Conquer Cradle Mountain to Beat MS - Help beat MS one step at a time as you trek the spectacular surrounds of Cradle Mountain - DonorDrive
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TASMANIA
Conquer Cradle
Mountain to Beat MS
Help beat MS one step at a time as you trek the
spectacular surrounds of Cradle Mountain
The trip at a glance
Join MS in Tasmania for the journey Not only will you experience the pristine beauty of
of a lifetime as you Conquer Cradle the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area on this
exciting challenge, but this is also your chance to
Mountain to Beat MS!
travel with purpose and create real change in people’s
Trek the spectacular surrounds of Cradle Mountain lives — and in yourself.
as we traverse sections of the iconic Overland Trail.
Travelling with MS & Soulful Concepts inspires a
Over four days, experience the rare beauty and
sense of motivation and encouragement because this
diversity of Tasmania Wilderness World Heritage
trip is contributing to a wonderful cause; supporting
Area. This stunning wilderness region features a huge
Australians living with multiple sclerosis. Share once-
diversity of flora and fauna; visit glacially carved lakes,
in-a-lifetime memories with like-minded travellers while
ancient rainforests, fragrant eucalypt forests, golden
experiencing Tasmania’s breathtaking landscape.
buttongrass moorlands and beautiful alpine meadows.
You’ll walk away with treasured moments and the
This is your chance to leave everything behind and
knowledge that you have been a part of something life-
immerse yourself in one of Australia’s premier trekking
changing!
destinations.
Expert guides will lead you across this ancient
landscape, seeking out some of the park’s hidden
highlights. With an abundance of wildlife you are likely to
encounter Tasmanian devils, quolls, platypus, echidna,
wombats and the highly inquisitive black currawong set
amongst mountainous terrain and magnificent views.
soulfulconcepts.com info@soulfulconcepts.com 1300 059 686 2
© Soulful Concepts Group 2020. All rights reserved
You will experience Need to know
Day 1: Arrive Launceston Dates: 2–6 October 2021
Day 2: Cradle Valley Boardwalk – Tour duration: 5 days (including travel time)
Weindorfers Forest – Waldheim
Group size: 10–20 travellers
Day 3: Marions Lookout and Kitchen Hut via
the Overland Track Challenge grade: 3/5
Day 4: Hansons Peak and Twisted Lakes Registration fee: $495 (non-refundable)
Day 5: Dove Lake Circuit - Return to Fundraising target: $3,000 (excludes travel)
Launceston Travel quote: $2,345* excluding return flights
Flights: At own expense – from $400–$800
return
Unique experiences include Accommodation: Twin share rooms in cabins
and 4-star hotels
• Soak in the extraordinary views of Cradle Minimum age: 18 (younger ages
Mountain’s World Heritage National Park considered on application)
• Trek for four days through ancient *Subject to change. Refer to Soulful Concepts terms
and conditions
rainforest, spectacular glacial cirques and
pristine valleys
• Connect to nature as you traverse through
parts of the iconic Overland Trail
• Enjoy spotting the native wildlife including
wombats, echidnas, wallabies and
Tasmanian devils
• Forge friendships that will last a
lifetime, while raising vital funds and
awareness to support Australians living
with multiple sclerosis
soulfulconcepts.com info@soulfulconcepts.com 1300 059 686 3
© Soulful Concepts Group 2020. All rights reserved
About MS Your impact
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable $15 can provide an information pack to someone
newly diagnosed with MS to help them feel supported
and debilitating central nervous and informed.
system disease that affects over
$40 can connect people living with MS in rural and
25,600 Australians and over two remote Australia via telelink, so they don’t have to face
million people worldwide. the disease alone.
A multiple sclerosis diagnosis can be extremely difficult $75 can help educate a health professional about
to come to grips with. All of a sudden there is a lot of multiple sclerosis to enhance the quality of care and
new information to absorb, questions to ask and key outcomes for people living with MS.
decisions to make. MS is here to support people living
with multiple sclerosis and their loved ones at every $150 can support the training of an MS Peer Support
stage through their journey. volunteer to provide countless hours of support to many
people living with MS.
Right now, 1 in 3 Australians are directly impacted by a
diagnosed family member, friend or colleague. MS are *services may vary per state
a trusted organisation that people living with MS and
their families can turn to for specialised information and
support from knowledgeable and caring professionals.
Every week more than 10 Australians are
diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and the
Fundraisers and donors make essential MS support average age of diagnosis is just 30 years old.
services possible for people living with multiple sclerosis.
Your support will ensure no one faces MS alone.
By taking on this wonderful trek, you are
making sure people living with MS continue
Funds raised helps MS to ensure that when more to access vital support and services that help
than 20,000 Australians reach out each year, they find them live well at home, at the workplace and
a caring voice on the end of the line thanks to MS in the community.
Connect, who provide support, care and advice when
it is needed most. John Blewonski,
Your support ensures over 7,300 people have access MS CEO
to MS Wellbeing programs each year, giving them an
opportunity to share strategies on managing symptoms
and a chance to connect with the MS community.
Your fundraising enables over 2,700 people each
year to participate in an MS Education Webinar,
giving them an opportunity to share strategies on
managing symptoms and a chance to connect with
the MS community. Your donations provide more than
1,500 people living with multiple sclerosis access to
free, specialised advice and guidance from a health
professional, through the MS Advisor programs without
having to travel or join a waiting list.
All funds raised from the Conquer Cradle Mountain to
Beat MS Challenge will be used to fund vital support
services to help make the everyday possible for people
living with multiple sclerosis.
soulfulconcepts.com info@soulfulconcepts.com 1300 059 686 4
© Soulful Concepts Group 2020. All rights reserved
Meet Melantha: Determined to embrace
every chance and connection she can
By 2012, things started to go wrong again and
Melantha was back in hospital for the next seven
months. During this time, she received the devastating
news she was the fourth person in Australia to be
diagnosed with PML caused by Tysabri.
Melantha was finally discharged but is now pretty
much bed ridden. She has lost the use of her left arm
and has extreme difficulty communicating verbally. She
needs a carer every weekday to shower & dress her,
do her house chores, make her coffee, and take her to
medical appointments.
Despite her diagnosis, she got her L plates on an
electric wheelchair and in 2016 registered in the MS
As a young woman, Melantha had Walk Run + Roll with her team Carpe Diem - Latin for
everything to look forward to. She lived “seize the day”.
life to the fullest, got married, travelled to In the five years since, Melantha has raised an incredible
$40,000 to help other people living with MS and
South Africa, fell pregnant and gave birth raise awareness of MS. She is grateful for her friends
to a healthy daughter. who bring her comfort and joy by simply being there,
Sadly, a few months later Melantha had a seizure, checking in or dropping by and for her local community
waking up in the hospital where she stayed for six days. who rally around her when she is trying to raise money
It was confirmed Melantha had the “best” type of the for MS.
four MS types, Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis And, you too can help people like Melantha.
(RRMS), and she started treatment straight away. When you join the Conquer Cradle Mountain to Beat
A treatment called Tysabri (Natalizumab) had become MS expedition, we can continue to provide vital services
available through medical trials and Melantha was and support for people like Melantha and her family.
selected to be one of the first in Australia to try the once
a month treatment. “Embrace every chance and connection
It worked. She was attack free, enjoying walking and you possibly can.
driving a very cool Mini Cooper! Especially the chance for another chance.
Melantha and her family were told there was a Life is a lottery, people.”
chance she could contract Pulmonary Multifocal
- Melantha
Leukoencephalopathy (PML) caused by Tysabri but it
was very slim and as treatment was working so well,
they decided to roll the dice and take the risk...
During her second pregnancy she suffered terrible
morning sickness and by the fourth month she
relapsed, unable to walk. She was readmitted to the
Royal Hospital for Women, this time for the duration of
her pregnancy – five whole months! In this time, she
became a guinea pig for curious medical students and
doctors who were all fascinated by her kind of MS. She
was more than happy to oblige; it gave her comfort and
a nice feeling to give the opportunity for anyone to learn
from her case and hopefully help others with MS.
She gave birth to another healthy girl and re-learnt to
walk before finally going home, only to experience her
worst relapse a few months later, losing all feeling below
the hip. She was readmitted to hospital away from her
husband, toddler and newborn for another two months
of drips, needles and drugs and finally she learnt to walk
again for the second time in 2009.
soulfulconcepts.com info@soulfulconcepts.com 1300 059 686 5
© Soulful Concepts Group 2020. All rights reserved
Itinerary
Day 1: Saturday, 2 October 2021 – Welcome
to Launceston
Welcome to Launceston, Tasmania! After landing make
your way to the hotel and check in. The rest of the day
you are free to relax or to explore the city’s historic
streetscapes and heritage estates. Launceston is a
vibrant hub for food and wine and culture. There’s also
a touch of wilderness with Cataract Gorge just a few
minutes walk from the city centre. Day 3: Monday, 4 October 2021 – Marions Lookout
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor or similar and Kitchen Hut via The Overland Track
Day 2: Sunday, 3 October 2021 – Cradle Valley Today’s walk takes in some of the most breathtaking
Boardwalk – Weindorfers Forest – Waldheim alpine scenery in all of Australia. It involves a circuit
After breakfast meet your guide for an 8am hike to the base of Cradle Mountain – taking in Marions
departure. We will depart Launceston, stopping for Lookout, Kitchen Hut and returning via the Horse Track.
morning tea along the way, and then continue into This section of the iconic Overland Track will have you
Cradle Mountain village. traversing across buttongrass plains and deciduous
Upon arrival you’ll have a chance to gear up before native forests, steadily climbing to the glacially formed
heading out on our main walk for the day – the Cradle Crater Lake. From Crater Lake the ascent becomes
Valley Boardwalk. This is a nice and easy introduction to steeper and the views become grander as we continue
your trekking challenge, we’ll head into the park along onto Marions Lookout. In fine weather, the views are
the Cradle Valley Boardwalk, following the course of the magnificent and far reaching – with Cradle Mountain itself
Dove River which features a vast assortment of native dominating the panorama.
flora. From there we will head up to Ronny Creek car The tracks gradient eases as we continue across the
park where you are likely to see wombats grazing on alpine landscape to Kitchen Hut – our intended lunch
the flat grassy plains. We’ll then continue onto the and turn around point. After lunch, we wave goodbye to
historic Waldheim Chalet, where we enjoy a short walk the towering dolerite cliff lines of Cradle Mountain, and
through an ancient forest of myrtle beach and king return via the Horse Track. This unique aspect affords us
billy pine, before making our way back to the bus for views deep into some of the even more remote areas of
afternoon tea. the park, and is often less frequented than other tracks.
This afternoon we will undertake a series of short walks There is an excellent rocky outcrop which gives an
that will showcase the unique rainforest, waterfalls elevated view straight down to Crater Lake far below.
and magnificent king billy pines that Cradle Mountain From here we descend back to Ronny Creek where
National Park has to offer. This evening we will enjoy our bus awaits. After a long day of trekking, we return
dinner cooked by our guides at our accommodation. to our accommodation for another dinner prepared by
Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Discovery our guides.
Meals: B,L,D Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Discovery
Trekking distance: (9km walking – approx. 4 hours, Meals: B,L,D
easy grade) Trekking Distance: (10km, 6–7 hours, hard grade)
soulfulconcepts.com info@soulfulconcepts.com 1300 059 686 6
© Soulful Concepts Group 2020. All rights reserved
Day 4: Tuesday, 5 October 2021 – Hansons Peak and The trip includes:
Twisted Lakes
• 2 x trek guides, who will drive, cook and care for you
This morning after breakfast we depart for another
• Transport which includes collecting from Launceston
fantastic walk, taking in the park’s eastern highlights.
and returning back. We use a comfortable mini
We begin today’s trek at Dove Lake, taking the Lake coach with a trailer attached for luggage. Plus we
Rodway track up and over Hansons Peak – which use the coach to drop off and pick up during the
provides us with a completely different view of Cradle course of the day
Mountain and the surrounding lakes.
• Meals as indicated in itinerary
The climb to the top of the peak is at times steep and
• We always have a thermos with plenty of tea, coffee,
uneven underfoot, and a chain is provided on nearing
hot chocolate and biscuits/cake
the summit to assist walkers. Once over the other
side, we pick up our return route via Twisted Lakes • Accommodation on a twin share basis (single
and Lake Hanson – remnants of glacial scouring from supplement available at additional cost)
previous ice ages. These pools are very tranquil and are • National Park entry fees
encompassed by endemic pencil pines and fagus. The trip doesn’t include:
This section is normally very peaceful, a bit of a hidden • Airport transfers
gem, and we will find ourselves a nice rocky outcrop for
• Airfares
lunch whilst we soak up the views.
• Single supplement
If energy and time permits – an hour and a half
extension can be made to visit the eastern face of • Optional tours and excursions
Cradle Mountain, and the reflective waters of Artists • Tips and gratuities
Pool. We loop back to the Lake Rodway Track • Visas (if required)
completing the circuit, and reverse our inward journey –
• Personal travel insurance and vaccinations
returning to Dove Lake to meet the bus.
• Items of a personal nature
Tonight, we enjoy a delicious dinner.
• Other services not listed in the inclusions column
Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Discovery
Holiday Park *Travellers are responsible for valid visas throughout the
Meals: B,L,D duration of the trip
Trekking distance: (10km, 5 – 6 hours, hard grade)
Day 5: Wednesday, 6 October 2021 – Dove Lake
Circuit - Return to Launceston
Today we will wander through a typical Tasmanian
rainforest around Dove Lake. The flat, gravel and
duckboard track is very easy-going, leaving you to
focus entirely on the jagged peak of Cradle Mountain,
which looms above the track.
Along the way, there is a great mix of terrain including
scrubby button grass, sandy beaches, cascading
streams and a very special rainforest known as the
Ballroom Forest. We finish our loop atop the impressive
formation of Glacier Rock, which provides us with a final
vista across the landscapes we have explored for the
past four days.
After lunch, we jump back on the bus and start our
return journey back to Launceston. Enroute we will
stop by in the lovely little town of Sheffield, where
we’ll have time for a break and a chance to wander
around the muralled streets. Returning to Laucestion at
approximately 4–4.30pm. Please make sure you book
flights that depart after 6:30pm.
Meals: B,L
Trekking distance: 6kms walking (approx. 2 hours)
easy grade
*Please speak with the Soulful travel team if you would
like to extend your stay in Tasmania.
soulfulconcepts.com info@soulfulconcepts.com 1300 059 686 7
© Soulful Concepts Group 2020. All rights reserved
Meet our fundraising
and travel partner
Soulful Concepts is an industry
accredited, responsible travel agency.
They provide hand-crafted travel
experiences for charities, corporates
and individuals, ensuring each of their
experiences has a positive impact on an
Kristen Briggs, Co-Founder and Director
important cause.
With a focus on culture, community development,
conservation and personal well-being, they promote
educational experiences, as a way to empower
travellers to engage with global issues, while supporting
the local economy.
Over the past four years Soulful Concepts has worked
in partnership with MS on their fundraising adventures.
Helping everyday Australian’s to conquer the Great Wall
of China, trek Larapinta Trail and cycle from North to
South Vietnam, raising over $350,000 to provide vital
support services to Australians living with MS.
Soulful Concepts has a small team of Fundraising
and Adventure Specialists who are on hand to offer Jacqui Swift, Fundraising Specialist
fundraising guidance and travel support services.
Providing tips and ideas to help travellers reach
and exceed their fundraising targets and prepare for
their adventure.
The Soulful team hopes for travellers to come away with
an informed and enhanced understanding of the hopes,
struggles, and accomplishments of the people and
places they visit. Becoming active, global citizens who
continue to learn, share and live a more sustainable life,
long after their travels are over.
“It is hard to put into words how incredible our
trip with Soulful Concepts was. We trekked the
Larapinta Trail in the NT to raise funds for MS Christine Drew, Fundraising and Travel Coordinator
and from the very beginning Soulful’s support
and coordination was amazing. I will carry the
memories and experiences of my week in the
desert in my heart forever.
Mt Sonder was a huge highlight setting off in the
dark and watching the sunrise is an experience,
challenge and achievement I will never forget. I
also loved the opportunity we had to experience
the desert in such a raw way - sleeping under the
stars in swags without all the comforts of home
was very liberating.”
Jane Fenn, MS
Larapinta 2019 Amanda Howle, Fundraising and Partnerships Manager
soulfulconcepts.com info@soulfulconcepts.com 1300 059 686 8
© Soulful Concepts Group 2020. All rights reserved
FAQs We recommend you have travel insurance in the
strongest possible terms. When selecting a travel
insurance product, please ensure that it provides
cover against personal accidents or injury, medical
What does it cost? expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability,
Upon booking, you pay a (non-refundable) registration cancellation for any reason including bereavement,
fee of $495. The travel cost (excluding flights) is delayed flights, lost luggage and personal effects.
$2,345*. The fundraising commitment to MS is
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen
$3000, this can be fundraised with the support of
illness, we may need to evacuate you from a remote
Soulful Concepts and MS.
part of the walk. In Cradle’s case, evacuation is on foot
*Subject to change. Please refer to Soulful Concepts (where the walker is physically capable) or by helicopter.
updated terms and conditions which are adapted to the Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most
ever evolving nature of the Covid-19 pandemic. cases will be at a cost to the customer.
How do I fundraise? For Australian residents, under the Australian
Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any
The Soulful Concepts team are fundraising experts here domestic travel insurance product to provide any
to guide you on your fundraising journey. They will offer financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air
regular support and will help you develop a fundraising ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our
plan tailored to your network, so you can reach and travellers to take specific ambulance cover through their
even exceed your fundraising target. In addition, you health insurance provider.
will also be supported by the MS team.
It is also strongly recommended that our customers
There are many creative and fun ways in which you can take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other
fundraise. To help get you started we have created an things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Online Fundraising Resource Hub containing an A-Z
Please note, if you are an international resident, you are
guide of fundraising ideas, “how to” guides for certain
required to obtain travel insurance and send us a copy
events and sample press releases and corporate
of your policy for our records.
sponsorship letters.
Is the travel cost guaranteed? I have a pre-existing medical
condition, can I still go on this
Soulful Concepts will try to keep the travel costs as
quoted. However, factors out of our control such as adventure?
group size, can affect the travel costs. The travel cost You must advise us of any pre-existing medical
will be confirmed again at the time of invoicing. conditions you may have at the time of booking and
ensure you can get adequate travel insurance cover
Is it possible to fundraise for my travel and medical sign off from your doctor prior to booking
costs via my online fundraising page? the tour.
No, you can only raise the funds that are going to All travellers will need to complete our medical
MS via your online page. If seeking support for your questionnaire 90 days prior to departure. It is proof
travel expenses, this must be raised separately through that you are physically capable of undertaking the
events and paid directly to Soulful Concepts. trekking challenge.
It is essential that you’re transparent with supporters
about where their donation is going. i.e. Supporting
getting you to Tasmania or going directly to MS.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes, donations of $2 or more made to MS through
your fundraising page are tax-deductible. Any
donation made where an item is received in return
(i.e chocolates, auction item, raffle ticket) is not tax
deductible. If seeking support for your travel expenses,
then these donations are not tax-deductible.
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Soulful Concepts will do everything possible to ensure
a safe and enjoyable trip. However, certain risks are
involved and should be recognised by travellers.
soulfulconcepts.com info@soulfulconcepts.com 1300 059 686 9
© Soulful Concepts Group 2020. All rights reserved
What is the registration fee? What Covid Safe health and hygiene
Upon registration, you will be required to pay a $495 practices do you have in place?
registration fee to secure your spot on the team. The On a Soulful journey we put your health and wellbeing
fee will also cover the planning, fundraising and travel first wherever we take you, leaving you free to explore
support received from Soulful Concepts in the lead up with the peace of mind that comes with having the
to your adventure. world’s foremost travel experts at your side.
How fit do I need to be? We have been working tirelessly with our partners
behind the scenes, discussing and reviewing risk
Your challenge is ranked 3/5. There are long days of
management policies and procedures for Covid Safe
walking, sometimes on steep terrain and you will need
Travel. Our local tour operators have long standing
to carry your day pack with you. A person of moderate
relationships with local suppliers including restaurants,
fitness who is willing to train will enjoy the challenge
hotels, boats, transportation providers and venues.
most. Training that includes strength exercises and hills,
These partners know our exacting standards and
stairs, and uneven natural trails will prepare you well for
have been fully vetted by our local tour operators
this adventure.
to make sure they comply with all local regulations
What is the minimum age for regarding health and hygiene.
travellers? The ongoing pandemic is a complex and fluid
situation which is why we will continue to work with
The minimum age for this adventure is 18, however our local tour operator in Tasmania to share our
younger ages are considered on application. Covid Safe Health and Hygiene Plan in the lead up
to your adventure.
How do I book this tour?
You can register over the phone by calling
Soulful Concepts on 1300 059 686 or
book online.
Have any more questions?
Please contact us on 1300 059 686 or email
info@soulfulconcepts.com
soulfulconcepts.com info@soulfulconcepts.com 1300 059 686 10
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