Sail, Kayak, Camp

Enter the mystery of mountains, rainforest and rivers. Escape the everyday and be touched by Tasmania’s World Heritage Area on a remarkable 4 day journey by yacht and kayak on the Gordon and Franklin Rivers. 

Camp each night under a canopy of trees and immerse yourself in the smells and silence of the wilderness. 

The tour is undertaken in stable, double kayaks, to cater for all levels of experience and ability.

Day 1

We meet in Hobart at 9:00am and begin our journey by traversing Tasmania, with an extended drive through alpine plains and forested valleys to Queenstown and then onto Strahan. We sail the vast Macquarie Harbour at sunset aboard the yacht ‘Stormbreaker’, which is our accommodation for the evening as we travel up the Gordon River overnight.

Day 2 & 3

We wake to the sounds of Sir John Falls on the Gordon River and breakfast in the rainforest. Your kayaking experience begins with a short safety briefing and demonstration of the paddling skills that you will quickly master.

These next two days we explore the dark waters of the Lower Franklin and Gordon Rivers by kayak, paddling through mirror-perfect reflections and watching for wildlife and birds.

Discover the colourful history of the area – marvel at the feats of the hardy piners and take in the location of the blockade that created history and put these rivers into the lights of the world media.

Camp each night under a canopy of trees and immerse yourself in the smells and silence of the wilderness.

Day 4

A shorter paddle this morning takes us to our meeting with the cruise boat at Heritage Landing. On our return journey to Strahan, we stop for a guided tour of the former convict settlement on Sarah Island. The afternoon drive returns you to your desired drop off location in Hobart.

Cuisine

We strongly believe that great food is an essential part of your holiday experience and pride ourselves on preparing meals of fresh Tasmanian produce in a unique wilderness setting. All meals are fully catered from lunch on day one to lunch on the final day of your adventure.

Friends

Relax in the company of a small group: experienced, easy-going guides and companions that share the spirit of adventure and appreciation of the environment. Group sizes are limited to 10 guests (minimum 4 to maintain personal service).
Single bookings are welcome – it is likely you will share a kayak with a guide or another participant.

Weather

As we operate in the outdoors, adverse weather conditions may affect some adventures. Trips may experience day/s where paddling is not possible due to weather conditions. On these days, we undertake land-based activities and where possible provide alternative destinations or itineraries. Your safety is the most important factor in all of our decisions.

The west-coast is renowned for its inclement weather conditions - which have produced the magnificent wilderness for which we visit the area. As such, rain and drizzle are likely to be experienced on tours.

Our tours and activities are aimed at anyone in good general health with a sense of fun and adventure. Previous paddling experience is not essential, you do not even need to be able to swim as we operate by the philosophy we are ‘on the water’ not ‘in the water’.

Inclusions

We provide all equipment required for your adventure, all you require is your own personal clothing. Tour includes:

• Experienced, easy-going guide/s
• All activity and group camping equipment
• All meals, from lunch day 1 to lunch day 4
• Complimentary return transport from Hobart
• 2-person tent, inflattable thermarest mattress, sleeping bag
• Warm jacket and paddling jacket
• Waterproof bags for storage of personal items.
• Boat transfers as per tour itinerary
  
  
  

Personal Equipment List

While our double sea-kayaks are spacious, space is limited so we ask that you follow this list in regards to both quantity and type of clothing required.

Paddling wear (likely to get damp)

• Shorts
• T-shirt or light cotton top
• Thermal top and long pants / polypropylenes
• Runners or sandals
• Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen

Camp wear (including warm gear)

• Shorts
• T-shirt or cotton top
• Warm pullover or polar fleece top
• Long warm pants
• Thermal top and bottoms (second set)
• Raincoat
• Lightweight shoes for walking

Equipment

• Small lightweight towel
• Toiletries (please keep to a minimum)
• Personal medication
• Small torch and spare batteries
• Paperback book (optional)
• Camera

Tour Costs

4-day West Coast Expedition

• transport from Hobart to Strahan and return
• Overnight accommodation aboard the ‘Stormbreaker’ Yacht from Strahan to Gordon River
• 3 nights camping on Gordon River
• return cruise from Gordon River to Strahan
• all meals from Lunch Day 1 to Lunch Day 4
• experienced guide/s

Cost for 4 + people: $1990pp

Cost for 2 people: $2490pp

Reservations and Payment

A deposit of $100pp is required to secure bookings and full payment is required 30 days before departure.

Cancellations must be made at least 30 days in advance to ensure a full refund. The following fees may apply if notice is received:
• Between 15 and 30 days prior to departure, 50% of tour cost.
• 14 or fewer days prior to departure, 100% of tour cost.

Insurance

We recommend that you take out a reliable travel insurance policy provides cover in the event of illness or unforeseen circumstances.