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Australia

Wombat

Hiking Cradle Mountain & Overland Track · Hiking Freycinet National Park · Nocturnal Wildlife Spotting · Beaches and Rainforest · Hiking Wineglass Bay

The Wombat trip is an adventurous trip for busy people who have a limited time to see the best we have to offer. Our philosophy is a little different to most. We don't try to see the whole country because we'd just sit in a vehicle all day. We've minimized the driving time to have an outrageously fun time - in a smaller area. Because of its remoteness, many Australians consider the hiking in "Tassie", as it's affectionately known, to be the best in the country, and we'll often have trails to ourselves. The hiking on the Wombat is more rigorous than our other trips, but you're efforts will be well-rewarded with spectacular views at every turn! We'll hike our favorite section of the famous Overland Track in Cradle Mountain National Park, summiting some of Tasmania's highest mountains. We'll hike around Freycinet Peninsula and Wineglass Bay, and with a myriad of other day walks included, we'll likely see possums, wombats, wallabies and other indigenous wildlife along the way. Tasmania is often compared to New Zealand for its scenic grandeur, but we think it has many attractions that are uniquely its own. If you like hiking and getting away from the maddening crowds, then the Wombat is for you!

Monday - Arrive Hobart & Hiking to Waterfall Bay
Our trips aren't about cities, so after meeting your guide, you'll set straight off to the Tasman Peninsula to explore Eaglehawk Neck, an area famous for being the last defence against convicts escaping from the penal colony of Port Arthur. Then we will take you to the geological formations of Tasman Arch and Devil's Kitchen blowholes. Here we will hike the cliff-top coastal walk where you will be treated to a sumptuous picnic lunch above Waterfall Bay. At the end of the day, it's a short drive to this evening's accommodation, located amongst towering gum trees and overlooking the golden sand and sparkling waters of Port Arthur. As an optional extra, your guide can arrange a trip to the haunting ruins of the Port Arthur Penal Colony, once home to thousands of reluctant guests of Her Majesty.
Overnight: Cabins at Port Arthur (L,D)

Tuesday - Wielangta Rainforest Walk & camping on Freycinet Peninsula
We have an early start this morning and head north to the quaint town of Swansea for a walk around Waterloo Point. From here you can see Freycinet Peninsula, all the way from the pink granite Hazard Mountains to the remote Schouten Island. Continue on to the small coastal village of Coles Bay, where you'll board the Kahala for a beautiful, smooth cruise along Freycinet Peninsula. Relax on deck for a few hours (or throw a line over the side) and before you know it, we'll have arrived at camp, located on a gorgeous sandy beach. You'll have the rest of the afternoon to explore this beautiful remote area, looking for wildlife and perhaps enjoying a swim in the azure blue waters. Tonight enjoy a magical evening camping under the stars and drift off to sleep in your own tent, lulled by the gentle lapping of the waves. Although we're many miles from civilization here on the wild coast of Eastern Tasmania, we always bring along plenty of the comforts of home!
Overnight: Camping on Freycinet Peninsula (B,L,D)

Wednesday - Hiking in Freycinet National Park
Today you'll hike along the Freycinet Peninsula. This is another unforgettable hike where we'll set off in search of all sorts of birds, including the black cockatoo and yellow wattlebird. With some luck, you'll also spot some Bennett's wallabies. The peninsula hike is stunning but demanding. You'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the coastline, and have a chance to get your feet in the crystal clear waters of famous Wineglass Bay, reputed to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You'll be at Coles Bay by the afternoon, with time to just relax in this beautiful coastal village.
Overnight: Cabins at Coles Bay (B,L,D)

Thursday - Hiking the Overland Track at Cradle Mountain
This morning we have an early start. We'll be driving north to Cradle Mountain National Park, one of the oldest National Parks in Australia. We'll be spending the next couple of days hiking part of the Overland Track, one of Tasmania's premier multi-day tracks through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. At a total of 65 km (40 miles) we won't be doing all of it - but the Cradle Mountain end of the track is not to be missed! This afternoon's hike starts alongside Lake Dove before climbing above Lake Hanson and the Twisted Lakes. From here you will descend down to our back country hut for the evening on the edge of Lake Rodway.
Overnight: Kilvert Hut, Cradle Mountain National Park (B,L,D)

Friday - Hiking the Overland Track and Barn Bluff Summit
After an early breakfast, we climb out of our secluded hideaway to link up with the Overland Track, and continue on to our overnight accommodation at Waterfall Valley hut. After lunch you have the option of hiking further along the Overland Track, or scaling the dolerite formation of Barn Bluff (5145 ft). This latter option is not for the faint hearted and of course not compulsory, but you will be treated to a 360-degree panoramic view of some of the most spectacular scenery in Australia. Tonight we stay at Waterfall Valley Hut, far from civilisation and surrounded by the southern skies.
Overnight: Waterfall Valley Hut , Cradle Mountain National Park (B,L,D)

Saturday - Hiking in Cradle Mountain & Nocturnal Naturalist Walk
This morning we are up early and begin by heading out along the Overland Track. For the very keen, your guide will take you for a climb up to the summit of Cradle Mountain (5100 ft). Along the way we'll stop at Marion's Lookout, which offers outstanding views of beautiful Dove Lake and Lake Hanson, before looping back via the Wombat Pool to your awaiting vehicle. We'll then head to Silver Ridge Lodge, our accommodation for the night, for a hot shower and a classic Aussie barbeque. Tonight we have a special treat - we'll head out after dark with a local naturalist to find some of Australia's fascinating nocturnal marsupials. With a little luck you should see wombats, wallabies, and possums before returning to the lodge for the night.
Overnight: Silver Ridge Lodge, Mt Roland (B,L,D)

Sunday - Morning hike and depart Launceston
Our last day in Tasmania! We start the day with a local hike, to stretch your legs, check out the blue gums and see if we can spot some more koalas. We'll then head towards Launceston, stopping to do a couple of short - but spectacular - walks, including Cataract Gorge. We'll have you back at Launceston airport in time for early afternoon flights. Alternatively you can take an overnight cruise on The Spirit of Tasmania for a more relaxed old-fashioned return journey. (B,L)

IMPORTANT DETAILS

ACCOMMODATIONS: The Wombat is a hiking-oriented trip to our favourite parts of Tasmania. We've chosen interesting and comfortable accommodation throughout. In some places it's quite luxurious. Many of the other places we stay are off-the-beaten-track - and don't have many accommodation options - but are really, really spectacular. Some accommodations have separate bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, and others have two bedroom apartments with shared bathrooms. Our clients often say a real highlight of the trip is meeting the Aussies who are their hosts and you'll love the places we stay!

FITNESS : You must have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy yourself on the Wombat . You don't have to be young and extremely fit (although if you are, you won't be bored) but you should be in the habit of doing at least some exercise. Age and experience are not important. We would rather have a person in her 50s who hikes every couple of weeks, than a 22-year-old couch potato! If you're concerned about your fitness level, have a chat with us so we can help you choose between the Wombat and our other trips.

EXPERIENCE : You don't have to have any outdoor experience at all to take our trips because we help you make the most of Australia's amazing outdoor environment. Our staff are highly trained and very experienced outdoor guides, and we will look after you! All we ask is that you are energetic, enthusiastic, and in reasonable shape, and we guarantee you'll have an incredible time. We manage the level of commitment to suit your experience, and we have an impeccable safety record. We hold all relevant government licenses.

FLEXIBILITY : Because of the off-the-beaten-path and non-commercial nature of the places we stay, we may need to change a night stop. We try to make as few changes as possible, but retain the flexibility to make sure your trip is as good as it can be. Some of our activities are weather dependent and if it's a choice between safety and an activity, your safety will always come first. In these cases we'll have a suitable alternate activity.

INCLUDED : The trip fare is US$1999 + applicable taxes and fees (10%). We quote all prices in US dollars, so our guests from all over the world can more easily relate prices to their own currencies. You can also join for shorter periods of time, at a pro-rated price. The trip fare includes just about everything, specifically:

• All guiding services. We generally have two guides per trip, a lead guide/driver, and a co-guide who is responsible for meals and accommodations. This means we can really make sure you have a great time! We operate with small groups, and we don't hesitate to offer a second departure when our trips start getting full. (Click here to read what our previous clients have said about their guides)

• Comfortable accommodations for the entire period you are with us (see "Accommodations" above). We can organize extra accommodation for you, if you want to arrive earlier or leave later.

• All your meals (as indicated), except where we've found people prefer to check out the wide range of local restaurants. (B,L,D) means breakfast, lunch & dinner included. Alcohol is not generally included, although we do spring for a few drinks here and there!

• All hiking as described in the itinerary, except any optional extra activities along the way. We have estimated the rates for optional extra activities run by local operators in US dollars, but these rates may vary according to the USD/AUD exchange rate of the day. There are many optional activities available at extra cost along the way - just ask your guide. None of these activities are compulsory, and nor will your trip seem less awesome if you do the more budget options. Although some people enjoy sampling the optional extras , others prefer to focus more on the hiking which is of course the reason you've chosen the Wombat in the first place!

• All specialized equipment required for all activities - please refer to our gear list for further details.