The Tarkine Rainforest Walk

The Tarkine Rainforest Walk
Tarkine Devil Project
Itinerary
Track grading
Pick up and drop off
Inclusions
Meal Inclusions
Group size
Tiger Ridge
Common questions
Sample menu
Gear list
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The Tarkine
Devil Project
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YOU AND US – LET’S DO SOMETHING TO HELP
Tarkine Trails are assisting the Tasmanian
Government and the University of Tasmania
in their fight to save Tasmanian devils from
extinction. We operate motion-sensitive
cameras throughout the rainforests and
coastlines of the Tarkine in order to monitor
hitherto unknown and increasingly precious
devil populations. Our guests can participate in
the collection and viewing of the camera data –
getting a rare insight into the secret behaviour
of the Tarkine wildlife.
Tarkine Trails, and people across the world,
have been shocked by the demise of the
Tasmanian devil due to the Devil Facial Tumour
Disease (DFTD). We do not know how this
blight came upon our devils but the impacts
are measureable – and disturbing.
• Since the first recording of the disease in
1996 sightings of devils have dropped by 84%.
• They have now all but disappeared from the
state’s northeast.
• There is no evidence of the decline stopping.
Highly contagious, 100% fatal and spread by
facial contact (common amongst squabbling
devils) DFTD now affects devils across threequarters of Tasmania - you just happen to be
visiting the fourth quarter.
So why are you so important? Simple. Without
you, we wouldn’t be here.
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Itinerary
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WELCOME TO OUR FAVOURITE PLACE ON EARTH
DAY.04
DAY.03
The emphasis for this journey is on
enjoying the wilderness in comfort. We
spend the days exploring some of the
And food? Our dining table, set
among the ferns, transforms nightly
into a platter of fresh local foods and
outstanding Tasmanian wines and
spirits. Accompanied by some Tarkine
yarns from your guides, it is the perfect
way to end a day walking amongst the
ancients.
DAY.02
Everywhere you look there is life, but
life seems very far away. Join us at
Tiger Ridge for some remote rainforest
rejuvenation and a four-day experience
in a world somehow parallel to our
own.
Tarkine’s nearby landmarks including
the surrounds of the magnificent
rainforest, the untouched Huskisson
River, and Philosopher’s Falls. These day
walks are completed at a leisurely pace
to suit the fitness of the group, carrying
only your own lightweight day pack.
Enjoy our warm water Japanese-style
washroom upon your return to Tiger
Ridge at the end of each day. It’s like
camping, but better.
DAY.01
At our exclusive rainforest camp, Tiger
Ridge, you will feel miles away from
the hustle and bustle of day to day
life. Sitting on the balcony with a glass
of wine or looking across the deeply
forested valley, it’s impossible not to be
captivated by the Tarkine’s magnificent
story. Below you, the myrtles, ferns and
burrowing crayfish go on as they always
have.
Tiger Ridge
The base camp we have built at Tiger
Ridge is truly the jewel in our crown. In
the designing and building of this camp
we wanted to make sure that we were
not taking away from one’s ability to
immerse themselves in the rainforest.
We felt it was extremely important not
to create a hotel atmosphere too similar
to our everyday lives.
Tiger Ridge allows our guests to truly
get back to nature and escape the
unavoidable hustle and bustle we now
endure on a daily basis. Tiger Ridge is
very comfortable but remains humble,
sitting perched upon a beautiful ridge
line overseeing the Tarkine.
We would describe our base camp as
very luxurious camping. The long house
(pictured) is where we all gather for
delicious breakfasts, hearty dinners,
a tipple of wine, a few laughs and
some interpretation from our guides.
Complete with a gas kitchen, specially
designed wood fire, a large dining table,
and a suspended balcony hanging
out over the ridge, the long house
has created many memories since its
creation.
A large amount of our relaxation time
is spent at the long house. However,
feel free to retire at any time to
your accommodation. Our humble
accommodation is again designed to
keep in mind that we want you to feel
as much a part of the rainforest as
possible. Your sleeping quarters are twin
share, very large, double room canvas
tents spread throughout the rainforest.
Complete with wooden frame beds and
mattresses designed for back support,
our regular feedback is that our guests
have never had such a good night’s
sleep.
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All of the tents are a very short walk
from the restroom and the other
facilities. One of these facilities is our
Japanese washroom. This is a beautiful
wooden shelter with views of the
rainforest. A large bowl fills with warm
water from which you can wash, sponge
and rinse.
We consider our base camp at Tiger
Ridge to be as close to being one with
the rainforest as is possible while still
having little luxuries along the way.
It has been designed to be extremely
environmentally friendly and to allow
our guests to access some of the
remotest and untouched landscapes left
remaining in the world.
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Your Accomodation...
DAY . 01
TRACK GRADING
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The ascent to Tiger Ridge
is fairly steep, however the
track zig zags up the hill
and is tackled at a leisurely
pace.
In the land of giants
and ancients
Drive south from Burnie and enter the Tarkine. A short walk brings you to
your home for the next few days atop rainforest clad Tiger Ridge. Stand
beneath the enormous stringybark gums as they stretch and whisper 80m
above the camp. Get to know your group over a glass of premium Tasmanian
wine and a meal of fine local produce beside a roaring fire.
Our first day will take you from the
inevitable hustle and bustle of the city
into the vast quiet of the Tarkine. The
trusty Tarkine Trails bus will swing past
your Launceston accommodation and
head towards Tasmania’s north coast.
Your friendly quartermasters (guides) will
ensure that everyone’s gear is ship shape
and Bristol fashion. Then it is onward to
where a dusty, non-descript road veers
west off the highway and into the Tarkine.
Time: 1hr approx
Distance: 1 km
Pack: 8-12kg, (for
those worried about
carrying their pack up to
Tiger Ridge, we have a
specailised forest power
carrier that can carry your
pack for you if you wish).
It is a short climb to Tiger Ridge. The track
leaves the road and plunges into a vast,
tumbling forest. This is the moment that
most people realise that they are on an
Photo: Tim Crawshaw
www.timcrawshawfoto.com
extraordinary tour.
Once at camp it is all about settling in,
exploring and enjoying the quiet and the
company of new friends. Food, fire and
wine are essential ingredients to this
process. Every meal that is served bears
testimony to the quality of Tasmanian
produce.
By the end of today you’ll feel as if you
haven’t just traversed Tasmania but
transcended it.
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An introduction
to an untouched landscape
DAY . 02
A day of total forest immersion and relaxation.
Begin to understand the ancient relationships of a rainforest landscape.
Be a part of our novel research into endangered Tasmanian devils.
TRACK GRADING
This walk involves a few
ascents and descents as we
wind our way through the
forested valley. There are
plenty of opportunities for
interpretation along the
way as well as a lunch stop.
It is the most moderate of
our walks.
Our walk today focuses on the beautiful forests to the east of Tiger Ridge.
Today is about getting to know and understand the cool temperate
rainforest and its numerous landscapes and ecosystems. Start to discover
the macro world of the rainforest including the unique fungi, plants and
insects that may well go unnoticed to the untrained eye.
Further along your journey you will begin to understand the ancient
species that inhabit the largest cool temperate rainforest that remains in
the Southern Hemisphere. With our knowledgeable and passionate guides
introducing you to the relationships that the native Tasmanians have shared
with a wide variety of plant species, you will begin to feel as though you
have stepped back in time, tens of thousands of years.
Time: 5 hrs
Distance: 4-5 km
Pack: Small day pack
Photo: Rob Blakers
Along the way we’ll collect the memory cards and change the batteries on
our devil spotting cameras. Then, after another relaxed meal and a few nice
drops we shall review what the cameras have captured in recent time and
discover what goes on around us in the secret Tarkine night.
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Down to
the river
DAY .03
Awake to your favourite morning beverage (you could get used to this). Take in
the incredible birdlife of the rainforest - yellow-tailed black cockatoos, green
rosellas and even the endangered white goshawk. Walk beneath the most
ancient of rainforest forms – the cathedral-shaped callidendrous forest.Lunch
(and for the brave a swim) beside the Huskisson as it flows through its remote,
forested valley.
TRACK GRADING
This is a tagged walk
through open rainforest,
with some fairly steep
gullies that have steps built
into them along the way.
This walk is completed at
a relaxed, leisurely pace
with lots of opportunities
for interpretation from the
guides en route.
Time: 6 hrs
Distance: 7 km
Pack: Small day pack
Our day today features a slow walk down to the Huskisson River. Your guides
will introduce you to the subtleties of the rainforest, its complex web of selfperpetuating life as well as sharing some choice Tasmanian bush anecdotes.
“Having a wild river the calibre of the Huskisson on
our doorstep is an extraordinary privilege, but walking
downstream and watching people relax and soak it up
is an experience that’s hard to describe…precious is a
good starting point.”
Mark ‘Darvis’ Davis, TT founder and guide.
Photo: Rob Blakers
The Huskisson itself is a wild river that broadens in the valley floor and, if the
water level is low, meanders and warms in pools perfect for a midday swim.
After lunch we too meander in this valley for a time, before making our way back
to Tiger Ridge to get cleaned up before dinner.
Tiger Ridge’s Japanese style washroom hangs out over the ferns and myrtles
in the basin below. It truly is a bathroom with a view. Then, after another meal
of amazing Tassie produce, we settle around the fire with a glass of wine as the
guides dell further into the history and stories of this ancient landscape.
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Philosopher’s
Farewell
DAY .04
TRACK GRADING
Philosopher’s Falls rainforest walk.
Views of the largest tract of cool temperate rainforest
in the Southern Hemisphere.
Recently restored,
well-maintained track
alongside a water race.
Steep descent at end.
Time: 2 hrs
It’s a sad goodbye to the Tarkine.
Distance: 6 km
However we can’t leave without visiting one of the hundreds of waterfalls
that bless the region. A short pre-lunch walk to Philosopher’s Falls discovers a
spectacular rainforest clad waterfall (pictured).
Pack: Small Day Pack
This spectacular cascade is one of the wonders of the Tarkine and a wonderful
place to finish off our journey together.
After lunch we continue our homeward journey. Whilst driving, we are treated
to views of the famous Cradle Mountain and the Savage River rainforest, the
largest tract of temperate rainforest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Photo: Rob Blakers
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Meals
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We have spent a lot of time refining the menu for this trip and have tried to use as many locally grown
and/or produced ingredients as possible. We take pride in delivering a diverse range of delicious, hearty
meals.
SAMPLE MENU:
ENTREE
Selection of Tasmanian cheeses and boutique condiments including quince
paste
MAIN
Local salmon pasta with capers and cherry tomatoes
DESSERT
Chocolate brownies with a raspberry coulis and cream
DRINKS
Choice of premium Tasmanian wines
Tasmanian premium beer
Tasmanian cider
Lark Distillery Tasmanian Pepper Berry Liquor
Tasmanian Sullivan’s Cove Single Malt Whisky
Lunches include a delicious variety of Tasmanian gourmet products, including King Island cheeses,
Tasmanian salmon, fresh salads and a range of wholesome breads and meats. Dinners are accompanied
by some fine Tasmanian wines. We can cater for food allergies or preferences – coeliac, vegetarian,
dairy-free, nut allergies etc, please let us know your specific details when you book.
Photo: Tim Crawshaw
www.timcrawshawfoto.com
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Gallery
Photo: Tim Crawshaw
www.timcrawshawfoto.com
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Gallery
Photo: Tim Crawshaw
www.timcrawshawfoto.com
“A Memorable and Life
Changing Experience”
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My husband and I were fortunate enough to spend 4 wonderful
days in the Tarkine. The effect it had on us is indescribable. We
expected something “magical” and were not disappointed.
Had to keep pinching ourselves that we were immersed in this
enchanting wonderland of such beautiful old, old, old growth
trees and the most fantastic fungi, ferns and vines. We were
especially intrigued with the numerous little crays’ houses
that we were desperately careful not to squash as we plodded
nearby. We of course couldn’t have and wouldn’t have been able
to explore this precious forest without our two wonderful and
knowledgeable guides, Trevor and Jane. They took great care with
all of us and their passion for the Tarkine forest and coastline was
infectious and we are so grateful to them. It is a “special” place
that must be protected at all costs and we urge anyone looking
for a “life changing experience” to go as soon as possible.
Shelley W (Sydney, Australia). Trip Advisor
PICK UP AND DROP OFF
Important Information
Pick up / drop off
city
Pick up time
Drop off time
Accomodation pick up / Alternative pick up /
drop off instructions
drop off point
Launceston
8:00am to 8:30am
6:00pm
City centre only
INCLUSIONS
•All accommodation on tour.
•All meals and alcohol including snacks from lunch on
day one to lunch on day four.
•All group camping equipment including all first aid and
safety gear.
•Gear hire (subject to availability) .
•Experienced and professional guides with a passion for
Tasmania’s wild places.
•Transport from and back to your Launceston
accommodation (city centre only).
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Flying in? Recommended Flying out?
arrival times
Recommended
departure times
Launceston Backpackers, Prior to 7:30am on the
No earlier than 8:00pm
103 Canning Street
morning of departure
NOT INCLUDED
•Accommodation/flights prior to the start or at the end
of the tour.
•Breakfast on morning 1 and dinner on day 4.
GROUP SIZE
Maximum of 10 - 12 guests per group (depending on
departure).
SINGLE GUESTS
Having a tent to yourself or sharing will depend on
the number of other guests on your trip. If you are a
single guest we will try and provide you with your own
accommodation where ever possible, however the
accommodation is generally twin share with someone
of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
This is a personal preference however we recommend
that you look into purchasing appropriate travel
insurance whenever you travel..
YOUR HEALTH
We reserve the right to request medical certificates
from our guests to ensure your health and safety on
our trips.
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Common Questions
1. PACK WEIGHT?
Your full pack is estimated to weigh between 8-12kgs which you will carry into and out of camp on the
first and last day respectively. If this pack weight is of any concern to you and you would prefer the luxury
option of not having to carry your full pack at any stage then our specailised forest power carrier can
carry your gear to and from Tiger Ridge for you. Your gear will then remain at the camp and only day
packs (with the essentials, such as water bottle and wet weather gear) will be required for each days
activities.
2. WASHING CLOTHES?
There are no washing facilities on this trip; we recommend that you bring enough clothes to last the
entire trip without needing to wash.
3. AMENITIES?
Our bathroom comprises two separate facilities; a comfortable, well designed composting toilet complete
with hand basin, and a warm water Japanese-style washroom allowing the necessities to be done in
comfort.
Track Grading
This tour is designed to give people with a broad
range of fitness levels access to stunning wilderness.
Though all of your gear will wiegh between 8-12kgs,
if you are concerned about carrying that pack weight
for the journey to or from Tiger Ridge, you can select
the option of using our power carrier. Our guides can
then arrange for your gear to be taken to and from
your tent accomodation, so that the most you will
carry throughout the entire trip is your lightweight
day pack (including water bottle, snacks, camera, and
wet weather gear).
We have had a large range of ages and fitness levels
complete the Tarkine Rainforest Walk. This includes
teenagers all the way through to people aged in their
80’s. The walks do include some hills that are done
at a leisurely pace. If you are concerned about your
abilities please contact us and we can discuss these
with you. However, if you would prefer to do some
fitness work prior to the trip please let us know as
we have a pre-trip training schedule that we can
recommend.
Walking in a rainforest environment like the Tarkine
is certainly different to taking a stroll on the street.
On the various day walks we will encounter some hills
and slopes, some very easy sections and some more
challenging sections. Our guides are very careful to
help those that need to take the more challenging
sections very slowly and carefully. We want this to
be a rewarding challenge not a stressful experience.
You should have no concerns about holding up other
members of the group as two guides accompany all
of the walks to cater for the different levels of fitness.
It is important however, to make sure that this trip is
within your limitations before booking.
If you have never done a 4-5 hour bushwalk before
but are feeling fit and confident generally these
day walks should cause no problems for you. If you
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have completed overnight bushwalks with full packs
in fairly recent times then this trip should be very
manageable for you. If you have never really done
extensive walking and consider yourself very unfit you
may well still be capable of doing this trip, however
we would suggest some pre-trip training and a
discussion with our staff to see that it is suitable.
To reach our base camp at Tiger Ridge and to have
lunch on the banks of the one of a kind Huskisson
River will obviously involve descents and inclinations
to reach these marvelous points. We want to share
with you the amazingly diverse landscapes situated
within the Tarkine and we want this to be as
interesting, informative and life changing for you as it
is for us. It may be a small challenge for you at times
but it makes that glass of fine Tasmanian wine that
much tastier with your feet up by the fire at the end
of the day.
Gear
Please read the recommended list carefully on the next page. We will complete a gear check with you after we have picked everyone up on day 1 of the
trip.
• The items in bold green text may be available for hire from us free of charge depending on availability. You need to book these items on your
questionnaire form in advance to ensure that we have your correct size.
• We recommend that you bring all the personal equipment listed in the table on the next page. Your pack weight should be no more than 8-12 kg for
the 1 hour walk into Tiger Ridge.
• Extra luggage can be locked securely in our trailer. • You may want to tweak the recommended list on the next page to suit your personal preferences and experience. If you have any questions, please
contact our office.
• Cotton clothing should not be packed. Wet, cold cotton clothing is dangerous on any expedition trip and hypothermia is a real risk.
PROVIDED BY US
• Wooden frame bed and mattress designed for back support, camp pillow, sheet and pillow case, and high quality sleeping bag (upon request).
• Stoves, fuel and all cooking utensils.
• Toilet paper and alcohol handwash gel.
• Comprehensive first aid kit and all safety equipment including EPIRB device, (emergency satellite device).
• All meals and alcohol while on tour.
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Gear
ITEM
Backpack
Sleeping Bag
DESCRIPTION
Large enough to hold your 8-12kg of gear that
will be taken to and from Tiger Ridge. A pack
liner (from camping store or large garbage bag) is
highly reccomended to protect your gear from wet
weather
At least 3 seasons (–5 C) and lightweight
Torch
Head torches are highly recommended
Waterproof coat
with hood
Waterproof pants
Must be goretex (or equivalent) or japara, and of
high quality (not a drizabone)
Plastic or goretex (or equivalent) is acceptable
Walking Poles
Optional but highly recommended to improve
balance and prevent injury
Leg protectors (for protection from mud and
unlikely event of snake bite)
Worn in bushwalking boots, waterproof, properly
sealed
Optional - you can use your larger pack as a day
pack if you like
For storing extra clothing in the trailer
Gaiters
Boots
Day Pack
Soft Bag
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PRINT
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ITEM
Warm jacket or
jumper
Thermal top
DESCRIPTION
2x Either polar fleece or woollen. Cotton is not
recommended
1x Polypropylene, chlorofibre or woollen
Thermal Long Johns
1x Polypropylene, chlorofibre or woollen
T shirts/ short
sleeved shirts
Shorts
1x For walking in and evening wear
Long sleeved shirt
1x For walking
Long pants
Socks
1-2x depending on personal preference.
Wool/synthetic (denim not advised)
3x pairs, wool or synthetic
Underwear
3x minimum
Spare plastic bags
4x Shopping bags are fine- very handy when it’s
wet
Wide brimmed/lightweight and sunglassesdightweight and sunglasses
Woollen hat
Sun hat
Beanie
1x Loose fitting for walking
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Gear
ITEM
DESCRIPTION
Gloves
Woollen / synthetic synthetic
Sandals / Sandshoes Sandals (with strong strap and grip) or sandshoes,
for wearing at camp and river crossings
Bathers
Optional
Small towel
Water bottle
Personal hygiene
items
Sunscreen / Insect
repellant
Lightweight e.g. chamois (optional but
recommended)
1 litre (strong plastic/aluminium)
No soap or shampoo please
Small bottle (guides will have some in the first aid
kit but you are welcome to bring your own particularly if you have a brand that you like)
a