Wukalina Walk, Bay Of Fires

The wukalina walk is a three night, four day Aboriginal owned and operated guided walk based around the magnificent natural landscape of the larapuna/Eddystone Point and wukalina /Mt William areas, incorporating the famous Bay of Fires, the cultural homeland of the palawa.

The walk is a genuine cultural experience that will deepen your understanding of palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) culture and community history as well as immerse you in the natural and rugged beauty of wukalina and larapuna.

Guests spend two nights in absolute comfort in bespoke palawa inspired (domed) huts and one night in the meticulously renovated Lighthouse Keepers Cottage at larapuna/Eddystone Point, North East Tasmania.

The Walk will provide an opportunity to walk with palawa guides in the footsteps of their traditional people on the cultural homeland of wukalina and larapuna. You will hear first-hand palawa creation stories and participate in cultural practices that have been passed down for hundreds of generations.

The Walk departs from Launceston weekly, starting 7 January 2018 and thereafter operating from November to April each year. The walk is ideal for individuals, couples or groups of friends. Come walk with us.

the area

larapuna is a special place for the palawa people. It is located on the far north East Coast of Tasmania. The East Coast cultural landscape stretches all the way out over the muka [the sea] to tayaritja [Furneaux Islands].

This area is the cultural homeland of the palawa.

The Walk traverses National Park and Reserve landscapes, across an area more commonly known as the Bay of Fires.

The structure of the Walk is along the same lines as more established walks such as the Bay of Fires Walk, the Freycinet Experience Walk and the Maria Island Walk.

Situated in North East Tasmania, Australia – 2.5 hours from Launceston, 4.5 hours from Hobart and 1.5 hours from St Helens, on the East Coast.

the people of palawa

palawa people are the only group of humans to evolve in isolation for over 10,000 years – their culture and heritage is distinctively different from mainland Aboriginal cultures, both in traditional times and since European occupation.

The magnificent natural landscape of North East Tasmania is the perfect place to reveal the palawa story, as contemporary palawa culture is most strongly tied to this part of Tasmania, as well as the Furneaux Islands. The palawa people did not document their history or keep it in museums – this landscape is their museum.

creation – a beautiful creation story.

community – community is very important

country – a place like no other

sharing – i heard the truth

gather – only taking what I need

day one

Launceston to krakani lumi | Inland and mountain journey

Guests will be picked up from their hotel in Launceston and transferred to the Aboriginal Elders Centre, to be welcomed by an Elder of the palawa nation. They will enjoy morning tea while viewing the artifacts and historical photos within the centre before being issued with back packs, gaitors and rain jackets, before departing Launceston to enjoy a scenic drive north while learning about the Aboriginal and European history of the district.

The cultural walk begins at the base of Mt William, within the Mt William National Park – gateway to the magnificent Bay of Fires (larapuna) region. After a Welcome to Country, guests climb the summit to enjoy a picnic lunch and experience 360 degree views of the magnificent and culturally significant landscape laid out before them.On a clear day truwana (Cape Barren Island) is visible. Hear stories of significance about truwana and neighbouring islands – the Furneaux Islands are one of the historical and contemporary heartlands of the palawa community and culture. You then walk in to krakani lumi – arriving around 5pm to a welcome drink and a smoking ceremony. It may happen that you see Wallabies, kangaroo, wombat, Tasmanian Devils, possums and many more of Australia’s famous critters along the way.

The purpose-built base camp (krakani lumi) at Cobler Rocks is an architecturally designed set of domed huts and a communal relaxation and dining hub. Wooden walkways lead guests back to the open fire pit for pre-dinner drinks. Guests enjoy a traditional evening feast, and post dinner activities include hearing our Creation Story.

distance – 9km

difficulty – medium

walk time – 4 hours

day two

krakani lumi and beach walk | coastal journey

After breakfast, guests enjoy a guided walk onto the beach and west to an important midden site. Get ready to spot the vast array of bird species endemic to the area.

Part of the walk focusses on learning about traditional food sources, medicines and native animals.

After lunch back at the campsite you can just relax, or enjoy a guided walk to the two waterholes close by, after this you can participate in a craft demonstration where cultural activities practiced in the local area for thousands of years, such as making a kelp water carrier or basket weaving, are explained.

Part of the walk focusses on learning about traditional food sources, medicines and native animals.

distance – 3 – 5km

difficulty – medium

walk time – 2.5-4 hours

day three

krakani lumi to larapuna | Coastal journey

Day 3 is a guided walk south on long stretches of pure white sand and rocky headlands covered in the red lichen typical of the Bay of Fires region. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the unusual Marsupial Lawns. Maybe even spot a wombat or two!

Arrive on the Aboriginal held land of larapuna (Eddystone Point lighthouse precinct) in the late afternoon to our beautifully restored light house cottage. The Light house Keeper’s cottage has been meticulously redesigned inside to provide a purpose built experience for guests, while the exterior walls of local pink granite have been given new life.

In addition to encountering native wildlife such as wombats (prupalatina), wallabies (payathanima) and kangaroos, if you’re lucky you might also see black swans and arctic terns or pelicans, sea eagles, and the odd whale or dolphin in the surf below.

After guests settle into their ‘hotel style’ room they can enjoy the lounge and extensive library full of reference books or take a seat on the broad verandah to watch the sun fade into a magnificent sunset.

distance – 17km

difficulty – medium – to hard

walk time – 6.5 hours

day four

larapuna and return to Launceston | Around larapuna and regional highlights

Today provides an opportunity to explore the larapuna area – including the coastline, rock quarry and lighthouse precinct.

A tour up the fully operational lighthouse, with unmatched views of the world-renowned Bay of Fires coastline awaits.

After a BBQ lunch drive back to Launceston via either one of the region’s renowned wineries, or a quirky café in Derby a little town becoming more famous by the day due to its place on the Mountain Bike ‘map’.

Arrive back into Launceston at approximately 4:00pm ready to catch your flight home or settle into one of the town’s many boutique or main stream hotels