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Hiking to Frenchmans Cap - The Great Tasmanian Traverse, Australia
Hiking to Frenchmans Cap
A couple treks the remote beaches along the South Coast Track - The Great Tasmanian Traverse, Australia
A couple treks the remote beaches along the South Coast Track  | Phil Wyndham
Walking towards Du Cane Hut - The Great Tasmanian Traverse, Australia
Walking towards Du Cane Hut  | Brad Atwal
The end of another day on the Franklin - The Great Tasmanian Traverse, Australia
The end of another day on the Franklin  | Glenn Walker
We camp alongside Paddy’s Lake on our Coast to Cradle tour - The Great Tasmanian Traverse, Australia
We camp alongside Paddy’s Lake on our Coast to Cradle tour  | Frank Rosser
The view from the top of Tasmania, Mt Ossa 1617m - The Great Tasmanian Traverse, Australia
The view from the top of Tasmania, Mt Ossa 1617m  | Mark Whitelock -
Descending the Ironbound Ranges on the remote South Coast Track - The Great Tasmanian Traverse, Australia
Descending the Ironbound Ranges on the remote South Coast Track  | Phil Wyndham

The Great Tasmanian Traverse

An epic adventure over 39 days walking, rafting, flying and sailing across Tasmania.

Australia
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 1 review

38 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: TTC
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 38 Days
Activities
  • 22 days trekking
  • 8 days rafting
  • Scenic flight
Accommodation
  • 19 nights camping
  • 9 nights hotel/cabin
  • 9 nights under canopy on Franklin
Meals
  • 37 Dinners
  • 37 Lunches
  • 37 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
7 / 10

Challenging

Carbon Footprint  

24kg of CO2-e PP per day

(873kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Walk 4 of Tasmania's greatest multi day treks.
  • Explore deep forests, sub-alpine plateaus and spectacular highland landscapes
  • End each day at scenic campsites in the remote wilderness
  • Summit iconic Cradle Mountain and Tasmania's highest peak, Mt Ossa
  • Enjoy close encounters with the wildlife and amazing endemic wildflowers
  • Travel with the most experienced operator on Tasmania's iconic trails and the Franklin River
  • Enjoy delicious meals prepared by your guides in the evenings
  • Enjoy a scenic flight over the wild west coast into Melaleuca
  • Raft the Franklin River

Overview

The Tasmanian Traverse is a unique annual adventure which combines Tasmanian and World Expeditions’ five most highly rated and popular trips over a five-week period. We travel by trail, raft, light plane and yacht to cover Tasmania from the quiet, rural communities of the North to the wild and isolated South.

On this epic adventure we trek from the sandy beaches of Penguin, through valleys and canyons, gradually climbing up to the highlands over six days on the Coast to Cradle Trail. We then walk the world renowned Overland Track which journeys through the middle of Tasmania, including our highest peak (Mt Ossa) and our most famous (Cradle Mtn). After the dolerite dominated landscape of the Overland, we kick off our hiking boots and pull on wetsuits for eight days Rafting the Franklin River. While on the river we will take advantage of the access the Franklin River offers to the prized summit of the Frenchmans Cap. We trek into quartzite country on the Frenchmans Cap Trek, aiming to summit this amazing peak.

At the end of the Franklin River, the famous Stormbreaker yacht will sail us down the Gordon River to Strahan on the mid-west coast. From here we board a light aircraft to fly over the West Coast into Southwest World Heritage Area. The final leg of this journey treks the South Coast Track, a rugged and wonderfully rewarding trail that weaves over and around mountains, beaches and rivers to Cockle Creek – Tassie’s most southern township. The traverse ends in Hobart, our beautiful capital city. Between each trip you will have two or three nights in comfortable accommodation to relax, reflect on the journey so far, and recharge for the next section. Your guides for each section are extremely passionate about the unique areas and delight in sharing their knowledge and uncovering the hidden stories of the land with you. There is scope to return year-after-year to complete different sections if you are unable to join in its entirety.

By adventuring via land, sea and air you will come away with a complete understanding and appreciation of what makes this magnificent state just so special, and why it is known as having some of the best trekking in the world.

Itinerary

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Today you need to make your way to our office at 3/33 Churchill Park Drive, Invermay. The briefing will commence at 10:30 a.m sharp and will cover all aspects of the trip including an overview of the itinerary,a comprehensive gear check, rafting gear fittings and details of accommodation/transfers included in your trip. This is a great opportunity for you to meet some of the different guides who will be leading the various sections of the traverse. A lunch will be provided as the briefing is expected to go from mid to late afternoon. Afterwards you will be transferred to your accommodation where you will be able to relax before the evenings dinner. Briefing: 4-6 hours

Meals: L,D

This morning you will be transferred to Northern Tasmania and the start of the Coast to Cradle trail. Our trek begins at sea level in Penguin, a small seaside village, then heads south and slowly but surely higher until finishing six days later in the highlands of Cradle Mountain National Park. We wave goodbye to the vehicle, don our packs and start trekking. Today’s route takes us out of Penguin village and into the Dial Range. Following Myrtle Creek, Keddies Creek, and River Leven we trek along valleys then head upwards to Mt Lorymer Lookout. After enjoying lunch we descend to Walloa Creek for our first night under the stars. Walking: 17km, 8 hours

Meals: B,L,D

Your guides will have you up early this morning for breakfast as we have a big walk ahead. We emerge from the rainforest of Walloa Creek to Gunns Plains, a rural farming community. We cross through the Plains on back roads before reaching the Northern Gates, the entrance to the stunning Leven Canyon. After lunch we enter the canyon where you’ll experience breathtaking views of the Leven River rushing below. An hour or so before reaching camp we cross Tulip-tree Creek. Tulip-tree is an early name for the Tasmanian Waratah– one of our most intricate and intriguing endemic plants. The challenging walk hugs the wall of the canyon before descending to leafy Blackwood Camp. Tonight we pitch our tents beside the River Leven, sheltered by the peaks of The Three Brothers and Griffiths Ridge. Walking: 21km, 9 hours

Meals: B,L,D

Today’s trek is physically challenging as we make our way into the heart of the Leven Canyon. The day is full of amazing views both from high on the canyon wall edge and the river bank itself. The forest along the ancient river course is simply stunning. We pass a boulder filled gully on the right, this is where the river once flowed through; a huge landslide changed the course of the river to where it is now. The afternoon takes us over Griffiths Ridge, then downwards past a footbridge. Descending towards Loongana you are greeted with the amazing sight of Leven Falls, a series of majestic cascades. You may like to soak your hardworking feet in the creek beside our camp as your guides prepare a hearty evening meal. Walking: 7km, 7 hours

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we trek up the foothills of Black Bluff. As we climb the vegetation changes from tall eucalypt forest to shorter Tea Tree and Banksia communities, before emerging in pristine sub-alpine landscape at Paddys Lake. After setting up camp the afternoon offers us the chance to make a side trip to the summit of Black Bluff (1339m). From the top you are rewarded with one of the most spectacular views in Tasmania! The 360-degree vista allows you to take in all of the ranges from Bass Straight to the Central Plateau. In clear weather even iconic Cradle Mountain and Mount Ossa (Tasmania’s highest peak) are visible, and if you look a little further you may see the Southern Ocean meeting the ancient Tarkine coastline. Walking: 9.1km, 4.5 hours (or 10.2km, 6 hours with Black Bluff side trip)

Meals: B,L,D

The track today is relatively gentle. We are up high, following the Black Bluff Range south. Amongst a diversity of other alpine flora you will witness examples of three of Tasmania’s most vibrant cushion plant communities. In the afternoon the vegetation opens up to vast buttongrass plains, and we trek over Prospect Mountain, the summit of which is marked with the original cairn laid by Henry Hellyer in 1831. Tasmanian’s are proud of Mr Hellyer, an English surveyor and architect who made the most comprehensive maps of the area in his time. We sidle around the peak of Rocky Mountain, over the foothills of magnificent Mount Beecroft, then descend to Vale River. Our last night out here on the Coast to Cradle Trail is spent at Fourways Camp, a beautiful sheltered spot beside the river. Walking: 19.6km, 8.5 hours

Meals: B,L,D

Today we pack our backpacks for the final day on the track, which takes us through magnificent cool temperate rainforest. The track gently climbs over the rolling plains that mark the beginning of the Cradle Valley, giving us an opportunity to take in views of the mountains and ponder what we have achieved. Six days ago we left the beaches of Northern Tasmania and today we arrive – by foot – in the alpine highlands of Cradle Mountain National Park. The first section of our Tassie Traverse concludes here at Cradle Mountain where accommodation will be provided for the next two nights, and fresh gear supplied for your next trek! Walking: 7.7km, 4 hours

Meals: B,L,D

The Cradle Mountain area offers many options for a bushwalker in need of rejuvenation! You may like to visit the Wilderness Gallery, treat yourself to lunch by the roaring wood-fire at The Lodge or learn more about the National Park at the Interpretation Centre. You could take a short (pack-free!) walk to look for wildlife, see Tasmanian Devils being fed at Devils at Cradle, or simply kick back in your accommodation drinking endless cups of tea and watching the ever-changing weather from the comfort of a couch… The choice is yours!

Meals: B,L,D

You will be collected from your accommodation by your fellow walkers for the next exciting part of the journey. Over the next seven days you will have the opportunity to climb some of Tasmania’s most well known peaks such as Cradle Mountain and Mt Ossa, and walk around Lake St Clair. The Overland Track is famous for its spectacular diversity, glaciated landscapes, ancient rainforests and unique alpine vegetation. Every day will provide a new discovery and your expert guides infuse you with their enthusiasm and love for this very special area. Waldheim, ‘forest home’, is where our Overland Track begins. We spend the morning trekking our way across button grass plains and through a small patch of special rainforest. Fill your water bottle in the magical, clear cascade coming from Crater Lake and keep your eyes out for wombats! A steep climb gets us to the top of the Cradle Plateau where we are rewarded with views of Dove Lake and an endless horizon of impressive mountain ranges. After lunch, weather and time permitting, we may opt for a side trip to the craggy summit of Cradle Mountain before making our way to our first camp at Waterfall Valley. Walking: 10km, 5 hours + side trips

Meals: B,L,D

After coffee at our campsite we continue south to Lake Windermere. A leisurely day that offers time for a side trip to Lake Will - named for Joseph Will, a coal prospector in the 1800s. There is opportunity to have lunch and swim from the sandy shores of Lake Will. Returning to our packs we head back across the rolling buttongrass plains to our stunning campsite. We spend the afternoon relaxing, taking in the fabulous views, and maybe having another refreshing swim in the lake. Walking: 8km, 3 hours + side trips

Meals: B,L,D

Listen for the birds calling from high up in the eucalypts surrounding the campsite as you wake up in your tent this morning. On the track it’s a wild day or moorlands and mountain views. Our morning takes us across Pine Forest Moor offering spectacular views across the Forth River Valley to the heights of Mt Oakleigh. If you look carefully you can see today’s destination on the other side of the huge valley: New Pelion Hut. We descend around Mount Pelion West to a popular lunch spot at Frog Flats. Our afternoon takes us up through tall, mossy forest onto the Pelion Plains. We have the option of a short side trip to Old Pelion Hut to gain a deeper understanding of the history of this area. Our main food drop is hidden near here and your guides will spend time collecting supplies. Walking: 17km, 7 hours

Meals: B,L,D

From camp we continue walking south through Myrtle forest, past tufted Pandani trees, then up to the saddle (1113m) between Mount Pelion East and Mount Ossa. This is the perfect place for a well deserved rest. In fine weather climbing Mount Ossa - Tasmania’s highest peak at 1617m - is without a doubt one of the highlights of the Overland Track. With magnificent views in all directions we continue south into Pinestone Valley to our creek-side campsite overlooking the grand spires of Cathedral Mountain. Walking: 9km, 5 hours + side trips

Meals: B,L,D

Today we walk through towering rainforests of Leatherwood and Sassafrass trees, heading towards three of Tasmania’s largest and most spectacular waterfalls. The first we visit is Fergusson Falls, named after a former ranger at Lake St Clair. Then we can visit Dalton Falls, and finally Hartnett Falls which is named after Paddy Hartnett, an eccentric Irish bushman who was rarely seen without his bowler hat. We make camp in the afternoon at Windy Ridge (don’t worry - our campsite is not as windy as it sounds!) Walking: 10km, 4 hours + side trips

Meals: B,L,D

A gently undulating track today allows you more time to listen to the bubble of tannin-stained creeks, take photos, and admire the wildflowers. As we near Lake St Clair we can gaze up to the peaks of Mt Ida and majestic Mount Olympus. Standing on the small suspension bridge that crosses Narcissus River with the cliffs of Mount Olympus as backdrop is an impressive photo spot - your guides are always happy to capture the moment with your camera! Tonight we camp next to Lake St Clair, the deepest natural lake in the southern hemisphere. As your guides prepare your last evening meal on the Overland Track, you can take your cup of tea down to the edge of the lake. There is a small jetty here which is a wonderful spot to sit and watch for platypus as the sun sets. Walking: 15km, 6 hours

Meals: B,L,D

Today we pack our backpacks for the final day on the Overland Track and continue south-east on a pleasant sheltered track along the western side of Lake St Clair. The tall Myrtle forest with its open under storey gradually changes into eucalyptus with a dense ground cover of ferns. This is a special section of the Overland Track as most walkers do not trek this section, instead opting to catch a boat across the lake. We will be some of the few to trek this last official section of the Overland. Through gaps in the forest you can see Cynthia Bay and the roof of the visitor centre - our final destination. We cross Watersmeet on a high timber bridge and soon after come out amongst the other hikers and day-trippers exploring the visitors centre. Congratulations! Now time to celebrate with a drink, hot meal, clean clothes, and three nights relaxing and reflecting at your Derwent Bridge accommodation. Walking: 10km, 3 hours

Meals: B,L,D

Lake St Clair is only a short distance from Derwent Bridge and offers a wide range of walks,dining options and sensational views. Or you may opt to view the Wall in the Wilderness; a 100 metre bass relief carved on local timbers detailing the rich history of the region.

Meals: B,L,D

The second day at Derwent Bridge can be spent as you desire before starting the next exhilarating section of your journey.

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we will drive to our put-in point at Collingwood Bridge. We aim to be there around 12:00 noon and here we will inflate and load our rafts. Before getting on the water the guides will provide a safety briefing and instruction in paddling the raft. Our destination this day is the junction of the Franklin and Collingwood rivers or downstream to the Aesthesia Ravine.

Meals: B,L,D

Today we will tackle the Log Jam, Nasty Notch, Descension Gorge and float calmly through the Irenabyss and camp just on the side of the river below the gorge. We spend the evening relaxing at our idyllic camp deep in the wilderness. While your guides prepare a hearty evening meal, why not take a cup of tea down to the river to look for the wildlife that comes out at dusk.

Meals: B,L,D

Weather permitting we climb to Frenchmans Cap from our base camp at Irenabyss. Trekking to the peak is challenging and immensely rewarding; an absolute highlight of Tasmanian bushwalking. The incomparable views from the top take in a vast expanse of the wild and rugged south-west World Heritage Area. Having two days set aside allows us some flexibility and gives us maximum chance of climbing Frenchmans in fine weather.

Meals: B,L,D

Today is a long and beautiful day of rafting, with some interesting paddling and numerous campsites along the river banks. The mood of the river depends completely on how much rain has fallen recently. Keep your eye out for the red flowers of climbing heath cascading down the surrounding rock faces. Tonight we enjoy another feast prepared by your guides, then turn in for a night under the open sky.

Meals: B,L,D

We reach the Great Ravine today and the first major portage at the Churn. There are some challenging sections along the river prior to reaching the Churn. We pass Blushrock Falls, named for the red tinge in the rock. As we paddle look out for a view of Frenchmans Cap form the river. Your guides will tell you about the Franklin’s famous history, and also intriguing lesser known tales that have come to them over their years of adventuring on this wild river. Tonight we camp at Coruscades Camp within the Great Ravine.

Meals: B,L,D

Today takes us to Deliverance Reach, the end of the Great Ravine, and on to Rafter's Basin. After breakfast we paddle and portage through Coruscades, Livingstone’s Cut, Thunderush, the Masterpiece and the Cauldron to the Mousehole – a narrow recess with a cat-like boulder overlooking the river. It is only a 2km paddle now from the Mousehole to Rafter’s Basin where we camp for the night by Interlude Creek. The terrain around our camp tonight is somewhat of a prelude of the forecoming Lower Franklin.

Meals: B,L,D

Depending on the weather today our destination is The Black Forest or Newlands Cascades. Life on the river is extremely dominated by the weather and your guides are adaptable, with a great plan B no matter what mother nature throws down at them... it's all part of the adventure! Today we paddle through Prospsting Gorge and some of the Franklins best rapids. After lunch we navigate the longest rapid on the river: Newlands Cascades. At the bottom of these rapids there is a long, large overhang which makes a cosy place to spend the night.

Meals: B,L,D

Wake up with a cup of tea and watch the sun creep down the sides of the valley towards our camp. Huon Pines and Leatherwood trees drapes themselves elegantly along the banks of the river. Listen and look for the birds that flit amongst their branches. The paddling today is relatively straightforward, to Blackman’s Bend through the deep temperate rainforest of the lower river that was protected by the environmental protests of the early 1980.

Meals: B,L,D

Today our adventure takes us past Double Fall, Big Fall, and Galleon Bluff, which is said to look similar to the sterns of several ships jutting out into the dark water. Shortly after we float under the impressive overhang of Verandah Cliffs. Our camp tonight is at Sir John Falls on the Gordon River, about 5km downstream of the junction of the Gordon and Franklin. The small wharf in front of our campsite is the perfect place from which to have a swim in the Gordon River, and to look out for white bellied sea eagles, as your guides prepare a delicious evening meal.

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you are collected by Stormbreaker yacht and cruise down the length of the river before reaching Macquarie Harbour. Take the chance to kick back on the deck and enjoy the views over the broad expanse of the Gordon River. The vessel docks at Strahan Wharf where you will say farewell to the wetsuit and rafts that have been your trusty adventure-companions for the past week. The next two nights will be spent on dry land at your accommodation in Strahan before commencing the final stage of your trip.

Meals: B,L,D

Your day at the famous tourist destination of Strahan can be spent with a well deserved sleep in followed by a hearty breakfast. The day is yours to enjoy as you will, but there is plenty to keep you entertained such as a relaxing wander up to Hogarth Falls, a visit to the Huon Pine mill, check out the quality local arts and crafts or just relax near the harbour and enjoy a pleasant drink.

Meals: B,L,D

Today you will either experience a scenic flight from Strahan air strip which follows the wild and rugged West Coast or you will be transferred to Hobart to enjoy your scenic flight over the capital of this unique state and into the Southwest National Park. The flight will land at Melaleuca where you will be met by the rest of your walking companions. From here you will embark upon a true wilderness expedition on one of the most remote and pristine hiking trails to be found in Australia. Secluded beaches, mountain ranges and mesmerizing views of this stunning coastline are just some of the highlights of this walk. On arrival at our waterfront campsite we pitch our tents, collect drinking water and settle in with a hot drink and time for a game of beach cricket, a swim, or just wander along the beach before dinner. Walking: 12km, 3-4 hours

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast and packing up camp we head out along the beach. Tides dictate this morning’s timing as we skirt around a rocky headland before climbing up onto Sedge and Melaleuca clad plains that draw us inland. There are a number of suitable lunch spots where the tannin-stained freshwater trickles through the ancient quartzite hills. We have a short but steep climb then descent over Red Point Hills and will enjoy wonderful panoramic views from the top – today’s high point. In the afternoon we make our muddy way toward the beautiful watercourse of Louisa Creek and onwards to Louisa River flowing close by the impressive Ironbound Range where we will make our camp in the wonderful eucalypt forest, ready for tomorrow's early start. Walking Distance 17km | Walking Time 7-9 hours

Meals: B,L,D

The mighty Ironbounds!!! Our high point is almost a thousand metres above where we start and finish today. Your guides will have breakfast ready in the predawn darkness and be busy getting the group on the track by sun-up. We climb up the exposed western slopes, over open ground and vegetation stunted by the prevailing westerlies. In fine weather there are plenty of great rest spots where the views are spectacular beneath us. From the top of the range we may be lucky enough to see the Eastern and Western Arthur Ranges including Federation Peak, through to Mount Anne and all the way to the formidable South West Cape and Maatsuyker Island. The broad top of the Ironbound Range commonly receives the harshest conditions known in Tassie and snowfalls, gale force winds and pelting sleet are never unexpected. This is a long and demanding day and the top is not even half way, the slippery and muddy descent is through a tangle of lush rainforest which in turn becomes thick Teatree bush as the last few kilometres follow the coastline to a very welcome sight – our campsite at Little Deadman’s Bay. Walking: 13km, 7-10 hours

Meals: B,L,D

Today is a well deserved day on the tour and the only place along the track where an open fire is permitted. It’s a wonderful treat to sit by the glowing embers, read a book, play some cards and let your body relax and recover from the last few days’ activity. Your guides will spend some time today re-supplying from our nearby food-drop.

Meals: B,L,D

Feeling refreshed, we look forward to tackling some of the track’s best mud holes, a challenging rowboat lagoon crossing and walking along the coast’s longest beach. We trek over broad sand dunes, wade across watercourses and climb over headlands letting no obstacles stand in our way! There are a few campsite choices for tonight and your guides will decide where to stay based on the availability of fresh water, the fitness of the group members and the guides personal favourite spots where they may know special sights and hidden points of interest. Walking: 11km, 4-5 hours

Meals: B,L,D

This is a favourite day for many people as we wander through wet sclerophyll forest from beach to beach. Today’s short distance means a leisurely lunch with time to wriggle your toes in the sand, swim in the ocean, search for Devonian Fossils, or just sit back and relax. A favourite lunch spot is Surprise Beach, which is just a short distance, if not a little steep, to our afternoons destination Granite Beach. As we descend onto this bay our eyes are drawn out to the incredible fluted dolerite columns of South Cape. At the eastern end of the bay our campsite is perched above the cliffs beneath the Tea Tree and eucalypt canopy. Our water source here cascades off the cliffs onto the beach to make a wonderful, refreshing shower. Walking: 10km, 4-5 hours

Meals: B,L,D

A big day in the hills – we get an early start to make our way over the South Cape Range to our final night’s camp at South Cape Rivulet. We begin with a lengthy climb through the moist forest to the day’s highpoint about 500m above sea level. If we are lucky there are obeautiful views back along the coast as far as South West Cape to the mountains of Pindar’s Peak, Mount LaPerouse and Mount Lilateah. This is a deceptive day with our high point being the first of seven hills that we climb and descend before stepping into the sand of South Cape Rivulet where we cross the sometimes deep, outlet of the lagoon to our campsite. This is a wonderful day of wet and dry forests, buttongrass plains, Tea Tree swamps and dazzling coastal views. The beach at our camp is one of the best along the South Coast for a swim and not many can resist taking an invigorating plunge! Walking: 8km, 6-8 hours

Meals: B,L,D

Today is a gentle end to an amazing trip. The morning has us strolling along a couple of picturesque beaches and then up over a headland. The top of the cliffs is a perfect place for a rest while the waves crash below. Our Tassie Traverse concludes at Cockle Creek, Australia’s southernmost town. This quiet blissful bay has a couple of holiday homes, an information shelter and is where you will be met by our friendly bus driver and transferred to Hobart. Accommodation and dinner is included for this final night of your remarkable journey. After a shower and some clean clothes the night will most likely be spent celebrating your amazing achievement of completing Tasmania’s five most famous and exciting wilderness adventures with your fellow walkers. Walking: 11km, 3-4 hours

Meals: B,L,D

This morning is the conclusion of your trip. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast provided at your accommodation and then spend your remaining time enjoying Australia's southernmost capital, Hobart. Own arrangements are needed to get to the airport or next destination.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

1 scheduled departure between 23 Jan 2027 and 23 Jan 2027.

  • Departs 23 Jan 2027 – ends 1 Mar 2027 (38 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 2-3 professional wilderness guides
  • 20 nights tent based camping, 9 days camping under a tarp on the Franklin
  • 8 nights of cabin style accommodation between trip sections
  • All breakfasts, lunches and dinners for the duration of the trip
  • Food drop provisions along the track
  • Transport by private minibus
  • National Park fees
  • Overland Track Permit
  • Tent, backpack and gaiters
  • Sleeping bag, inner sheet & inflatable sleeping mat
  • Group camping equipment including all cooking & eating equipment
  • Emergency communications & group first aid kit
  • Gordon River yacht transfer
  • Scenic flight from Strahan or Hobart to Melaleauca
  • Rafting gear and equipment
  • Complimentary gear cleaning between sections

Not included

  • Travel to Launceston/from Hobart
  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to Hobart airport
  • Items of a personal nature - alcoholic beverages, car parking etc
  • Admission fees to other sites during days in between sections
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser
Walk Tasmania's Overland Track with Tasmanian Expeditions
Walk Tasmania's Overland Track with Tasmanian Expeditions
Why Raft Tasmania's Franklin River?
South Coast Track Tasmania

Reviews (1)

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The Great Tasmanian Traverse was an absolutely outstanding adventure for me! When I saw it proposed I knew I wanted to do it, and it definitely exceeded my expectations. I've done numerous trips with Tasmanian Expeditions since 2009, and was always looking forward to the next walk. This itinerary offered the opportunity to extend my time in the beautiful Tasmanian wilderness areas, and really slow down and settle into the rhythm of life on the track; to appreciate the beauty and wild ruggedness. As always, our guides were wonderful. Special thanks to Ed who accompanied and supported me throughout. Thanks also to Belle, Jesse, Grace, Tim, Dan and Shelby, and my many walking companions. The Traverse was a great challenge, and I feel immensely privileged to have completed it. Highly recommended !

SueFarley|Castlemaine, VIC
22 Jun 2023

Responsible Travel

Reconciliation Action Plan
The cultural conversation at Standley Chasm will teach you more about Arrente country | Luke Tscharke
Our Reconciliation Action Plan
 
As an Australian-owned and operated organisation, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing custodianship of the land, waters and culture for over 60,000 years.
 
In April 2024, we launched our inaugural Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. Our vision is to create cultural safety within the community, our organisation, and on all the lands we are privileged to share, through collaboration, meaningful engagement, and continuous learning while respecting the wisdom of Traditional Custodians.
 
For nearly four decades, we have worked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to curate immersive adventure experiences across Australia. Every journey begins with a meaningful Acknowledgement of Country, and most of our Australian multi-day itineraries include cultural engagement with local Traditional Custodians.
 
Our Australian Walking Holidays, Tasmanian Expeditions, and Blue Mountain Adventure Company divisions hold Triple Certification from Ecotourism Australia, including the Respecting our Culture Certification, underscoring our dedication to cultural authenticity, responsible business practices, and acknowledging the profound spiritual connections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the land and water.
 
Read our RAP

Extra trip info

Will My Trip Run?FAQs

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

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Availability questions answered

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If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

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You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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This trip runs in February and March, when the daytime weather is still warm. At this time of year, the maximum daily temperatures sit around 13 and 23 degrees Celsius, and you can expect cool, crisp evenings. Especially as you head into March. However, Tasmania can experience all 4 seasons in a day and snow can fall at any time of you, so you should be prepared for all weather conditions - from hot to cold, and from sunny to rainy or even snowy!

The Great Tasmanian Traverse is one of our most challenging trips so you will need to have an excellent level of fitness. You will be carrying a full pack while trekking in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. Previous multi day hiking experience is essential, as is previous experience on a full pack trek. If you have any questions about your suitability please give us a call and speak with one of our staff members. We are more than happy to discuss additional information about what you can expect.

The Great Tasmanian Traverse covers four different walking trails which means the terrain is quite varied. The terrain experienced on this trek is a mix of hardened, maintained trackwork and classic Tasmanian high country bushwalking trails. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. You should be prepared for creek and river crossings. Over the trip you will walk along boardwalks, along beaches, up and down steps, through dense or overgrown forests, through muddy sections and scramble over rocks.

We will raft up to grade 4 and see / walk around grade 5-6+

For your expedition you will need to carry all equipment in a full trekking backpack that is 75-90 litres in capacity. Depending on the quantity of personal gear and toiletries the average pack weight will be between 18-22 kg.

No but at certain times (vantage points along the trek) you may find areas of reception depending on your service provider.

No, so we recommend you bring spare batteries or a solar charger pack. You will have the opportunity to charge devices at your accommodation in-between trips while on your rest days.

You must have high cut hiking boots for this trail. There are lots of slippery tree roots in the rainforest areas, so ankle support will be beneficial. Also, you will encounter mud along the way, so if they are waterproof, you will hopefully have nice dry feet at the end of the day.

Hiking poles can definitely assist you with going up and down the inclines and for stability in mud or slippery tree roots. We highly recommend you bring some along. If you have not used them previously, we recommend that you do some training with them before you head out on the hike.

Unfortunately there are no shower facilities on the camping nights during the Great Tasmanian Traverse. For those who are concerned about washing, the closest you’ll come to a bath are the alpine lakes or the rivers, where you can have a quick refreshing dip. However, for a real cleanse we recommend you bring a small, quick dry wash cloth. On the nights where we stay in cabin style accommodation you will be able to shower.

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