Embark on a Kayaking journey in Australia’s most wild and remote paddling destination. An unforgettable 8-Day sea kayaking expedition though Tasmania’s breathtaking South West Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Length
4 Days (3.5 days kayaking)
Trip Style
Tent based, Multi day Expedition
Location
Bathurst Harbour and Bathurst Channel, Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area
For who
Anyone seeking an intro to Sea Kayaking and Multiday Adventuring
When
December through to March
Discover Tasmania’s Southwest Wilderness by Kayak
Bathurst Harbour and Port Davey, at the heart of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area, are some of the most remote and spectacular landscapes in Australia. With no roads and no settlements, this is a world that can only truly be discovered from the water.
Instead of carrying a heavy pack across rough tracks, expedition sea kayaking lets you glide effortlessly through sheltered harbours, remote islands, wild rivers and rugged coastlines – covering more ground, seeing more, and enjoying it with less strain on the body.
Our 4-day kayaking expedition is the perfect introduction to multiday paddling adventures. You’ll enjoy 3.5 days exploring pristine waterways at a relaxed, walking-pace rhythm, with the first day dedicated to uncovering the rich history of Melaleuca – from tin mining heritage to the rare orange-bellied parrot. Unlike a walking trip, you’ll carry your gear easily in stable sea kayaks, arriving at each camp ready to relax, not exhausted.
Everything you need is provided – return wilderness flights, quality expedition equipment, delicious food, and expert guides who know this remarkable area inside out. This short expedition is ideal for bushwalkers or outdoor lovers looking to take their first step into sea kayaking and experience Tasmania’s Southwest in the most enjoyable way possible.
The adventure begins...
The journey begins at Cambridge Airport near Hobart with a 40-50 minute scenic flight. Our pilot decides whether to fly along the remote beaches of the South Coast, or over the wild Eastern Arthur Ranges before landing on the gravel strip at Melaleuca.
Our first night is spent here, giving us all time to immerse ourselves in the relaxed pace of the Southwest Tasmanian wilderness. After setting up camp we will provide an orientation of the sea kayaks. There will also be time to explore Melaleuca, including the Deny King Museum, Needwonee Aborignal Interpretative Walk, historic tin mining areas and looking out for the endangered Orange-bellied Parrots who breed here over summer.
The first day we explore Melaleuca but may also hit the water to make the most of the weather forecast as our mission is to explore as far as the conditions allow.
An example itinerary is available in our Trip Essentials Guide. Download it now for free!
The Route
Our 4-day expedition is designed with one goal: to explore as much of this vast World Heritage wilderness as the weather allows. With no set itinerary, every trip is different. Each day our expert guides read the conditions, using their deep knowledge of the area and up-to-date forecasts to create a safe, flexible and rewarding route. This means you’ll paddle with the wind at your back whenever possible—harnessing tailwinds to cover impressive distances with ease.
No two expeditions are alike, but every journey is defined by the same things: wild beauty, flexible adventure, and the simple joy of travelling at paddling pace.
What to expect
Each morning begins with a hearty breakfast before we break camp, pack our kayaks and set out across the water. Days are shaped by the weather, with some offering relaxed paddles between sheltered coves and others giving us the chance to take advantage of tailwinds and cover impressive distances.
We typically pause mid-morning or around lunch for a hot cup of tea, a beach walk, and a chance to stretch your legs before continuing into the afternoon. By late afternoon we arrive at a new campsite, where together we set up tents, unwind, and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner as the sun sets over the wilderness.
Expect variety: some days are big, adventurous pushes across the channels; others are slower explorations, with time for short walks and wildlife encounters. What stays the same is the rhythm of paddling, the camaraderie of the group, and the sense of immersion in one of Tasmania’s most extraordinary landscapes.
The Weather
The ever-changing weather of Tasmania’s southwest is part of what makes this World Heritage wilderness so unforgettable. One moment you may be gliding under blue skies, the next surrounded by drifting mist or soft rain as the landscape transforms with light and weather. It’s all part of the experience—and a big reason this place feels so wild and remote.
In summer, daytime temperatures can range from a crisp 10°C to a warm 35°C, with evenings often dropping below 10°C. Rain or drizzle is common, adding both atmosphere and a true sense of adventure.
With the right gear you’ll remain comfortable and ready for anything. We provide a detailed packing list and supply quality expedition equipment, but we also recommend bringing reliable wet-weather gear and warm thermals so you can enjoy every moment, no matter what the weather brings.
Unlike multi-day bushwalks, where rain often means mud and heavy packs, kayaking keeps the load off your shoulders and lets you travel smoothly across the water—making it a more enjoyable way to experience the wilderness in all conditions.
The Camp Sites
Each night brings a new setting—sometimes a sheltered beach, sometimes a remote riverbank—and if we find the perfect spot, we may choose to spend two nights in the same camp to soak it all in.
Unlike multi-day bushwalks, there’s no heavy pack to carry. The kayaks take the load, gliding smoothly across the water with all your food and gear tucked away in dry hatches. You arrive at camp ready to enjoy the evening, not exhausted from carrying weight on your back.
We provide everything you need for a comfortable wilderness experience: the choice of a single or shared double tent, a quality sleeping mat, and a warm sleeping bag—so you can rest well and be ready for the next day’s adventure.
The Food
Great adventures deserve great food—and we’ve spent years perfecting a menu that delivers just that. Each evening, our experienced guides prepare hearty, delicious meals designed to fuel your body after a day on the water.
Our expedition menu strikes the perfect balance of energy, nutrition, and freshness, carefully planned to last the full duration of the trip without compromising on taste or quality.
We proudly cater to all major dietary requirements—including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and more. Just let us know your needs when you book, and we’ll make sure you’re well looked after with meals that are both nourishing and tailored to you.
Check Availability & Book Your Trip
Pick a date from our real-time calendar and select the number of people in your group. Fill out your details to complete the booking.
Make sure to read our Trip Essentials Guide to help you prepare for the journey ahead.
COST
$3600
PER PERSON
(2025 / 26)
DEPOSIT
$400
PER PERSON
PAID AT BOOKING
ALL TOURS ALSO AVAILABLE AS GIFT VOUCHERS.
What’s included?
- Transfers between Hobart and Cambridge Airport
- Scenic 40-50 minute return flight from Hobart to Melaleuca
- All meals (with an emphasis on fresh Tasmanian produce) and refreshments, a glass of wine or two each evening
- Good quality camping equipment specifically selected for wilderness safety and comfort
- Two highly-experienced kayaking guides
- Comfortable and stable double sea kayaks
- All specialist paddling equipment (good-quality paddle, paddling jacket, spray deck, buoyancy vest, duffle bag, and dry-bags)
- National park entry fees
Customer Testimonials
GET OUR KAYAK TRIP ESSENTIALS BOOKLET
Embark on the ultimate kayaking adventure in Tasmania’s wilderness. Download our “Trip Essentials” booklet for expert insights and gear recommendations. Explore remote beaches, stunning mountains, and hidden coves. Experience the thrill of a scenic flight and immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of nature. Unleash your sense of adventure and join us for an unforgettable kayaking journey.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Expedition kayaking for me?
If you love bushwalking and exploring wild places, expedition kayaking might be your perfect next adventure. Sea kayaks are an incredibly efficient way to travel through rugged landscapes — you glide along the waterways rather than pounding the track on your knees and joints. Unlike carrying a heavy pack, your kayak does the hard work, leaving you free to soak up the scenery. Expedition kayaks also have plenty of space to carry good food and quality equipment, so you can enjoy wilderness comfort without compromise.
Do I need to be an experienced kayaker?
You don’t need prior kayaking experience to join, just a general level of fitness and a love of the outdoors. If you can enjoy camping or overnight bushwalking or multiday guided hikes, you’ll find expedition kayaking very achievable, with the bonus that your kayak carries the gear instead of you.
Expect to spend up to two hours at a time in the kayak, travelling at a relaxed pace with our guides helping you refine your paddle technique throughout the trip.
Being comfortable with wilderness camping and ready to embrace the challenge of adventure will make this an unforgettable way to experience Tasmania’s wild places.
What gear do I need to bring?
A full gear list is provided in our Trip Essentials brochure which you can download for 8-day expeditions here or 4-day explorations here, but essentially you need clothing for each day, including thermals for paddling, quick-drying outer layers, rain jackets and pants, and a sleeping bag.
All other equipment is supplied, including tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, cooking equipment and utensils, paddling jacket and pants, 2 dry bags, buoyancy vest, spray skirt, paddles and all other relevant paddling equipment.
You will also be supplied with a 70-litre gear bag at Cambridge Airport. Due to weight and space limitations in both the aircraft and kayaks your entire personal luggage must fit into this gear bag. We can store any remaining luggage for the duration of your trip.
What does the trip package include?
- Transfers between Hobart and Cambridge Airport (scenic one hour return flight to Melaleuca)
- All meals and refreshments (with a focus on fresh Tasmanian produce)
- A glass of wine each evening.
- For camping expeditions: good quality camping equipment, including tents, Xped 7cm sleeping mat, sleeping bag
- Two highly-experienced kayaking guides
- Comfortable and stable double sea kayaks
- All specialist paddling equipment (good-quality paddle, paddling jacket, spray skirt, buoyancy vest, duffel bag, and dry bags)
- National Park entry fee
What is excluded from the trip package?
- Flights to Hobart
- Travel insurance (highly recommended in case of cancellations or delays due to weather)
Can I join the trip on my own and does it cost more?
We welcome single bookings and most of our expeditions have a mix of couples and singles. We will provide singles with a one-person tent and you would share a double kayak with another single traveler or a guide.
We DO NOT charge a single supplement for single bookings.
How many people in the group?
By having group sizes of 4 to 10 with 2 guides we are able to provide all participants with an intimate encounter with Tasmania’s famous World Heritage Wilderness.
What will the camping be like?
As this is an expedition trip, we will be camping at different camp sites during the trip, we may spend multiple nights at some campsites such as Bramble Cove to allow us to explore Port Davey and make the most of the weather conditions.
Most campsites allow for mountain climbs and beach walks.
What are the guides like?
We are lucky to have a team of professional guides whom return each summer to share their passion for Tasmania. All our guides have sea kayaking qualifications with Paddle Australia or equivilant. You can expect highly skilled and knowledgeable guides that are also, of course, friendly, approachable and good cooks!
Are there biosecurity rules for bringing outdoor equipment into Tasmania?
Yes! The greatest threat to Tasmania’s land plants is an introduced plant disease called root rot. The disease is caused by a microscopic soil-borne pathogen (Phytophthora cinnamomi), which lives inside a plant’s roots and gradually kills its host. Root rot is spread on the muddy boots and camping gear of visitors. Once root rot infects an area, it cannot be removed.
Your hiking boots and any camping equipment must be thoroughly cleaned of all dirt and mud before you leave home. A wash-down station is provided at the Cambridge Airport for an additional clean before our flight.
How far/long will we paddle each day?
On a typical day though we aim to paddle for approximately 2-3 hours in the morning and 2-3 hours in the afternoon. Sometimes we may spend an afternoon or morning enjoying a short walk instead of paddling. Paddling speed is relaxed i.e. it is like going for a relaxed walk rather than a sprint.
On an average 8 Day trip we would cover up to 120km
Do you have a set itinerary?
Due to the unique nature of this area, and the variability of the weather that it experiences, we have no fixed route or schedule. Whilst we do our best to fulfil the wishes and aspirations of our participants, our first priority is participant safety. The number of days paddling, and the number of hours in the kayaks on each of those days, is highly variable and dependent upon both participants and conditions. Our guides are highly experienced at optimising the route to make the most of prevailing conditions.
What weather can I expect?
The dynamic weather is one of the many attractions of this unique World Heritage Area wilderness. Daytime summer temperatures can range from 10° to 35°C with at least one day of rain or drizzle to be expected; evening temperatures regularly drop below 10°C. In this moist maritime environment, quality wet-weather gear and thermal garments are a necessity for your safety and comfort. Follow our gear list and you will be comfortable and prepared to enjoy the many variations of weather we may encounter.
What safety equipment do you provide?
The remote nature of this trip is part of what makes it a great adventure, but it also means that we need to very careful that everyone is prepared for the unforeseen. If you are taking any medications please be sure to let your guide know and bring an extra supply. It is also important that you let us know if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries.
All Roaring 40s Kayaking’s trip leaders hold sea kayaking and wilderness first aid qualifications. We carry an extensive first aid kit, satellite phone, location beacon, marine radio, flare kits and towing equipment in case of emergencies. We are proud to say that over the years Band-Aids have been the only safety items used.
Will my mobile phone work in the Southwest?
No! This trip is located in a remote area of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area and there is no mobile reception anywhere. You will be able to enjoy your time in the wilderness with no electronic interruptions! We carry a satellite phone at all times for emergency use only.
What meals do you provide?
All meals, snacks and drinks are provided from the time you join us on day 1 to lunch on the last day. We cater for most dietary requirements (nut allergies, vegetarians, vegans, lactose/gluten intolerant). If you have a dietary requirement, you need to let us know when you book.
A glass of wine is provided with dinner each evening. If you would like to bring additional alcohol, please do not bring glass and remember that everything you bring must fit into the 70 litre gear bag you will be supplied with at Cambridge Airport.
What time do I need to be in Hobart?
We recommend you plan your arrival in Hobart the day prior, but at a minimum 2 hours prior to your tour departure (we can pick you up at Hobart Airport and transfer you to Cambridge Airport).
We highly recommend you do not arrange onward travel for at least 24 hours after our scheduled finish date and time. This is because access to this wilderness area is by light plane, which cannot operate in extreme weather or poor visibility. Roaring 40s Kayaking will not be responsible for any expenses incurred due to flight delays that are out of our control. We highly recommend that you purchase travel tickets that can be rebooked and obtain travel insurance to cover any expenses associated with such delays. In the eventuality of a departure delay we will endeavour to provide an additional day to your tour but this requires participants to have flexibility in their schedule.
Where do I meet up with my tour group?
The meeting point for the start of your kayaking adventure is at Hobart’s Cambridge Airport. We are able to pick up participants in Hobart City or at the Hobart Airport for transfers to Cambridge Airport. Note flight times do vary so check your confirmation for your meeting time.
Can I organise a private trip?
Yes, we can organise private trips for a minmum of 8 participants and a maximum of 10. Please contact us for more information.
Do I need to pay a deposit to secure my place?
For all bookings made more than 60 days prior to the scheduled trip date, a non-refundable deposit ($400 per person) is required to reserve your place. The balance is due 60 days prior to the departure date. For reservations made 60 days or less from the departure date, full payment must be made at the time of booking.
What is your cancellation policy?
- If you cancel your booking more than 60 days prior to departure you will forfeit your deposit.
- If you cancel your booking between 60 to 30 days prior to your departure, you will be charged 50% of your trip cost.
- If you cancel your booking inside 30 days of your departure date, you will be charged the full value of your booking. No refunds..
Roaring 40s Kayaking requires full payment 60 days prior to departure and reserves the right to cancel expeditions up until this date if there are insufficient numbers. In such a case, you will be given a choice of:
- Transferring payments towards another trip date; or
- The payment of an additional fee to have the trip run as scheduled; or
- Receiving a full refund.
In the event of such a cancellation, Roaring 40s Kayaking cannot be held responsible for any losses incurred by yourself, i.e. non-refundable airline tickets and Hobart accommodation. If for any reason whatsoever you cancel less than four weeks prior to your trip departure you will forfeit all payments. For this reason, we highly recommend you purchase travel insurance that covers losses due to unforseen events that result in cancellations, including having to cancel due to COVID.
Want to know more?
We’re happy to help! Just send us a message using the form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
