> > by Craig Tansley
This tiny isle packs a big punch when it comes to adventure.
For six days now we’ve camped along the banks of one of the world’s last great rivers. There’s few mod-cons, no king size beds or fluffy pillows, nor much privacy amongst our group as we take shelter from the Franklin River and all its fury; a force that’s taken us further south-west into Tasmania’s wild World-Heritage listed National Park. But it’s the setting here along the Franklin that’s spectacularly romantic; huge cliffs surround us on all sides, tranquil emerald pools of water branching off the Franklin tempt us to swim, ancient temperate rainforest with trees thousands of years old entrap us; I feel hemmed in by nature but at the same time, completely free. Cascading waterfalls can be found round bends on this mighty river, while wild rapids lie in ambush at many corners, all the adventure we’ll need on this holiday. We’re white-water rafting for seven days along the upper Franklin River – the most remote commercially rafted river in the world. But for couples who demand adventure on their holidays there could be no better attraction.While its world-renowned seafood and cool climate wines may attract mainlanders and international visitors here in droves, it’s the adventure this tiny isle offers that’s its number one seller. What Tasmania does so well is offer varying degrees of adventure tourism to appeal to every couple, providing holiday makers with precisely the right amount of excitement they seek. While it offers ten-day rafting excursions down the entire Franklin River system, it also offers a tranquil day -afting excursion minutes outside the capital, Hobart.
Tasmania also offers the very adventurous (and fit) the opportunity to hike one of the world’s most renowned walks – the Overland Track - a five to six day journey that begins at Cradle Mountain and winds its way south 65 kilometres to Lake St Clair, allowing hikers the chance to see the most spectacular of Tasmania’s high country. Hikers camp in tents at night or stay in basic mountain huts. But then couples can also choose to stay in luxury at Cradle Mountain Lodge or Cradle Mountain Chalet and choose between over 20 shorter self-guided walks through the World Heritage-listed
national park – ranging from 20 minute strolls to an eight hour walk to the summit of Cradle Mountain. That way, you can still be back in time for a romantic candlelight dinner and the comfort, and privacy, of your own suite.
Tasmania has some of the best mountain bike trails in all of Australasia for couples to sample. Adrenalin-seeking couples can try their hand at the ultimate Tasmanian trail – the Ben Lomond Descent – a 26 kilometre-long descent down Tasmania’s second highest mountain, flying down a technical switchback trail known as Jacobs Ladder framed by sweeping dolerite cliffs. It’s the longest mountain bike descent in Tasmania, you’ll drop 1050 vertical metres. Or you could take a leisurely trail along Launceston or Hobart’s spectacular waterfront where there’s barely a hill climb or descent to negotiate.
There’s also some of Australia’s most pristine waterways to kayak – again, couples can take on a challenging multi-day sea kayaking excursion on open ocean and through some of the world’s last untouched wilderness regions – week-long paddling excursions are available if your arms are up to it - alternatively couples can take a relaxing paddle up the D’Entrecastreux Channel just south of Hobart to Peppermint Bay to enjoy a gourmet lunch and bottle of local wine.
Couples can also take a relaxing beginner-friendly half-day horse ride in Cradle Mountain country – or bring out their high country equestrian skills in a multi-day horse riding adventure crossing swollen rivers in some of Tasmania’s most challenging terrain just east of the Cradle Mountain National Park.
Opportunities for adventurous couples in Tasmania are endless. You could take a cable hang gliding flight just outside Launceston or Hobart. You’ll soar 400 metres into the air giving you an eagle-eye view over the regions. Or take a hot air balloon ride 20 minutes south of Launceston (between January and April). Or there’s jet boating on Tasmania’s wild west coast, some of the world’s most
renowned big wave surfing (or learn to surf classes if that’s more your speed) or why not really terrify yourself and jump out of a plane over Hobart, admiring its harbour and nearby Mt Wellington on the plummet down. This, of course, may be the one adventure option in Tasmania that doesn’t offer an easier alternative.
Adventure Options
+ Choose a five, seven or ten-day Franklin River white-water rafting trip or one of two-day excursions with RaftingTasmania, www.raftingtasmania.com
+ Find out more about the Overland Track and book your spot at www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=7771 or for more on staying within the park and taking shorter hikes, go to www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au
+ Try a mountain biking excursion to suit you with Mountain Bike Tasmania, www.mountainbiketasmania.com.au
+ Choose a kayak adventure with Roaring 40s Kayaking, www.roaring40skayaking.com.au
+ Take a half-day horse ride, full-day ride or multi-day ride, www.horseridingtasmania.com.au
+ Try a thrilling cable hang gliding ride, www.cablehanggliding.com.au
+ Take to the air in a hot air balloon, www.goldrushballooning.com.au
+ Jump out of a plane, www.skydivetasmania.com.au
+ Take a 50-minute jet boat drive on the wild west coast, wildriversjet.com.au