Itinerary

• Departure & Historic New Norfolk

  We depart Hobart, taking in sweeping early morning views of the Derwent Estuary and the northern suburbs. Our first stop is the historic town of New Norfolk, where we pause at a beloved local bakery so you can purchase a fresh lunch and hot and cold drinks for the day ahead.

• Entering the Wilderness & The Creepy Crawly Walk

  Leaving the farmlands behind, we enter the towering eucalyptus forests where the wilderness truly begins. We pause for a guided walk along the famous Creepy Crawly Track. Winding through a dense, cool-temperate rainforest, you’ll step over mossy logs and climb wooden stairs while David explains this ancient ecosystem.

• Lake Pedder & Teds Beach Lunch Stop

  We emerge into an open landscape of dramatic mountains carpeted in native button grass and scrub, arriving at the tranquil shores of Lake Pedder. Here, we take a relaxing lake-shore walk. David utilizes his university background in botany, geology, and hydrology to reveal the secrets of the lake. Enjoy your lunch and relax on the striking white quartzite sands of Teds Beach—you can even dip your bare feet into the crystal-clear water.

• Lake Pedder Birds-Eye Lookout

  We head up to the high Lake Pedder Lookout for a breathtaking, birds-eye perspective. Take a deep breath and photograph the sprawling, colourful waters contrasted against the rugged, glaciated mountain ranges that define the Southwest Wilderness.

• The Mighty Gordon Dam & Nob Hill

  We arrive at the massive Gordon Dam—Australia’s highest concrete arch dam wall at 140m. Walk across the crest to feel the immense scale of the architecture. Turn 180 degrees to contrast the untouched temperate rainforest of Gordon Gorge on your left with Lake Gordon (Australia's largest water storage) on your right. David will share stories of his father's engineering work here. After conquering the 185 stairs back up, we ascend even higher in our minibus to the Nob Hill Lookout for an eagle-eye view over the entire canyon.

• The Wilderness Return Journey

  We settle back into our comfortable vehicle for the scenic drive back to civilization, tracking through changing forest landscapes and beholding a massive log that is over 2000 years old.