Discover the breathtaking Bay of Fires region in the state’s northeast from the unique palawa (Tasmanian aboriginal) perspective on this Aboriginal owned and operated walk. Hike in the footsteps of the traditional people, with palawa guides and elders relating first-hand the palawa creation story. You’ll participate in cultural practices that have been passed down for hundreds of generations and sleep comfortably overnight in bespoke palawa inspired domed huts and the meticulously renovated Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage.
Journey Highlights
Arrive into Launceston and transfer to the Aboriginal Elders Centre, to be welcomed by a palawa elder. After a traditional morning tea and a chance to view important artefacts and historical photos you will be issued with equipment, as needed. Soon after you head out on the scenic drive north to the trail head while learning about the Aboriginal and European history of the districts you pass through.
After a ‘welcome to country’ and ‘smoking ceremony’ walk to the summit of wukalina for a picnic lunch and magnificent 360-degree views. On a clear day truwana (Cape Barren Island) is visible, and you will hear stories of the significance of truwana and the other Furneaux Islands - historical and contemporary heartlands of the palawa community and culture.
After lunch, take the newly crafted walking track to your purpose-built camp (krakani lumi) at Cobler Rocks, stopping along the way to hear cultural and botanical interpretations from your qualified guides, on the lookout all the while for endemic flora and fauna.
Time to relax
before pre-dinner drinks and a traditionally inspired seafood feast. Your evening
activities include interaction with a palawa elder and the telling of the
palawa creation story.
krakani lumi
camp | Meals: LD
After breakfast take the traditional coastal pathway, where significant Aboriginal middens are located. Along the way, your guide will share information on traditional food sources, medicines and native animals. After lunch in camp, there are cultural sessions including kelp and reed basket making, crafting and playing clap sticks, and working with shells and native animal furs.
Follow your traditional
dinner of mutton bird, wallaby, and doughboys with a starlit night walk where
you may encounter native wildlife such as wombats (prupilathina), wallabies
(payathanima) and kangaroos, as well as possums and other Australian fauna in
this untouched landscape.
krakani lumi
camp | Meals: BLD
Heading south
today your guided walk travels along stretches of pure white sand and past
rocky headlands covered in the red lichen typical of the Bay of Fires region.
Enjoy lunch at the unusual marsupial lawns where the chances of spotting wombats
are quite high. Arrive at the Aboriginal landholding of larapuna (Eddystone
Point lighthouse precinct) mid-afternoon, where you spend tonight at the beautifully
restored Lighthouse Cottages.
Lighthouse
Cottages | Meals: BLD
Today provides an opportunity for you to explore the larapuna area – including the coastline, rock quarry and lighthouse precinct. Take a tour of the fully operational lighthouse, with unmatched views of the world-renowned Bay of Fires coastline. It is not uncommon to see black swans and arctic terns or pelicans, sea eagles, and the odd whale or dolphin in the surf below.
Afterwards you may wish to spend time with your guides reflecting on key learnings from the journey.
After lunch return
to Launceston with farewell drinks this evening before catching a flight home
or settling into one of the city’s many boutique hotels.
Meals: BL
Pricing: Twin share per person: $2,495
Single supplement: $1,870
Departs Sundays 1 October - 30 April