Into the Tarkine | 5 Days in Tasmania’s Wildest Heart
📍 Tasmania, Australia | Guided | All Inclusive ✅
Trek deep into the ancient heart of Tasmania’s northwest.
Primeval rainforest. Roaring rivers. Wild, wind-lashed coastline.
The Tarkine is untamed, and unforgettable.
Explore Tasmania’s ancient rainforest and wild coastline on a five-day walking adventure. Enjoy guided small-group hiking (40–45 km total), a Pieman River cruise, walks to Montezuma Falls and Mt Donaldson, and trails through mossy forest and riverside tracks. Return each day to remote eco-cabin accommodation with hearty meals, plus guided narration and storytelling across diverse landscapes.
Duration: 5 days
Distance: 40–45 km total
Style: Guided small-group walking
Region: Tasmania — ancient rainforest & wild coastline
Activities: Pieman River cruise, Montezuma Falls, Mt Donaldson, mossy forest & riverside tracks
Accommodation: Remote eco-cabins
Meals: Hearty meals
Guiding: Narration & storytelling throughout
Walk through ancient rainforest to a wild coastline
Cruise the Pieman River
Explore Montezuma Falls and Mt Donaldson
Follow mossy forest paths and riverside tracks
Unwind at remote eco-cabins with hearty meals
Gain deeper context with guided narration and storytelling
Departing Launceston, the journey begins with a scenic drive west, stopping in the coastal town of Penguin before winding through lush farmland toward the edge of the Tarkine.
The first walk is a rainforest loop at Hellyer Gorge, offering a gentle introduction to this ancient, moss-draped landscape. Expect the cool hush of myrtle beech forest, birdsong, and the constant soundtrack of rushing water.
Later, explore the magical track to Philosopher Falls—a trail straight out of a fairytale. The moss-covered path winds deep into temperate rainforest, passing tree ferns and towering myrtles, before arriving at a tucked-away cascade where time seems to pause.
Evening accommodation is at a peaceful wilderness retreat beside the Pieman River. Tonight includes a chef-prepared two-course dinner and a detailed trip briefing, offering insights into the days ahead.
🧭 Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
The day begins right from the cabin door, stepping into rainforest that hums with life. The morning trail descends toward the Savage River, an undisturbed haven of moss, lichen, and ancient Huon Pines. In the cooler months, the forest floor bursts with vivid fungi, offering a striking contrast to the emerald canopy above.
After lunch, a second walk follows the Whyte River, looping through temperate rainforest rich in prehistoric plant life and towering ferns. The trail finishes right back at the accommodation—peaceful, restorative, and deeply grounding.
Enjoy a well-earned rest before gathering for another warm, nourishing dinner prepared on site.
🧭 Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The day begins with a sunrise boat cruise along the majestic Pieman River—an atmospheric journey through the heart of Tasmania’s wild west coast. Mist lingers over the water as the boat glides past dense rainforest and mirrored reflections, bound for the remote shores of Pieman Heads.
From here, a coastal walk unfolds, tracing windswept trails where cliff meets sea and the forest spills onto the sand. Expect striking geological formations, open beaches, and, for the brave, the chance for a brisk, salt-laced swim.
The return journey upriver is aboard a historic Huon Pine vessel, offering a slow, peaceful drift perfect for reflection and rest.
The afternoon is flexible—optional kayak paddles or gentle local walks are available for those wanting to explore further, or simply relax riverside before dinner.
🧭 Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rise early for the ascent of Mount Donaldson—a rewarding climb through one of the Tarkine’s most dynamic landscapes. The trail begins in lush rainforest, gradually giving way to buttongrass plains and eventually the exposed summit.
At the top, sweeping 360° views reveal the sheer scale of the region—untamed, remote, and deeply sacred.
After a trail lunch, the journey continues south with a crossing on the iconic Fatman Barge, followed by a scenic drive through the rugged Tarkine ranges.
The day ends in the quiet lakeside village of Tullah, tucked beneath dramatic peaks. Dinner is served at the local bistro beside Lake Rosebery, with time to rest and reflect on the days behind.
🧭 Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The final walk leads to Montezuma Falls—Tasmania’s highest single-drop waterfall. The trail follows a disused historic tramway line, winding through lush forest and over fern-fringed creeks that glint in the dappled morning light.
As the sound of rushing water grows louder, the forest opens to reveal the thundering Montezuma Falls—a dramatic, rainforest-framed cascade and a fitting crescendo to the adventure.
After the hike, begin the journey back to Launceston, pausing in the town of Sheffield, known for its vibrant outdoor murals and welcoming cafés.
Arrival in Launceston is expected by approximately 4:30 pm—refreshed, reconnected, and just a little more wild than when the journey began.
🧭 Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Need more info. Check out full trip notes here
For the first three nights, your base is a remote wilderness eco-village tucked deep in the Tarkine rainforest.
Here, heritage-style timber cottages offer a rare balance of comfort and seclusion. Each self-contained cabin features warm beds, electric heating, a private ensuite, and forest views that change with the light.
A shared lounge and dining area bring the group together in the evenings—perfect for swapping stories or simply soaking in the stillness of the bush.
On the final night, you'll settle in at a lakeside lodge with modern twin-share rooms, all with private bathrooms and calming water views. It’s a gentle return to civilization before the journey ends.
Single rooms are available for those seeking extra space—just let us know at the time of booking (subject to availability and additional cost).
This is comfort food with a wild twist—nourishing, home-style meals designed to refuel your body and lift your spirit after a day on the trail.
While alcohol isn’t included, you’re welcome to bring your own. There’ll be space to store it and plenty of time to enjoy it.
Special diets? No problem. Most dietary requirements can be catered for—just give us a heads-up when booking.
Guided Experiences
Accommodation
Meals
Transport & Logistics
Sustainability & Impact
Getting There and Back
Travel Insurance
Alcohol and Personal Purchases
Tips
Extra Accommodation
The Tarkine is wild by name and wild by nature. Its cool temperate rainforest thrives on unpredictability—so come prepared for all seasons in a single day.
Expect mild daytime temperatures ranging from 12–22°C (54–72°F) in the warmer months (November–March), and cooler weather in shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) with temps as low as 5°C (41°F) in the mornings.
Rain is common and often part of the magic. Mist drapes the canopy. Waterfalls surge. The forest hums. A good rain jacket is essential, not optional.
Sunshine breaks through too, especially along the windswept coastline and button grass plains—so you’ll want your hat and sunglasses handy.
In short? Layers are your best friend. The Tarkine rewards the well-prepared.
Verified Reviews from Past Tours
Be prepared for wild weather, remote landscapes, and unforgettable days on the trail. This is Tasmania—layers and flexibility are key.
Clothing
Footwear
Gear
Optional (But Handy)
A few notes:
Region at a glance
A vast mosaic of cool-temperate rainforest, wild surf coast, button-grass plains and black-tannin rivers. This is the country of the palawa people, rich with cultural sites and big, living rainforest—home to Tasmanian devils, masked owls and the world’s largest freshwater crayfish. It’s raw, remote and unforgettable.
Why go
Seasonal snapshot
Getting there & around
Must-do highlights
Hidden-in-plain-sight (local-style)
Culture & Country
Wildlife you might meet
Eat, sip, stock up
Practicalities (read me)
2–3 day add-on ideas
Pack list (beyond the obvious)
Good to know (fast facts)
Results Summary
Method: high-estimate with Well-to-Tank (WTT) and aviation non-CO₂ effects via RF = 1.9; includes single-origin guest flights, all meals (included + off-tour), on-tour road transport, river cruise, accommodation, and +10% uncertainty uplift.
Purpose
Conservatively estimate greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂e) across Scopes 1–3, report per person (with group totals for context), and state the 200% offset applied per person.
Key Tour Info
Scope & Boundaries
Feeder Hub (Guest Flights) — Single Origin Rule
Emission Factors & Conservative Defaults
Activity Data Applied (this estimate)
Results — Per Person (high-estimate, no tables)
Flights (MEL ↔ LST; WTT + RF = 1.9): ≈ 300 kg
On-tour road (~700 km; conservative passenger-km factor): ≈ 95 kg
Marine — Pieman River cruise (upper range): ≈ 80 kg
Accommodation (4 nights; region benchmark): ≈ 80 kg
All meals (15 × ~2.5 kg): ≈ 38 kg
Subtotal: ≈ 593 kg
+10% uncertainty uplift: ≈ 59 kg
Estimated total per person: ≈ 650 kg CO₂e
Reporting focus is per person. Group totals above are for context only; offsets are applied per traveller.
Assumptions (transparent)
Versioning
Generated 23 Aug 2025 (Australia/Perth). Factors reviewed at least annually or when official sources update.
References
Explore the best times of the year to visit your dream destinations so you get minimum crowds and maximum experience
Use Heat-Map
Get an idea of just how long you can expect to travel from home to your dream destination including multiple travel modes
Use Time Estimator
Do your own travel impact calculations using our multiple Co2 calculators.
Measure Your Co2A moderate fitness level is recommended. Most walks are 8–12 km with gentle gradients, though trails can be uneven or muddy. If you can walk for 4–5 hours with breaks, you’ll be just fine.
You’ll stay in simple but comfortable cabins at a peaceful eco-retreat near Arthur River. Each room is twin-share and comes with a private ensuite, heating, and all the essentials. Single supplements are available (subject to availability).
Nope! This is a day-pack only tour. Your main luggage stays at the base each night. Just carry water, snacks, a jacket, and your camera—we’ll handle the rest
Yes, the Tarkine is one of Tasmania’s most significant wilderness regions, rich in Aboriginal heritage, ancient rainforests, and rare species. Our guides follow strict low-impact protocols, and your journey supports ongoing efforts to protect this incredible landscape.
Return transport from Launceston is included, along with all on-tour transfers. Pickup and drop-off locations are confirmed at the time of booking.
Only if you're expecting a call from a tree fern. The Tarkine is one of Australia’s most remote natural areas—most days will be off-grid with little to no reception. Consider it a rare invitation to fully disconnect. Emergency contact options are always available through the guides.
Yes—single travellers can request a room to themselves by paying a single supplement fee. Availability is limited and subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
Standard accommodation is twin-share. If you're travelling solo and don’t opt for the supplement, you’ll be paired with a same-gender traveller when possible.
Prefer your own space? Just tick the single supplement option during checkout
(T = tonnes CO₂e)
Still Searching? Check these out…
Here’s how it works—clean, simple, no surprises:
A) "Book with Deposit"
B) Instant confirmation route (selected trips)
Good to know
Before your booking is confirmed
After your booking is confirmed
Instant-confirmation bookings (live operator calendars)
How to cancel
If the operator cancels or significantly changes your trip
Good to know
Short answer: Usually yes, but it depends on the operator’s rules and how close you are to departure.
Date changes
Transfer to another person (name change)
Instant-confirmation bookings
How to request a change
Pro tips
Yes. Your money is protected by our own accreditation and safeguards, plus the protections of our tour partners and the payment methods we use.
Our business safeguards
Operator-level protection
How your payment is handled
Your legal rights
Extra peace of mind
Absolutely. Our prices update live from the operator, but if you spot the same tour on the same dates with the same inclusions and terms advertised for less — even in a public sale or promo — we’ll match it.
Already booked? We’ll refund the difference to your original payment method (eligibility applies, based on the final checkout price including taxes/fees from an authorised seller). And yes, the matched price still includes our 200% carbon offset — no dilution of benefits.
Not for every trip—but for most travellers, we strongly recommend it
Some itineraries and partner operators do require insurance (especially remote treks, glacier walks, or bookings made via live operator calendars with mandatory cover).
When it’s required
What good cover includes
When to buy
How to share proof
Most departures run as planned, but guarantees depend on the operator and minimum numbers. If there’s a wobble, we’ll tell you fast and give you options.
How it works
If a trip is under-subscribed
Move to another date (same tour)
Switch to a comparable trip
Full refund of monies paid (per the operator’s terms)
If a trip is suspended (weather, park closures, strikes, force majeure)
Our promise
Zero Trace Tours honors the enduring connection between Indigenous peoples and the lands they care for. We recognize the land itself as a protected entity —rich with story, spirit, and significance—and pay respect to its custodians past, present and emerging.
Real Independently Sourced Feedback
Real prices & availability
Pay through trusted, encrypted platforms
Selected for reputation and safety
Each booking funds 2x the impact
Real Independently Sourced Feedback
Real prices & availability
Pay through trusted, encrypted platforms
Selected for reputation and safety
Each booking funds 2x the impact
