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Explore the enchanting and changing moods of the ancient Tarkine Rainforest - Tarkine Explorer, Australia
Explore the enchanting and changing moods of the ancient Tarkine Rainforest  | Pete Harmsen
Tasmania's pristine forests are a major draw card for many visitors - Tarkine Explorer, Australia
Tasmania's pristine forests are a major draw card for many visitors  | Peter Walton
Fungi in Takayna / Tarkine - Tarkine Explorer, Australia
Fungi in Takayna / Tarkine  | Jess Bonde
The Pieman River flows through the heart of the Tarkine - Tarkine Explorer, Australia
The Pieman River flows through the heart of the Tarkine  | Peter Walton
Beautiful views while leaving Corinna - Tarkine Explorer, Australia
Beautiful views while leaving Corinna  | Efti Nure
Incredible views from Mount Donaldson in the Tarkine region - Tarkine Explorer, Australia
Incredible views from Mount Donaldson in the Tarkine region  | Efti Nure
Welcome to Country with NITA Education - Tarkine Explorer, Australia
Welcome to Country with NITA Education

Tarkine Explorer

An active adventure through the Tarkine's mountains, rivers, coasts & forests

Australia
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 97 reviews

6 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: TAR
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 6 Days
Activities
  • 5 days walking
Accommodation
  • 5 nights cottage/cabin style accommodation
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

47kg of CO2-e PP per day

(234kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Smoking ceremony at Laraturunawn
  • Full day cruise along maytim/Arthur River
  • Half day cruise along the Pieman River
  • Explore rugged, not easily accessed coast lines
  • Walk through ancient rainforests to some of the largest trees in Tasmania
  • Gain bird's eye views of the takayna/Tarkine region from mountain tops

Overview

Tasmania's takayna/Tarkine region in the North West is abundant in history, fascinating flora and fauna, impressive rainforest and dramatic coastlines. It is a 450,000 hectare landmass that contains 6000+ year old stone carvings, a natural history that dates back 100 million years to a time when Tasmania was once part of Gondwana, rainforests that provide sanctuary for at least 60 rare or endangered species and coastal plains that provide important feeding grounds for the world's rarest and fastest parrots - the orange bellied and swift parrots.

Over six days you will journey through this impressive part of Tasmania, exploring rainforests, coast lines and mountains. You will marvel at the sheer height of trees and the impressively clean water rushing down waterfalls. The peace and quiet you will enjoy while walking through ancient forests and along gnarly coastlines will leave you with a real sense of awe and wonder. Enjoy a cruise up maytim (Arthur River), known as one of the last truly 'wild rivers' of Australia bordered by a dense forest filled with myrtles, sassafras, celery-top pine, laurels, blackwoods, and giant tree ferns.

Each day we make the most of the great outdoors, and each evening is spent celebrating and relaxing over a delicious 3-course meal showcasing the finest of Tasmania’s famous produce.

Itinerary

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We pick you up early this morning in Launceston, from one of our two pick up locations. Our first pick up point is at 6:15am from the Grand Chancellor and our second pick up point is at 6:30am at the Penny Royal. We will then drive 40 minutes to a favourite local café en route. Here with a hot drink and snack in hand your guides will spread out their maps and give you an overview of the week ahead! Once all your questions are answered it is back on the bus to complete the drive to the West Coast. First stop Laraturunawn/Sundown Point. We have arranged to be met here by a representative from the Tasmanian Aboriginal community who will welcome you to their Country with a smoking ceremony and cultural discussion to start your trip off right. Following our discussion we will walk down Sundown Creek down onto the rugged and gnarley coast line. Here is where you can find ancient rock carvings and spectacular views of the Arthur Heads, continuing up the beach we can get to know each other and talk about the week to come as we walk right up to our accommodation for the next 2 nights at Arthur River. Drive Time: 3.5 hrs. Walk distance: 8km. Walk Time: 2 hrs. Other Activities: Smoking Ceremony/Cultural engagement – 2 hrs. Accommodation: Arthur River.

Meals: L,D

A cruise on the Arthur River is an unforgettable wilderness experience. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before heading out on the boat mid morning. This is one of the best cruises in Tasmania taking us on a journey from the river mouth upstream for 15km past the Arthur and Frankland river junctions before continuing on to Warra Landing for lunch. The Arthur River is one of the last truly “wild rivers” of Australia. The area we cruise through is fringed with a very dense forest of myrtles, sassafras, celery-top pine, laurels, blackwoods, and giant tree ferns. This cruise really is an unforgettable experience. At the conclusion of the cruise we have the option to go for another short group beach walk or relax at the accommodation. Drive Time: 30 mins. Walk Time: 1-2 hrs. Other Activities: Cruise – 6 hrs. Accommodation: Arthur River.

Meals: B,L,D

We will get an early jump on the day with a coffee to go and breakfast on the bus, it will certainly be worth the early morning effort when you see what is in store! Driving south we will arrive at the trailhead to Mt Donaldson, this 4 hour walk will see you traverse dense rainforest, before rising out onto button grass plains allowing you a beautiful view of the ruyinrim/Pieman River and the surrounding forests. This land was one of the last known homes to the Thylacine or the Tasmanian Tiger, known to the Aboriginal people of the region as Corinna. Once we are back from the summit we will enjoy lunch and replenish our snacks at the bus before continuing through the rainforest in the opposite direction. Following the Savage River – keep your eyes out for gold- on a faintly marked track it is unlikely that we will see another soul as we journey through this ancient forest as it leads us directly to the doorstep of our home for the next 2 nights, the Corinna Wilderness Lodge, with just enough time for a shower before dinner. Tonight we enjoy dinner together at the Tannin Restaurant. Here we can enjoy an excellent meal sourced from local Tasmanian ingredients such as Tasmanian leatherwood honey, seafood and meat from local businesses. Drive Time: 2.5 hrs. Walk Distance: 13km. Walk Time: 6 hrs. Other Activities: Nil. Accommodation: Corinna.

Meals: B,L,D

Departing at sunrise, we journey down the ruyinrim/Pieman River on the Lady Jane– weather permitting - the dark waters of ruyinrim can create mirror-like reflections of the surrounding rainforest. Ancient Huon pines line the banks of river, enjoy the sounds of the forest waking up as you approach the Pieman Heads. We disembark the on the southern edge of the river mouth and spend the next few hours exploring the coastline. Heading south we reach the extraordinary coastal rock formation known as the Conical Rocks. We make our way back to the Pieman Heads for a picnic lunch and jump aboard the Arcadia II, a historic vessel with decking made from Huon pine, for the journey back to Corinna. The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure before our final dinner at the Tannin Restaurant. Drive Time: Nil. Walk Distance: 12km. Walk Time: 5 hrs. Other Activities: Cruise: 2.5 hrs. Accommodation: Corinna. *If either vessel is not available, we will be switched to the best alternative vessel.

Meals: B,L,D

We start our journey with a fun ride across the ruyinrim/Pieman River on the Fatman Barge. This remote western road then takes us through sleepy towns that were once booming with the riches of Early Mining. It is this area of Tasmania that flourished in the early pioneering days. In 1900 Zeehan was the 3rd largest town in Tasmania, however with the decline of the West Coast mining boom the town has dwindled to a population of approx 700. The once bustling main street is now home to the West Coast Heritage Centre, an extensive collection of history that we will take a couple of hours to wander. After lunch we will continue on to Montezuma Falls. At 104m this is Tasmania's tallest waterfall. The return walk to reach the falls follows the historic route of the North East Dundas Tramway. This easily graded walk allows you to look up from your feet and out at the thousands of Tree Ferns that line the trail all the way to the falls. Drive Time: 2 hrs. Walk Distance 8km. Walk Time: 3 hrs. Other Activities: Museum – 2 hrs. Accommodation: Tullah Lakeside Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we will depart with the sun for a short drive to our final walk of the week, the highly rewarding Mt Farrell. This return hike starts out in the familiar rainforests with rich stands of Myrtle and lively ferns before climbing out of the forest into the Buttongrass moorland that leads you to the craggy peaks of the ridgeline with arresting views of the Tarkine. Once you are back on the bus get comfortable for a beautiful scenic dive back to Launceston where you will conclude your tour. We usually arrive back into Launceston at around 4-5pm, our two drop-off points in Launceston are the Grand Chancellor and the Penny Royal. We recommend booking a post tour night in Launceston. Drive Time: 2.5 hrs. Walking Distance 9km. Walk Time: 4 hrs. Other Activities: Nil.

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

3 scheduled departures between 12 Jan 2027 and 3 Mar 2027.

  • Departs 12 Jan 2027 – ends 17 Jan 2027 (6 days)
  • Departs 27 Jan 2027 – ends 1 Feb 2027 (6 days)
  • Departs 3 Mar 2027 – ends 8 Mar 2027 (6 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • Professional walking guides
  • 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners, snacks and hot drinks
  • 3 nights restaurant meal
  • 5 nights accommodation in cabin/apartment style accommodation with multiple rooms and shared bathrooms
  • Transport by private minibus
  • Smoking Ceremony/Cultural engagement
  • maytim/Arthur River full day cruise (not included on 23 December 2024 departure, discount applies on this date)
  • ruyinrim (Pieman River) half day cruise
  • National Park entry fees
  • Emergency communications and group first-aid kit

Not included

  • Travel to and from Launceston
  • Accommodation before or after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature: alcoholic beverages, car parking etc
  • Travel insurance
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser

Reviews (97)

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The Tarkine Adventure was an excellent mixture of walking, hiking and other activities. We had a fabulous time. Excellent guides.

Jennifer|Moil, NT
28 Mar 2026
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Our guide’s knowledge of Tarkine wilderness area was thorough for the road journey, track terrain, history, fauna, flora and geology. Of the 6 days/5 nights itinerary, days 1-5 covered most of the scheduled itinerary with minor modifications due to time constraints and fitness of some group members. Our last day highlight 7-9km hike to Mt Farrell for 360 views of the region was cancelled due to the fitness level of other group members who weren’t prepared for an adventurous journey with early morning rises and multiple suggested wonderful varied activities that were detailed in the itinerary. Early dinners provided plenty of recovery rest at the end of the day.

Donna|Mackenzie, QLD
26 Mar 2026
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This was an excellent walking trip into a surprisingly remote area in Tasmania. It catered for varied fitness and walking abilities, making it very enjoyable for us.

Peter|Castle Hill, NSW
19 Mar 2026
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Loved the tarkine explorer trip. It was a good mix of walking, boats and learning. The guides were great and lovely fellow travellers

Lisa|Brisbane, QLD
17 Mar 2026
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The trip was well planned and itinerary well paced. The guides were energetic and very knowledgeable with great local knowledge and experience. The itinerary was varied and interesting. Strategic changes to the itinerary were made with consultation when deemed necessary.

George|Moil, NT
17 Mar 2026
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This is the third consecutive year i have been on a Tasmanian Expedition. Each of those trips was guided by Ollie. All were fabulous and meant my daughter and i saw 3 different parts of Tasmania; Walls, Flinders Is and Tarkine. Food was terriffic, planning excellent and company wonderful. It has become a highlight for the year for us. We highly recommend the experience to others

Paul|Brisbane, QLD
23 Dec 2025
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Great trip, enthusiastic guides who obviously loved the region.

Joan|Knoxfield, VIC
14 Apr 2025
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Fabulous scenery, great guides and a fantastic group of fellow hikers made this trip extremely enjoyable. Getting to see parts of Tasmania that I'd not seen before was amazing. Trip was well planned out - even when it had to be amended due to the bushfires. Thanks Pete & Ed for a great trip!!

Natalie Matthews|Windsor, QLD
8 Apr 2025
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Small group size and great guides made for an enjoyable adventure

Anne Varrall|Turramurra, NSW
29 Jan 2025

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

AccommodationWill My Trip Run?FAQs
Corinna Wilderness Village Accommodation | Corinna Wilderness Experience

Cabin Style Accommodation

For the duration of the tour simple cabin/apartment style accommodation is provided. The Tarkine is a region with a very limited choice of accommodation and we use carefully selected accommodation which have multiple rooms and shared bathrooms. Full bedding and bath towels are provided at each accommodation.

There is limited availability for single supplements. Single rooms are only available for nights 3-5 of the trip.

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

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

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.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

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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The first walking day is predominantly sand walking on the beach while the remaining walks are a mix of rainforest with sometimes slippery forest paths and jutting tree roots or rocks on either flat or sometimes steep ground, button grass plains with very narrow dirt tracks which at times are only the width of your foot with small loose rocks underfoot, and mountainside clay-type narrow tracks also with loose rocks underfoot. On the Savage River Walk there are some small sections requiring you to hold onto a rope while ascending or descending a steep hill and/or climb over obstacles – no technical skills are required, and your guides will assist you through these safely.

You will need lace up boots with good ankle support and a treaded sole. Boots must be worn in to minimise the risk of blisters.

Telstra services work best in this region, followed by Optus, for reception. It can be patchy in Arthur River and Corinna and is then generally more stable in Tullah. Vodafone-powered providers will have limited to no reception for much of the trip except on the last night in Tullah. WIFI is only available in Tullah.

Full bedding and towels for showering are provided at all the accommodations so bringing your own travel towel is optional however not essential. A sleeping bag and pillow are not required.

Yes, all accommodations have power points in your room to charge your devices.

We suggest asking your pre/post tour accommodation about car parking or there are secure carparks in Launceston where you can pre-book a spot.

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