Wilderness Adventure
Day 1
We meet up at our starting point in Ulverstone (just 20 kilometres west of the “Spirit of Tasmania” terminal in Devonport) at 9am where, following a pre-departure vehicle check, we then make our way to Smithton via Old Coast Road, Table Cape, Stanley (The Nut), Harcus River Road, and Mt Cameron, for our overnight stay in the Marrawah area.
Your first day in Tassie will be a leisurely drive along the North West Coast where you will see and explore some of the richest farmland in Australia. The views are spectacular with green farms rolling down to the blue waters of Bass Straight.
There will be a small amount of 4WDing but mainly bitumen roads. In the evening you can have a steak at the famous Marrawah Pub and retire to your choice of accommodation, ranging from luxury spa cabins to free camping.
O/N Accommodation Options - Ranging from Luxury Spa Cabins to Bush Camping (Your Choice)
Day 2
Marrawah to Dismal Swamp, West Point, Arthur River, Edge of the World, Sandy Cape.
First up today, you will have the option to explore the unique Dismal Swamp. This near new 5 million dollar tourism experience will blow you away and get you acquainted with the wild Tasmanian Rainforest. Enjoy an exhiliarating ride as you approach 40kph sliding to the forest floor (age limits apply) and then stroll the board-walks viewing ancient Blackwood Forest.
From Dismal Swamp we will make our way to Sandy Cape via rugged west coast beaches. The Sandy Cape Beach can be very treacherous and many vehicles have been lost to the quick sand. However we take this beach very seriously and our experience will make sure we get there and back safely.
That evening we will camp at the Thornton River or Sandy Cape depending on conditions.
O/N Acommodation - Bush Camping
Day 3
Thornton River to Granville Harbour via the Balfour Track and the Western Explorer.
Today we drive from the beach to the bush and get into Australian largest single tract of temperate Rainforest known as the Tarkine Wilderness. The Balfour track has some long deep water holes and all vehicles must be equipped with a snorkel. Should the conditions produce a dry run, we will tackle Mt Balfour to spice up the drive.
We will camp that evening at Granville Harbour or Conical Rocks amongst huge granite boulders and perhaps, do a spot of salmon fishing. If camping is not really your thing then Cabins and a Motel are located nearby in Zeehan or alternatively, camping and motel accommodation is available at Tullah.
It does pay however, to pre-book as accommodation in this part of Tasmania is much sort after.
O/N Accommodation - Bush Camp at Granville Harbour or Cabins/Motel in Zeehan, or Tullah. (Your choice)
Day 4
Granville Harbour to Zeehan then Montezuma Falls (Highest in Tasmania).
Montezuma Falls is the highest in Tasmania and offers a great 4WD experience through rich rainforest. On the return trip we have the option of a detour through the Ring River, however it is subject to the river height and your nerves.
O/N Accommodation - Bush Camp at Macquarie Heads or Full range of options in Strahan (Your Choice)
Day 5
Free day at Strahan.
Option- Gordon River Cruise, Abt Railway, Scenic Flights, Bush Walks, Jet Boat, Fishing, 4WD to Macquarie Heads (Hells Gates).
O/N Accommodation - Same as last night.
Day 6
Strahan to Mt Field National Park and Russell Falls.
Today’s drive is mostly on the black top and takes us through a variety of country where you will experience Tasmania’s ever changing scenery We will end up in the Mt Field National Park and after we have set camp, we can take a short walk to the wonderful Russell Falls.
Choice of camping or cabins.
Day 7
Saw Back Range Track and return to Mt Field.
The Saw Back Range track takes us to the abandoned mining town of Adamsfield along what I think is one of the best tracks in Tassie. It is challenging, has a good variety of terrain and the views are awesome, looking out over the rugged peaks of the South West Wilderness.
Unfortunately, about half of this drive passes through Wet Eucalypt Forest that was subject to Bush Fire in November 2007, but it is amazing to see just how fast the Australian Bush recovers after such an event. Although the old Adamsfield Hilton was lost to that fire, other artifacts hidden by the thick bush have been uncovered.
Officially this tour ends on our return to Mt. Field National Park, however I would recommend spending another night in this area to further explore Russell Falls, Styx Valley and Lake Dobson areas before continueing on with the rest of your Tassie holiday.
It is recommended that you spend a few days around Hobart and Port Arthur and another four or five days up the East Coast to Launceston and Cradle Mountain.