Specialist walking operator, Tasmanian Expeditions, has launched a wilderness experience like no other - a five-week traverse of Tasmania combining the state's five most iconic adventures in one.

The “Great Tasmanian Traverse” is the first of its kind in Australia, offering travellers the opportunity to traverse the entire length of the Apple Isle, from top to bottom, over 39 days.

The Great Tasmanian Traverse combines five of the operator's most popular adventures; Penguin to Cradle, The Overland Track, Frenchmans Cap Trek, Franklin River Rafting and the South Coast Track.

The traverse will cover some of the most remote and beautiful wilderness regions in the world and, according to Tasmanian Expeditions Manager Field Manager, Scott O'Leary, is the company's most ambitious wilderness adventure ever.

“Highlights of the adventure include a week rafting down the iconic Franklin River, trekking in Tasmania's pristine world heritage regions, a memorable scenic flight over the West Coast and Southwest World Heritage area and a transfer to Strahan on the famous Stormbreaker yacht,” Mr O'Leary said.

“Beyond the sheer magnitude of this unique adventure, the Great Tasmanian Traverse is about exploring the more remote parts of Tasmania that encapsulate the pristine and untouched wilderness environments that Tasmania is so well known for.

“Trekkers will encounter a myriad of passes ranging from moderate to challenging and journey through landscapes that have remained untouched for centuries.

“This is the ultimate Tasmanian adventure for the experienced trekker looking for their next challenge in one of the last great wilderness areas left on the planet.”

The inaugural fully-guided traverse will start in Northern Tasmania at the beginning of the Coast to Cradle Trail and finish at Cockle Creek, Australia's southern most town.

The Great Tasmanian Traverse will cost $12,890 per person which includes all accommodation (including pre & post trip hotel nights), camping and rafting equipment, transfers, all meals (including a celebratory dinner in Hobart), food drops (where applicable), and professional guides.

There is just one departure commencing in February 2018 and will be repeated in future years with a single date.

Bookings are now open for the inaugural Great Tasmanian Traverse which departs Launceston on 18 February and concludes in Hobart on 27 March 2018.

For more info go to: www.greattasmaniantraverse.com

Trip summary:

On this epic adventure we trek from the sandy beaches of Penguin, through valleys and canyons, gradually climbing up to the highlands over six days on the Coast to Cradle Trail.

We then trek The Overland Track through the middle of Tassie, including our highest peak (Mt Ossa) and our most famous (Cradle Mountain).

After the dolerite dominated landscape of The Overland we trek into quartzite country on the Frenchmans Cap Trek, aiming to summit this amazing peak.

Next we kick off our hiking boots and pull on wetsuits for eight days to raft the Franklin River. At the end of the Franklin the Stormbreaker yacht takes us down the Gordon River to Strahan on the mid-west coast.

From here we board a light aircraft to fly over the West Coast into Southwest World Heritage Area.

The final leg of this journey treks the South Coast Track, a rugged and wonderfully rewarding trail that weaves over and around mountains, beaches and rivers to Cockle Creek – Tassie's most southern township.

The traverse ends in Hobart, our beautiful capital city. Between each trip you will have two or three nights in comfortable accommodation to relax, reflect on the journey so far, and recharge for the next section. Your guides for each section are extremely passionate about the unique areas and delight in sharing their knowledge and uncovering the hidden stories of the land with you.

Week one: Penguin to Cradle Mountain 18-23 February 2018

After a pre departure briefing in Launceston the day prior you will be transferred to Northern Tasmania and the start of the Coast to Cradle trail. Over the next six days you will walk from the north coast, along the length of the stunning Leven Canyon before ascending the Black Bluff Range and onto Mt Beecroft and the Vale of Belvoir.

Week two: The Overland Track 25 Feb – 3 March 2018

Over the course of the next seven days you will have the opportunity to climb some of Tasmania's most well known peaks such as Cradle Mountain and Mt Ossa and walk around Lake St Clair. The Overland Track is famous for its spectacular diversity, glaciated landscapes, ancient rainforests and stunning alpine vegetation. Everyday will provide a new discovery and your expert guides infuse you with their enthusiasm and love for this very special area. At the end of the track you will be staying at Derwent Bridge for three nights where you can relax and reflect upon the journey so far.

Week three: Frenchmans Cap Trek 6 – 8 March 2018

Once again you will be collected from your accommodation before being transferred to the start of the Frenchmans Cap Track. This wonderful walk is a stark contrast to what has been experienced so far. The dolerite dominated landscapes of the last week give way to mountains of glistening white quartz and implicate rainforests festooned with dripping moss and ferny creeks are a walker's delight. The objective of this trek is to summit the distinctive peak and marvel at the stunning views from atop the mountains 300m sheer quartzite face.
The track will lead you down to Irenabyss on the Franklin River where you will meet up with your rafting guides who will welcome you to the 'Ditch' and get you ready for the next thrilling part of your journey.

Week four: Franklin River 9 -16 March 2018

From Irenabyss you will spend the next eight days on this world famous river, rafting through deep valleys and gorges and sections of rapids with names such as 'Thunder Rush' and 'The Cauldron'; which inspire awe and fear in equal measure. Reaching the lower Franklin the river joins with the Gordon River where the rafting concludes and you spend at night at Sir Johns Falls. The next morning you are collected by a yacht and cruise down the length of the river before reaching Macquarie Harbour. The vessel will then dock at the Strahan Wharf and you will say farewell to your adventure companions. The next two nights will be spent at your accommodation in Strahan before commencing the final stage of your trip.

Week five: Strahan to the South Coast Track 18 – 26 March 2018

Today you will meet a pilot from Par Avion at the Strahan air strip and jump aboard a flight which will follow the wild and rugged West Coast before flying over the Southwest National Park. The flight will then land at Melaleuca where you will be met by the rest of your walking companions. From here you will embark upon a true wilderness expedition on one of the most remote and pristine hiking trails to be found in Australia. Secluded beaches, mountain ranges and mesmerizing views of this stunning coastline are just some of the highlights of this walk. Over nine days the track will lead to Cockle Creek, Australia's southern most town, where you will be met by our friendly bus driver and transferred to Hobart. The night will likely be spent celebrating your amazing achievement of completing Tasmania's five most famous and exciting wilderness adventures with your fellow walkers. Accommodation and dinner is included for this final night (27 March) of this remarkable journey.

More information at www.greattasmaniantraverse.com or telephone 1300 666 856.

For media inquiries or to arrange interviews, please contact Sue Finn, at Tasmanian Expeditions on 0412 346 648 or email sue.finn@worldexpeditions.com.au