Blog home / Tips and Trips: Staff Suggestions for your next Tassie adventure
Need some ideas for your next Tasmanian adventure? There's nothing like getting good advice from an expert, so we asked our staff for input on their favourite active Tassie experiences, and here's what they told us.
THE WORLD'S BEST RIVER JOURNEY
Our Australian Sales Manager Linda Murden tackled the Franklin River Rafting expedition, and she found it to be one of the wildest places she's experienced anywhere on her extensive travels.
‘There were so many memorable moments,’ Linda said. ‘Climbing to the top of the mast on the yacht transfer on the final day, jumping in the freezing cold water and experiencing the change in temperatures between the Franklin and the Gordon Rivers, sleeping rough without a tent under the stars or in rock caves, the Lost World which is a narrow gorge that we walked up that opens up into a beautiful mossy hidden glen, riding the rapids, going completely off the grid and not seeing anyone after day two on the river until day nine.’
Linda got a good work out on the excursion and heartily recommends a little bit of upper body strength conditioning before your trip.
‘It is beneficial but not necessary,’ Linda said. ‘It just helps with the sore muscles.’
MULTI-ACTIVITY ADVENTURE FROM LAUNCESTON TO HOBART
Adventure Reservations Consultant Efti Nure can't stop raving abour her time on our Cycle, Kayak & Walk Tasmania trip.
‘My favourite experiences were sleeping with pademelons and wombats on Maria Island – outside of my usual comfort zone so very special. We also had a rare visit from a Tassie Devil,’ she recalled. ‘Those moments were capped with an exhilarating ride in Freycinet National Park surrounded by forest and finishing with an epic view of The Hazards [mountain range].’
Her advice for any Tasmania traveller?
‘Be prepared to be in awe at every turn,’ she said. ‘Tassie will steal your heart!’
Gus Chueng, Operations, also completed this popular 6-day multi-activity adventure.
‘Best things about the trip were exploring and walking amongst the wombats and kangaroos at historic Maria Island and relaxing at the end of each day with a good Tassie pinot noir,’ he said.
‘Advice for the trip?’ he asked. ‘Because this trip fully supported, this multi-activity trip can be enjoyed by anyone. If you are not a regular cyclist, an electric bike definitely makes the journey more enjoyable; and a padded bicycle seat is a must!’
TASMANIA'S BEST KEPT SECRET
Dana Garofani in our Operations team enjoyed doing something that very few have done, enjoy a walking adventure on Flinders Island.
‘Beautiful trip!’ she said. ‘Favourite moments: swimming, rock hopping, sunset at Castle Rock and watching the shearwaters fly home. There are plans for a new campsite in an idyllic spot nearer the sea, so the trip will be even better next season.’
She urges travellers to go before the secret is out.
‘There were hardly any other tourists. I went in early February,’ she said.
THE FAVOURITE BUSHWALK WITH ALL OUR GUIDES
Isabelle Hardinge, National Product Manager, recently did the rugged and remote South Coast Track and thinks it's one of the best hikes she has ever done.
‘My favourite moment from the South Coast Track was our ascent of the Ironbound Mountains. We knew it would be a long and challenging day, with a forecast for over 30 degrees. We got moving early to beat the heat. We were rewarded with a cool morning breeze and an unforgettable and everchanging landscape. The day was long and challenging but the high of reaching the top, the relief of a mild temperature on the exposed incline, and the vast and clear views through the walk were experiences I will not forget anytime soon.’
Her advice for this remote trip: ‘Train hard and prepare yourself for this walk but try not to overthink and stress about it. The challenges this trek requires will be easier to overcome if you have physically prepared yourself for the trip but remember that the challenge is also half the fun.’
THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM
Daniel Bunting, Business Development Coordinator, also pushed himself on his trip, but without a group, on the Walls of Jerusalem Self-Guided Experience.
‘We awoke from a night of bucketing rain to sunny skies and a curious Pademelon hopping around our platform,’ he said. ‘It was like the rains parted and the park was welcoming us with a visit from its amazing furry residents.’
‘Most of the water along the track is safe to drink, so there’s no need to haul litres along with you,’ Daniel said. ‘Top up as you go rather than carrying litres at a time while up on the plateau.’
Allie Peden, Sales Consultant, agrees with Dan that the Walls of Jerusalem Self-Guided Experience is a must-do trip.
‘I loved how pristine and wild this area felt,’ she said. ‘Peaks with views for days, and the area is named The Land of One Thousand Lakes – stunning!’
What’s the old adage about Tasmanian weather? Wait five minutes and it’ll change? Allie recommends packing for all seasons.
‘I also recommend a fourth day to do the Lake Adelaide loop walk,’ she said. ‘One hundred percent add the extra day.’
There you have it – sage advice and smart suggestions from folks who’ve gone out and done what you’re hopefully still dreaming about!
HIKING IN TASMANIA'S MOST FAMOUS NATIONAL PARK
Isabelle Hardinge also did the classic Overland Track recently.
‘My favourite thing to do on the Overland Track is the side trip to Old Pelion Hut and the waterhole. When you reach this spot, it is after one of your longest days, and it can be an easy one to dismiss, but I promise it is worth the extra effort. The waterhole is not as dramatic as some of the others you experience on this walk, but it is one of the most tranquil and peaceful locations I know of. It is tucked away and always presents as a hidden gem that only you were lucky enough to stumble upon. The water may be freezing but it’s always worth jumping in and relaxing after your long days walk.’
She recommends doing as many side trips as possible.
‘It may be a push at the time, but you’ll thank yourself later,’ she said. ‘The track offers a lot of these additional side trips, but every single side trip along the Overland track is unique and worthwhile.’
Cam Burns, in Marketing, rates the Maria Island and Cradle Mountain Experience as one of the best walking experiences he's come across in all his travels across the world.
‘Climbing Cradle Mountain is one of the most exhilarating experiences in Tasmania, both physically and visually,’ he said. ‘The route winds up past Wiendorfers Tower and you’re often not quite certain where you’ll end up. On top, the views of Barn Bluff and other iconic Central Tasmania peaks in that never-ending blanket of lush green vegetation are otherworldly.’
His advice for the trip: ‘Challenge yourself to learn the names of all the mountains on the horizens. You can see many of Tasmania’s most iconic peaks from atop Cradle.’