This five-day walking tour provides a snapshot of the exploration of the region, offering inspiring landscapes, extensive mountain views, the beauty of the ancient Gondwanan rainforests, and picturesque waterfalls.

We cruise to the mouth of the Pieman River, and take a stroll along the wild Tarkine Coast. The Pieman River was given the unusual name after a convict named Thomas ‘The Pieman’ Kent, a former baker, was recaptured at the mouth of the river in 1822.

Day 1 | Launceston to Philosopher Falls and Hellyer Gorge | 5km / 2 hours

Leaving Launceston, we drive west to the small seaside town of Penguin, where we stop for a short break. Continuing west, we stop for a short riverside walk at Hellyer Gorge Circuit. Then it’s onto the historic tin mining township of Waratah, where we will have lunch above the local waterfall. Built around this beautiful waterfall, Waratah, Tasmania’s oldest mining town is full of historic charm. The town was constructed to support a tin mine at Mount Bischoff.

From here, our start our hike for the day at Philosopher Falls. A 1.5hr return walk through the rainforest close to the headwaters of the Arthur River – the northern boundary of the Tarkine region.

On return from our hike, we’ll get back on the road and make our way to the rainforest retreat of Corinna. This old mining town has been converted into visitor accommodation and is a peaceful spot to spend the next three nights. It’s located on the banks of the Pieman River and the site features a pub and restaurant and a variety of shorts walks for you can explore at your leisure.

Day 2 | Savage River and Whyte River Walks | 9km / 4 – 5 hours

After breakfast and lunch making, we walk straight from our cabin doors and immediately onto the trail. We take two separate walks through the impressive rainforest, and along the banks of two major tributaries of the Pieman River. As we climb higher, the vegetation opens up, revealing large old, gnarled trees. Our first destination is the Savage River. A long descent brings us to the riverbank, where we take a well-earned break.

Throughout autumn, this trail is a hotspot for fungi hunting. From here take an adventurous journey upriver to explore a little further.

Once back at Corinna we have lunch, then take another walk to the mouth of the Whyte River. On this trail you will get up close to the beautiful Huon Pines – a Tasmanian endemic and one of the longest living trees in the world, some reaching more than 2000 years old!

The trail brings us back directly to our cabins, where you can enjoy a relax before dinner.

Day 3 | Pieman River Cruise & Tarkine Coastal Track | 8 – 10km / 4 hours

This morning we have an early start to take a sunrise boat shuttle down the Pieman River, to the magnificent wild Tarkine Coast, with huge surf and rocky headlands.

After being dropped at Pieman Heads, we walk north along overgrown vehicle tracks and crossing numerous small creeks. As we approach the promontory of Rupert Point, outcrops provide grandstand views to the wide expanse of dune country north of the Interview River.

At our turnaround point, we stop for morning tea and enjoy the sounds and sights of the ocean waves. On our return you can do some beach combing, or you might like to enjoy a refreshing swim!

Our journey back up the Pieman River is aboard the historic boat, Arcadia II. This vessel is built from Huon Pine and other local hardwoods and makes a slow and relaxing sail back to Corinna.

In the afternoon and before dinner, there is plenty of time for you to enjoy short walks.

Day 4 | Mount Donaldson | 7km / 4 hours

This morning we check out of our rooms and pack our bags in the trailer before departing on a hike to the summit of Mount Donaldson. This is a steady climb that passes through the changing vegetation types and gives you an appreciation for the vastness of the area.

Beginning in the rainforests surrounding the Savage River, we soon leave the treeline where our efforts are rewarded with breathtaking views across the Tarkine wilderness and beyond.

Retracing our route, we head back to Corinna for lunch before crossing the infamous Fatman Barge to the southern bank of the Pieman River. We walk around the base of the Meredith Range and the Tarkine’s southern boundary, passing over Reece Dam and the Whaleback Lookout on our way to Tullah, an ex-hydro village encircled by craggy mountains. Here we will spend our final night on the shores of Lake Rosebery.

Day 5 | Montezuma Falls | 11km / 4 hours

After breakfast and lunch making, we head off in the bus for our final walk to Montezuma Falls. At 104m, the highest single drop waterfall in Tasmania. Following a gentle gradient, we trace the old path of the North-East Dundas Tramway through the forest, contouring high above the Ring River (a tributary of the Pieman) for almost the entire walk. The falls can be heard before they are seen – an impressive site especially after heavy rain.

We then retrace our route and begin our return drive to Launceston. Along the way we pass close by to Cradle Mountain and make a coffee stop at the township of Sheffield to break up our journey.  The trip comes to an end back in Launceston around 4.30pm.

Inclusions
• 3 nights accommodation in comfortable accommodation
• All transport and guiding (pick up and drop off in central Launceston)
• 5 lunches, 4 breakfasts and 3 dinners (plus one at own expense)
• fresh fruit, trail mix, tea/coffee/hot chocolate and snacks
• River cruise on MV Arcadia
• All National Park entry fees

Optional Inclusions
• Single supplement for your own room in a two bedroom cabin, sharing the bathroom with 1 or 2 other guests.

Not Included
• Flights
• Travel to trip’s starting point (Launceston)
• Transfers not already outlined in detailed trip itinerary

TRIP GRADE
Moderate – This itinerary is carefully designed for easy to manage walking days.

INSURANCE & MEDICAL COVER
For our Wandering the World Australian walks, we strongly recommend suitable travel insurance to cover any loss which may be suffered due to your need to cancel your trip for any personal reason. We also strongly recommend checking you have adequate medical cover to support you in the unlikely event of an accident while travelling and walking.

BOOKING AND TRAVEL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Wandering the World’s full booking terms and conditions are available upon request and will also accompany your initial invoice for deposit.

“In my opinion Tassie should be on everyone’s list of places to visit, it is the 26th largest island in the world with a big heart, proud people and a real charm. Walking in the wilderness is exceptionally beautiful.
Glenyce, Founder of Wandering the World.