Overview
Itinerary
It's time to get your walking boots sandy. Our beach stroll this morning begins at Boulder Point in Mt William National Park. In clear conditions, the Bass Strait islands of Flinders and Cape Barren are visible to the north.
We'll nestle into a protected beach along the coastline for lunch, enjoying the company of native birds, rare shells and marine artefacts. From day one your guides will begin unravelling the Bay of Fires tales; its early inhabitants, visiting explorers and how it came to bear its fiery name.
After about four hours walking, we'll arrive at the Forester Beach Camp, tucked away in secluded dunes. These semi-permanent tents are our home for the night. Relax on the deck with a local wine, take a dip or explore the dune swale location while your guides prepare delicious Tasmanian fare.
Bay of Fires guests meet at our walk base at Red Feather Inn for a 7:00am briefing. For our guests staying in Launceston, the shuttle bus pick-up is from The Chalmers Church. Please be ready in front of the church entrance at 6:30am. For those staying at Quamby Estate your shuttle to Red Feather Inn will depart from reception at 6.30am.
Following a relaxed breakfast at the camp we walk south, absorbing the coastline's bold colours and solitude. Along the ridgelines of sand dunes, views extend across heathlands and out to the ocean. We'll visit marsupial lawns, often encountering quiet native animals and the tracks they leave at nightfall.
We will be crossing a tidal creek this morning so be prepared! The creek can vary from very shallow to waist deep. Our guides will find the best route across and assist with carrying backpacks.
Our lunch spot today is a beach sheltered behind the dunes near Eddystone Point Lighthouse. We'll have time to explore the lighthouse and its long-standing story before we trek far-stretching beaches that lead to the celebrated Bay of Fires Lodge.
Afternoon tea will be waiting, along with spa treatments for those who want to indulge. Pre-bookings are best if you're keen to sink into the outdoor tub or settle in for a luxurious few hours at the spa.
Come evening, venture into the library, cast a line off the beach or have your hosts deliver a cold drop while you dip toes into a foot spa on the back deck. Dinner is a Tasmanian long-table affair, featuring produce from the island matched with fine local beer and wine.
Today choose your own adventure. Rise early to the native birds accompanying the dawn, waking to the aroma of a hot-cooked breakfast and freshly brewed coffee. If it's a sunny morning, breakfast on the deck can reward you with whale spotting and dolphins surfing the waves.
Later in the morning, choose to kayak down Ansons River and experience the riparian ecology of this winding waterway. Cross the bird-rich waters of Ansons Bay and conclude with a stroll over the dunes of Abbotsbury Peninsula back to the lodge.
Other options for today include a spa treatment, fishing, snorkelling in the marine nursery, exploring shell coves or enjoying the lodge surrounds. After dinner is when the native wildlife wander out – keep an eye out for wombats, wallabies, Forester kangaroos, possums or even a Tasmanian devil. Don't forget to look up! The night sky from this pristine coastline is an awesome spectacle.
Following a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, there's plenty of time for a morning swim or final spa treatment before we depart the lodge. Unlike our other walking, today we venture through eucalypt forests and coastal heathland. We'll enjoy a forest lunch to the sound of native birds, including the endemic green rosella.
Upon our return to Red Feather Inn there will be time to raise a glass to the four wonderful days spent together.
Trip Inclusions
If squeaky white-sand beaches and wild coastline appeal to you, the Bay of Fires is a spectacular reason to lace up. Read more
Guests consistently agree in their feedback that our Bay of Fires Lodge Walk guides are our most outstanding asset. Read more
The Bay of Fires Lodge Walk features superb exclusive accommodation located within footsteps of the pristine Bay of Fires beaches. Read more
Trip FAQ's Frequently asked questions about the Bay of Fires (Signature Walk).
Our regular trips depart from 1 October through to 1 May. We will be offering a limited number of winter Long Weekend departures in July, read more August and September. Please note the spa will not be in operation during our winter departures.
Each trip requires a minimum of five guests and has a maximum of ten guests. All accommodation is twin share. If you book on as a single read more walker or in an odd-numbered group and the trip fills to capacity, you will share a room with another walker of the same gender.
The minimum age for guests walking with us is 12 years old. There are no upper age restrictions, however, for guests walking with us who read more are 69 or above we do require a GP to sign off on a letter we provide.
Whilst walking with us you will experience some truly spectacular accommodation. The first night will be spent nestled behind the dunes read more at Forester Beach Camp for the second and third night you will enjoy uncomplicated luxury at the award-winning Bay of Fires Lodge.
As long as you regularly exercise, or are capable of walking between 9 - 14 km for the first two days along beaches and rocky headlands, read more you will enjoy your walking holiday. There is plenty of time each day to sit and rest as well as explore If you have any concerns about fitness please call and speak to one of our staff members.
Before the trip, the guides will carry out a thorough check to ensure you have the suitable gear. Usually, packs weigh between 8.5 - 9.5 read more kg but ultimately your pack and contents can weigh as little as 7.5kg.
Each person carries their lunch, personal clothing, toiletries, wet weather gear, plus any extras such as a camera. Sleeping gear is provided at your accommodation.
You will need lightweight lace-up boots or walking shoes. Boots/shoes must be worn in to minimise the risk of blisters. Sandshoes, elastic-sided read more boots, street shoes and similar are not acceptable.
All meals are provided, including scrumptious three-course dinners with fresh Tasmanian produce prepared by your gourmet cooks/guides. read more Evening meals are served with a selection of Tasmanian wine. We are happy to cater for special dietary requirements, we just need to know in advance. *Please note in the best interests of our guests and staff we promote the responsible service of alcohol.
Pre and post accommodation needs to be booked independently, however details on accessing exclusive accommodation deals with Tas Walks partner hotels will be provided by your advisor once you have booked your trip.
At the start of your walk, we ask that you be at our walkers' base at Red Feather Inn 8am for your briefing. This allows time for introductions read more and a gear check before departing for Mount William National Park. For those staying in Launceston CBD, we offer a complimentary shuttle service from The Sebel Launceston (12/14 St John Street, Launceston). You will need to be ready in front of reception at 7.35 am.
For those staying at Quamby Homestead, our shuttle will pick you up in front of reception. Please be ready at 7.40am. If you require the shuttle from either of these locations please ensure you let your advisor know so we can ensure the shuttle is provided.
At the end of the walk, you have the option of leaving us from our walkers' base at Red Feather Inn around 5.45 pm. We drop off at Launceston Airport at 6pm followed by Launceston CBD at 6.15pm. If you are staying at Quamby Homestead we will organize a transfer for you.
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Bay of Fires (Signature Walk)' Reviews
However, I do have two minor suggestions to improve the experience. During our walk from the Lodge read more to the kayaking segment, two of us briefly took a wrong turning at a junction. A simple sign at this "T" junction indicating "Kayaking" with an appropriate arrow would be helpful. We all love to soak in our surroundings, pause for photos and discuss the environment, which can result in a slightly spread out group.
As a member of the senior age group, I found that the guides' knowledge of the track surroundings, history, geology, flora, and fauna was a treasure, but it was sometimes difficult to hear all the information being shared. It would be wonderful if all guides could make a consistent effort to project their voices and speak clearly. This small change could greatly enhance the experience for all group members.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Tasmanian Walking Company. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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