Guided Rainforest Walk
This guided walk will take you through ancient rainforest and tall eucalypts on the Great Western Tiers. These forests contain the remnants of the ancient forests of Gondwana, as well as the unique flora of the more recently evolved plants of Australia. In Tasmania, isolated from many of the influences of disease, fire and climate variability, the ancient rainforests live on.
The walk is of one to two hours duration depending on the pace of the group and the level of interpretation required. The grade can be adapted to suit different physical needs but is an easy walking experience.
Our guides Sean Cadman and John Robin have made a study of the evolutionary history of Tasmania's natural heritage and delight in sharing their knowledge with visitors and travelers from all walks of life. The human settlement of the valley and its relationship to the natural world is also described and explained.
Departs daily 10.30 am. Cost $55 per person. make a booking | make an enquiry
Guided Wild Forest Walk
The Wild Forest guided walk is a three to four hour return trip with spectacular views from the upper slopes of the Tiers. Rainforest understory as well as giant ferns predominate under tall eucalypts. As Jackeys Marsh is situated midway between the rainforests of Tasmania's west coast and the dry forests of the east, the slopes of the valley contain a wide variety of plant species. This means it is possible to see many different Tasmanian forest communities in a single walking experience.
Trees over 60 metres tall and some of the largest musk rainforest in Tasmania can be found here. Plentiful sources of food mean the forests are rich in birdlife. This walk includes lunch under a spreading myrtle tree at the top of the track. An easy walking pace with plenty of stops means most reasonably fit people would find this walk enjoyable as well as inspirational.
Departs daily on request. Cost $100 per person (includes lunch). Bookings required 2 days beforehand. make a booking | make an enquiry
World Heritage Walk
This walk departs from the valley floor of Jackeys Marsh into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It is a 7 to 8 hour wild country experience, limited in numbers to protect the special conservation values of the place. On a fine day from the top of the track you will be able to see deep into the World Heritage Area as well as the coast.
The area is protected for its consevation values which include many rare and endemic plant species. This is a very special place, spectacularly beautiful with its lakes and tarns, cushion plants and many Tasmanian endemic plant species. You will see groves of Pencil Pine, a relict of the supercontinent of Pangea, and a close relative of the giant Californian redwood. This place can also be quite wild and the weather may dictate whether the walk will proceed on any given day. Guides will offer an alternative route if they decided the weather conditions make the walk too dangerous.
The ascent passes through rainforest on an old bullock track cut by convicts in the 1860's, evidence of Tasmania's historic past. Hand built stone walls still support parts of the track one hundred and fifty years later.
You will need to be physically fit and in good health to undertake this walk. To protect the environment numbers are limited to 100 per year so book early.
Departs on request at 9.30 am. Cost $200 per person (includes lunch). Min 2 people. Bookings must be made at least 1 week prior to departure. make a booking | make an enquiry
Semi-guided Walk
If staying at Forest Walks Lodge or Tallahassee Cottage Backpackers we offer an hour of interpretation, similar to that for the first stage of the Rainforest Walk. This may be a useful introduction to Tasmania's forests if you would prefer to explore the forest in your own time and at your leisure. There are a variety of easily accessible walks around the valley.
Departs daily 10.00 am. Cost $22 per person.
make a booking
make an enquiry
Additional Walks on the Great Western Tiers
If you are staying at Forest Walks Lodge or Tallahassee Cottage Backpackers there are many opportunities to take short or longer walks around the valley. Bird life is abundant and much of the area is protected in reserves. The Meander Falls walk nearby is one of the most popular walks on the Great Western Tiers and the Mole Creek Caves with their superb natural limestone formations are only a half-hour drive away, or one and a half hours by bicycle.
Tallahassee Cottage is an ideal stop for cyclists exploring the Great Western Tiers and Deloraine district, especially those who would like to spend a day walking in between cycling. make an enquiry