What gear do I need to bring?
A full gear list is provided in our Trip Essentials brochure which you can download for 8-day expeditions here or 4-day explorations here, but essentially you need clothing for each day, including thermals for paddling, quick-drying outer layers, rain jackets and pants, and a sleeping bag.
All other equipment is supplied, including tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, cooking equipment and utensils, paddling jacket and pants, 2 dry bags, buoyancy vest, spray skirt, paddles and all other relevant paddling equipment.
You will also be supplied with a 70-litre gear bag at Cambridge Airport. Due to weight and space limitations in both the aircraft and kayaks your entire personal luggage must fit into this gear bag. We can store any remaining luggage for the duration of your trip.
What does the trip package include?
- Transfers between Hobart and Cambridge Airport (scenic one hour return flight to Melaleuca)
- All meals and refreshments (with a focus on fresh Tasmanian produce)
- A glass of wine each evening.
- One night accommodation at a permanent standing camp on 8-day expeditions
- Three nights accommodaiton at a permanent standing camp on 4-day explorations
- For camping expeditions: good quality camping equipment, including tents, Xped 7cm sleeping mat, sleeping bag
- Two highly-experienced kayaking guides
- Comfortable and stable double sea kayaks
- All specialist paddling equipment (good-quality paddle, paddling jacket, spray skirt, buoyancy vest, duffel bag, and dry bags)
- National Park entry fee
What is excluded from the trip package?
- Flights to Hobart
- Travel insurance (highly recommended in case of cancellations or delays due to weather)
Do I need to be an experienced kayaker?
While it is not necessary to be an experienced kayaker, it is recommended that you have done enough kayaking to be comfortable spending up to 2 hours at one time in a kayak. It is also important you are in reasonable shape, are comfortable with wilderness camping and most of all have a sense of adventure.
Can I join the trip on my own and does it cost more?
We welcome single bookings and most of our expeditions have a mix of couples and singles. We will provide singles with a one-person tent but you may be required to share a yurt at the standing camp on the last night of the 8-day expeditions, and all nights of the 4-day expeditions. The yurts have singles beds and a heavy curtain seperating the beds.
There is no surcharge for single bookings.
How many people in the group?
By having group sizes of 4 to 10 with 2 guides we are able to provide all participants with an intimate encounter with Tasmania's famous World Heritage Wilderness.
What will the camping be like?
On our 8-day expeditions we will be wilderness camping for 6 nights. We will supply you with a good-quality tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat, or if you prefer you can bring your own.
On the remaining nights of our 8-day expeditions and for all nights on our 4-night expeditions we will camp with a touch of luxury at a permanent standing camp tucked away on the shores of Bathurst Harbour. The standing camp has 5 x two-person platform safari-style tents, a dining/kitchen shelter and communal amenities. Each safari tent has a double or two single beds and is high enough for you to walk around.
What are the guides like?
We are lucky to have a team of professional guides whom return each summer to share their passion for Tasmania. All our guides have sea kayaking qualifications with Paddle Australia or equivilant. You can expect highly skilled and knowledgeable guides that are also, of course, friendly, approachable and good cooks!
Are there biosecurity rules for bringing outdoor equipment into Tasmania?
Yes! The greatest threat to Tasmania’s land plants is an introduced plant disease called root rot. The disease is caused by a microscopic soil-borne pathogen (Phytophthora cinnamomi), which lives inside a plant’s roots and gradually kills its host. Root rot is spread on the muddy boots and camping gear of visitors. Once root rot infects an area, it cannot be removed.
Your hiking boots and any camping equipment must be thoroughly cleaned of all dirt and mud before you leave home. A wash-down station is provided at the Cambridge Airport for an additional clean before our flight.
How far/long will we paddle each day?
On a typical day though we aim to paddle for approximately 2-3 hours in the morning and 2-3 hours in the afternoon. Sometimes we may spend an afternoon or morning enjoying a short walk instead of paddling. Paddling speed is relaxed i.e. it is like going for a relaxed walk rather than a sprint.
Do you have a set itinerary?
Due to the unique nature of this area, and the variability of the weather that it experiences, we have no fixed route or schedule. Whilst we do our best to fulfil the wishes and aspirations of our participants, our first priority is participant safety. The number of days paddling, and the number of hours in the kayaks on each of those days, is highly variable and dependent upon both participants and conditions. Our guides are highly experienced at optimising the route to make the most of prevailing conditions.
What weather can I expect?
The dynamic weather is one of the many attractions of this unique World Heritage Area wilderness. Daytime summer temperatures can range from 10° to 35°C with at least one day of rain or drizzle to be expected; evening temperatures regularly drop below 10°C. In this moist maritime environment, quality wet-weather gear and thermal garments are a necessity for your safety and comfort. Follow our gear list and you will be comfortable and prepared to enjoy the many variations of weather we may encounter.
What safety equipment do you provide?
The remote nature of this trip is part of what makes it a great adventure, but it also means that we need to very careful that everyone is prepared for the unforeseen. If you are taking any medications please be sure to let your guide know and bring an extra supply. It is also important that you let us know if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries.
All Roaring 40s Kayaking’s trip leaders hold sea kayaking and wilderness first aid qualifications. We carry an extensive first aid kit, satellite phone, location beacon, marine radio, flare kits and towing equipment in case of emergencies. We are proud to say that over the years Band-Aids have been the only safety items used.
Will my mobile phone work in the Southwest?
No! This trip is located in a remote area of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area and there is no mobile reception anywhere. You will be able to enjoy your time in the wilderness with no electronic interruptions! We carry a satellite phone at all times for emergency use only.
What meals do you provide?
All meals, snacks and drinks are provided from the time you join us on day 1 to lunch on the last day. We cater for most dietary requirements (nut allergies, vegetarians, vegans, lactose/gluten intolerant). If you have a dietary requirement, you need to let us know when you book.
A glass of wine is provided with dinner each evening. If you would like to bring additional alcohol, please do not bring glass and remember that everything you bring must fit into the 70 litre gear bag you will be supplied with at Cambridge Airport.
Where do I meet up with my tour group?
The meeting point for the start of your kayaking adventure is at Hobart’s Cambridge Airport. We are able to pick up participants in Hobart City or at the Hobart Airport for transfers to Cambridge Airport. Note flight times do vary so check your confirmation for your meeting time.
What time do I need to be in Hobart?
We recommend you plan your arrival in Hobart the day prior, but at a minimum 2 hours prior to your tour departure (we can pick you up at Hobart Airport and transfer you to Cambridge Airport).
We highly recommend you do not arrange onward travel for at least 24 hours after our scheduled finish date and time. This is because access to this wilderness area is by light plane, which cannot operate in extreme weather or poor visibility. Roaring 40s Kayaking will not be responsible for any expenses incurred due to flight delays that are out of our control. We highly recommend that you purchase travel tickets that can be rebooked and obtain travel insurance to cover any expenses associated with such delays. In the eventuality of a departure delay we will endeavour to provide an additional day to your tour but this requires participants to have flexibility in their schedule.
Can I organise a private trip?
Yes, we can organise private trips for a minmum of 8 participants and a maximum of 10. Please contact us for more information.
Do I need to pay a deposit to secure my place?
For all bookings made more than 60 days prior to the scheduled trip date, a non-refundable deposit ($400 per person for our 7-day and 5-day expeditions, and $300 per person for our 3-day expeditions) is required to reserve your place. The balance is due 60 days prior to the departure date. For reservations made 60 days or less from the departure date, full payment must be made at the time of booking.
What is your cancellation policy?
- If you cancel your booking more than 60 days prior to departure you will forfeit your deposit.
- If you cancel your booking between 60 to 30 days prior to your departure, you will be charged 50% of your trip cost.
- If you cancel your booking inside 30 days of your departure date, you will be charged the full value of your booking. No refunds..
Roaring 40s Kayaking requires full payment 60 days prior to departure and reserves the right to cancel expeditions up until this date if there are insufficient numbers. In such a case, you will be given a choice of:
- Transferring payments towards another trip date; or
- The payment of an additional fee to have the trip run as scheduled; or
- Receiving a full refund.
In the event of such a cancellation, Roaring 40s Kayaking cannot be held responsible for any losses incurred by yourself, i.e. non-refundable airline tickets and Hobart accommodation. If for any reason whatsoever you cancel less than four weeks prior to your trip departure you will forfeit all payments. For this reason, we highly recommend you purchase travel insurance that covers losses due to unforseen events that result in cancellations, including having to cancel due to COVID.