An action-filled bushwalking and cycling adventure sampling the raw beauty of Tasmania. We include a bushwalk in the Cradle Mountain and Lake St. Clair National Park with an optional climb to the summit of Cradle Mountain. This is ideal preparation before undertaking a full pack trek to the majestic peaks of the Walls of Jerusalem and day walks amongst the dolerite cliffs and spires.

Changing our pace, we cycle the spectacular stretches of the east coast with opportunities to walk in Freycinet National Park and scenic Maria Island. We conclude this adventure with an exhilarating 1000m cycle descent of Mount Wellington on our mountain bikes. This panoramic trip offers extraordinary value, combining the best of Tasmania in a single itinerary. Inclusions: 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 11 dinners, experienced guides. comfortable mini-bus transport, 21 speed bicycle and cycle helmet, waterproof jacket and overpants, sleeping bag and innersheet, backpack, all group camping equipment, accommodation in Launceston on day 6 /8 nights basic cabin accommodation (3-8 share), emergency communications and group first aid kit.

Itinerary for the Tasmanian Panorama
Day 1. Distance approx 5km Time approx 3hrs
Today you will be picked up from your accommodation between 8.00 and 8.30am and transferred to a pre-departure briefing at The Arthouse Hostel in Launceston. Your guides will present a general overview of the trip, conduct a gear check and provide the opportunity to hire/borrow any equipment/clothing that you may need. We will aim to depart at approx 9.30am, transferring to our cabins at Cradle Mountain which will take approximately 3 hours including a mid journey leg stretch in Sheffield – Tassie’s town of murals.

On arrival we will unload the bus and have lunch before setting off on an afternoon walk around the beautiful Dove Lake. In the evening your guides will prepare a feast for you to enjoy as you relive the excitement of the day and prepare for our full day in the National Park tomorrow.

Day 2. Distance up to 12km Time up to 8hrs walking
Today can be as challenging or as leisurely as you wish. Conditions permitting, your guides will offer you the opportunity to trek to the base of Cradle Mountain and to climb to its summit. The breathtaking 360 degree views on offer are a worthy reward for the effort required to reach the summit.

Day 3. Distance approx 7km Time approx 4hrs walking
This morning we will pack up our belongings, load the bus and enjoy a selection of morning walks including the King Billy Walk. Our walking at Cradle Mountain complete, we will share a picnic lunch and check out the visitor centre before driving approx 1 hour to the Walls of Jerusalem National Park.

Carrying our full backpacks into this magnificent highland area will provide us with a challenge but we will be provided with plenty of encouragement from our guides as well as snacks and numerous rest stops. It will take approx 3-4 hours to reach our base camp where we are equipped with raised tent platforms, a composting toilet and a communal dining/kitchen area.

Day 4. Distance up to 12km Time up to 8hrs
After a relaxed breakfast your guides will let you in on the great Tassie secret that is the Walls of Jerusalem NP! Carrying only daypacks once again we will explore areas such as Dixon’s Kingdom and the ancient Pencil Pine forests that surround it, the mighty towers of King David’s Peak and Mount Moriah and the magical Lake Ball. The National Park is largely untracked so enjoy the freedom of treading gently in this wonderland. In alpine regions in Tasmania the weather is extremely changeable so what we do today and tomorrow is weather dependent and your guides will offer an awe inspiring option whatever weather prevails.

Day 5. Distance up to 12km Time up to 8hrs
Similarly, today will be another day of discovery in the otherworldly region of ‘the Walls’. Some areas we may encounter include The Temple, Mount Jerusalem and Solomon’s Throne. These walks have varying degrees of difficulty; you will be challenged by the terrain and delighted by the amazing views of the surrounding valleys, lakes and mountains.

Day 6. Distance 7km Time 4hrs walking
Today we will pack up camp and bid farewell to the Walls of Jerusalem NP. We will return to the bus along the same track that we entered with plenty of photo breaks, rest stops and lighter packs! We will lunch once more amongst the serene Tasmanian bush before heading back to Launceston. Your guides will drop you to your self contained apartments for a freshen up before meeting up for dinner and a hard earned beverage at the Royal Oak Hotel, Launceston.

Day 7. Distance up to maximum 63km Time approx 8hrs cycling
Overnight: Ben Lomond – Carr Villa Cabin
After setting up the bicycles we mount up and cycle from Launceston through rolling countryside to the historic town of Evandale. After a delicious picnic lunch beneath the shade of the grand old oaks, we continue south following the Macquarie River valley passing the beautiful estate and gardens of Clarendon House. We continue riding through the grazing country of the Fingal Valley where we will have views of the grandiose Ben Lomond National Park and Tasmania’s second highest peak.

Day 8. Distance up to maximum 77km Time 8hrs
Overnight: Bicheno
Wonderful cycling opportunities continue as we journey further up the Fingal Valley and through the Eucalypt forests of the North East. Today’s highlight is an exhilarating ride over the spectacular and steep St Mary’s Pass down to the east coast with its dazzling aqua blue water and pure white sandy beaches. We spend the afternoon cycling south along the coastline to the seaside fishing town of Bicheno.

Day 9. Distance up to maximum 55km (plus Wineglass Bay walk)
Overnight: Bicheno Time approx 8hrs activity
Today’s destination is the Freycinet Peninsular National Park. We will cycle from Bicheno into the busy tourist hub of Coles Bay, a fast growing seaside town in a spectacular setting. We will head straight into the National Park and explore the natural beauty of the area. We will walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout where we have spectacular view of the beach below and the pink granite rocks of The Hazards Mountain Range. Continuing on down to the beach is optional for the group – perhaps a great opportunity for a refreshing swim! At the end of our day in the National Park we will return by vehicle to Bicheno.

Departure Dates:
2010 - 17 and 31 October, 14 and 28 November, 12 and 27 December
2011 - 2, 16 and 30 January, 13 and 27 February, 13 and 27 March, 10 and 24 April, 8 May
Departs: Launceston at 8.30am
Group Size: Min 4, Max 10