Urban Trek: Launceston heritage buildings and parks 4-6 km 2 hrs

We request you arrive in Launceston by 2:00 pm to commence this experience. There are flights with Qantas (with 1 stop) that land between 12noon and 1pm. You may decide to fly the previous day as there are direct flights arriving in the evening. We can arrange a pre departure nights accommodation for you in the same hotel we spend our first night in Launceston in.

Our accommodation for the first night is a delightful, locally owned boutique hotel in a heritage building. In 1895 it became the property of renowned Launceston merchant, John Sinclair purchased from his neighbour. John Sinclair was an overseer of Convicts from Launceston in Tasmania and a member of the Port Phillip Association. He worked in the mercantile / maritime business and was involved in shipping across Bass Strait.

Our Urban Trek of this fascinating historic city will commence at 3:00pm. The buildings come alive as we share with you Launceston's glittering past, as well as visiting its beautiful green spaces.

Tonight we go to a "Frith" favourite restaurant only a very short stroll from our hotel for creative modern French-Australian dishes in an elegant locale.

Meals: Dinner

Trek Cataract Gorge Reserve 11-13 km - 3 hours

After breakfast this morning we start our journey on foot to Trevallyn Dam Reserve through Cataract Gorge.

For first nations peoples the Palawa, the gorge holds a very special significance. Formed by the South Esk River cutting through faults in the hard dolerite of the area to join the Tamar River the actual gorge is 5 km in length. On our trek today we share with you the history of the first hydroelectric power station in the southern hemisphere at Duck Reach before we meander by the long and beautiful stretches of water of the Trevallyn Dam.

Completing our trek we enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the dam and depart for 41 South Salmon. This remarkable small business created by Pyka Family began when the farm was carved out of willow and gorse infested scrub in 1998 . Ponds were built and wetlands were created.

A patchwork of wetland grasses, freshwater ponds, dykes, wetlands, marshes and fen set along the western creek rivulet. The wetland was not only created to attract a wide variety of birds, it’s aim was to also be used as a natural bio-filter for the salmon farm.

After a walking tour of the farm and Montana Falls we have time to sample some of their delicious smoked salmon before continuing on to Cradle Mountain.

Arriving at Cradle Mountain National Park you will soon understand why Gustav Weindorfer and Kate Crowe the "founders" of Cradle Mountain went to such lengths to protect this part of the world,

Dinner tonight is in the bistro at Cradle Mountain Resort.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Trek Cradle Mountain circuit 14 -16 km - 8hr hilly trekking

We have another awe-inspiring day today. This is a challenging trek – warm clothes and wet weather gear are essential for trekking in Tassie, however this trek is simply the best way to experience the park without embarking on the full Overland Track.

We have a reasonably flat start to our trekking day, from Ronny Creek we head north along the low laying paths of the Overland Track, at this point we begin our first steep accent to Marions Peak. The views are amazing as we look back to where we have come from and ahead to the face of Cradle Mountain.

We continue on to Kitchen Hut for a short rest before we continue along the Face Track below the summit of Cradle Mountain. If the weather allows for it, we continue on the high trail above Dove Lake, taking in the views before descending to the lake. The gradient from the start to the summit junction is 390 meters gain over 5 km. This requires a good level of hill fitness and agility but is achievable with adequate training. There are several steep climbs on this day both up and down.

If we are faced with wet or cloudy conditions that make this high circuit of Cradle Mountain unsuitable, we have an alternative circuit trek taking in magnificent scenery.

This is a full day of very rewarding trekking, we will arrive back to our accommodation with time to shower and change for dinner at Hell-yers restaurant. The inhouse restaurant at our retreat.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Trek: Dove Lake, Wombat Pools and Waldheim Cottage 16 km 6 hrs

Get set for a beautiful day in Cradle Mountain park and maybe be the most invigorating swim of your life!

After breakfast we encourage you to pack your swimmers and a towel as well as your trekker lunch and water for the day.

We commence today at Waldheim Chalet and spend time discovering the beautiful love story that brought about the Cradle Mountain National Park for us all to enjoy today.

We carry on to Dove Lake, and enjoy the scenic lower Dove Lake Circuit. This is a beautiful lake and we will take time to stop along its shores and enjoy the peace and tranquility. From Dove Lake we continue on to the smaller track to Wombat Pools, here we take a lunch break and for the daring a cool water swim!

Back at the chalet you can enjoy a hot cup of tea before we come together for a beautiful dinner at Hell-yers.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

We can enjoy a relaxed breakfast at our accommodation before packing up to depart for a short walk to farewell the beautiful Cradle Mountain National Park.

Once on the road we travel through the pretty town of Sheffield for a coffee stop and to look at the murals. We continue on to Josef Chromy for our celebration lunch and wine tasting.

Josef Chromy OAM has been instrumental in the development of the Tasmanian food and wine industry, having owned and developed some of Tasmania’s leading wineries including Rochecombe (now Bay of Fires), Jansz, Heemskerk and Tamar Ridge. At 76, when most people would be thinking about easing up, Joe launched Chromy Wines in December 2007. Josef Chromy Wines is the culmination of Joe’s experience in the Tamar Valley. The unique 60 ha vineyard site and location deliver both exquisite table and sparkling wines, and provides one of the most memorable food and wine experiences in Tasmania.

After lunch we transfer you to the airport for your flights home.

Meals: Breakfast, coffee, lunch and wine tasting

Price includes

Ex Launceston

5 days trekking and experiences fully hosted with GirlsTrek

Average of 7-8hours per trekking day

Trek Cataract Gorge, and Cradle Mountain

Private farm gate experiences

Historical, curated Launceston walking tour

Quintessential Tasmanian dining experiences

Long lunch at Joseph Chromy wineries

Luxury accommodation

All accommodation twin share basis*

All meals as per itinerary

Private vehicle transfers

Champagne celebration

Small group size travel to a maximum of 10

GirlsTrek Gift

Trip specific packing list with expert advice and great discounts

Information get together to detail the trip and answer any of your questions

Private group chat for messages and photos

Price excludes

Travel to/from destination

Travel insurance, which is highly recommended

Beverages, optional and personal expenses

*Single supplement available on request at an additional cost

Essential gear

Daypack - 24 - 32L with rain cover

2-3L Water bladder

Good trekking shoes

Waterproof rain jacket with hood

Hat and sunglasses

Beanie and gloves

Buff or kerchief for neck protection

Microfibre towel-small

600ml water bottle

Sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent

Tissues & hand sanitiser

Personal first aid kit (band aids, compression bandage, pain relief tablets)

Recommended gear

Trekking poles

Earplugs

Electrolyte

Clothing for trek

2-3 walking shorts, leggings or long pants

2-3 short sleeve walking shirts - we recommend Icebreaker merino 120 - 150 gsm

1 light long sleeve shirt for sun protection

1-2 long sleeve warm layer - we recommend Icebreaker merino 150 - 200 gsm

4 walking socks - merino wool to prevent blisters

Fleece Jacket, wool vest

Gaiters

Waterproof pants (optional)

Clothing for trip

Warm Jacket (cooler months) casual, fleece or puffer

Casual wear for travel and dinners at Cradle Mountain

Smart casuals for dinners in Launceston

Sleepwear & underwear

Toiletries

Please try to keep packing to a minimum. You are very welcome to wear the same outfit to many dinners!

Note: Luggage is transported between accommodation, as required