Tasmanian Wilderness Tours

Tasmania's pristine "clean green"
state boasts the best
untouched wilderness in the world.

Arthur River Cruises

For a truly unforgettable wilderness experience your hosts welcome you to spend the day cruising the Arthur River, Tasmania with Arthur River Reflections River Cruises. It is stated the Arthur River is one of the last truly 'wild rivers' of Australia. This recognised wilderness area of world value is densely forested with myrtles, sassafras, celery-top pine, blackwood, laurels and giant tree ferns. As you cruise upstream on 'M.V. Reflections' this lush greenery is reflected in the still tea-coloured waters. High above the river bank white-bellied sea - eagles are perched in the trees with commanding views of the river. An abundance of bird life can be heard and seen. You can catch a glimpse of azure kingfishers with their distinct blue and orange colourings. Platypus can be sighted in their own habitat. On arrival at Warra landing you disembark to be taken on an informative guided walk on elevated walkways enjoying the most intimate rainforest experience possible. All walkways are level to suit all ages. Whilst in the peaceful surrounds of the rainforest you will be served a selection of Tasmanian cheese, complimentary wines, cake, coffee or tea. Your day is complete with a delicious smorgasbord barbecue and complimentary wines.

Franklin/Gordon River National Park

Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, this national park protects Tasmania's great western rivers the Franklin, Gordon, Jane and Denison and the remote mountain ranges where they rise. The Lyell Highway (A10) cuts through the national park on its way to Queenstown, entering the WHA just west of Derwent Bridge. Take time to stop and explore the rainforest bordering the road there are excellent short walks at the Franklin River, Donaghys Lookout and Nelson Falls. Picnic facilities are also available at some roadside stops through the national park.

Far South Wilderness Lodge - Dover

The Far South Wilderness Company is a base for education and adventure in Tasmania's FAR SOUTH. It offers a venue for International Backpackers and Faculty retreats and is exactly where you would hope it to be...only eighteen nautical miles from Tasmania's southern most tip, South East Cape. Secluded on 'The Narrows' of the serene Esperance River, surrounded by unparalleled beauty and adventure opportunities...this is one of the world's special places...this is where your journey begins. Out sea-kayaking, riding, trekking, flying or sailing - your spirit will be set free, and only hours from the mainland's capital cities. Feel the sharp bite of the wind, warm sun on your face and the inner glow that high 'on the edge' adventure can give. Rowing, sketching, painting or soaking up the indigenous and unique French history, The Far South Wilderness Company is a base where 'environment' and 'adventure' take on real meaning. The Far South Wilderness Company is the base for expeditions and adventurers. Set off in a kayak, a mountain bike, or hike out on foot and return one, two, three...five days later. Explore the isles and inlets of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel and Recherche Bay...Walk the Labillardiere Peninsula, trek through the once tropical rainforests on to the billion year old peak of Mt. La Perouse. Marvel at fossilised lungfish and plants from the Triassic, and the King Billy Pine (Athrotaxis selaginoides), a possible remnant of Gondwanaland. Professionally guided, by yourself or in a group, experience new frontiers in this 'unexplored' corner of our continent. From the edge of Tasmania's World Heritage Area, take a seaplane flight to rugged peaks and breathtaking rivers. Circle Maatsuyker Island in the swells of the great Southern Ocean. Plot a course following the great French explorers, Bruni D'Entrecasteaux and Nicholas Beldin, before sweeping west over the islands, to the Far South Wilderness Company at 'The Narrows' of the Esperance River. 'One of the finest backpackers in Tasmania.....a superb waterfront bush setting, excellent quality accommodation.....strong environmental focus....bikes and kayaks for hire' ( Lonely Planet, Australian Guide 2004).

Helicopter Scenic Tours

Why not experience Tasmania's wilderness, scenery, history and boutique wineries from a helicopter. Rotor-Lift Helicopters offer a diversity of activities and helicopters… there's something to suit everyone. We are also happy to discuss any individual needs our clients may have and can tailor a helicopter trip to your desire. We have pilots who speak both Japanese and French, so please advise us if this is a requirement. Rotor-Lift Helicopters has a dedicated team of pilots all with vast flying experience within Australia and overseas, as required for the operations of the Tasmania Police Rescue Helicopter Rescue. Our company is committed to our clients' comfort and safety at all times. Experience one of our many adventure helicopter tours or charter your own personal helicopter to explore the vast reaches of Tasmania’s rugged wilderness. We have a comfortable reception area at our base, located at Hobart Airport. We look forward to welcoming you aboard one of our flights.

Tasmania has pride in its pristine National Heritage Listed Wilderness areas.  Encompassing vast areas of the state, Tasmania’s Wilderness areas can take you from the glorious rainforests of the West Coast to the rugged terrain of the South Coast Walking Tracks.  Visit the crystal clear opal blue waters of Freycinet peninsula at Coles Bay.  Experience white-water rafting down the Franklin River or day tours by plane to pristine beaches. Spoil your senses on the unspoilt! Come and enjoy our 17 wonderful National Parks.

The Franklin River, the other of the wild rivers for which the park is named, is one of the world's great wilderness rivers and is in the heart of Tasmania's uninhabited south-west. Rafting tours conducted on a regular basis, most commencing in Queenstown.

The Lyell Highway passes through the national park, and there are several walks accessible from the roadside. The Franklin River Picnic Area is located where the highway crosses the river, and there is an interpretative rainforest walk (easy, 20 min) to the river. Nelson Falls is a 20 min walk, and has a viewing platform at the base of the falls.

Donaghy's Hill is a moderately easy 40 min (return) walk to a lookout, where the Franklin and Collingwood Rivers can be viewed along with mountains in the vicinity such as Frenchman's Cap and the King William Range.

Significantly more challenging is the walk to Frenchmans Cap itself. Passing through testing wilderness (below), this provides great alpine scenery but is only for very experienced bushwalkers and takes approximately four days.

Browse the Tasmania Menu at the top of this page for more detailed information about Tasmania's wilderness areas and its fantastic 19 National Parks.

ARVE RIVER FOREST DRIVE

ARVE RIVER FOREST DRIVE The starting point is the Forest and Heritage Centre at Geeveston, for an introduction to the forests. Highlights include Keoghs Creek streamside walk, a riverside picnic area, a walk through Huon pines at the Tahune Forest Reserve and a Big Tree Lookout. The drive takes about an hour each way from Geeveston, depending on how many stops you make. THE PICTON RIVER The beautiful, reflective Picton is perfect for photography, painting and fishing, but is perhaps best known for kayaking and rafting. Several Hobart-based tour operators offer rafting trips suitable for beginners, particularly during summer, when the river runs are relatively easy and the rapids safe. More experienced paddlers could also find the river a challenge. HASTINGS FOREST TOUR To get the most from this two-hour self-guided tour, first hire the cassette tape from the Tasmanian Visitor Centre in Hobart, or the Forest and Heritage Centre in Geeveston. The Hastings forest once supported some of Tasmania's earliest and biggest sawmills. The tape and signs along the drive help you discover the remains of some of the old timers handiwork in the midst of this vigorous and beautiful regenerated forest. The forests also give you an insight into local management issues, such as harvesting and regeneration methods and plantation options. The picnic area, near the end of the tour, is a good spot for lunch. DUCKHOLE LAKE TRACK This is a beautiful but little publicised walk through stringy barks and rainforest to a tiny lake in a forest sinkhole. A level, well-made track follows a late 19th century sawmill tramway for much of the way. About one and a half hours return. RESOLUTION ROAD This road on Bruny Island is named after Captain Cook's ship (which he tied to a tree at Adventure Bay) this 7-kilometre stretch of the road takes you above the bay into a cool and shaded world of tall trees. Perfect for a family drive or bike ride. Cyclists should start at the south end and enjoy a downhill coast back to Adventure Bay. LAKE REPULSE The trout in this lake on the upper Derwent River seem particularly partial to yellow, black and red coloured lures. The forest on the western shore offers protection from the prevailing weather and an ideal spot for a picnic by the water. WIELANGTA FOREST DRIVE A gravel road takes you through one of our oldest production forests, a spectacular short cut from the East Coast to Port Arthur, complete with majestic blue gums and breathtaking coastal views. We recommend you take time to detour to the Thumbs Lookout near the Orford end of the road and walk through the rainforest at the Sandspit Forest Reserve. There are good picnic facilities at both and a walking track to the Thumbs and its great coastal vistas. Less steep, the Wielangta Walk follows an old tramway route to the site of a long vanished timber town. Four-wheel-drive guided tours are also available - contact the Tasmanian Visitor Information Network for more details. THE TASMAN TRAIL A cliff-top bushwalk along and above some of the most breathtaking coastline in Tasmania. Walk a single section in a few hours, or tackle the lot over two days. Start from the Devils Kitchen at Pirates Bay, walk to or past Waterfall Bay. Camp overnight at Bivouac Bay then on to Fortescue Bay. Here, switch to a day pack for the hour walk to Cape Hauy and back. Great in both summer and winter; but during winter Tasmania's high country walks can be difficult and sometimes hazardous. FORTESCUE BAY CAMPING AREA A white sandy beach, tall forest, deep blue water, sheer cliffs, towering rock formations. Swimming, fishing, boating and coastal bushwalks. Set in the Abel Tasman Forest Reserve, on the Tasman Peninsula, Fortescue Bay's great natural attractions make it very popular, so camping ground bookings are essential in summer and at Easter.

We recommend only fully licensed and insured/registered International Travel Agents.
If you are considering booking we recommend the following travel agents:
Australian Discount Travel & Tours,
 

We recommend Australian Discount Travel & Tours for both Australian and international travel bookings