Itinerary
Day 1: Hobart
Welcome to your Intrepid walking adventure in the beautiful surrounds of Tasmania (lutruwita), the traditional land of the palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) people. Your adventure begins in Hobart (nipaluna in the language of the muwinina and palawa peoples, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Hobart is now located). You may like to take a trip to the summit of kunyanyi (Mount Wellington) for spectacular, sprawling views of the city and southern Tasmania. Grab lunch at one of the fish and chip punts along the Hobart waterfront, where local fishermen, sailors and travellers have gathered for more than 200 years, or simply go for a stroll and enjoy the fresh sea air. After the welcome meeting, join your group for an included dinner at your hotel’s restaurant.
Day 2: Bruny Island
Set off for the 30 minute drive to Kettering where the Bruny Island vehicle ferry leaves from and let the adventures begin. The Cape Queen Elizabeth walk is the perfect introduction to Bruny Island’s white sand beaches and headlands, with spectacular views of The Neck (the isthmus between North and South Bruny Island) and Adventure Bay to capture your attention along the way. Miles Beach features dramatic rock formations which offer excellent photo opportunities. If the tide is low enough, you may be able to take the shorter and more exciting route around the coast below Mars Bluff. After the walk, it’s a short drive to your comfortable accommodation for the night.
Day 3: Bruny Island
A favourite with local hikers, today’s Labillardiere Peninsula walk is regarded as one of the 60 Great Short Walks in Tasmania. This popular and varied walk is located in one of the more remote corners of Bruny Island. There are enough ups and downs to keep things interesting, but it’s not too hard and there will be plenty of time to take breaks along the way. Highlights include views of the rugged southern ranges, rocky beaches, Partridge Island and birdlife such as sea eagles, bronze-cuckoos and black cockatoos. A dense forest track running perpendicular to the coastline is a grand finale to this moderate and diverse walk.
Day 4: Bruny Island / Dover
The incredible coastal views from the top of the occasionally steep Fluted Capes track make this walk particularly worthwhile. If you have a fear of heights, we can coach you along the cliff-tops, or you can take the alternative 'back' route which avoids the cliff tops (and therefore also the spectacular views). Highlights include eucalypt forests filled with towering blue gums, sparkling ocean views and a historic stop at Grass Point which was used as a whaling area in the early 1800s. Take in the ever-changing scenery from the top of dolerite cliffs, including distant views of the Tasman Peninsula and Cape Pillar before taking the path inland and back to the bus. From here, you will drive to the ferry and depart Bruny for your hotel on the mainland at Dover.
Day 5: Southwest National Park / Dover
The cliff top section of today’s trail in wild southern Tasmania is impressively remote and hauntingly beautiful, standing in stark contrast to the lush forest nearby. Incredible views of South Cape, Lion Rock and the turbulent ocean await but first you have to get here. Today’s walk is part of the South Coast Track, a challenging eight-day hike that is only suitable for experienced hikers. Accompanied by your expert leader, you'll enjoy an easier section of this famous trail, which includes flat board-walks across marshlands surrounded by lovely coastal heathland. When you reach the beach, soak up the scenery while enjoying your lunch, before making your way back to the bus.
Day 6: Hartz Mountains National Park / Hobart
Hartz Mountains National Park beckons for a walk to the summit of Hartz Peak. There’s timber boarding in some sections to make this hike easier and terrific views of Mt Wellington and the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Take a quick detour to see Lake Esperance before you reach Ladies Tarn with Hartz Peak on your left. After a final climb over rocky scree, you’ll see the summit and, if the weather is clear, fantastic views in every direction. After returning to the bus, it is short drive back to Hobart where your hiking adventure comes to an end at around 5pm.
