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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
This private adventure especially designed for the students at Toorak College explores the far north west of Tasmania including The Tarkine Forest - "The Forgotten Wilderness". This ancient area has almost 400,000 hectares of virgin wilderness, a vast swathe of rarely visited and primal rainforests, mountain ranges and isolated rivers. Our twelve day itinerary takes us to the heart of the region with spectacular walks, remote peaks and a river cruise to the middle of the greatest cool temperate rainforest in Australia. We combine walking and rafting with a conservation service program focusing on habitat restoration and marine pollution. This itinerary is an exploration of an ecosystem that has remained relatively unchanged since the days of Gondwana. En-route we will also enjoy time at Cradle Mountain National Park, home to Tasmania’s iconic Cradle Mountain. One of the first National Parks in Australia, this World Heritage Wilderness Area is a must see for visitors to the state who wish to experience the rare beauty Tasmania has to offer. During our stay there we will discover the abundant wildlife, rare and unusual vegetation and spectacular scenery present in this area.
Countries:
Start and Finishing Point:
Melbourne
Activities:
Grading:Introductory to Moderate
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Day 1
Fly Melbourne to Launceston. Visit Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, drive to Cradle Mountain
On arrival in Launceston we will be met by your local World Expeditions guide and head straight to the Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary just outside of Mole Creek. Trowunna is a privately-owned Sanctuary that started caring for animals in 1979 and today is home to the world’s largest heritage population of endangered Tasmanian Devils. The primary goal for Trowunna is wildlife conservation, education and rehabilitation. Here we will have a private exploration of the Sanctuary and get up close and personal with some of Tasmania’s much-loved locals! After a picnic lunch we have a safety briefing and then drive to the quaint old town of Mole Creek, through farmland, forestry and out into Sheffield – the town of murals. This town has made a name for itself by hosting annual mural competitions, the winner of each has their mural displayed on buildings around the town. We can take some time to explore the town before jumping on the bus and heading up to Cradle Mountain. Stay tonight: Cradle Mountain Discovery Park – bunkhouse
Meals: L,D
Day 2
Explore Cradle Mountain National Park, trek Dove Lake
Today we join an awe-inspiring walk around Dove Lake in the stunning Cradle Mountain National Park. The walk around Dove Lake is non technical and can be walked by anyone with a good fitness level. The walk is incredibly picturesque and gives us iconic views of the iconic Cradle Mountain. After our day of exploring we make our way back to our accommodation to enjoy a well-earned dinner. Stay tonight: Cradle Mountain Discovery Park – bunkhouse
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Explore Philosophers Falls, drive to Corinna, kayak Pieman River
Today we leave behind Cradle Mountain and make our way out towards the west coast of Tasmania – this isolated and remote part of Tasmania is one not often visited but full of rainforest, mountains and remarkable coastline. Stopping along the way at Philosophers falls to stretch our legs we follow an historic mining water race through the rainforest before descending 210 steps to a lookout for the magnificent falls. After lunch we jump back on board the bus and make our way into Corinna – an historic mining town set in pristine rainforest on the banks of the Pieman River. Sitting at the southern end of the Tarkine, the largest temperate rainforest in Australia – Corinna provides an escape from city life and provides a home in the wilderness. This afternoon if time permits, we will have the opportunity to take some kayaks out onto the Pieman River to explore this pristine river environment. Walking distance: 2km Stay tonight: Camping at Corinna
Day 4
Boat trip down the Pieman River, explore Conical Rocks and Tarkine Rainforrest
Departing at sunrise, we journey down the Pieman River aboard the Arcadia II - weather permitting, the dark waters of the Pieman 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 Arcadia 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. After a picnic lunch on the west coast we make our way back to the Pieman Heads and jump aboard the Arcadia once more for the journey back to Corinna. Once back at Corinna we have the opportunity to take a short walk through the rainforest to visit the site of an old shipwreck from the pining days. Stay tonight: Camping at Corinna
Day 5
Drive to Arthur River, transfer to Franklin River via Balfour ghost town
Back on the bus this morning we continue our journey North toward the seaside village of Arthur River, Tasmania’s Westernmost settlement. Just before we reach the end of the Western Explorer, we visit the impressive Frankland River. This drive takes us through the eerie ghost town of Balfour, with an optional side trip to the Balfour Cemetery where carved headstones stand among rainforest, before arriving at the Frankland River, one of Tasmania’s might wild rivers! After lunch on the banks of the river we make our way back to the bus and continue our journey to Arthur River. Stay tonight: Camping at Arthur River
Day 6
Cultural Immersion with NITA Aboriginal Cultural educator, kayak Arthur River
Today we have the incredible opportunity to spend the morning with a NITA education Aboriginal Cultural educator. They will share with us the culture, history and heritage of her people. This will be an amazing morning of learning and insight into such an important part of Tasmania’s and Australia’s history. After we share lunch with our host, we will head out for a kayak on the Arthur River with the aim to reach Elvers Falls – time permitting Stay tonight: Camping Arthur River
Day 7
Arthur River to Stanley via the incredible Tarkine Drive
Today we depart Arthur River and take a drive along what has been called the ‘Tarkine Drive’. 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. we journey out to the beginning of the Tarkine Drive - a loop road that has been designed to pass many numerous impressive short walks showcasing some of the best the heart of the takayna has to offer. From here we have the option to take short walks out to Trowutta Arch, Lake Chisholm, Milkshake Hills and more - your guides will tailor this afternoon to suit the weather and group. Walking distance: Up to 10km Walking time: 3-4 hours Stay tonight: Cabins at Stanley Cabin Park
Day 8
Conservation service day, Habitat restoration and Marine Pollution
Today we will have a full service day learning about the local efforts for preserving the natural environment on the stunning island. Our hands on activities will include citizen science programs centring around Habitat Restoration and Marine Pollution. Stay tonight: Cabins at Stanley Cabin Park
Day 9
Trek to volcanic plug "The Nut", transfer to Black River and Wynyard onto Leven Canyon
This morning we take an exhilarating walk up ‘The Nut’ – an ancient volcanic plug that the town of Stanley is nestled under. On reaching the top of The Nut, 143m up, there is a delightful circuit walk that takes in extensive views out onto the Bass Straight. Back down from the Nut we enjoy the views as we drive out of Stanley and on towards Black River for a picnic lunch on the beach. After lunch we’re back on the bus again and heading deep into the forest to visit The Big Tree and Dip Falls. Stay tonight: Camping Leven Canyon
Day 10
Summit Black Buff Mountain
Today we head off on a real adventure! The mission…. To summit the impressive Black Bluff Mountain. Black Bluff dominates the skyline from almost everywhere on the North West Coast, standing at 1339m high this climb will be a challenge, but the reward on the summit will be worth it! Starting off at Taylors Flat we begin our ascent. 2 hours into the climb we will reach Paddys Lake – a glacial cirque tarn with Tasmania’s endemic Pencil Pine. After lunch at the lake we continue along the trail to reach the summit. Walking distance: 12km Stay tonight: Camping Leven Canyon
Day 11
Drive to Leven Canyon, transfer to Gowrie Park
Today we enjoy a relaxing morning, reminiscing on yesterday’s achievement! After a hearty breakfast we head out to the Leven Canyon. It is rare in the world to find such a powerful place as the Leven Canyon that is so easy to access. Here we will enjoy spectacular sweeping views from Cruickshank’s Lookout which sits 275m above the Leven River. Leven Canyon is a 250m deep ravine that is part of a wildlife corridor from the North Coast through to Cradle Mountain. The Leven river runs through 300 metre limestone cliffs carved through the Loongana range and down to the Bass Straight. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at this remarkable place before heading off on the bus once more in the direction of Gowrie Park Walking distance: 1.2km Stay tonight: Gowrie Park Wilderness Village bunkhouse
Day 12
Mt Roland and back to Launceston, fly to Melbourne
Standing at 1233m above sea level Mt Roland provides a stunning backdrop to the town of Sheffield (the town we visited at the beginning of our journey). The walk-up Mt Roland follows a vehicle track for a few kilometres before turning into a proper bushwalking trail. We pass by a couple of waterfalls and creeks on our way. After roughly an hour we cross a log bridge over O’Neill’s Creek. From here the trail becomes narrow and starts to steepen. Once we reach the plateau, we enjoy another hour of walking right on top of the plateau before reaching the summit. At the summit we are rewarded with 360deg views to the Bass Straight, Cradle Mountain and Black Bluff! Returning back to the bus we then make our way into Launceston and the conclusion of our incredible Tasmanian tour! Fly to Melbourne. Walking distance: 16kms Estimated time: 5-7 hours
Meals: B
A World Expeditions Schools adventure is a unique learning experience. Our journeys are designed to encourage thriving and positive youth development along with leaving the communities and environments where we travel in a better condition than when we arrived. The programs are designed to enhance the following life skills that will help you grow as an individual: • the confidence to lead a group and make decisions• the value of working together as a cohesive team to achieve a common objective• the ability to face mental and physical challenges• the ability to adapt to new environments outside of their 'comfort zone'• to appreciate and care for the natural environment. The environments we trek through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment• build strong friendships and bonds with their peers and also the local peoples• basic outdoor skills obtained on trek such as personal hygiene, pitching a tent, helping to prepare mealsImportantly our adventures help increase general well-being and build resilience in young men and women to help them deal with adverse situations in life.CARBON NEUTRAL World Expeditions Schools absorbs the cost of credits mitigating 100% of the unavoidable carbon emissions. This is our commitment to being part of the solution to climate crises.
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Per Person, Twin Share
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