Women-only adventure tours are taking off in Tassie with more women opting for women-only hiking and camping holidays in some of the state’s most remote locations.
Women Want Adventure founder Monique Farmer says Tassie tours offer women the opportunity to explore the wilderness in a safe and supported environment. “The appeal is the ability to wholeheartedly be ourselves, talk about women’s business, go skinning dipping in freezing rivers and feel supported – it’s an unspoken caring nature ladies bring and is very special,” she says. “There is something joyous about Tasmania and hiking, camping under the stars and being away from life’s pressures.”
Monique says Tasmania is the perfect setting for women to explore their adventurous side. “Most women lead busy lives with little time for themselves. Adventure can re-ignite a woman’s desire to be herself, break away from routine, go places she has never been before,” she says. “Our Tassie trips are perfect for women who are first timers wanting to explore the wilderness.” Adventurers are from Tasmania, interstate and overseas and there’s a Walls Of Jerusalem Hiking tour on in November.
Adventurous Women tours travel regularly in Tasmania and will offer the Bay of Fires wukalina walk in November too. They’ve negotiated an exclusive ‘women only’ departure. Founder Sue Hile says her company was one of just three Australian companies offering women-only travel 11 years ago and since then has watched the industry boom. “It’s appealing for a number of reasons – single, widowed and divorced ladies prefer not to travel in a couples or mixed environment,” she says. “Plus the itinerary is focused and attuned to things that interest women.”
Eco tour company Girls Trek is hosting a 6-day ‘Walking & Wine’ tours taking in Maria Island, the Freycinet Peninsula and the Bay of Fires in September and October. The tours include indulgent lunch parties in the Tamar Valley wine region. “Tassie is a very popular destination for women travellers for the stunning scenery, quality food and wine and cooler weather – perfect for walking and sightseeing,” Sue says. ■
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