Day 1: Entering the Tarkine

Distance: 7km

From Launceston we drive north to Devonport and follow the Bass Hwy west to Burnie. After a short lunch stop the tour heads south, through scenic rolling hills, towards the heart of the Tarkine. Approaching the Arthur River, the forest grows older and wilder, and the green mosses deepen. Here we depart the vehicle and prepare to cross the Arthur River by raft. The walk then crosses a number of small creeks and the Keith River, after which, the major ascent of the day along an old forestry road begins. The climb is steady and consistent and most groups reach the top after an hours walk. This is the most challenging section of the walk.

We leave the road behind and follow the edge of Pinner Creek. A small trail leads deeper into the forest and from here evidence of modern civilisation disappears amongst the ancient myrtle and sassafras trees. The first campsite is located on the banks of the pristine Mystery Creek, an ideal spot to explore with a camera.

Day 2: Walking with Giants

Distance: 7km

Wake to the smell of your favourite hot drink, followed by a hearty breakfast. Today's walk involves ascending to the rainforest plateau from where the trail gently ascends into camp. The uphill sections are a moderate grade with two short sections of steep walking. From camp, the forested path leads us deeper into the heart of the Tarkine rainforest, the largest patch of cool temperate rainforest in the Southern Hemisphere.

As we venture deeper, the forest structure changes and we encounter the first of the giant Eucalypt trees. The Tarkine is home to some of the largest flowering trees on the planet. Some of their circumferences are larger than ten people linking hands at the base. We have time to sit back and marvel at ehse these giants as well as capturing some impressive photos. Winding our way through groves of huge trees, we ascend onto the rich volcanic plateau that supports the open myrtle rainforest of the Tarkine. Tonight's camp is located on the edge of a forest ridge surrounded by myrtle trees, giant tree ferns and a carpet of green mosses and lichens.

Day 3: Tarkine Falls

Distance: 8km

After breakfast we cross two pristine creeks covered with lush green rainforest where you can fill up your water bottle for the day's walking. You'll notice the forest surrounding the creeks is thicker as the extra moisture allows for more abundant growth. Shortly after emerging from the valley, we walk through a glade of giant tree ferns, Antarctica dicksonia. Tree ferns, the size of small trees, have grown in this spot for hundreds of years, hence their remarkable size and shapes.

After leaving the fern glade we complete the day's uphill walking, before contouring around the edge of a large rainforest dominated plateau. Views from the edge of the plateau extend over vast, forested valleys. With lunch approaching we arrive at the Shrine.

The Shrine is a small waterfall located on the edge of the rain forest plateau. A short walk leads to the base of the falls where you can fill your water bottle. After lunch we head towards Tarkine Falls. After a two hour walk through stunning open rainforest, we arrive on the banks of Eastons Creek. As we approach Tarkine Falls, the sound of tumbling water increases as the forest reveals a beautiful waterfall. The rest of the afternoon is spent enjoying the falls, taking a refreshing swim and settling into camp. After dinner, there is an opportunity for a night time stroll to see glow worms on rock walls that surround the base of the falls.

Day 4: Day Walk to Tarkine Lookout

Distance: 9km

Today we embark on a 5 hour round trip to Tarkine Lookout. The day's walk is backpack free and traverses a number of pristine rainforest creeks, before descending into a valley of thicker horizontal forest. We eventually hit a solid wall of bauera, Banksia and tea tree. This vegetation change marks the edge of a button grass island located in a sea of rainforest. We then ascend a ridge for about thirty minutes to Tarkine Lookout. From the summit of this button grass knoll there are extensive views of the Tarkine rainforest stretching out to the horizon in every direction.

To the north, we view the Arthur and Keith River valleys, to the east lies the18,000 hectare Savage River National Park, and to the south and west lies the largest patch of temperate rainforest in the Southern Hemisphere. Interspersed amongst the rainforest are small patches of button grass and tall eucalypt forest. Lunch is served here, as we sit back and soak up the glorious views.

Day 5: Walk into Heaven

Distance: 6km

The majority of today's walk follows Eastons Creek, winding through some of the most scenic rainforest of the trip. As we descend past giant tree ferns and twisted myrtles we gain occasional glimpses of a rainforest flanked creek. We cross Eastons Creek a number of times before arriving at a gorgeous waterhole, suspended between a tumbling waterfall and a gentle cascade. Call it what you like, we call it Heaven. Lunch is served at Heaven whilst we relax and soak up the sun and, for the adventurous, you can take a dip in the pristine pool. After lunch, there is ample time to explore the spectacular geology of rainforest surrounding Heaven. It is one of the most luxurious rainforest landscapes on the walk. After lunch we undertake a short ascent to the top of a ridge and set up camp for the final time. Heaven camp enjoys spectacular views of Blue Peak and the valley of Eastons Creek all the way back to Tarkine Falls. Whilst dinner is prepared, sit back and contemplate the ancient wonder and mystery of the Tarkine rainforest.

Day 6: Leaving the Tarkine

Distance: 6km

Today we slowly make our way out of the Tarkine rainforest and return to the comfort of modern life. After the mornings walk through callidendrous forest, we link up again with the most remote of old forestry roads. From here the pace of the walk quickens as we walk towards our pick-up point located on the northern side of the Arthur River. The majority of the walk is slightly downhill. On arriving at the banks of Lyons River, we prepare ourselves for the first of two river crossings. The depth of the river crossing varies and is dependent upon recent rainfalls. The average depth for this crossing in summer is knee high water. Our guides will give clear instructions on how to cross safely. After a short walk, the final leg of the track is announced by arriving on the southern banks of the lovely Arthur River, the northern boundary of the Tarkine. The crossing is approximately 40m wide providing a fun end to a memorable experience. The average height of water encountered on this crossing is also knee high in summer. We'll be met at approximately 1.00pm by our friendly diver, who prepares a wonderful "surprise lunch" to tempt us back to reality. After lunch, we drive north to Burnie and then Launceston.