07 Feb 2024

Hike Tasmania's Tarkine Wilderness

PJXT

Validity: 01 Jul 2023 to 30 Jun 2025

Discover ancient rainforests, wild rivers and rugged mountain crags plummeting into steep valleys in Tasmania’s takayna/Tarkine region on a 6-day walking trip. Put your best foot forward as you take in incredible views from Alum Cliffs, Lake Herbert and Mt Donaldson, hop on a boat to cruise the Pieman River, and explore the rugged coastline where wild winds and waves meet ancient rock formations. We take care of everything, from quality hotel accommodation to delicious meals and national park fees.

Original

Walking & Trekking

Walking,Private vehicle

4

There is no such thing as an 'easy day' on this tour. However, the walk has been designed to make it achievable to those with a reasonable amount of fitness by the fact that you only carry a daypack; and you start with short distances, working your way up to longer days. You will be surprised just how your fitness improves over the seven days. After a few days, people are striding out! A positive mental attitude is most important. If you focus on the scenery, the company and the moment, not on the kilometres, then you find yourself reaching your destination with little problem. If you have done some training prior to the walk you will enjoy it all the more. The best way to prepare physically for the trip is to walk, walk and walk some more - preferably over a variety of terrain. Try to walk frequently. Even walking around your suburb will get you walk-fit. By the start of our tour you should be able to comfortably walk 15km, and try and do a few 20km walks on rough tracks. We know that this type of preparation is difficult to fit into a busy schedule. If you don't have the time to do long walks, we recommend doing regular stair walking sessions. Walking small distances frequently helps a lot as well. For instance, walking 3 - 5km four times a week, and 8km once a week, is a great help. If you're doing short training sessions, make sure you get yourself puffed and sweaty. Otherwise you won't benefit from your efforts. And start walking in the shoes you will wear on the walk now!

Best Western Plus Launceston

3 Earl St

Launceston

AUSTRALIA

Phone: 03 6333 9999

Best Western Plus Launceston

3 Earl St

Launceston

AUSTRALIA

Phone: 03 6333 9999

START & END TIMES This trip begins in Launceston on day 1 at 6pm and finishes late afternoon on Day 6. Please keep this in mind when arranging your arrival flight. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. Due to the types of accommodation used on this tour a single supplement will not always mean a king/queen bed and own bathroom. OPERATOR This trip is operated and run by Inspiration Outdoors, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Inspiration Outdoors customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Inspiration Outdoors to ensure that all of our customers enjoy their time away.

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

Telstra generally offers the best chance at reception while in Tasmania, but overall there is limited mobile phone coverage on this tour. Reception is available on Mt Farrell summit, and at Tullah on night 2, but while at Corinna there is only reception on Mt Donaldson summit; none at the accommodation or on other walks. There are landlines available at reception to make calls.

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements All travellers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia. Failure to do so means you may not be allowed to board your flight to Australia. Most nationalities can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority via the internet before arrival. Please check the following website or with your relevant Australian visa issuing office for your nationalities requirements. http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/

Escape the everyday, get active, and take the time to reconnect with nature in Tasmania’s takayna/Tarkine region, the second largest temperate rainforest in the world.

There’s no need for a map or GPS on this walking trip – with an expert local leader that knows the area inside-out, all you have to do is enjoy the journey.

Unplug and unwind with a three-night stay in a remote, rural community that was a booming mining town in the late 1800s. From here, you’re perfectly placed for enjoying the Tarkine’s best hikes.

Take a walk along a former tramway through the thickly forested West Coast country to Montezuma Falls, one of the highest falls in Tasmania.

Learn about the rich Aboriginal heritage and spiritual connections of Tasmania’s northern landmarks and national parklands as you travel through the takayna/Tarkine region.

This trip involves plenty of walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with a good level of mobility. Good footwear, clothing for all types of Tasmanian weather, plus perhaps walking poles are recommended. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary. This trip is operated and run by Inspiration Outdoors, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Inspiration Outdoors customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Inspiration Outdoors to ensure that all of our customers enjoy their time in Tasmania.

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.  HYDRATION Daytime temperatures across Australia can be extreme from October to March with temperatures over 40C/104F. Even for travellers familiar with these temperatures, it’s easy to become dehydrated. The key point to remember is not to wait until you’re thirsty, but to drink water regularly. Adding an electrolyte solution can aid in replenishing the salts/electrolytes lost when travelling at this time of year. In extreme heat you will be required to carry 1L of water per hour of walking. MEDICAL RESTRICTIONS As we operate in remote areas, guests will need to bring all of their own personal medications on tour. Whilst our guides are qualified in remote area or wilderness first aid and carry satellite phones, we do not carry epi-pens, Ventolin or other emergency medications. If a person requires urgent medical attention whilst on tour, it may take several hours or more for emergency services to attend the scene and take you to a medical facility. Under certain circumstances your tour consultant may request a medical certificate of fitness before you are cleared to participate on the tour. If pre-existing medical issues that will affect your ability to complete the tour or have an impact on other guests experiences, are not disclosed prior to the departure, we reserve the right to remove you from the tour. You can bring a CPAP machine whilst on tour but you will need to purchase a single supplement. MEDICAL RESTRICTIONS As we operate in remote areas, guests will need to bring all of their own personal medications on tour. Whilst our guides are qualified in remote area or wilderness first aid and carry satellite phones, we do not carry epi-pens, Ventolin or other emergency medications. If a person requires urgent medical attention whilst on tour, it may take several hours or more for emergency services to attend the scene and take you to a medical facility. Under certain circumstances your tour consultant may request a medical certificate of fitness before you are cleared to participate on the tour. If pre-existing medical issues that will affect your ability to complete the tour or have an impact on other guests experiences, are not disclosed prior to the departure, we reserve the right to remove you from the tour. You can bring a CPAP machine whilst on tour but you will need to purchase a single supplement. As we operate in remote areas, guests will need to bring all of their own personal medications on tour. Whilst our guides are qualified in remote area or wilderness first aid and carry satellite phones, we do not carry epi-pens, Ventolin or other emergency medications. If a person requires urgent medical attention whilst on tour, it may take several hours or more for emergency services to attend the scene and take you to a medical facility. Under certain circumstances, your tour consultant may request a medical certificate of fitness before you are cleared to participate in the tour. If pre-existing medical issues that will affect your ability to complete the tour or have an impact on other guests' experiences are not disclosed prior to the departure, we reserve the right to remove you from the tour. You can bring a CPAP machine whilst on tour but you will need to purchase a single supplement.

All meals are included on this tour. Breakfast comprises of cereal, fruit, yoghurt and toast. Lunch is either picnic while on the road, or a packed lunch taken on the walk, the latter generally a roll, sandwich or wrap with cold meat or tuna, cheese and salads. Dinner is 2 courses chosen from entree, main and dessert. Each day on the track you will enjoy a cake or biscuits for morning tea along with tea or coffee. Before every evening, except the arrival dinner, the guides will prepare a nibbles plate of cheese and biscuits. If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know when you book, we are happy to adapt our tasty, nutritious meals to suit a variety of dietary needs. Shopping is limited while on tour so it is important to be upfront about dietary requirements as we may be unable to fill any last minute requests. There is a general store at Tullah that may be closed before we finish the walk on the first day. There is also a small supermarket at Zeehan at which there will be some time to purchase forgotten extras on the second day, but 'special' products such as gluten-free or vegan items are limited.

The currency of Australia is the Australian dollar (AUD). Most shops will take card as well as cash, but occasionally will only take one or the other. ATMs are common in all cities and towns, but may be limited in remote areas. You may need to use a PIN for purchases, and businesses often add a small surcharge for card payments. SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. TIPPING Tipping is generally voluntary in Australia and is most commonly used to show appreciation for good service. Tipping is most common in the hospitality industry, especially at higher end restaurants and bars. If you choose to tip, the general rule is to add 10-15% to the bill. But these rules are just guidelines - feel free to tip however much or however little you feel comfortable with. After dining out, cash is left on the table, or in a tip jar at the counter. A tip can also be added to any cashless transaction that includes a tipping function. Taxi drivers won’t expect a tip, although it’s common to round up the fare to the nearest dollar. You do not need to tip hotel staff or local guides in Australia.  You may consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline 4-6 AUD per person, per day can be used.  CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

EQUIPMENT FOR WALKS • Hiking-specific day-pack - with a thick waist strap to help take some weight off your shoulders. In wet weather, a waterproof cover or a bin bag to wrap your belongings in can be handy. • Torch/headlamp (good to have just in case the walk is delayed and we return after dark). • Any preferred first aid supplies - such as your favourite blister treatment! (Your guide will carry a full first-aid kit). • Water bottle/s or camelback - 2 to 3 litre capacity MINIMUM. • A lunch container or re-useable sandwich bag. • Sun protection - hat (secure fitting and/or with chin strap), sun cream, sun glasses. • * Waterproof jacket. CLOTHING FOR WALKS • Shorts/long pants and shirts - as many sets as you wish! Please avoid cotton - wool or 'quick-dry' synthetic material is best. Avoid jeans or tracksuit pants. • Socks - whichever thickness you're comfortable walking in and as many pairs as you like. • Boots/shoes for walking (make sure you wear them in well - see note on footwear below). • Light- to medium-weight outer layer. • ** Thermal under-layers. • ** Light-weight and packable warm outer layer - e.g. thick fleece or down/synthetic 'down' jacket. • ** Beanie, gloves, scarf. * Inclement weather occurs at any time of the year in Tasmania so be sure to bring wet weather gear, even if the forecast is fine. ** "No way, in summer?!" you exclaim. Yep! We will be walking up mountain summits which, while not that tall, never-the-less can get very cold very quickly, even in summer. We recommend that you bring these items with you in your main bag, then the guides can recommend what to bring on the walks. CLOTHING FOR EVENINGS • Whatever you want!! (But bring something warm to throw over the top). OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED ITEMS • Walking poles. These are a very personal choice - we recommend them on this tour for the rocky, unstable sections. • Gaiters for snake bite protection are recommended if wearing shorts. They're also good for keeping sand out of your shoes. • Sock protectors (to keep sand out of your boots). • Bathers and towel. • Snacks and alcohol - there will be time to purchase more during the week if you need to. Some people like to have chocolate, nuts, lollies etc. OPTIONAL ITEMS • Waterproof pants. Some people love them and some hate them - personally, we don't wear them but there have been times when we have wished for a pair! • Camera and charger/batteries.

The only certainty about Tasmania weather is that it's unpredictable! Be prepared for warm sunny days in summer, with good chance that things turn cold, wet and windy very quickly! In summer, the average day-time temperature sits around 20 degrees (celcius), falling to around ten degrees at night, while average monthly rainfall is approximately 80-100mm. The region experiences strong westerly winds in the afternoons.

We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader or local representative, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders or local representatives and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local representative immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: 1300 544 882 or +61 8 6219 5164

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN As an Australian-owned business with a vision to change the way people see the world, Intrepid is committed to reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. While Intrepid might have done a lot to empower communities, businesses and our partners around the world over the years, there’s still a lot for us to do here at home. We are working towards a better, more inclusive and fairer Australia. You can find more information about our Reconciliation Action Plan here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/reconciliation

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services AUSTRALIANS TRAVELLING DOMESTICALLY Travel insurance will help ensure you’re protected in case of any unforeseen changes to your journey – such as flight cancellations or COVID-19 related disruptions. For this reason, we recommend you purchase comprehensive domestic travel insurance for your trip. This may not be something you would have typically done in the past when travelling domestically in Australia, but it does offer you a number of benefits in these dynamic times. While Australians and Australian Permanent Residents travelling within Australia are not required to be covered for hospital care due to being covered by Medicare, a comprehensive domestic travel insurance policy should cover you for expenses resulting from – among other things – COVID-19 related changes, including an outbreak in your destination or on your departure necessitating changes to your travel plans that incur additional costs. Domestic travel insurance plans may also include personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage and personal effects, and other benefits. It is also advisable that domestic travellers have current ambulance cover in the case of emergency evacuation or incidents requiring ambulance transportation. Please be sure to carefully check the policy’s inclusions with your preferred insurer.

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway.

Hotel (1 night),Lodge (4 nights)