7
March,
2021
Walk the Bay of Fires
Seclusion, solitude, stunning scenery and sweeping stretches of sand await on this five-day walking adventure from Launceston. Head east to this remote corner of Tasmania and follow trails to bright beaches rimmed with red-ringed rocks that contrast with the blue waters of the bay, up summits for vast views, and through fern-filled rainforest to hidden waterfalls. Let your experienced leader guide the way with their unmatched local knowledge, leaving you to focus on soaking up this world-famous stretch of coastline from close up. This active adventure is the perfect way to get out and explore the incredible sites just beneath your feet.
5 Days / 4 Nights
Hiking & Walking
DIFFICULTY:3/5
Map
Why you’ll love this trip
- There’s no need for a map or GPS on this walking trip – with an expert local leader that knows the area inside-out, all you have to do is enjoy the journey.
- Escape the everyday, get active, and take the time to reconnect with nature in one of Australia’s – and the world’s – most beautiful coastal regions.
- The only thing better than the landscapes and wildlife you’ll see are the conversations you’ll have along the way, whether it’s the insights from your leader or stories from the group.
- This is the ultimate in low impact, local travel, supporting regional communities and getting right to the heart of the landscape on two feet.
- Find a slice of paradise in your own backyard with walks to the red rocks and crystal-clear waters of The Garden, Mt William NP, Eddystone Point and Blue Tier Forest Reserve.
Is this trip right for you?
- Please ensure you consult your local government’s advice regarding domestic travel prior to booking this trip.
- There are several walks planned on this trip. Fair level of fitness and appropriate footwear and clothing will allow you to fully enjoy this adventure.
- This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.
Inclusions
Itinerary
Day 1: St Helens
Welcome to your Intrepid walking adventure in the beautiful surrounds of Tasmania. Your trip starts today with a departure from Launceston, heading east to the bayside town of St Helens, known for its seafood delights just offshore. Grab some lunch, then continue to the Bay of Fires Conservation Area just up the coast and visit the area known as The Gardens. The Gardens lie about halfway between Ansons and Binalong bays and there are boardwalks and lookout platforms across bright white sands, fiery lichen boulders and water clear right to the seabed. Head back down to Binalong Bay to get some lunch, then start today’s walk from Skeleton Point to Dora Point. Follow a trail that meanders from forest to rocky headlands and maybe learn the history behind the colonial name (Indigenous name larapuna) of memorable stretch of coastline. Each headland will reveal how the Bay of Fires is one of the few places that actually lives up to itineraries that call it one of Australia’s greatest natural beauties. After a big first day return to St Helens to relax at your accommodation and enjoy dinner with the group.
Meals Included
- Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you meet the group early this morning to begin your Bay of Fires tour. Find more details in the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ section of your Essential Trip Information. If you are going to be late, we recommend spending a night before your tour begins in Launceston. If so, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Today’s hike is 10 kilometres. It will take around 2-3 hours, depending on the group.
Day 2: St Helens
After breakfast this morning, make the drive north to Mt William National Park (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes), which covers the very north east tip of the island. Full of native plants, flowers, and beach-hopping Forester kangaroos, the park is a secluded place where you’re more likely to see an echidna in the heathland than other walkers. Start with an easy summit of Mt William (wukalina) to take in sweeping views from its 216-metre peak. If the weather’s right, you can see as far as the islands of Furneaux Group in the Bass Strait. Make your way back down for a relaxed picnic lunch, then head south to the beaches that are as isolated as they are beautiful. The water’s pretty tempting for a swim at Boulder Point. Then it’s on to the next walk, the Cod Bay to Cobler Rocks Loop, taking in the striking coastline, heathland and a series of long sweeping beaches that make your path back. Return to St Helens (approximately 90 minutes) and enjoy a free evening to rest up or explore the small town.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Special Information
Today’s walks are approximately 3.5 kilometres, 1.5 hours (Mt William summit), and 5 kilometres, 2-3 hours, mostly flat, transitioning from fire trails onto beach walking.
Day 3: St Helens
It’s back up the coast this morning on your way to Eddystone Point (approximately 1 hour), at the end of which the 100-plus year old lighthouse still lights the night. Today’s loop walk takes in Picnic Point, the white sands of Bay of Fires beach, and Eddystone Point, and takes in all the highlights that this coastline is known for, from endless stretches of empty beach to fiery rocky headlands. Keep an eye out for wallabies and echidnas along the way, and the track is perfect for bird lovers – Pied Oystercatchers, Pacific Seagulls and even Pelicans take to the skies here. Head towards Picnic Point on the inland route and then cross the beach towards Eddystone point, navigating the peninsula before driving to the lighthouse to complete one of the best loop walks along the larapuna coastline. Return to St Helens (approximately 1 hour) for the evening. The town is really getting into the Tassie food scene, so there are a bunch of new eateries that have popped up in recent years to choose from – and don’t forget all the great seafood on offer.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Special Information
Today’s walk is approximately 12 kilometres, 4-5 hours.
Day 4: Launceston
Say bye to St Helens and drive northwest to Blue Tier Forest Reserve (approximately 1 hour). The area attracted miners back at the end of the 19th century but 100 years later was reclaimed as a conservation area, and the forest of giant trees and hidden waterfalls is once again left to grow wild. Begin with the short Goblin Forest walk, which introduces the area and the stories of mining history and those that worked to restore the region, before taking the Mt Michael Loop (3 kilometres, 2 hours). You’ll make your way through rainforest and relics of mining history and be rewarded with great views across the surrounding area from the summit. From there, head into the lush vegetation of the Halls Falls Loop (1.3 kilometres, 1 hour) to find a picturesque, gurgling falls hidden among the ferns – it’s a great way to finish up your time out in nature. Return to Launceston (approximately 2 hours), stopping along the way at Scottsdale or the charming little town of Derby. Celebrate the end of your trip with a group dinner here in Launceston and share your favourite moments.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 5: Launceston
Your trip comes to an end today and you are free to leave after checkout time.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Important notes
1. This trip begins at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston at 7:45am.
