TASMANIA: Discover yourself in Tasmania in old world Antarctic beech and wet sclerophyll rainforests, or along remote coastlines where there’s only you and the deep blue sea, or up in the high country where unique alpine flora and fauna abound.
My part of Tasmania (called Lutruwita in the Palawa language) covers Northern Tasmania, the Central Highlands, and the North-West.
I’ve spent most of my time in the Meander Valley, with its fertile lush farmland and picturesque bluffs that dominate the landscape west of Launceston. The friendly country town of Deloraine is an art and crafts hub perched on the Meander River with the majestic Great Western Tiers / Kooparoona Niara in the background. These bluffs are home to some of the most breathtakingly ancient forests in Tasmania and the world.
View of Mt Van Dyke and Great Western Tiers / Kooparoona Niara from Mt Claude
The Great Western Tiers / Kooparoona Niara mark the start or end (depending on where you are) of the Central Plateau and Highlands, upon which Cradle Mountain and Walls of Jerusalem national parks sit, its massive length stretching across the heart of Tasmania.
View of Mother Cummings Peak from Mole Creek Karst National Park
As a relatively new local, I never tire of the silent yet constantly expressive presence of the Great Western Tiers / Kooparoona Niara. You don’t need to go far too find yourself enveloped in the beauty of its pristine world heritage nature.
Looking at Quamby Bluff, Mother Cummings Peak and Nells Bluff from the plateau
View of Western Bluff, Walls of Jerusalem and Cradle Mountain National Parks from Mt Claude, Tasmania
There are several tracks that take you up to the Central Plateau including, but not limited to, the following:
- Arm River Track
- Dell Track
- Parsons Track
- Warners Track
- Western Creek Track
Taking these tracks offer a unique opportunity to experience the Tiers/kn and the plateau, and once on top, the sky’s (literally) the limit.
“Why do we say ‘I’m going out in nature’? We are a part of nature, therefore we are always ‘in’ it.”
Unique features on the plateau include Mt Ironstone, with fantastic vistas all the way to Bass Strait; swaths of scoparia that continue to survive despite being badly damaged by bushfires; and ancient pencil pine groves hidden away and populated by wombats.
Start with half day retreats and progress up to weekenders, or experience the pulse of the bush for several days on a multi-day retreat.
Your outdoor retreat experience doesn’t have to be limited to the Great Western Tiers/kn, we can also include a trip into the unforgettable underworld of the Mole Creek Karst national park. Having worked as an assistant to Deb Hunter, the original wild cave lady, there are plenty of opportunities to go underground and experience the beauty that lies beneath our feet.
If there is a part of Tasmania that you’d like to have your retreat take place in, such as the Ducane Range, Mt Field, or the Southwest, this may be possible. Let’s meet and share ideas and possibilities.
“Could you do with a few days alone to yourself? Take time to tune out and dream. It will lead you to the stars and beyond.”
NORWAY: Discover yourself in Norway, one of the few countries in Western Europe where you can dive into genuine wilderness and really be alone.
Norway has a long tradition, culture and history of outdoor life and connecting with nature.
Hiking down to Gjøra in Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella national park
To understand Norway’s intimate relationship with nature, a good place to start is by familiarising oneself with the Norwegian philosophy and privilege of the ‘Right to Roam’.
Camping at Per Gynt hut in Rondane national park
This respected and ingrained collective acceptance of having access to nature everywhere, is what laid the foundation for Norway’s fantastic, elaborate and well maintained network of marked trails and huts.
Looking down at Refviksanden beach in Nordfjord
The part of Norway I lived in (inland Norway) is a crossroads. Around every corner, there’s a story waiting to be told. Whether summer or winter, it’s possible to hit the trails and follow the history. I love discovering and exploring Norway’s ancient Norse roots and culture. The mountainous and forested heart of Norway is a sacred realm with timeless sagas.
The view from Bitihorn over Jotunheimen national park
Explore the highland and border (to Sweden) counties of Oppland and Hedmark (now Innlandet), follow hundreds of marked trails crisscrossing and connecting the two, and experience the unique beauty of Norway’s inland national parks.
Winter in Stavanger on the West Coast
I offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself in:
- Finnskogleden, the mystical Finnish forest
- Kongevegen over Filefjell, journey to the home of the giants
- Rondanestien, into the spiritual heart of Norway
- Østerdalsleden, from Sweden to Nidaros on the Pilgrim’s Way
A genuine getaway
In both Tasmania and Norway, it’s still possible to find lesser known places, relatively untouched by tourism, which you can experience wholly and fully as nature intended.
Avoid the tourist traps; the saturation and soullessness of social media driven spin. Instead, experience the real essence of both Tasmania and Norway on foot and with an open heart.
What’s next?
Would you like to try one of the areas above or have you own retreat planned for you based on your wishes? Let’s meet at the lovely Deloraine Espresso Bar or at the river in Deloraine to discuss your dreams, goals and ideas. Call me to book a meet and greet on 0448 381 306.
Got a question?
It may already be answered on my FAQs page. If you don’t find your question answered there, give me a call on 0448 381 306 or send me an email.
Contact 0448 381 306 to make a booking. I’m available on WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram.