Trip Overview

Witness the stunning, unspoiled vistas of Tasmania, Australia’s island state to it’s south, on a six-day trek in March 2019 along the Overland Track. Then choose to extend your Australian adventure by visiting some of this country’s most stunning sites, from Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef!

Begin your hiking vacation on the island of Tasmania, known for its vast, rugged wilderness areas in protected parks and reserves. Hike the Cradle Valley, where you’ll get to know the other women on your journey as you trek through ancient temperate rainforest and along the shores of an ancient glacial lake. A steep climb will bring you to Marion’s Lookout, with stunning views of Cradle Mountain. Cross the Waterfall Valley to the base of the towering Barn Bluff. Trek over undulating moorland past shallow glacial tarns. You and your fellow adventurous travelers will marvel at the views of Cradle Mountain, Barn Bluff, and Mount Pelion.

Descend into the peaceful, fragrant reaches of the Lemonthyme Valley then climb up to the verdant Pelion Plains. Take a break with a friend in a pristine swimming hole, or explore an abandoned copper mine together! Climb the Pelion Gap for spectacular views in every direction. Hike through spectacular old forests and past majestic waterfalls. You’ll finish your trek along the shores of Lake St. Clair, Australia’s deepest lake. The fragrant leaves of the eucalyptus will refresh you before you head back to Cynthia Bay.

This active hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and cultural journey through Tasmania and Australia in March 2019 will be truly unforgettable!

Some travelers will choose to depart for home after their Tasmanian hiking trek, but you can extend your Australian adventure with even more unforgettable Aussie experiences!

  • Visit Cooya Beach, where your Aboriginal guide will demonstrate the mud crabbing and spear fishing techniques that have been handed down in the Aboriginal culture for generations.
  • A day-long snorkeling tour to the Great Barrier Reef is a wondrous experience. Marvel at pristine coral gardens and brilliantly colored fish at exclusive sites along Australia’s greatest natural wonder. A “river drift” journey through the Australian rainforest is like a mini-safari! Make sure to snap pictures with your fellow-travelers beneath the verdant greenery.
  • A full day of sightseeing in Sydney takes you to the impressive Sydney Opera House, world-famous Bondi Beach, Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, and more! Travel along the iconic coastline and visit an Aboriginal art gallery. You’ll pass through some of the city’s most exclusive locales, and get a feel of daily life in this bustling Australian metropolis.
  • A final hike through the Royal National Park offers a chance to connect with nature and your fellow travelers one last time. Take in the breathtaking panoramas from Garie North Head during your long walk along the Coast Track. To round out your adventure vacation in Australia, enjoy a final gourmet picnic atop Bald Hill with your new AdventureWomen friends.

Main Attractions

  • Walk the iconic Overland Track in Tasmania, Australia, one of the world’s great walks
  • Hike through ancient rainforest, spectacular old forests, and past majestic waterfalls
  • Climb the Pelion Gap for spectacular views in all directions
On the extension:
  • Learn mud crabbing and spear fishing techniques from your Aboriginal guide
  • Snorkel among the coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef

What You'll See and Do

  • Extension: Scuba Diving
  • Extension: Snorkeling
  • Hiking
  • Local Delicacies
  • Natural History
  • Photography
  • Swimming
  • UNESCO Site
  • Wildlife Viewing
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

    If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

    Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
    Email Us
    Browse Detailed Itinerary

    Download Extended Itinerary

      Browse Detailed Itinerary

      Download Extended Itinerary

        Trip Itinerary

        Day 1

        Sunday, March 24, 2019 – Arrive in Launceston
        Land in Launceston, Australia, and grab a taxi to the Entally Lodge on your own – it’s just 20 minutes from the airport. When you check in, just say you’re part of the AdventureWomen group. Settle into your room this afternoon.

        This afternoon you’ll meet your AdventureWomen Ambassador and your group for introductions and any last-minute gear organization questions.

        Walk about 25 minutes to your welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant. Toast the start of a wonderful hiking adventure. Walk or take a taxi back to the lodge after dinner.
        Dinner

        Overnight: Entally Lodge

        Day 2

        Monday, March 25, 2019 – Launceston to the Overland Track
        You’ll be picked up early this morning for your meeting prior to starting your hike.

        Drive to Waldheim in Cradle Valley, and set off on the track by late morning. By lunch time, you’ll have walked through your first section of ancient temperate rainforest, and you’ll have witnessed the dramatic, glacially-carved Crater Lake. The steepest section of the whole Overland Track is now behind you. This steep section is mostly stairs and will take about an hour, but you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views (weather permitting of course!).

        Enjoy a picnic lunch by the peaceful Plateau Creek.

        This afternoon, continue hiking for about four more hours around the base of Cradle Mountain. Drop into Waterfall Valley and cross it before arriving
        at your hut at the base of the towering Barn Bluff. Several hours of today’s walk is over exposed alpine plateau, which allows great views on a clear day, but in rough weather, the wind can howl, which makes for exciting and sometimes challenging walking conditions. Some of the track is uneven underfoot, but you’ll take your time to walk carefully and make sure to look at the wonderful scenery around you.
        Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        Overnight: Barn Bluff Hut

        Hiking Time: 7 Hours

        Day 3

        Tuesday, March 26, 2019 – The Overland Track
        Today’s hike is over undulating terrain with a few sections of exposed moorland. There are no large hills, and the once notoriously muddy section is now a nice path over the mud. Travel across plains where glaciers once sat, and see the plains of button grass with ancient Pencil Pines sitting with their roots in the water. The peaks of Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff sit behind you, and the stately Mount Pelion West lies directly ahead. Enjoy several lookout points and finish your hike through an enchanting rainforest.
        Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        Overnight: Pine Forest Moor Hut

        Hiking Time: 6 Hours

        Day 4

        Wednesday, March 27, 2019 – The Overland Track
        Begin the morning with a long, slow descent around the base of Mount Pelion West. Head down to the Forth River before it plunges into the Lemonthyme Valley. After a break at Frog Flats by the Forth River, you’ll have a long, gentle ascent out of the valley and onto the beautiful Pelion Plains. Enjoy outstanding views of Mount Oakleigh as well as side trips in the area to swimming holes, abandoned copper mines, or simply a peaceful spot to rest quietly.
        Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        Overnight: Pelion Hut

        Hiking Time: 5 Hours

        Day 5

        Thursday, March 28, 2019 – The Overland Track
        Begin today with a climb to Pelion Gap where there are phenomenal views both back from the north and forward to the south. You’ll have extra time today for side trips from Pelion Gap, including an optional 5 hour trip to climb Mount Ossa. From Pelion Gap it’s a few hours of gentle downhill to the hut, so this is an option for a relaxing or a challenging day.
        Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        Overnight: Kia Ora Hut

        Hiking Time: 3.5 Hours (5 hour optional climb of Mount Ossa)

        Day 6

        Friday, March 29, 2019 – The Overland Track
        Depart your hut this morning and walk for about an hour to Du Cane, where a hut remains from the long-gone days of animal trapping. From there, you’ll wander through some of the oldest forest in the National Park, with King Billy Pines up to 2,000 years old! You’ll get to visit one (or more) of the three major sets of waterfalls nearby, and likely enjoy lunch by the falls.

        This afternoon, make your way over Du Cane Gap, and then descend beside the spectacular Falling Mountain to your hut for the evening.
        Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        Overnight: Windy Ridge Hut

        Hiking Time: 4 Hours

        Day 7

        Saturday, March 30, 2019 – The Overland Track to Launceston
        Walk through cool eutcalypt forest (also known as sclerophyll forest), with bird song all around. Eucalypt forests host the highest diversity of flora and fauna of any area in Tasmania. You’ll arrive at Narcissus at the northern end of Lake St. Clair in time for lunch.

        Hop on the Ida Clair cruise boat for the ten mile cruise back to Cynthia Bay. Look around the visitors center and perhaps grab an ice cream before heading back to Launceston.

        Check into your hotel and then take a 15 minute walk to a dinner to celebrate the end of your hike! Walk back to your hotel or take a taxi back if you prefer.
        Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        Overnight: The Sebel Launceston

        Hiking Time: 3 Hours

        Day 8

        Sunday, March 31, 2019 – Depart Launceston
        Make your own way to the airport in Launceston by taxi to connect with your flights home.
        Breakfast

        Extension Option:

        Sunday, March 31, 2019 – Launceston to Port Douglas
        Head to the airport in Launceston with the group quite early. Your flight departs at 6:20am (time subject to change). You’ll have a stop along the way and land in Cairns around 11:20am, where you will be met and transferred to Port Douglas.

        Meet with a Kuku Yalanji Traditional Custodian on Cooya beach where they continue to practice their cultural activities and maintain their cultural heritage. After explaining the cultural importance of this country, you will learn about traditional fishing, which is done by spear-throwing, and is still practiced here today. Take your spear along Cooya beach and learn about cultural medicine and food plants. Join in as your guide goes about his daily spear fishing and gathering for his family into the mangroves and onto the mudflats.

        Before heading back to your lodge, see some Kuku Yalanji artifacts, and hear rare stories from their traditional land while they prepare their daily food for their families.

        Settle in at your hotel and relax after a very busy day. Dinner is on your own this evening.
        Breakfast, Lunch

        Overnight: By The Sea

        Day 9

        Monday, April 1, 2019 – Port Douglas
        Enjoy a full-day snorkeling tour of the Great Barrier Reef. Explore some of the very best snorkelling sites on the outer Great Barrier Reef with great coral, fish life, and exceptional visibility. This means you will be immersed in the most pristine coral gardens amongst abundant wildlife at these unique locations. During lunch, marine biologists conduct an interactive reef talk. This is where you can ask questions on anything that you’ve seen through
        the day or simply relax and learn all about the ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef.

        Use of a wet-suit and snorkeling gear is included.
        Breakfast, Lunch

        Overnight: By The Sea

        Day 10

        Tuesday, April 2, 2019 – Port Douglas to Sydney
        Pack up this morning and head out on a rainforest excursion. This is the ideal tour for nature lovers and adventurers! Travel through untouched ancient areas of the rainforest where we explore hidden gems, both above and below the water’s surface!
        Immerse yourself in the tranquil crystal clear river of the rainforest, as the slow current drifts you along unexplored waters. Along the way, you will encounter a diverse range of river marine life. Turtles and stunning fish frequent these waters, so be sure to keep a look out for them as you snorkel and drift along. An expert private river guide will escort you as you follow the gentle current through the stunning rainforest, providing information and insight about this magical setting.

        Transfer to Cairns airport and fly to Sydney. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in a great location.

        Dinner is on your own tonight – explore one of the many delicious restaurants in Sydney.
        Breakfast, Lunch

        Overnight: Spicers Potts Point

        Day 11

        Wednesday, April 3, 2019 – Sydney
        Today, you will see the major attractions in the city, but also the real Sydney from a true local’s perspective. Start your day within the city centre.

        Explore The Rocks area and some of the first streets developed as part of Sydney’s original urban plan.Hear how the city was designed and what makes it so unique on a global scale.

        Drive through the beautiful and highly sought after suburbs of Darlinghurst, Paddington and Woollahra. Discover Bondi Beach and the other famous Eastern Suburb beaches along the sandstone coastline.

        Drive past Tamarama and Bronte Beach to get a real feel for Australian surf and swim culture. Walk along beautiful Bronte Beach – a true local’s beach with deep history and amazing viewpoints.

        Visit an authentic Aboriginal Art Gallery to view art sources from some of the most remote Aboriginal communities in the country. Head north along the peninsula and stop at Dudley Reserve for uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbor. Visit the infamous Gap to see the sandstone heads of Sydney Harbor.

        Next cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge and find yourself in Sydney’s leafy north shore. Travel through the charming suburbs of Mosman, The Spit, Middle Harbour and finally Manly. Enjoy a lunch of fine Australian cuisine in a beautiful seaside setting on Manly Beach. Returning to the city, you have the choice to taking the Ferry, to Circular Quay from Manly (on your own) or being driven back to your accommodation by your guide. You will arrive back at your hotel at approximately 5:00pm.
        Breakfast, Lunch

        Overnight: Spicers Potts Point

        Day 12

        Thursday, April 4, 2019 – Sydney
        Discover the rugged natural beauty of Australia’s oldest National Park, the Royal National Park. Venture off the well-worn tourist path to truly immerse yourself in Australia’s wilderness in this pristine bushland setting. Visit the majestic Garie Beach where you can choose to swim at the beach or in salt water lagoons, sunbathe, and relax. Take in the breathtaking panorama from Garie North Head.

        Venture on a tranquil bushwalk through a temperate rainforest, discover the Australian bush and get up close to Australian wildlife. Audley is an area full of history and you’ll discover some unique birdlife here. Hike along part of the Coast Track – which is one of Australia’s bucket list walk between Bundeena and Otford. The whole walk is 26km but there are many options for shorter day walks. Enjoy incredible coastal lookouts, swimming spots, and seasonal wildflowers.

        For lunch, enjoy a quintessentially Australian gourmet picnic lunch, set atop Bald Hill with awe-inspiring views right down the coastline. On the drive back to Sydney, finish the day on Grand Pacific Drive including the incredibly scenic Sea Cliff Bridge – an engineering marvel that swerves out from the cliffs over the ocean.

        Enjoy a farewell dinner as a group to toast the end of a spectacular adventure!
        Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        Overnight: Spicers Potts Point

        Day 13

        Friday, April 5, 2019 – Depart Sydney
        Say goodbye to your new AdventureWomen friends as you head to the airport for your flights home.
        Breakfast

        If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

        Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
        Email Us
        Browse Detailed Itinerary

        Download Extended Itinerary

          Traveling to Australia



          Arrive: Arrive in Launceston, Australia (LST) on March 24, 2019 by 2:00pm.

          Depart: Main trip: Depart Launceston, Australia (LST) on March 31, 2019.

          Extension: Depart Sydney, Australia (SYD) on April 5, 2019.

          We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. Please contact us at:

          (800) 804-8686 or (617) 544-9393
          email: info@adventurewomen.com

          If you’d like to do anything prior to or following the AdventureWomen trip, we’d be delighted to help you arrange any trip extensions you’re interested in.

          Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

          Passports and Visas

          Citizens of the United States must have a passport valid for six months beyond your travel dates and a minimum of two blank facing pages. If you do not have a passport, please apply now!

          Activity Level

          We rate this trip as High Energy. Our High Energy adventures are designed for women who enjoy a physical challenge and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, whitewater rafting, or skiing.

          We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission!) to make the most of your adventure. We have a partnership with FitForTrips, a company that will design an individualized fitness plan for you with this itinerary in mind. Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 25% discount with the code FITWOMEN. Learn more here.

          You should come with a flexible, adventurous, and enthusiastic spirit, and a wonderful sense of humor that adventure travel requires.

          Health Considerations

          Make an appointment with a travel clinic. There are no immunization requirements for travel to Australia, however your local travel clinic may have recommendations for you based on your age, health, and past vaccination history.

          For more health information, go to www.cdc.gov/travel and navigate to the page about Australia.

          Money

          The currency of Australia is the Australian Dollar. US Dollars are generally not accepted. Credit cards are accepted, and ATMs are generally accessible. You should plan on bringing cash and exchanging it for local currency or using the ATM in Launceston before the hike starts.

          Suggested Gratuities: Gratuities are not expected in Australia. However, if you feel you have received
          exceptional service, you may want to tip $10 per day to guides.

          How to Register

          Call the AdventureWomen office at (800) 804-8686 to determine space availability and register for this trip. We can complete your registration, including taking your credit card deposit over the phone.

          If you prefer, you can register online by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page.

          Please be sure to read the AdventureWomen policies before registering!

          Forms and Final Payment

          Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

          • Information Form
          • Booking Conditions Form
          • Copy of Flight Information
          • Copy of Issuing Page of Passport (photo page)

          Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in a cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer) on or before December 24, 2018.

          If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

          Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
          Email Us
          Browse Detailed Itinerary

          Download Extended Itinerary

            What's Included

            Included

            • Accommodations based on double occupancy
            • Meals as noted in the itinerary
            • Ground transportation as noted in the itinerary
            • All activities as listed in the itinerary
            • English-speaking guide throughout the trip
            • All entrance fees
            • One AdventureWomen Ambassador

            Not Included

            • International airfare
            • Domestic airfare
            • Taxi from Launceston airport
            • Taxi to Sydney airport
            • Meals not specified in itinerary
            • Alcoholic beverages, unless otherwise specified
            • Items of a personal nature
            • Passport and visa fees
            • Travel insurance
            • Gratuities

            If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

            Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
            Email Us
            Browse Detailed Itinerary

            Download Extended Itinerary

              Accommodations

              Entally Lodge
              Entally Lodge is located southwest of Launceston, and is set in a beautiful rural landscape - the surrounding countryside has valleys, river flood plains, remnant uncleared bush, and undulating pastures. Entally Lodge has sweeping rural views to historic Entally House, former home to Thomas Reiby, Premier of Tasmania in 1877. The Estate dates back to 1819 and is home to Australia’s oldest conservatory, a working vineyard, and beautiful gardens and colonial outbuildings.

              Overland Track Huts
              These huts are the only private hut accommodation on the Overland Track. Each hut is set off of the main trail, and offers good food, comfortable beds, and hot showers. You’ll have limited ability to charge electronics - there are two USB ports to charge cameras and phones only.

              The Sebel Launceston
              Moments from Cataract Gorge, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, and the city’s vibrant dining district, this hotel is a contemporary and stylish space in one of Australia’s oldest cities.

              By The Sea
              By the Sea Port Douglas is a relaxing beachside resort blessed with having with both Four Mile Beach and the town center on its door step. The location is simply perfect.

              Spicers Potts Point
              Located in the vibrant inner city village of Potts Point, this hotel places the best of Sydney at your doorstep. Just a short walk to trendy cafes, Sydney city, and harbou,r and set amongst a mix of historic art deco and modern architecture, Spicers Potts Point exudes an effortless blend of classic Sydney heritage character with a fresh contemporary feel.

              If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

              Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
              Email Us
              Browse Detailed Itinerary

              Download Extended Itinerary

                What to Bring

                As you get ready to pack for your adventure, have a look at The AdventureWomen Store at www.theadventurewomenstore.com - we have picked out our favorite travel clothes and outdoor gear to help make packing easy for you. You can also see our recommendations for this trip on the AdventureWomen Pinterest page.

                On the hiking portion of this trip, you will need a very specific list of gear (see below). Please follow this list very carefully as you will not be allowed to start the hike without required gear. Denim and cotton clothing are not appropriate for hiking.

                You will be provided with a 50-liter pack to carry during the hike, but if you prefer to bring your own because you prefer the fit, let us know. You can store any additional luggage during the hike. Please have the hiking gear separated and ready on the first morning of your hike.

                The following gear is provided for you on the hike:

                • 50-liter canvas pack, pack cover, and pack liner
                • Rain jacket (3-layer membrane, waterproof and breathable)
                • Sleeping sheet and pillowcase; sleeping bags are provided in the huts
                • Lunch container, cutlery, travel mug
                • Basic toiletries (sunscreen, after-sun care, insect repellent, moisturizer available at each hut)
                • Biodegradable liquid soap/shampoo available at each hut - please do not use your own soap/shampoo

                You should be prepared for all weather on this trip - on the hike you should be prepared for sun, rain, wind, and even snow, and on the extension, you should be prepared for hot weather.

                The huts have drying rooms for wet gear, but do not have laundry facilities.

                Clothing and Gear - Hiking

                • Medium-weight, waterproof hiking boots (make sure they are broken in!)
                • 3 short sleeve shirts, quick-dry
                • 1 pair of shorts, quick-dry
                • 1 pair of hiking pants
                • 2 medium-weight long underwear tops (one for trekking, one for evenings)
                • 2 medium-weight long underwear bottoms (one for trekking, one for evenings)
                • 1 pair of fleece pants for evenings
                • 1 light-weight fleece pullover
                • 1 medium- or heavy-weight fleece jacket
                • 1 pair GoreTex, waterproof pants
                • 1 GoreTex, waterproof jacket
                • 1 pair fleece gloves/mittens
                • 1 fleece/wool hat
                • 1 pair tall gaiters (should hit just below the knee)
                • Underwear/sports bras
                • 3 pairs wool hiking socks
                • Sleepwear
                • Sandals for inside the huts
                • Headlamp and spare batteries
                • Sun hat and sunscreen
                • Camp towel
                • 2 liters of water bottles or water bladder
                • 1 light-weight compressible day pack (should pack down to pocket-size)
                • 1 pair collapsible trekking poles
                • Camera and spare batteries or USB charging cord

                Clothing and Gear - Non-Hiking

                • 1 small duffel bag or suitcase
                • 1-2 sets of nicer clothes for evenings
                • 1-2 bathing suits
                • 1 waterproof jacket

                AdventureWomen Essentials

                • Travel documents (identification documents, airline tickets, money)
                • 2 spare passport photos in case your passport is lost or stolen
                • Write down/print out travel insurance number
                • Locks for your suitcase/duffel bag
                • Travel alarm clock with spare batteries
                • Headlamp or small flashlight with spare batteries
                • Binoculars (8x40/42 models are excellent choices; center focus models are easiest)
                • Digital camera, memory cards, battery charger
                • Sunglasses, case, and strap
                • Spare glasses, contact lenses, cleaner, saline, etc.
                • Money belt or neck pouch
                • Your AdventureWomen insulated bottle (good for hot or cold drinks!)
                • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
                • Mosquito repellent
                • Hand wipes/hand sanitizer
                • Toothbrush/toothpaste
                • Soap, shampoo, and conditioner (only for Launceston/extension - will be provided on the trek)
                • Small packet of tissues
                • Tampons and panty liners (avoid plastic applicators)
                • Earplugs: We recommend Mack’s Pillow Soft White Moldable Silicone Snore Proof Earplugs. Available at most drugstores or at www.earplugstore.com
                • Assortment of stuff sacks and Ziploc bags
                • 1-2 bandanas/Buff
                • Reading material/journal and pens

                Personal First Aid Kit

                • Prescription medicine you usually take
                • Personal epi pen (if you need one, don’t forget to pack it!)
                • Bandages, Gauze, Ace bandage, blister prevention
                • Antiseptic wipes/spray
                • Antibiotic ointment
                • Cotton-tipped applicators
                • Oral rehydration tablets/packets
                • Antidiarrheal medication
                • Mild laxative
                • Antacid
                • Cold remedies
                • Ibuprofen/acetaminophen
                • Eye drops
                • Tweezers, scissors (travel size), safety pins

                If you prefer to buy a complete kit, we recommend the Smart Travel first aid kit.

                If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

                Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
                Email Us
                Browse Detailed Itinerary

                Download Extended Itinerary