Tasmania's Wild South: 8-Day Sea Kayak Expedition

📍 SW Tasmania, Australia | All INCLUSIVE

Venture deep into the untouched wilderness of Southwest Tasmania.

Traverse World Heritage waterways, camp beneath ancient forests, and embrace true isolation

Start and Finish

Start and Finish

Hobart, Tas

Small Groups

Small Groups

Maximum 10-12 People

Full Distance Paddled

Full Distance Paddled

Approx. 85-100KM

Difficulty

Difficulty

Moderate

Climate +

Climate +

200% Co2 Offset

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8-Day Sea Kayak Expedition | Southwest Tasmania
Tour Overview

Paddle into the Wild: An Unforgettable Expedition Through Tasmania’s Remote Southwest

Paddle deep into one of the world’s last true wildernesses on this 8-day sea kayaking expedition through Tasmania’s remote southwest. Accessible only by light aircraft, the journey begins with a scenic flight into the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

By day, explore calm inlets, winding rivers, and wild coastline; by night, camp beneath ancient forests and starlit skies. Along the way, discover hidden beaches, huon pine groves, and dramatic mountain backdrops few ever get to see.

Led by experienced guides, this expedition blends adventure and solitude with nourishing camp meals, stunning scenery, and a deep connection to place. It’s wild, weather-shaped, and unforgettable.


Quick Facts

  • Duration: 8 days

  • Style: Sea kayaking expedition

  • Region: Tasmania’s remote southwest

  • Access: Light aircraft scenic flight in

  • Accommodation: Wilderness camping under forest and stars

  • Guiding & Meals: Experienced guidesNourishing camp meals


Trip Highlights

  • Scenic flight into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area

  • Paddle calm inlets, winding rivers, and wild coastline

  • Camp beneath ancient forests with starlit skies

  • Discover hidden beaches and huon pine groves

  • Travel beneath dramatic mountain backdrops few ever see

  • A journey that is wild, weather-shaped, and unforgettable

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Key Tour Info

Tour Itinerary
Day 1 | Fly In, Settle In, Soak It In

Welcome!

Meet at Cambridge Airport and prepare to leave the everyday world far behind. A 40–50 minute scenic flight delivers you deep into one of the planet’s last true wilderness frontiers—flying over Tasmania’s rugged inland peaks or dramatic coastline, depending on the weather.

Touch down at the remote Melaleuca airstrip, built by pioneering conservationist Deny King. From there, wheel your gear a short distance to the expedition basecamp and settle in.

The afternoon is yours to explore this remote corner of the world:

  • Wander the interpretive Needwonee Walk
  • Visit the Deny King Museum for insight into Melaleuca’s wild legacy
  • Keep an eye out for the critically endangered Orange-bellied Parrot, which breeds here in the summer months

After dinner, your guides will talk through the weather, sea conditions, and possible paddling routes for the days ahead—setting the tone for your journey into the wild.

Day 2 | Paddle into Bathurst Channel

Paddle Distance: ~15 km (4–5 hours)

Push off into Bathurst Channel and begin your first day on the water. This scenic stretch offers a stunning introduction to the Southwest Wilderness—deep, tannin-rich waters flanked by rainforest-covered slopes and moody skies.

Expect a gentle headwind at times, balanced by regular breaks to stretch your legs, refuel, and soak in the silence of this remote world.

By evening, glide into a peaceful bush camp tucked along the shoreline. Settle in, breathe deep, and take in the views—earned, and entirely worth it.

Day 3 | Coastal Curves & Spain Bay Sands

Paddling Distance: 15–20 km (3–5 hrs)

Today’s route follows a more exposed section of coastline, opening up expansive views across Bathurst Harbour and the Southern Ocean beyond. If the weather is favourable, there may be an opportunity to paddle around the dramatic Breaksea Islands—a highlight for many.

After landing at Spain Bay, those keen to stretch their legs can enjoy a remote coastal walk across the isthmus to Stephens Beach. Whether you paddle, hike, or just take it all in, this is a day for big horizons and quiet moments at the edge of the world.

Day 4 | Into the Arms of Bramble Cove

Paddling Distance: 6–10 km (2–4 hrs)

Today’s paddle is shorter but no less rewarding, taking you deep into one of the region’s most tranquil, sheltered inlets. As you glide through glassy waters flanked by towering quartzite peaks, the pace slows and the silence deepens.

Arrive at a peaceful bush camp where the mirrored surface of the harbour reflects the surrounding wilderness. Spend the afternoon unwinding, exploring on foot, or simply soaking in the stillness—this is Southwest serenity at its finest.

Day 5 | A Day to Explore or Exhale

Free Time

Today is yours to shape. Whether you’re craving a challenge, quiet reflection, or something in between, the landscape offers options in every direction.

Head out on foot to summit Mt Stokes or Mt Milner for sweeping views of the harbour and beyond. Prefer to stay on the water? Paddle to Whale Head or Wallaby Bay, tracing quiet coves and untamed shoreline.

There’s also the chance to explore remnants of the region’s early whaling days—weathered relics that whisper of a very different past. However you spend it, this flexible day is about connecting with the wild on your terms.

Day 6 | Drift Through Bathurst Harbour

Paddling Distance: ~20 km (4–5 hrs)

The return journey east takes you back across the broad, open sweep of Bathurst Harbour—often with the wind at your back and the water like glass beneath your kayak.

Drift past untouched shoreline, ancient forest, and mirrored reflections that blur the line between water and sky. It’s a day to savour the scale and stillness of the Southwest, where every paddle stroke feels lighter and every view more expansive than the last.

Day 7 | Inlets, Islands, and a Final Camp

Paddling Distance: 10–15 km (3–5 hrs)

Today offers a final chance to explore some of the Southwest’s quieter corners—perhaps tracing the winding North River or circling the forested Celery Top Islands.

The pace is gentle, the waters calm, and the scenery ever-changing. It’s a day for reflection, slow paddling, and soaking in the last wild moments before your final night in camp.

Day 8 | One Last Paddle, Then Home

Paddling Distance: ~8 km (1–2 hrs)

Ease into the day with a relaxed start and one final paddle—this time up the winding Melaleuca Inlet, retracing your route back toward civilisation.

At the airstrip, you’ll clean down your gear and prepare for the scenic midday flight back to Hobart. Return transfers are included.

Note: Weather in the Southwest can be unpredictable. Flights may be delayed due to poor conditions, so it’s strongly recommended to allow at least 24 hours before any onward travel plans.

Need more info. Check out full trip notes here

Food & Accommodation

Where You’ll Stay

This is true wilderness camping—no hotels, no crowds, no roads. Each night you’ll set up camp in remote and spectacular locations within Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed Southwest.

You’ll be provided with high-quality gear, including:

  • single or double tent (singles don’t share)
  • warm sleeping bag and liner
  • sleeping mat and ground chair

Campsites are chosen for their natural beauty and shelter. You’ll help pitch your own tent each day, adding to the expedition spirit. There’s no power, no mobile coverage, and definitely no reception—just the sounds of nature and a sky full of stars.

What You’ll Eat

Every meal on the expedition is prepared fresh by your expert guides using high-quality ingredients—no dehydrated rations here.

You'll enjoy:

  • Hearty hot breakfasts
  • Packed or picnic-style lunches
  • Delicious dinners served with a complimentary glass of wine
  • Plenty of snacks and hot drinks throughout the day

Dietary requirements? No problem—just let the team know in advance. Everything is carried in and out with care, so meals are simple, satisfying, and low impact on the environment.

What's Included & What's Not

What’s Included

  • Return flights between Cambridge Airport and Melaleuca
  • Transport between Hobart city and Cambridge Airport
  • 8-day guided sea kayaking expedition through Tasmania’s World Heritage wilderness
  • All high-quality sea kayaking equipment (kayak, paddle, spray skirt, PFD, paddle jacket & pants, pogies)
  • Expedition-grade camping gear: tent, sleeping bag, liner, sleeping mat, and ground chair
  • Two dry bags (20L & 25L) and a 70L duffle bag for packing
  • All meals, snacks, and drinks during the expedition, including a glass of wine with dinner
  • Cooking equipment and eating utensils
  • Toilet paper and sanitation supplies
  • Two experienced professional sea kayaking guides
  • Safety equipment including first aid kit, satellite phone, EPIRB, marine radio, flares, and towing gear
  • Small camp library with reference books and field guides
  • Storage for excess luggage in Hobart during the trip

What’s Not Included

  • Flights to and from Hobart
  • Accommodation in Hobart before and after the expedition
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Additional alcohol (a glass of wine is included with dinner; extras must fit in luggage and be in non-glass containers)
  • Personal clothing and gear not listed as provided
  • Costs associated with flight delays due to weather or poor visibility
Weather Expectations

Expect wild coastal weather and ever-shifting conditions in Southwest Tasmania. Temperatures usually range from 8°C to 18°C, but can spike to 20°C in summer—or dip lower near dawn. Rain is common any time of year, so waterproof gear is essential even if skies look clear.

Wind picks up around the waterways—especially mid‑day—bringing choppy paddling conditions. Mornings and evenings tend to be calmer and more sheltered.

Pack layers: thermal baselayers, breathable mid-layers, a stout waterproof shell, and sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF). On the water, wear quick‑dry clothing and shoes that can get wet.

Your guides monitor the forecast daily and adjust the route, camp locations, and schedule for safety and comfort.

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What To Pack

🎒 What to Bring

This is a remote, self-supported expedition—so smart packing matters. Your guides will provide all group camping and kayaking gear, but you’ll need to bring your own personal items and clothing. Here’s what to pack:

On the Water

  • Paddling clothes: quick-dry shirt, thermal top (merino or synthetic), board shorts or thermal leggings
  • Paddling shoes: wetsuit booties or sturdy sandals that can get wet
  • Waterproof jacket (essential—even in summer)
  • Gloves (optional, but helpful for paddling comfort)
  • Sun hat with strap and a warm beanie
  • Polarized sunglasses with retainer strap
  • Sunscreen (reef safe), lip balm with SPF
  • Reusable water bottles or hydration system (minimum 2L capacity)

On Land & at Camp

  • Lightweight towel and swimwear
  • Spare warm layers: fleece/jumper, thermal baselayers, puffer jacket
  • Comfortable camp clothes (pants, T-shirts, hoodie)
  • Waterproof pants (recommended for wet landings)
  • Undies and extra socks
  • Head torch with spare batteries
  • Personal toiletries (eco-friendly please)
  • Small quick-dry travel towel
  • Insect repellent

Optional but Handy

  • Power bank for charging devices (no electricity on tour)
  • Book, journal, or cards for downtime
  • Dry bag or plastic bags to separate wet/dry clothes
  • Lightweight camp shoes (crocs or sneakers)
  • Camera or GoPro (but keep it dry!)
  • Earplugs (just in case your tent buddy snores)
  • Luggage

Bring one soft duffel bag (60–90L max) for all your gear. Hard cases and large suitcases are not suitable.

Your guides will give you a dry bag for items needed during paddling. They’ll help you pack everything to balance weight and space across kayaks.

Need more info. Check out full trip notes here

Co2 Footprint
Your Tour Offsets drive far more than Tree Planting — We Go Climate Positive By Design | Click Here to View the Method

Zero Trace CO₂e Report — Southwest Tasmania | 8-Day Sea Kayak Expedition

Results Summary (Topline)

  • Estimated total per person: ≈ 814 kg CO₂e
  • Offset per person (200%): ≈ 1.63 t CO₂e
  • Group total for context (12 guests): ≈ 9.77 t CO₂e

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 flights/transport & stays, 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

  • Region: Southwest Tasmania (Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area)
  • Duration: 8 days
  • Start/Finish: Hobart ⇄ Hobart (includes return scenic flights Hobart/Cambridge ↔ Melaleuca, plus Hobart city ↔ Cambridge Airport transfers)
  • Group size for context totals: 12 (max 10–12 shown on page)
  • Paddling distance: ≈ 85–100 km (human-powered)
  • Accommodation: 7 nights wilderness camping (no grid power)
  • Meals counted: 24 per person (3/day × 8; included + off-tour)

Scope & Boundaries

  • Scope 1: On-tour road fuel (Hobart city ↔ Cambridge Airport shuttles).
  • Scope 2: Purchased electricity only if directly attributable (typically negligible for wild camping; accommodation impact handled via room-night benchmark).
  • Scope 3: Guest flights to/from Hobart (single-origin rule), on-tour scenic flights Hobart/Cambridge ↔ Melaleuca (included in the tour), accommodation (camp nights), all meals, and uncertainty uplift. Capital goods excluded.

Feeder Hub (Guest Flights) — Single Origin Rule

  • Chosen origin hub: Melbourne (MEL) (nearest major capital to Hobart).
  • Routing applied (return): MEL ↔ HBA for each person.

Emission Factors & Conservative Defaults

  • Flights: UK GOV/DEFRA distance-based factors (economy), WTT included, RF = 1.9 applied.
  • Road (mini-coach/utility): Higher passenger-km factor to reflect lower occupancy (conservative).
  • Accommodation: Room-night approach (HCMI/CHSB regional benchmarks) for all 7 camp nights to avoid undercounting.
  • Meals: Meat-heavy mixed-diet ≈ 2.5 kg CO₂e per meal (upper-bound).
  • Uncertainty uplift: +10% added to subtotal where primary meter/fuel data is missing.

Activity Data Applied (this estimate)

  • Guest flights: MEL ↔ HBA (return).
  • On-tour scenic flights (included): Hobart/Cambridge ↔ Melaleuca (return).
  • On-tour road: Hobart city ↔ Cambridge Airport transfers (return).
  • Accommodation: 7 nights wilderness camping.
  • All meals consumed: 24 meals/person.

Results — Per Person (high-estimate, no tables)

Guest flights (MEL ↔ HBA, return; WTT + RF = 1.9): ≈ 370 kg
On-tour scenic flights (Hobart/Cambridge ↔ Melaleuca, return; WTT + RF): ≈ 160 kg
On-tour road (city ↔ Cambridge transfers; conservative p-km): ≈ 10 kg
Accommodation (7 nights; room-night benchmark): ≈ 140 kg
All meals (24 × ~2.5 kg): ≈ 60 kg

Subtotal: ≈ 740 kg
+10% uncertainty uplift: ≈ 74 kg
Estimated total per person: ≈ 814 kg CO₂e

Reporting focus is per person. Group totals above are provided only for context. Offsets are applied per person.

Assumptions (transparent)

  • Origin hub fixed: Melbourne for all travellers (nearest major capital to Hobart).
  • Aviation: Distance-based; WTT included; RF = 1.9 to reflect non-CO₂ warming.
  • On-tour flights: Treated as separate short-haul sectors (Cambridge/Hobart ↔ Melaleuca return).
  • Road: Short city–airport shuttles counted with conservative passenger-km factor.
  • Accommodation: Camp nights benchmarked as room-nights to avoid underestimation.
  • Meals: Every meal during the 8-day window counted (24/person).
  • Uncertainty: +10% uplift applied to subtotal.

Versioning

Generated 23 Aug 2025 (Australia/Perth). Factors reviewed annually or when official sources update.

References

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Tour FAQ's
What are the highlights of the Tour?

🏞 Melaleuca

  • A remote outpost in the heart of the Southwest National Park.
  • Historic home of Deny King, with a rich tin mining history.
  • Opportunity to spot the critically endangered Orange-bellied Parrot.
  • Access point via scenic flight over Tasmania’s rugged mountains or wild southern coast.

🌊 Bathurst Harbour & Port Davey

  • Vast, sheltered waterways in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
  • Known for their still, tannin-stained waters and mirror-like reflections.
  • Surrounded by untouched rainforest, quartzite peaks, and ancient coastline.

🐚 Spain Bay & Breaksea Islands

  • A remote bay offering wild coastal beauty and a chance to paddle near the dramatic Breaksea Islands.
  • Optional hike to Stephens Beach adds a land-based highlight.

🌄 Bramble Cove

  • A scenic, sheltered cove with multiple land-based exploration options.
  • Base for day trips including:

🌲 Celery Top Islands & North River

  • Pristine examples of Southwest Tasmania’s biodiversity.
  • Rich in birdlife and dramatic forested landscapes.
How fit do I need to be for this trip?

A moderate level of fitness is required. You’ll be paddling for 4–6 hours on some days, sometimes in windy conditions, and helping with basic camp setup. No kayaking experience is necessary, but being comfortable in water and reasonably active will help.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No prior experience is required. Your guides will provide expert instruction and support throughout the trip. Most participants are first-timers or recreational paddlers.

What sort of weather should I expect?

Southwest Tasmania is famously wild and changeable. Expect temperatures from 10°C to 35°C, rain on at least one day, and chilly evenings. Quality thermals and waterproof gear are essential (see packing list).

What are the campsites like?

You’ll be camping in pristine wilderness. Tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping mats are provided. Campsites are remote with no power or mobile coverage, but rich in natural beauty and serenity.

What’s the food like?

All meals, snacks, and drinks are provided—including a glass of wine with dinner each night. Meals are hearty, nutritious, and prepared by your guides. Dietary requirements can be catered for—just let us know at booking.

How do we get there and back?

The expedition begins with a scenic flight from Hobart’s Cambridge Airport to Melaleuca. Return flights and Hobart transfers are included. We recommend not booking onward travel for at least 24 hours after the trip ends in case of weather-related delays.

Is there phone reception or power?

Nope! This is a true digital detox. There’s no mobile coverage or power, so come prepared with fully charged devices and spare batteries.

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