We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a group trip before. Yet you’ll find that with our small group sizes, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers, many of whom will undoubtedly become lifelong friends.
Our Great Tasmanian Traverse group departure caters to no more than 8 clients. We strongly believe that small group travel allows you to forge lifelong friendships with your fellow travellers and even your guides and support crew while enjoying an authentic and well catered experience.
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
Our Great Tasmanian Traverse does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. Our holidays are on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we offer single supplements that will guarantee a single room and/or tent for you.
Fitness is an important aspect of our trips, and the Great Tasmanian Traverse is no exception. This trip involves trekking and rafting for up to 6 to 8 hours a day at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. Treks may involve carrying a full pack between 18‑22kg.
Depending on river levels some portage may be required on the Franklin. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. Suggested preparation: 1‑2 hours of aerobic type exercise, four times a week. Hill walking with a full pack in variable weather conditions and over varied terrains. Spending some time paddling or on a rowing machine would be beneficial for the rafting section.
Your well-being is our top priority on all trips. Tasmanian Expeditions are 100% committed to your safety and follow specific protocols, safety analysis and risk assessment. By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with our trained staff.
Tasmanian Expeditions operates in some of the world’s most pristine and beautiful environments, including the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. We follow a ‘Leave No Trace’ policy to minimise the impact we have on these areas. It is our priority to leave these areas unspoilt and as they were for all future visitors to enjoy. Our environmental policies together with your help and co‑operation will ensure that we can safe guard the pristine wilderness areas in which we operate. Our minimal impact/leave no trace principles specific for your adventure will be introduced at the initial group briefing and reinforced by your leaders when required out in the field.
There are three ways to make a booking – online, over the phone or in person. Online bookings are made via the ‘Book Now’ button available on the Tasmanian Expeditions website trip page. Alternatively you can call or visit our office to book in person. In all cases, once we confirm your booking, we’ll send you comprehensive information regarding gear, clothing and arrival details to ensure you are fully prepared for your adventure.
When it comes to experiencing the very best of the Tasmanian wilderness it makes sense to travel with Tasmanian Expeditions. In each and every trip we combine:
‑ 30 + years experience
‑ The most experienced professional guides
‑ An unblemished safety record
‑ 24 hour backup
‑ A commitment to sustainable travel practices
‑ Quality equipment
‑ Delicious meals sourced from Tasmanian produce
Each and every trip will provide you with a high quality experience that represents unsurpassed value for money. We look forward to helping you explore our amazing wilderness ‑ the right way.
The Great Tasmanian Traverse begins with a trip briefing on day 1 at 10:30am sharp. Accommodation is included on the first night in Launceston. On this trip you may find it more convenient to arrive a day earlier, giving you the opportunity to explore the local scene in your own time. The final night’s accommodation is provided for in Hobart on day #39, with a complimentary breakfast provided the morning after. After breakfast, your trip officially concludes and your own arrangements are needed to get to the airport or your next destination.
You will receive a pre-departure kit via email which includes your trip notes, pre-departure information document (PDI) and any other trip specific information. The PDI is full of useful information including more details on our responsible travel initiatives in that region, recommended gear list, and advice for preparing physically for your adventure.
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your adventure.
We know that holiday planning requires time, money and effort. It is our aim to incorporate as many inclusions as possible during your trip to ensure your time is spent effectively and to minimise out of pocket expenses. Our trip pricing includes:
• 2‑3 professional wilderness guides
• 23 nights tent based camping
• Cabin style accommodation between trip sections
• All breakfasts, lunches and dinners for the duration of the trip
• Food drop provisions along the track
• Transport by private minibus
• Lake St. Clair ferry passage
• National Park fees
• Overland Track Permit
• Tent, backpack and gaiters
• Sleeping bag, inner sheet & inflatable sleeping mat
• Group camping equipment including all cooking & eating equipment
• Emergency communications & group first aid kit
• Gordon River yacht transfer
• Scenic flight from Strahan to Melaleauca
• Rafting gear and equipment
• Complimentary gear cleaning between sections
Incorporating as many inclusions as possible into the trip cost such as most meals, transport and accommodation means you are able to limit your spending once you leave home. Additionally, we do not charge a supplement if you are a single traveller. However, the following items are not included in your trip cost:
• Travel to Launceston/from Hobart
• Travel insurance
• Travel to Hobart airport
• Items of a personal nature ‑ alcoholic beverages, car parking etc
• Admission fees to other sites during days in between sections
Healthy appetites build up when travelling, and activities like trekking and rafting require energy to keep you going throughout the day. Our guides are excellent cooks and serve you tasty and varied meals while ensuring high standards of hygiene. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements as we are able to cater for most diets provided we are notified in advance.
The main duration of the tour will be spent camping at designated campsites on tracks and along the riverside. Some of these areas have timber platforms for our tents to be pitched on and nearby rainwater tanks and composting toilet facilities. Accommodation between sections will be basic cabin style.
Tasmanian Expeditions provides strong, 2 person, bush walking tents (twin share), which provide each occupant with a personal access door and vestibule for individual use. Our tents weigh between 2.0 and 2.5 kg and this weight is shared equally by each occupant. We use a range of high quality 3‑4 season tents which have been trialled and tested to withstand all weather conditions that may be encountered on our adventures.