Dates and PricesPlay 3 day Exploration presentation.
A spectacular flight deep into the World Heritage wilderness of Southwest Tasmania – flat-water kayaking to remote and beautiful destinations – a comfortable camp in the rainforest – they’re the highlights of our 3-Day Exploration.
Day 1
Depending on the weather, we fly across mountain ranges, close to the quartzite crags of Federation Peak; or along the wild and rugged South Coast, with its string of remote ocean beaches. After landing at Melaleuca airstrip, near the home where legendary pioneer of the Southwest Deny King once lived, we paddle a short distance down the quiet inlet to our Forest Lagoon campsite. You’re in the wilderness – but in comfort, with spacious platform tents, a covered kitchen and dining area and toilet facilities. After lunch, we’ll enjoy an afternoon paddle along the sheltered shores of Bathurst Harbour, visiting sandy beaches and the lovely Celery Top Islands, with their canopy of native pines. In the evening, a glass of wine and a fine meal ends a wonderful day.
Day 2
Over a hearty breakfast, our guides will check the weather, then discuss plans with the group. Options include further explorations of Bathurst Harbour – perhaps past Mt Rugby and through The Narrows to Joe Page Bay; or into the calm waters of Moulters Inlet. The coastline of the harbour is complex, so there are plenty of options for pleasant paddling in almost any weather. Depending on the conditions, we’ll explore bays and beaches, points and headlands; we’ll cross open stretches of water or hug the shore; we’ll nudge into wild and remote rivers with thickly-forested banks. After lunch ashore we’ll turn our backs to the breeze and enjoy a relaxed return trip to Forest Lagoon.
Day 3
In the morning we’ll take a short paddle across the lagoon to Claytons, once the home of fisherman Clyde Clayton. Now deserted, the house is tucked away in a sheltered corner of Melaleuca Inlet and there are still some remains of the garden that was lovingly tended by Mrs Clayton. An easy walk takes us to the summit of Mt Beattie, where there’s a spectacular view overlooking the destinations we’ve explored over the previous two days. Back in camp, we’ll pack the boats and paddle back up Melaleuca Inlet to meet our plane for the return flight to Hobart.
Rare experiences, new horizons, a memorable journey – and all in just three brilliant and unforgettable days.
Your 3-Day Exploration includes:
Return flights from Cambridge near Hobart to Melaleuca in Southwest Tasmania; skilled, highly-experienced kayaking guides and safe, comfortable double sea kayaks; two nights in our Forest Lagoon wilderness camp on Melaleuca Inlet; all specialist equipment including good-quality paddle and spray deck, paddling jacket, buoyancy vest, dry-bags and duffel bag; hearty, nutritious meals and Tasmanian wine. We provide a detailed gear list of essential equipment – see below for an overview of what you need to bring.
A unique location
Our kayaking experiences take place in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. We are privileged to be the only kayaking guides with permission to operate in this unique and special place and we are committed to sustainable and responsible environmental practices.
Our Forest Lagoon wilderness camp is dismantled and removed at the end of our season. It is carefully designed to sit lightly on the land and have minimal impact on the environment. At the same time, we have been able to ensure that the camp offers an enjoyable, sheltered and comfortable base in the wilderness. The roomy platform tents are set above the ground and the camp beds have self-inflating mattresses – after your day’s paddling, you’ll sleep soundly. There’s a covered area where we meet for meals and group gatherings – it’s a great place to plan the day’s exploration in the morning, and discuss the highlights of the journey in the evening. There are environmentally-sensitive toilet facilities. The setting is beautiful, in a remote forest clearing on the banks of Melaleuca Inlet.
What you need to bring
Click on the link below for a full equipment list – but basically, you need similar gear to what you’d carry on a bushwalking trip. Thermals and fleece clothing is light and warm. You’ll need walking boots or comfortable shoes for exploring ashore – and a change of dry gear for the evening. A waterproof and windproof jacket, sunhat, warm hat and gloves are all essential, just as you’d take on an overnight bushwalk – although when you travel by sea kayak, the weight isn’t on your back.
Another essential item – your sense of adventure!
What our guests say
Since starting our sea kayaking expeditions and explorations in Southwest Tasmania in 1998, we’ve introduced more than 1,000 people to the beauty and wonder of the wilderness. Here’s what some of them have told us about their experience:
“A marvelous experience-the best adventure we’ve ever had. Very professionally run. “
“Thank you for a fantastic trip. It was the best tour I have ever been on. The guides were fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed myself and have/would recommend the tour to other s highly.”
“We participated on both this kayak trip and other tours while we were in Tasmania. I thought the food from Roaring 40’s was superior. There were always LOTS of fresh veggis and amazing breakfasts. The lunch spread was delicious and the leftover salads were great. The food was a highlight and a delight.”
“The food was excellent, fresh, healthy and above expectations.”
3 day Exploration in Kayaks
| Fares: | $1850pp ($1950pp for dates between Dec 25th to March 3rd) |
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| Departs: | 8:00am | |
| Season: | 2011-2012 | Nov 22nd to 23rd |
| Dec 6th to 8th | ||
| Dec 20th to 22nd | ||
| Dec 28th to 30th | ||
| Jan 3rd to 5th | ||
| Jan 10th to 12th | ||
| Jan 24th to 26th | ||
| Feb 7th to 9th | ||
| Feb 21st to 23rd | ||
| March 6th to 8th | ||
| March 20th to 22nd | ||
| April 3rd to 5th | ||
| April 17th to 19th | ||
| Information: | Information Sheet, Reservation Form | |
Smiles all around
Good Food
Comfortable accommodation
Camp Dining
Remembering Deny King
Bathurst Harbour reflections
A “loo” with a view