at Binna fitness in more detail. Burra Mountain Lodge, coupled with independent guiding explorations with his own specialist touring company, Gondwana Guides, provide him with What gear and equipment do I need to take? considerable cumulative knowledge of the ecological and biological nature of all regions within Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Rim. 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 water, camera and lunch. We recommend walking poles and 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.

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For bookings call 1300 197 201 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email [email protected] | 2 Tasmania - Tarkine to Tasman Peninsula

ITINERARY TOUR ITINERARY 06–20 March 2020 (14 nights)

Day 1 – Fri 06 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 in a 19th century railway workshop and its sister art gallery which lies across the river, by the sprawling Royal Park. We meet the tour leader and group in the lobby of our central hotel at 6:00pm. 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 – Sat 07 Mar | Liffey Falls State Reserve / Deloraine Departing Launceston, we visit Liffey Falls State Reserve, home to what is considered to be one of the prettiest waterfalls in the state. Nestled within the cool temperate rainforest on the slopes of the , this nature walk includes forests of towering eucalypts and tree ferns, framed by the dominant species of myrtle, sassafras and leatherwood. We continue our scenic drive through classic ‘English-style’ countryside of rolling green hills, hedgerows, and working farms, past Deloraine. Stopping along the way we will visit farms, learn about agricultural initiatives and be tempted by fresh local produce for lunch. Our destination is Mole Creek, a small town in the upper Mersey Valley in central north Tasmania. Here we spend three nights in comfortable accommodation, close to Mole Creek Karst National Park with its mountain scenery, karst formations and varied walking trails. Dinner will either be at our lodge or a local restaurant. Meals: B, D Walks: 2.2km / 70m descent / ascent easy well graded track plus local orientation walks at Mole Creek

Day 3 – Sun 08 Mar | Mole Creek Karst National Park This morning, 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. During our exploration, we have the chance to see superb stalactites, stalagmites and columns, subterranean streams and cathedral caverns. The caves are home to a range of fascinating animals which have adapted to their lightless environment and the glow-worm display in Marakoopa Cave is the largest in any public access cave in Australia. In the afternoon, we visit Tasmanian Truffles who became the first company to grow black truffles in Australia. We take a guided tour to learn about the growing and harvesting of these truffles, meet the family and their truffle-seeking dogs. Meals: B, L, D Walks: Short morning and afternoon walks

Day 4 – Mon 09 Mar | Walls of Jerusalem National Park Today we join a local ranger and set off early for a full day to explore one of the highlights of our journey, the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. The walk length will be dependent on weather and group ability, but during these longer days of summer, we venture as far as possible in this remote area of the Tasmanian highlands. Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the Walls of Jerusalem will mesmerise you with contrasts - the drama of its Jurassic peaks, the rich textures of its conifer forests, the ancient

For bookings call 1300 197 201 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email [email protected] | 3 Tasmania - Tarkine to Tasman Peninsula

ITINERARY TOUR ITINERARY CONTINUED... 06–20 March 2020 (14 nights) fragile forests of Pencil Pines, the delicacy of its cushion plants and the stillness of its tarns and lakes. Meals: B, L, D Walks: Up to 18km / 6-8hr moderate walk, dirt gravel surface with some boggy sections. Shorter option available.

Day 5 – Tue 10 Mar | Sheffield / Devonport / Stanley Travelling north from Mole Creek, we visit Sheffield to enjoy their mural park and creative galleries, before continuing onto the port city of Devonport. Turning west with views of the Bass Strait, we stop at Rocky Cape National Park, with its dramatic geological features and some of the oldest rocks in Tasmania. After coastal walks at 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: 2-3hr easy walks

Day 6 – Wed 11 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 7 – Thu 12 Mar | Pieman River & Tarkine walks There are a couple of options available today. You can either join your tour leader for an early start (6:00am) 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. The other option is a more leisurely start at 10:00am, to spend the morning on board the Pieman River cruise to explore the scenic waterways. The skipper provides commentary about the unique history spanning the Tarkine, from the Aboriginal people (dating back 30,000 years). 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 with an easy gradient, some sand and water crossings

Day 8 – Fri 13 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

For bookings call 1300 197 201 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email [email protected] | 4 Tasmania - Tarkine to Tasman Peninsula

ITINERARY TOUR ITINERARY CONTINUED... 06–20 March 2020 (14 nights) 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 9 – Sat 14 Mar | Zeehan / Queenstown / Lake St Clair Departing the Tarkine we visit Zeehan, a classic mining town where the West Coast Pioneers Memorial Museum documents the rich history of this region. Zeehan’s Gaiety Theatre was the largest concert hall and theatre in Australia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Such was its prestige that during that time it saw Enrico Caruso, Dame Nellie Melba and the infamous Lola Montez all treading the boards and entertaining the wealthy miners. We continue to Queenstown, the capital of Tasmania’s West Coast and home to the Mt Lyell Mining & Railway Company. Passing by King William Saddle at the junction of the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, we have a fine view of King William Range to the south, Mt Rufus to the north and the shining white half-dome of Frenchman’s Cap in the distant west. At this point, 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

Day 10 – Sun 15 Mar | Cradle Mountain / Lake St Clair National Park The walking options today are many and varied ranging from 5 to 18km. 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. 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. Dinner will either be at the Lake St Clair Lodge or the pub where we can enjoy the local atmosphere. Meals: B, L Walks: Group walk: 18km / 7hr circuit / 679m ascent / descent moderate rough track. Self-guided shoreline walks range from 1-4hr

Day 11 – Mon 16 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 base for the next three nights. For those eager to see the Aurora Australis, join your tour leader later in the evening to

For bookings call 1300 197 201 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email [email protected] | 5 Tasmania - Tarkine to Tasman Peninsula

ITINERARY TOUR ITINERARY CONTINUED... 06–20 March 2020 (14 nights) search for the Southern Lights. Meals: B, D Walks: 1-3km / 600m waterfall circuit plus local walks

Day 12 – Tue 17 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 – Wed 18 Mar | 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 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 – Thu 19 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. 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 – Fri 20 Mar | 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 1300 197 201 | visit www.parktours.com.au | or email [email protected] | 6 REDISCOVER EXPERIENCE CONNECT

WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

InterNATIONAL 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 Responsible Travel and agility of our travellers, and changing situations such as weather For your protection, we are and unforeseen circumstances. In most locations, we stay 2-3 nights member of the Australian and sometimes longer. This allows us to slow down, unpack our Federation of Travel Agents bags and enjoy the local atmosphere at different times of the day. (AFTA). Your payments are Accommodation is comfortable and unique plus locally owned and kept in a client account until operated where 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), Our journeys are designed to safeguard the ecosystems; benefit a 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 Serendipity of travel quite a few times with IPT now I would Our Leader and local guides will continually work on not consider a walking tour with any your behalf to provide a memorable journey. We have other organization” planned an intimate adventure, but adventure cannot Catherine Eakin be guaranteed. If indeed it could then it would lose its appeal. Though we do the best we can to plan a smooth “I have had a wonderful experience on journey, sometimes things change at short notice. my IPT trips. I know the accommodation, Some things may take longer than anticipated, meals, etc. will have the level of comfort transport and accommodation arrangements may alter, I’m looking for” and you may experience occasional shortcomings and be frustrated by the ‘manana’ attitude; at other times Anne Stanfield 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 interNATIONAL PARKtours has prepared the Information contained in this itinerary with all due care serendipity that comes from being open to the and updates the Information regularly, interNATIONAL PARKtours 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 unexpected. Your enjoyment of this journey is date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the ultimately up to you. Information. The Information may change without notice and interNATIONAL PARKtours 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: March 5, 2020 5:32 PM

T 1300 197 201 | T +61 7 5533 3583 | F +61 7 5533 3683 28 Timbarra Drive Beechmont QLD 4211 Australia [email protected] | www.parktours.com.au