Frequently Asked Questions
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE WUKALINA WALK?
Multi-award winning wukalina Walk is currently the only Palawa owned and guided multi-day hiking trip and, therefore, the only one of its kind in the world.
Our walk is ground-breaking in that it provides a chance for us as to tell our story on our homelands. This cultural living landscape is interpreted, on wukalina Walk, by guides with lived experience and Ancestral connection to the cultural knowledge they share. Plus the food is pretty special.
The architecturally designed standing camp, Krakani Lumi, has been purpose built within a national park. Eddystone Point Lighthouse precinct, where we spend the last night, is held by our community under a 40-year lease.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Here’s the gear list of items you’ll need to bring. All bedding and bath towels are provided at Krakani Lumi and Larapuna.
WHERE IS THE DEPARTURE POINT?
wukalina Walk departs from the Elders Council of Tasmania Aboriginal Corporation at 163 St John Street, Launceston. Click here for a map. The Elders is a seven-minute walk from the city centre and a 20-minute drive from Launceston airport.
WHAT TIME IS DEPARTURE AND RETURN?
We would like everyone to meet at the Elders at 8am on Day 1 of your trip. The building may not be open until that time, so no need to arrive early, but we ask everyone to be there around that time. We will depart the Elders at 9:30am. Guests return to Launceston on Day 4 at approximately 4:30pm.
ARE THERE ACCOMODATION TRANSFERS?
Complimentary pickups and drop-offs are available from your hotel, airbnb, friend’s place, home or wherever you’re staying as long as it’s within a 5km radius of the Elders Council (163 St Johns St, Launceston). The pickup time will be advised in the days leading up to departure but please message us via Facebook or Instagram if you haven’t had confirmation within 24hr of departure. Depending on the number of pickups booked we may also be able to arrange Launceston Airport transfers.
WHERE CAN I LEAVE MY VEHICLE?
We have no available parking at the Elders. However street parking, for an indefinite period, is available within walking distance. Click here for a Launceston City map showing unrestricted parking near St Johns St.
We can’t take responsibility for your vehicle, but can advise that you won’t be fined if parked in an unrestricted area. Though please check carefully in case parking conditions have changed.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE AT THE ELDERS IN LAUNCESTON?
You will be met and welcomed by one or more of our Elders. You will also meet guides, other guests and your driver. There will be time to relax and get to know each other over a cuppa and scones.
After introductions and a chat about the days ahead, there will be some time to walk around the room and have a look at some important cultural items on the walls and stunning photographs of Palawa Elders past and present.
Prior to departure you will complete your indemnity form – unless you have done already done so – and talk to your guides, privately if you prefer, about any concerns or issues you may have.
Then it’s time to finalise packing your backpack – either one that has been provided by us or your own – with the clothes, shoes, basic toiletries and any other personal items you need for the next three nights. Don’t forget your camera, sunscreen and a hat. Note: we provide all food and sleeping gear.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY LUGGAGE AND VALUABLES WHILE I AM ON THE WALK?
Your luggage will be labelled and securely stored at the Elders for the duration of the walk.
WHAT IS THE ACCOMMODATION ON THE TRIP LIKE?
Your first two nights are spent at a purpose-built standing camp within Wukalina (Mt William National Park). Its name, Krakani Lumi, means resting place in palawa kani. The camp consists of five culturally inspired sleeping huts and a communal building housing two showers, two toilets, a commercial grade kitchen and a domed lounge area.
The open fire pit at Krakani Lumi is used for cooking and as a place of cultural activities and cultural interpretations.
The final night is spent at Larapuna (Eddystone Point Lighthouse precinct) in a fully renovated lightkeepers cottage. The building, of which wukalina Walk has exclusive use, has five bedrooms (double or twin share), a lounge, a dining room, a commercial grade kitchen, two bathrooms, three toilets and verandas.
ARE THERE HOT SHOWERS?
Yes, there are steaming hot showers at both our accommodation sites of Krakani Lumi and Larapuna. Plus there are hairdryers at Larapuna on the last night.
WHAT GEAR IS PROVIDED?
Please let us know when booking if you would like to borrow any of these items: 40-litre backpack, Gore-Tex jacket, walking poles and gaiters. You’ll be asked about these, including required sizes, when booking.
HOW MUCH WILL MY PACK WEIGH?
As all bedding, towels, some toiletries and food are provided, you will only need to carry your hiking gear, personal belongings, lunch and some water in a medium-sized hiking pack. If you’re able to bring clothing made from light-weight fabrics, carry toiletries in smaller travel-sized containers and leave your books at home (we have libraries at our accommodation) then you should be able to get your pack down to no more than 10-12kg.
However, we don’t want that pack to get in the way of you and wukalina Walk. If you’re unable to hike while carrying that weight on your back, please contact us to discuss.
CAN WE SWIM?
There are plenty of swimming opportunities for those who don’t mind a refreshingly cold dip.
COULD THERE BE SNAKES?
There’s always a possibly we could encounter snakes, especially during summer, but it’s not a common occurrence because they don’t tend to stick around when there’s a group of hikers approaching.
Always be conscious of where you’re putting your hands and feet and avoid stepping when you can’t see, such as over a log without a view of what’s on the other side. We advise you wear long trousers and/or gaiters (you can borrow gaiters from us) to provide extra protection in the highly unlikely event of a snake strike.
All our guides are experienced and knowledgeable and most have Wilderness First Aid training certification.
HOW DO WE AVOID SPREADING PHYTOPHTHORA?
Before boarding transport from the Elders we use a simple procedure to clean your footwear in order to guard against phytophthora using a hard brush and a spray bottle of a solution of 70% methylated spirits in 30% water.
It is important that you remove as much soil and organic matter as possible from your footwear – this goes into a bucket – before disinfecting them with the solution.
For more information about the impact of the spread of phytophthora in Lutruwita, visit Tasmania Parks & Wildlife website.
HOW MUCH DO WE CARRY?
Your personal belongings including toiletries and change of clothes, water and food for the day, including lunch and snacks. Approximately 7-10kgs in a backpack.
WHAT SHOES SHOULD I WEAR?
We recommend comfortable lace-up or hiking boots with firm treaded soles. Ideally, waterproof or water-resistant boots with ankle support. Footwear should be worn-in; new shoes are not recommended. Sand shoes and similar footwear are not acceptable.
There are streams to cross on Day 1 and Day 3 and water levels will vary depending on the time of year and recent rainfall.
WILL MY FEET GET WET?
The tracks we walk are usually dry. However, after rainfall, water pools in sections of the track that can be at least ankle-deep. In order to protect Country we prefer to stay on the track rather than skirting the puddles and further damaging the bushland. So your feet may get wet but you can always change into dry socks during the hike.
ARE THERE ANY CREEK OR RIVER CROSSINGS?
We do cross creeks on the first and third day of the walk. Water levels change depending on recent rainfall and, although we do our best, we’re not always able to predict exactly what the conditions will be before the trip begins.
Please come prepared for anything from ankle-deep to, in the extreme (and this is very rarely the case), waist-high water. We won’t run trips when the water levels are what we consider to be dangerously high.
Our guides are experienced in ensuring everyone crosses waterways safely but you may want to consider bringing water shoes (ie sandals, booties) and an extra pair of walking shorts or trousers. Alternatively, you can wear quick-dry underwear or swimming costume (bathing suit) ‘bottoms’ for crossings and carry your clothes. Many guests are happy to just take off shoes for the creek crossings and dry off as they walk, especially during warm weather.
HOW MUCH WALKING DO WE DO?
There are two main days of walking and some shorter walks on the other two days. Altogether, we will hike approximately 35 kilometres.
WHEN DOES THE WALK DEPART AND HOW LONG IS IT?
Departures run from around September/October to March/April. We offer special private departures outside these dates year-round so please talk to our reservations staff about this anytime.
HOW LONG IS THE EXPERIENCE?
Each trip runs over four day and three nights.
HOW MANY GUESTS ON EACH DEPARTURE?
We run small group trip only. All departures, except those noted on the calendar as guaranteed, will run with a minimum of 4 people. If you book a date that does not have sufficient numbers to guarantee departure, we will advise you at the time of booking and then keep in close contact with you regarding the status of that departure.
HOW DO I SHOW RESPECT TO FIRST NATIONS GUIDES & ELDERS?
Always seek permission before taking any photographs, videos or audio recordings of us.
Always seek permission before posting and publishing anything containing our stories, knowledge and experiences.
Be mindful of your own body language, tone of voice, how close you stand to us and asking consent to touch us or cultural items belonging to us, including those we are wearing (eg. shell necklace).
Best practice: ask never assume. Our community is diverse in terms of experience, opinion, knowledge, identity. For example, most Palawa people don’t identify as Aboriginal Australian or Indigenous Australian so please listen to how we identify as individuals.
If our guides are placed in a position of being argued with or overly questioned, it may cause them embarrassment or offence and they will refrain from further comment. If you are met with silence rather than a verbal response please take this as an indication that the guide or Elder would prefer not to answer that question or be involved in the discussion.
Elders are highly respected people within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and our relationship with our Elders is no exception.
ARE THERE QUESTIONS WE SHOULDN’T ASK WUKALINA WALK ELDERS & GUIDES?
Your guides are accustomed to interacting with non-First Nations people who don’t necessarily understand our cultural protocols. However, wukalina Walk is an opportunity for you to learn – mainly by listening and observing.
It is a mark of cultural respect not to discuss women’s business in the presence of men and visa versa. If you ask a question and a guide responds by saying it’s not their place to comment, it may be due to this.
Instead, listening and observation are predominant learning devices and a shared understanding that people are given information when they are deemed ready for it. Try to keep this in mind while on wukalina Walk. That said, we do appreciate our guests being curious and interested in our culture and we do want you to feel welcome on Country.
IS WUKALINA WALK LGBTQIA+ FRIENDLY?
Absolutely. However, we do apologise that our booking system doesn’t currently have inclusive language options for gender identities.
CAN I CHARGE MY MOBILE PHONE AND CAMERA WHILE I AM ON THE WALK?
Yes, you will be able to charge your devices at both Krakani Lumi and Larapuna. Please keep in mind that the power supplied at Krakani Lumi is via a solar array so items may take longer to charge. At Larapuna mains power is used but recharge speed is relatively low.
IS THERE MOBILE RECEPTION OUT AT THE STANDING CAMP AND/OR AT THE LIGHTHOUSE PRECINCT?
There is very limited Telstra coverage for the duration of walk and virtually no Optus coverage even at Larapuna.
CAN I TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS?
Yes, absolutely, unless guides advise otherwise in certain culturally sensitive areas. And, as mentioned, always seek permission before taking any photographs of guides and Elders.
It’s also just good practice to check in with all the people on your trip to make sure they’re comfortable with you taking photos with them in the shot and potentially posting those.
CAN I COLLECT THINGS FROM THE ENVIRONMENT TO TAKE HOME?
On wukalina Walk we ask that you follow the general bushwalking code of ‘take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints’. There are a multitude of reasons why aspects of the natural environment of our homelands shouldn’t be disturbed or removed, some of which will come to light on the walk. Being an artist or scientist does not give you a free pass to harvest any physical part of the environment.
IS THERE LIGHTING IN THE HUTS AT KRAKANI LUMI?
You will be provided with rechargeable LED lamps for your hut at Krakani Lumi. You may also want to bring along a headtorch.
SHOULD I BRING TOILETRIES WITH ME ON THE WALK?
Bring your own toothpaste, deodorant etc but we do ask that you use the soap/shampoo provided at Krakani Lumi as they are biodegradable products specifically designed for use within the national park. We provide these same items at Larapuna but you can use your own there if you prefer.
WHAT KIND OF TOILETS AND SHOWERS DO YOU HAVE AT THE STANDING CAMP?
At Krakani Lumi there are Clivus Multrum waterless composting toilets. These use no chemicals and have no polluting discharge. A small exhaust fan in the vent pipe creates airflow into the system and ensure that any smells are drawn away.
The showers use heated tank water so we conserve water over the course of the dry season by requesting guests limit their shower time to a few minutes.
HOW MANY GUIDES ARE THERE?
Two guides per departure of five or more guests and one guide for up to four guests.
HOW MANY OTHER GUESTS ARE THERE IN THE WALKING GROUP?
We have a maximum of 10 guests per walk.
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
The terrain covered on wukalina Walk is not extreme yet there is still a requirement for a reasonable level of fitness. The longest day is 17 kilometres (10.5 miles) but this is mainly flat beach with a few rocky headlands to negotiate. You won’t be required to walk fast and we take plenty of breaks.
Preparation is recommended if you're not currently exercising regularly. Walking a few times a week for an hour or so carrying some sort weight on your back will be useful practise.
If you are concerned about the amount of walking in relation to your personal capabilities, please contact us to chat about options.
WHAT FOOD IS PROVIDED?
All meals and snacks are included apart from food and beverages at cafe stop-offs on the first and last days.
Local seasonal Tasmanian produce is integrated into meals as much as possible and we use traditional recipes and ingredients that are native to Tasmania and local bush tucker when available.
We cater for a range of dietary requirements and preferences. As part of the booking process you’ll be asked to advise us of any dietary requirements (ie vegan, pescatarian, gluten free) and that information will be passed onto our cook/s.
We always have extra snack in our stores and guides carry emergency supplies on the main walking days so please feel free to ask, at any time, for extra food if you’re hungry or just feel you need an energy boost. Don’t be shame!
WHAT TIME ARE MEALS SERVED?
As is often the case when travelling, meal times may be different to what you’re used to in your regular routine. We have a lot to pack into each day, and variables can push an evening meal to a time later than planned, so please be prepared to be flexible.
HOW DO WE ASSIST GUIDES DURING THE TRIP?
As is the case with many guided hikes, we do ask you to assist when leaving the standing camp of Krakani Lumi on Day 3 by removing your sheets and pillow case. Your guides will let you know where to leave those.
DO WE NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
We strongly recommend travel insurance for your personal protection against unexpected emergencies as costs of emergency evacuations and medical attention will be borne by the guest.
When selecting your travel insurance, please ensure that it provides cover against personal accidents or injury, medical expenses, emergency repatriation, personal liability and cancellation for any reason including bereavement, delayed flights, lost luggage and other personal reasons.
ARE THERE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES IN PLACE?
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, we may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk itinerary.
We have robust evacuation and emergency plans in place as part of our comprehensive risk management plan. This plan is available on request.
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?
The North West of Lutruwita/Tasmania has a temperate climate and, during the walking months, an average daytime temperature in the 20s Celsius (70-85 degrees F) with nights averaging 10-15 degrees Celsius (50-60 degrees F). However, there can be unseasonal heat waves and cold snaps so check the weather forecast before leaving home so you arrive prepared.
IS TIPPING EXPECTED?
Giving a cash tip to guides at the end of the trip certainly isn’t compulsory but is always appreciated by our hardworking staff. We prefer tips are given to the whole group who worked that departure to be evenly distributed.
SHOULD WE LEAVE ONLINE REVIEWS?
Yes please! Facebook, Google and TripAdvisor reviews help others hear about wukalina Walk and a glowing review goes a long way in positively promoting our venture.
If you do have some constructive criticism – and we’re always open to hearing that – we’d much prefer you include that in the online SurveyMonkey feedback form you’ll receive after your trip. Or contact us directly for a conversation.
CAN WE POST OUR OWN PHOTOS AND IMAGES ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
We love it when guests share their experience with us on their socials. Follow us on IG@wukalinaWalk & FB@wukalinaWalk and please tag your photos and videos #wukalinaWalk and @wukalinaWalk so we can find and repost.
HOW DO WE MAINTAIN AN ONGOING CONNECTION WITH WUKALINA WALK?
Sign up below to receive our occasional newsletters.
We also offer a discount for return guests.
WHEN DO WE SIGN THE INDEMNITY FORM?
Everyone will need to sign an indemnity form prior to departure from the Elders in Launceston.
Click here to make contact.