FMC Travel Club

A subsidiary of Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand (Inc.) www.fmc.org.nz

Club Convenor : John Dobbs Travel Smart Napier Civic Court, Dickens Street, Napier 4110 P : 06 8352222 E : [email protected]

25th March to 16th April 2017, 23 days ex $4495 Leader : Rob Brown

Based on 7 to 11 participants and subject to currency fluctuations Any payments by visa or mastercard adds $100 to the final price

A comprehensive tramping and travel programme ex Hobart. Experience a tremendous range of landscapes across national parks, coasts and wilderness regions Encounter the wildlife, discover the convict past and enjoy Tassie’s relaxed style! This is a beaut little holiday…..

PRICE INCLUDES :  Accommodation – small characterful hotel, holiday park cabins, hostels, national park huts and tent camping  Transport in a hired minibus with luggage trailer, other transfers as are needed to access tracks, etc  Most meals as shown in the itinerary by B.L.D (the schedule is subject to revision)  Experienced Kiwi trip leader throughout  National Park entry fees, all fees, entry to a wildlife park, return Hobart airport transfers and payment to FMC

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE :  Flights to / from  Some meals and personal incidentals  Travel insurance

Trip Leader :

Rob Brown has been a leading NZ landscape photographer for 0ver 25 years. During this time he has been widely published in calendars, magazines and books and will be very familiar to most through these publications. He runs a small publishing and photography business in Wanaka and has also been involved in logistics and location work for the NZ TV and film industry where the same skills are used to bring people together to achieve a common goal. Rob has also led groups overseas such, most recently a wonderful photo tour of Iceland in 2016. Despite his hectic schedule, Rob has made time available to lead this trip to Tassie, a destination he enjoys very much. Rob welcomes your interest in his trip and may be contacted on [email protected]

The tramping programme

A wide variety including some of best that Tasmania offers – arguably some of the most enjoyable anywhere in Australia. We mix day tramps and also more extended tramping spanning a few nights where either tents are required or huts used (as on the Overland Track). The activity builds up to the Overland Track at the end of the programme.

Day 2. Exploratory walking in Hobart, plus the Track or options on the flanks of Mt Wellington, as accessed by the local bus service Day 5. Tramping in Freycincet National Park – the Wineglass Bay Circuit or/and Mt Amos climb Day 7. Beach walks in the Bay of Fires area Day 9. 10 and 11. Excellent 3 day circuit trip in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park carrying tents (can be shorted to an in and out trip and is basically a half day followed by a day tramp followed by a half day) Day 12. Options at the northern end of the area, such as the excellent Dove Lake Circuit or even the climb of Cradle Mountain Day 16. Several walks in the Mount Field National Park or nearby Styx Valley Day 17. 18. 19. 20 and 21. The Overland Track begins with a drive from Hobart followed by approx’ 5 hours thru to the first hut. Along the route there are a few options worth adding, such as visits to waterfalls, an optional climb of Mt. Ossa, etc. The last day is an easy walk out to the track end followed by a magnificent boat trip the length of Lake St. Clair, concluding with the pickup transfer back to Hobart.

Please note that the Overland Track is somewhat like a Great Walk in NZ and requires advance bookings for the local summer season. Bookings normally open in July for the following season and some dates fill quickly. Bookings must be held whether someone stays in the huts or uses a tent. Part of the reason is that the track traverses a sensitive environment and the authorities need to be very careful with numbers and therefore impacts. It is assumed that by joining this trip you are able and comfortable with completing this long multi day tramp and can supply all the gear necessary for it. The costs to walk the track and arrange transport to the start and from the end is nearly NZD$400!

The Overland Track has become something of a holy grail to trampers. The 80kms track from Cradle Mountain to Cynthia Bay on (north to south) is an unforgettable journey through Tasmania’s alpine heartland. In summer, when alpine plants are in bloom, the track is at its busiest. It is possible to have some hot days and enjoy a dip in some of the many alpine lakes and tarns, but equally it is possible to have snowfall in summer. The entire track is well formed and marked and there are numerous enticing side trips to waterfalls and other peaks such as Mt Ossa, at 1617m, the highest in Tasmania. The walk is extremely varied, negotiating high alpine moors, rocky scree, gorges and tall forest. The unattended huts vary considerably but do provide gas or coal heaters, sleeping platforms, eco-toilets, a safe water supply and several even have solar lights. However, all supplies and equipment must be carried and some trampers favour the use of tents rather than use the huts. Towards the end of the trip, the side trip up to Pine Valley is a must, the alpine and geological features ticked away here are a delight, so we have included this in the itinerary. The final day walk out connects to a pre-arranged boat trip across Lake St Clair, the deepest in Australia, and from there by transfer to Hobart.

Structure of the trip

Accommodation is based on twin sharing where possible in towns and cities (final listing is subject to change) Hobart – twin shared rooms at the characterful Astor Private Hotel in down town ( 2 nights, 1 night, 2 nights) Port Arthur – shared cabins at Port Arthur Holiday Park ( 1 night) Coles Bay – shared cabins at Iluka Holiday centre ( 2 nights) Bay of Fires area - shared rooms at YHA in St Helens ( 1 night) Launceston – twin shared rooms at the Launceston YHA (2 nights) Walls of Jerusalem National Park - own use tents (2 nights) Cradle Valley – shared cabins at the Holiday Park (2 nights) Strahan – shared cabins at Strahan Holiday Park (2 nights) Mount Field National Park – own use tents (1 night) Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park - Overland Track huts or carry own tent ( 4 nights) ( the huts on the O. Track are similar to our NZ Forest Park and National Park huts, mostly provide sleeping platforms rather than individual bunks and don’t include mattrasses. Many people also walk the track and use their own tents which in some locations are actually a better option and provide more flexibility than the huts).

Transport will be a hired minivan from Day 3 to Day 15. These are normally 12 seaters and we tow a lockable luggage trailer to provide reasonable space within the van. This gives us maximum flexibility to work through the itinerary. Rob will drive but we will need a back up driver from within the group. Minivan transfers by a local operator provide access to the start and end of the Overland Track.

Meals and food kitty. The Astor in Hobart provides breakfast as part of its tariff. We run a food kitty from which we draw to cover all breakfasts we make, some lunch and some dinners. It also covers all meals while on the Walls of Jerusalem tramp and the Overland Track. In the past we have found that splitting the group into say 3 teams of 3 persons with responsibility for shopping and meal preparation for a few days works really well. Each team has a turn, then nothing more to do. A team spirit is crested and we have eaten exceptionally well on past trips! We mix it up with some restaurant meals too. The final numbers will determine how this aspect works out. Come prepared to participate! At this stage, only a couple of these group made lunches and dinners have been scheduled, but this may be increased later on, once the group details are known etc. Other lunches and dinners will be your own choice and cost where there is plenty of choice in cities and towns. We normally go out as a group on such nights.

Pre-trip newsletter. A pre-trip newsletter will include among other items, recommended clothes and gear and a list of accommodations and other details.

Itinerary :

Day 1. Sat 25th Mar. Arrival day Fly into Hobart, transfer to the city and the Astor Private Hotel in downtown. Rob will give you a shakedown on the trip and there is free time. For dinner, head down to the waterfront.

Day 2. Sun 26th Mar. Orientation and Mt Wellington A wander through the Battery Point historic area of Hobart reveals the delightful original cottages, beautiful stone and brick homes and also the maritime history of this very walkable city. The downtown embraces the harbour where you will find a wide range of terrific cafes, bars and restaurants in honey coloured sandstone buildings. Looming behind Hobart is Mt Wellington and at 1271 m it has marvellous views over the city, harbour and Derwent Valley. The flanks hold many interesting tracks and trails and several hours walking here has many rewards, accessed directly from the city or by a bus ride to the village of Ferntree. An alternative is the excellent Truganini Track, a 4km return tramp right in Hobart that commemorates the Aboriginal heritage of the area. B.

Day 3. Mon 27th Mar. Port Arthur Collect the rental van and complete trip shopping. Heading east now, maybe diverting to the excellent Bonnorong Wildlife Park to see the Tassie Devils, koalas, wombats, echidnas, quolls and wallabies. The emphasis here is on conservations, education and the rehab’ of injured animals. A stop at picture postcard perfect Richmond with its convict built bridge dating from 1823 for lunch is a good choice. Onto the Tasman Peninsula with photo stops at the many attractive coastal features on the way through to Port Arthur. This most important site of Australia’s convict heritage ( a World Heritage listed site) makes for a fascinating visit which we will make tomorrow morning. Tonight, the convict night time tour is highly recommended. If there is enough time, a short drive south of Port Arthur accesses Remarkable Cave, well worth checking out. B. D.

Day 4. Tue 28th Mar. To Freycinet National Park Spend the morning roaming the large Port Arthur site. Then a picturesque drive north that more or less follows the east coast. We will take the Weilangta Forest Drive up to Orford which saves the much longer main highway. The coast has a string of little settlements and fishing villages, such as Orford, Triabunna and Swansea. The final section brings us into Coles Bay, a holiday village on the edge of beautiful Freycinet National Park. We have a couple of nights here staying at Iluka Holiday Centre to enjoy some good walking and exploring in the park. B. L.D.

Day 5. Wed 29th Mar. Day walk in the park The Wineglass Bay to Hazards circuit makes for a fine day walk with a swim included. The famous bay of white sand is one of the most photographed in the world and the saddle lookout is a good spot. Even better for the views and a bit of a grunt is the track up Mt Amos as the summit is so much higher up. Sea kayaking is also a popular activity in the park and don’t forget to check out the excellent visitor centre. The pub adjacent to Iluka is perfect for dinner in Coles Bay. B. L.

Day 6. Thu 30th Mar. To the Bay of Fires The east coast of Tassie has glorious crunchy white sand beaches and is also well known as the ‘seafood coast’. There are a string of little settlements starting with Bicheno, which has an interesting granite bound harbour and blowhole. Further north are Chain of Lagoons, Falmouth, Scamander, Beaumaris and finally the sizeable town of St. Helens which has a large fishing fleet. While this will be the base for the night, having all services, a little further north at Binalong Bay begins the Bay of Fires area. The glorious beaches are interspersed with granite rock formations and a reddish orange lichen that from out at sea looked for all the world like fires on shore – hence the name. A wonderful area for beach walking. B.

Day 7. Fri 31st Mar. To Launceston The road now heads inland and gains altitude as we drive into the northern forest areas. This is a completely different part of Tasmania, with a mining heritage, numerous waterfalls and other sights. One of interest will be the ‘Pub in the Paddock’ and nearby cheese factory (this is also serious dairy country due to the higher rainfall). Don’t miss the tin mining museum in the village of Derby. Roll into Launceston, Tasmania’s other ‘big city’ and northern rival to Hobart. Here we stay for a couple of nights in the centrally located YHA with most sights in easy walking distance. B.

Day 8. Sat 1st Apr. Day off in Launceston A walk through Cataract Gorge is a must and Launceston is known for its parklands and heritage architecture. The city is also the start of the Tamar Valley wine route, and a lovely day can be had on a driving amble northwards long both sides of the valley. There is a wildlife refuge just to the north of the city, numerous little hamlets and excellent wineries offering tastings, the interesting Seahorse World (which also has platypus and echidnas), the imposing Batman Bridge and other interesting sights. If there is enough interest, we could take the van for a circuit up one side and down the other for a very enjoyable ‘day off’. B.

Day 9. Sun 2nd Apr. Drive to Walls of Jerusalem National Park, begin tramp Heading due west now through some of the best farmland on the island, the towns of Westbury and Deloraine have excellent café bakeries for last minute food items for the next few days. Then through hilly country to and past the nearby Mile Creek Karst National Park. Then we turn south and climb higher onto the central plateau country, passing the hydro dam at Lake Rowallen and finally to the carpark for the start of the tramp. A steady uphill on a good track brings us to the old Trappers Hut and then through beautiful forested areas to the gorgeous area of many lakes called Solomons Jewells. Here we set up camp on the wooded platforms provided. B.L.D.

Day 10. Mon 3rd Apr. Tramp in the Walls The ‘Walls’ are a group of cliff ringed summits sheltering several small and beautiful valleys linked by low cols and dotted with numerous lakes and tarns with groves of pencil pines and stunted snowgums. Most of the walls were glacially carved. Bennett’s wallabies abound and eastern quolls and wombats are common in the park and snakes may also be encountered. The significant features have names from the Bible – King David’s Peak, Mount Jerusalem, Solomon’s Throne, Herod’s Gate, Zion Gate, Damascus Gate (the ‘gates’ are saddles or ravines), Solomon’s Jewells, Lake Salome and the Pool of Siloam, plus other examples. If we do the circuit as outlined, the direct route is 9kms or 3 hours to Lake Adelaide. However, there are enticing short diversions to easy peaks such as Solomon’s Throne, the Temple and Mt Jerusalem. Also the historic Dixon Kingdom’s Hut ( 1930’s slab fur trappers hut) is worth checking out. From this hut, the route through Damascus Vale is indistinct but open until Lake Ball. Then the track follows this lake to Lake Adelaide where there are good camping sites at the head of the lake. B.L.D.

Day 11. Tue 4th Apr. Finish the tramp, drive to Cradle Valley Heading north now, the track follows a series of broad treeless valleys and the going can be a bit muddy. It is only 8kms and maybe 3 hours back to the van. We drive a series of very hilly minor roads now as we head further west towards Cradle Valley. There is a nice view out to Cradle Mountain before the final turnoff. We spend a couple of nights in cosy cabins in the holiday park, not far from the visitor centre and entrance to the national park. B.

Day 12. Wed 5th Apr. Day walking in Cradle Mountain National Park At the visitor centre, which has a café on site, we park up and use the park shuttle buses to access the northern end of the park. This is how we will also access the start of the Overland Track later on. From here, the circuit track around Dove Lake with the brooding ruggedness of Cradle Mountain soaring behind is inspiring and very beautiful. There are other options as well, plus another visitor centre to check out. A visit to Weindorfers Hut is worthwhile, Gustav Weindorfer, an Austrian pioneer, settled here and it was his conservation efforts that eventually led to the creation of the national park and promotion of visitors to this stunning region. B.

Day 13. Thu 6th Apr. Drive to Strahan An interesting drive as we now head in a southwest direction towards the west coast, through some rugged country and we get to see some of the lakes and dams of the extensive hydro schemes. The towns of Tulley, Rosebery and Zeehan along the way also have mining connections and Zeehan in particular is worthy of a stop. It’s mines museum is a real gem and includes the huge Gaiety Theatre where Dame Nellie Melba sang – the town even had a stock exchange! The population is now way less than in its heyday, rivalling Hobart. Finally down into Strahan, a fishing port and tourist town at the northern end of huge Macqquarie Harbour (many times larger than Sydney Harbour). This is the gateway town to access a number of iconic west coast sights and one that should not be missed is taking a World Heritage cruise out on the harbour which includes a guided walk over the convict settlement on Sarah Island and cruising up the sublime Gordon River in the Wild Rivers National Park. Other local sights include Henty Dunes and pleasant walks around Strahan Harbour. B.

Day 14. Fri 7th Apr. Day off in Strahan Strahan is quite small and easy to walk around. Perhaps you will choose one of the superb cruises mentioned, or take a short drive out of town to visit the huge Henty Dunes. Just to the west is the excellent golden sand Ocean Beach stretching over 20kms. Strahan has a good range of cafes and restaurants as well. B.

Day 15 Sat 8th Apr. Drive to Mount Field National Park The first town passed through is Queenstown, a centre of the mining industry (a big Indian owned mine producing copper, silver and gold is nearby) and surrounded by hills of tailings from the mining heyday. Further on, the road climbs up on a high plateau incised by river valleys and with pockets of snowgum forest. More hydro lakes and dams appear and then the highways descends into excellent farmland of the upper Derwent Valley. Then a turnoff to the village of National Park which is the entrance to Mount Field National Park. Declared in 1916, the park is famed for its mountain scenery, alpine moorlands, lakes, rainforest and abundant wildlife. We will set up the tents in the camping area near the visitor centre and the Tyenna River, where platypuses may be seen at dusk in the river. The nearby National Park village pub is a good place to have dinner. B.

Day 16. Sun 9th Apr. Walks in the park and return to Hobart From the visitor centre, a classic walk begins that takes in the sublime cascading 40m high . This continues on past Horseshoe Falls to on the Tall Trees Circuit. This superb 2 hour return walk highlights the extremely tall eucalypt forest and other features of the park. Just outside the park and heading west to the village of Maydena are the signs to the tall forests of the Styx Valley. These very impressive old growth trees reach over 80m and have been and remain at risk of logging but small reserves have been set up and the whole region is at the forefront of the current timber conservation lobby. There are short walks into some impressive forest if time permits. Then it is a return to Hobart, approx. 1.5 hours drive away, via the pretty town of . The van must be returned to the city office by 2pm today. The remainder of the day is at leisure to complete shopping and prepare for the Overland Track departure tomorrow. B.

Day 17. Mon 10th Apr. Drive to the Overland Track, tramp to Waterfall Valley Hut. An early start for the van transfer to Cradle Valley. The route normally follows the centre of the island and passes , a very large lake in the centre of Tasmania and a fishing hotspot. At the Cradle Valley visitor centre, tags are provided for the packs and then the shuttle run into the start of the track. By now it will be lunchtime, so todays tramping is in the afternoon. It takes around 5 hours to reach Waterfall Valley Hut, which is a minor descent off the plateau tucked in behind Cradle Mountain. Wallabies and wombats frequent the area around the hut and campsite tonight. B.L.D.

Day 18. Tue 11th Apr. To New Pelion Hut With the mesa like Barnes Bluff off to the right, we walk south passing numerous tarns and lakes to Windermere Hut beside the lake of the same name. A good place to stop for morning tea. The track continues across Pine Forest Moor and then winds around the flanks of Mount Pelion West, across Frog Flats and finally to New Pelion Hut. This is the largest and nicest hut on the track, with a large deck facing the north across grassy areas where wallabies abound, and with the rugged spires of Mount Oakleigh as a backdrop. Very beautiful. B.L.D.

Day 19. Wed 12th Apr. To Kia Ora Hut A shorter day but with the tempting options of the option of climbing Mt Ossa or Mount Pelion East from the height of . Both are well marked tracks that become routes and if weather permits are worth the effort. Note that at any time your pack is left (such as the climb of either of these peaks) it is necessary to cover it with a storm cover or place within vegetation. The crow like Black Currawong birds that inhabit the park are always looking for ways to get at food in trampers packs and very adept at opening zips! B.L.D.

Day 20. Thu 13th Apr. To Pine Valley Hut The minor diversions to see the D’alton Falls and Ferguson Falls on the Mersey River are well worth seeing. Then as you walk through Du Cane Gap and turn the corner, a new landscape opens up and the track gently descends down the valley of the Narcissus River. The side track to Pine Valley heads off to the right and is steady criss-cross of the Cephissus Creek, now mostly bridged and board-walked. Dump gear at Pine Valley Hut and head up to either the feature known as , or better still, take the track to the Parthenon and Labyrinth. An amazing area opens up, with awesome views of lakes and tarns, glacially carved rock features, forests and distant peaks. B.L.D.

Day 21. Fri 14th Apr. Finish the tramp, return to Hobart Although approx’ 8kms walk down Pine Valley to rejoin the main track and finish at Narcissus Hut, it is an easy walk and gently downhill all the way. At Narcissus it is necessary to call the boatman to verify the group arrangements for the boat trip down Lake St Clair. Then a little time to enjoy the excellent café and visitor centre before the minivan Shows up to bring you back to Hobart and a well earned rest. B.L.

Day 22. Sat 15th Apr. Day off in Hobart Saturday in Hobart means the Salamanca Markets – arguably the best and most interesting in all Australia. Head on down and enjoy the vibe. For something completely different, head to MONA - the world renowned Museum of Old and New Art by taking the ferry trip up the Derwent. Tonight, an end of trip celebration dinner has been planned. B.D.

Day 23. Sun 16th Apr. Departure Most flights connecting to NZ depart early today.

Booking Conditions : FMC Travel Club And Travel Smart Napier

1. The FMC Travel Club (FMC) offers this small group trip in conjunction with Travel Smart Napier (TSN). All travel arrangements for the operation of the core trip are made with TSN. Participants agree to all terms and conditions by signing the Registration Form. 2. FMC and TSN are not responsible or liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may arise from weather, defect in any vehicle, vessel or aircraft, of through the acts or default of any person or company engaged in carrying out any of the arrangements of the trip. 3. We reserve the right to cancel the trip if minimum numbers don’t eventuate. In such an event, all monies paid will be fully refunded. We also reserve the right to make any modifications that may be essential, or to offer a modified trip to a smaller number of people. 4. The trip includes a payment to FMC. 5. Registrations are accepted in good faith on a first comers basis on receipt of the Registration Form. The deposit is $1500 per person and will be invoiced once a core minimum number of registrations have been received. Registrations close by 31st October 2016 (or earlier if the trip fills) and final balance is due by 31st December 2016. All payments may be made by cash, cheque, EFTPOS, internet banking, visa or mastercard to the offices of TSN. All or any payments by Visa or Mastercard adds $100 to the final trip price. Our preferred method of payment is internet banking. Please use : 010685 0151601 00 at ANZ Napier. Heerlen Ltd T/A Travel Smart Napier (with a covering email). Cheques must be payable to Travel Smart Napier. 6. Events beyond our control such as currency fluctuations or any unforeseen additional costs may affect the overall trip price. We cannot guarantee the price until such times as full payment has been received. Upon full payment, the trip price is guaranteed. 7. Cancellations. If you need to cancel your registration for any reason, you must advise TSN in writing as soon as possible. An email is acceptable, a phone call alone is not. Travel insurance will cover you for unforeseen circumstances but will not cover you for changing your mind after committing to the trip. Cancellation fees apply as follows :  Cancellations received from 1st November to 31st December 2016 incur a fee of $1500.  Cancellations received from 1st January 2017 onwards incur a fee of 100% of trip costs. 8. Travel insurance is mandatory. We recommend QBE Travel Insurance and a brochure/application by email or post is available any time, just ask. You will receive a special FMC discount on the premium. Details of any travel insurance other than QBE must be provided before departure. For your own protection, travel insurance should be effective from 31st October 2016, the date that trip deposits become non-refundable.

Registration Form – Tasmania 2017

Complete and send to John Dobbs at TSN with a passport copy. Registrations ideally close by 31st October (or earlier if the trip fills). So your earliest commitment is appreciated. Don’t send the deposit initially, this will be invoiced once a core number of people have registered. All or any payments by Visa or Mastercard adds $100 to the final trip price. Our preferred payment method is internet banking into : 010685 0151601 00 at ANZ Napier (with covering email please). Do not send the deposit initially, this will be requested once a core minimum number of participants have registered.

Your full name(s) as per passport(s) and please underline or highlight your preferred first name(s)……………………………...

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Mailing address…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Day phone…………………………………………….Night phone…………………………………………………Mobile……………………………………..

Email……………………………………………………………………………….Date(s) of birth…………………………………………………………………..

What are your recent tramping experiences? How often do you tramp? Please extend your answers overleaf or on separate paper, or by email. You need to provide you own sleeping bag, sleeping mat, camping equipment and tent for this trip. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

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Specify any dietary requirements, allergies or medical conditions…………………………………………………………………………………

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Contact person in NZ for any emergencies : name, address, contact phone numbers, email and the relationship to you. In the event of any emergency, this is the sole person you are authorizing us to liaise with

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I/We have read the full trip dossier and I / We agree to pay all trip costs by due date, as advised by invoice. I / We understand that the final trip price is subject to minimum numbers and other cost impacts as detailed under the Booking Conditions section; therefore the final trip price cannot be guaranteed until such times as full payment has been made.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….signed and dated by each person registering

Send to : John Dobbs, FMC Travel Club Convenor Travel Smart Napier. Civic Court, Dickens Street, Napier 4110. P : 06 8352222 E : [email protected]