Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain World Heritage National Park, Tasmania

Tasmania is a hiker’s paradise and we hike the island’s best national parks. Our journey also includes wine-tasting, a yacht cruise, and wonderful accommodations, from beach cabins to mountain lodges.

Photo by SIME s.a.s / eStock Photo

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Wild Tasmania route-map

Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $4495   see pricing
Length: 10 days
Arrive: Launceston, Australia
Depart: Launceston, Australia
Lodging: 9 nights luxury lodges and fine inns describe
Meals: All meals included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner
Activity: Hiking / Trekking, Wildlife & Natural History
Trip Level: Easy to moderate hikes, 1-5 hours a day, van support
2 explain

Highlights

  • Spectacular Cradle Mountain, a World Heritage Site, and Freycinet, Tasmania’s premier coastal park
  • Hikes in ancient temperate rainforest, exotic “down under” flora and fauna
  • Yacht cruise in Macquarie Harbour, lively Salamanca Market in Hobart


The trip was fabulous with a great itinerary and variety. Tasmania is a truly unique area. This was my best trip yet!Kathy B.—Lafayette CA

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

Tasmania’s lavish swaths of protected wilderness preserve most of the earth’s last temperate rainforests. The western side of this Australian island is wooded and mountainous, while the eastern side holds beautiful traditional farms and tranquil villages bathed in vivid “down under” light. With veteran Trip Leader James Fuss, an Aussie native, we explore this hiker’s paradise on coastal and rainforest hikes that immerse us in a variety of otherworldly landscapes, from the World Heritage Site of Cradle MountainñLake St. Clair National Park to the azure bays of the Freycinet Peninsula. Along the way, we soak up Tassie hospitality and enjoy fantastic food and wine. Overnights include wilderness lodges warmed by roaring fires and cozy cabins overlooking the sea.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Days 1-2
Launceston / Narawntapu

From Launceston, we head through the celebrated wine country of the Tamar Valley for wine tasting and lunch in a colorful vineyard. In Narawntapu National Park, we walk along Bakers Beach with the chance to see some of the local wildlife, including Forester kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and a variety of birdlife.

Days 3-4
Cradle Mountain

The wilderness of Cradle MountainñLake St. Clair National Park is ideal for bushwalking. With a choice of moderate or more challenging hikes, we explore this landscape of lakes, moorlands, gorges, streams, valleys, and rugged mountains, and at night search for Tassie’s nocturnal scavenger, the famed Tasmanian devil.

Day 5
Strahan / Macquarie Harbour

Boarding a ketch in the picturesque fishing port of Strahan, we take a delightful cruise across Macquarie Harbour. Later, a walk through the stunning ancient forests of Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park brings us to the long-abandoned mining town of Pillinger.

Days 6-7
Mt. Field National Park / Hobart

In Mt. Field National Park, we hike through a forest of ancient towering tree ferns to beautiful, two-tiered Russell Falls. Farther on in the “Land of the Giants,” eucalyptus regnans trees, the tallest flowering plant in the world, tower up to 250 feet above the forest floor. Heading to Hobart, Tasmania’s charming capital, we visit the vibrant Saturday Salamanca Market, with its artisans and musicians, then hike up Mt. Wellington for unsurpassed views.

Days 8-10
Freycinet Peninsula / Launceston

Our final hikes in gorgeous Freycinet National Park bring us past secluded bays and Mt. Amos for stunning views over Wineglass Bay. Depart via Launceston on Day 10.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 2, Easy to Moderate, with hikes planned for most days. Anyone in a reasonable state of fitness, accustomed to outdoor adventures, should be able to fully enjoy the planned activities. Participants should be prepared for at least 1-5 hours of hiking each day over uneven terrain (carrying a daypack only).

Vehicle touring is mostly over good roads in a comfortable van or minibus. The trip features a variety of accommodations chosen for their character, size, and location. Overnights range from “bed and breakfast” inns to cabins, historic inns, and delightful wilderness lodges.

As the weather in Tasmania is often variable, we must occasionally wait for it to change to participate in our planned activities. In such a case, we may rearrange the daily itinerary to accommodate the weather.

Explanation of Trip Levels

 

Departures & Leaders

Nov 21-30, 2010  James Fuss
Mar 6-15, 2011  James Fuss
Nov 20-29, 2011  James Fuss
Mar 11-20, 2012  James Fuss

Tour Costs

Prices valid through Spring 2011
$4495 (9-10 members)
$4795 (7-8 members)
$4995 (6 members)
Single supplement: $955 (limited availability—not available at Lakeside St. Clair)

more on pricing

Tour Cost Includes:

  • expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
  • accommodations
  • welcome and farewell dinner and meals as noted in the Full Trip Brochure
  • land and boat transportation, airport transfers as noted, and baggage handling

Tour Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, transfers for independent arrival or departure, any meals not specified after each itinerary day, airport departure taxes, optional activities, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, additional hotel nights that may be necessitated by airline schedule changes or other factors; pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas; and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

Trip Payment Schedule

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure: 20% of tour cost
60 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation Fee Schedule

Minimum fee: None
46-90 days prior to departure: 25% of tour cost
45 days or less: 100% of tour cost

Penny Royal Hotel

Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Launceston, Australia

The Penny Royal has a great location within walking distance to Launceton’s restaurants and just around the corner from the stunning Cataract ...
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Cradle Mountain Lodge

Days 3 to 4 (2 nights), Cradle Mountain, Tasmania, Australia

This is everything a wilderness lodge should be, with roaring fires, cozy cabins, excellent restaurants, a friendly staff, and a gorgeous setting ...
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Lake Saint Clair Lodge

Day 5 (1 night), Lake St. Clair, Tasmania, Australia

On the shores of beautiful Lake St. Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, this simple lodge has six guest cabins tucked into the woods ...
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Macquarie Manor

Days 6 to 7 (2 nights), Hobart, Australia

One of Hobart’s most charming places to stay, the Macquarie Manor is an 18-room mansion built in 1875. The Macquarie offers welcoming Tassie ...
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Edge of the Bay Resort

Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Coles Bay, Tasmania, Australia

What a location! Awake to the sound of lapping waves just outside your cottage door at this wonderful lodge on the edge of Coles Bay, where the ...
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Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

James Fuss

James Fuss is a trekking guide, photographer, bicyclist, and chef extraordinaire. Born and bred in South Australia, James acquired his wanderlust early while exploring Australia extensively on camping trips with his parents. His love of the cooking arts began early, as well, and after embarking on a career as a chef, he headed to Europe in the 1980s to extend his culinary repertoire. While there, he developed a real passion for the wilds of the British Isles and the Alps and spent four years traveling, backpacking, and cycling. He returned to Australia in 1990 to become a guide in the Outback. Since 1995, James has guided seasonally on three continents for us. “It’s a joy to be able to guide in such divergent places. I love the gastronomic diversity of Europe, especially France. In Nepal, it’s not just the Himalayas but the genuine warmth of the people and the cultural wealth that bring me back. And I’m always happy to head back to Oz to help trip members discover my country’s pristine wilderness, unique wildlife, bountiful seafood, and superb wines. Wherever I’m guiding, I try to make a journey a once-in-a-lifetime experience for people.” James helps develop trips for us in Australia and Europe and has conducted cooking seminars for our Nepal and Bhutan camp staff. When not guiding, James will usually be found back at home camping, boating, fishing with family and friends, and “chucking a few shrimps on the barbie.” He is conversant in French, German, and Nepali.

Upcoming Trips:

Ultimate Dolomites, September 6-17, 2010
Everest Adventure, October 17-30, 2010
Annapurna Adventure, October 31-November 14, 2010
Wild Tasmania, November 21-30, 2010
Wild Tasmania, March 6-15, 2011
Mont Blanc to the Mediterranean, July 10-23, 2011
Wild Tasmania, November 20-29, 2011
Wild Tasmania, March 11-20, 2012

Client Testimonials:


This trip was a great adventure. I returned home addicted to traveling and exploring new places. James has a genuine love for Nepal, its people and culture. Susan McKay, San Francisco CA
Ultimate Everest
James Fuss is a master of his profession. I’ve been a guide myself and he’s the best I’ve ever seen. Victoria Adam, Ojai, CA
Ultimate Everest
James is extraordinary in his enthusiasm and knowledge of every aspect of “Tassie.” The mix of activities—hiking, sailing, beachcombing—was terrific. The balance between town and country was perfect. Bravo! Kathy Kleiman, Chicago IL
Wild Tasmania
James went out of his way to make this trip a truly memorable experience. His appreciation of food and wine was an extra added touch. He made every day a joy! Leslie Brott, Oakland CA
Wild Tasmania
Outstanding, lots of fun, gave us more than we ever expected. Ron Whitlock, Pittsford NY
Everest Adventure
James was an amazing guide and leader on this trip. Now I understand why so many clients come back because of James! Aimee Higgins, Marina del Rey, CA
Wild Tasmania
James is a lot of fun and very client oriented. Patricia Auron, Vancouver, Canada
Great Alpine Traverse

Client Comments

The trip was fabulous with a great itinerary and variety. Tasmania is a truly unique area. This was my best trip yet! Kathy B., Lafayette CA It would have taken me many individual trips to find all the visual and experiential treasures I enjoyed in nine short days. Hats off to James Fuss–he’s one of your best. Carmela C., Fallbrook, CA
Good mix of natural beauty, history, great food and wine, and hiking. Norm S., Chicago, IL The trip was wonderful and we saw so much of the island. The food was fantastic! Sandy B., Petaluma, CA