Discover Wild Takanaya (Tarkine)

After breakfast and preparing our lunches for the day, we step out from our cabins straight onto the trail — ready to explore more of the Tarkine’s lush rainforest. Today’s adventure takes us along two of the Pieman River’s key tributaries: the Savage and the Whyte Rivers.

Our morning begins with a steady climb over Ahrberg Hill, heading north from Corinna toward the Savage River. As we ascend, the forest shifts — dense, tangled vegetation gives way to tall, ancient trees with gnarled trunks and open understory beneath. If there's been recent rain, a misty veil often hangs over the ridge, adding to the dreamlike feel of the place.

Descending into the Savage River valley, we’re rewarded with a tranquil setting and the soothing sounds of the river. It's a perfect spot to rest and enjoy a peaceful break. In autumn, this trail is a fungi lover’s paradise, with an astonishing array of shapes and colours — making it a dream for macro photography.

Depending on the group’s energy, we may return the same way or take a more adventurous route along the river to explore further. Back in Corinna, we break for lunch before setting off on our second walk of the day — a 1.5 hour return hike to the mouth of the Whyte River.

This trail offers an up-close look at one of Tasmania’s botanical treasures — the Huon Pine. These ancient trees, some over 2000 years old, line the forest path. Keep your eyes peeled: this is also a great place to spot a platypus, especially in the quieter hours around dusk.

The trail leads us back to our cabins by late afternoon, with time to unwind before a relaxed evening. Tonight’s dinner includes pre-dinner nibbles and a delicious two-course meal, lovingly prepared by your guides.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking distance: approx. 9 km (4–5 hrs)
Difficulty: Moderate

This morning we rise early for a magical sunrise boat cruise down the majestic Pieman River, heading toward the rugged Tarkine Coast. Battered by roaring surf and dotted with rocky headlands, this remote stretch of coastline is a true paradise for photographers and nature lovers alike.

We’re dropped at Pieman Heads and set out on our coastal walk – heading either north or south, depending on the wind. Our path follows old, overgrown vehicle tracks through pristine wilderness toward the pounding ocean. The air here is among the cleanest on Earth, carried unbroken across the Southern Ocean from South America on the Roaring Forties. While there are some creek crossings and muddy patches, the walk is mostly gentle and well-graded.

If we head north toward Rupert Point, we encounter dramatic geological formations and sweeping views over the dune landscapes near the Interview River. This area also holds deep cultural significance, home to a remarkable density of Aboriginal heritage sites reflecting over 40,000 years of continuous human presence.

If we walk south, we begin at the Pieman Heads shack settlement and make our way along the wild beach to Conical Rocks – a striking granite headland strewn with massive boulders. Wherever we go, we’ll stop at a scenic spot for morning tea and take in the endless rhythm of the waves. There may even be time for a brisk, refreshing swim!

We return to Corinna aboard the historic Arcadia II, a charming vessel crafted from local Huon Pine and other hardwoods – perfect for a slow, scenic cruise upstream. This afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please – perhaps a short walk or a peaceful paddle on the river. In the evening, relax over another delicious two-course dinner prepared by your guides.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking distance: 8–10 km
Difficulty: Easy

After breakfast, we check out of our cabins and store our luggage in the trailer before heading off for the final hike of the journey – a rewarding ascent to the summit of Mount Donaldson. This trail offers a wonderful sense of scale and solitude as we make our way through ever-changing vegetation and terrain.

The walk begins in lush temperate rainforest near the Savage River. As we climb steadily, the forest gives way to more open alpine landscapes. Reaching the tree line, expansive views unfold – revealing the sheer vastness of the Tarkine wilderness. On a clear day, the summit offers one of the most memorable panoramas of the trip.

After soaking in the views, we retrace our steps back to Corinna and enjoy a well-earned lunch. Then we cross the iconic Fatman Barge to the southern bank of the Pieman River, continuing along a scenic route that skirts the base of the Meredith Range. We pass the Reece Dam and Whaleback Lookout before arriving in Tullah – a quiet former hydro village nestled among dramatic peaks.

Here, on the shores of Lake Rosebery, we settle in for our final night together. Dinner this evening is served at the cosy Tullah Lakeside Lodge Bistro – the perfect spot to reflect on our Tarkine adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walking distance: 7 km
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

After breakfast and preparing our lunches, we set off by bus for the final walk of our journey – a visit to the magnificent Montezuma Falls. At 104 metres, this is Tasmania’s tallest single-drop waterfall and a true west coast icon.

We aim to arrive early in the morning, when the trail is still quiet. The walk itself follows a gentle gradient along the former route of the North-East Dundas Tramway, winding through lush forest and tracing high above the Ring River, a tributary of the Pieman. It’s a peaceful, scenic way to ease out of our wilderness adventure.

The falls are often heard before they come into view – crashing dramatically over the cliffs, especially after rainfall. A swing bridge provides a thrilling vantage point, suspended above the gorge and offering another angle to admire this spectacular natural feature.

After enjoying the falls, we return along the same trail and begin our journey back to Launceston. Along the way, we pass near Cradle Mountain and stop in the mural-filled town of Sheffield for a short break – with time for coffee and a quick stroll.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Walking distance: 11 km
Difficulty: Easy