Overview
Itinerary
This morning we will pick up from MACq01 between 7.00am - 7.10am, followed by the Old Woolstore between 7.05am - 7.15am. Or can make your way down to our walkers base 164 Murray Street, Hobart for 7.30am. Here you will meet your guides and have a briefing.
We then travel to Fortescue Bay and begin today's walk. This 4-hour return walk begins with a gentle ascent on a well-crafted track, before climbing atop the towering dolerite sea cliffs this peninsula is famed for. Along the way, you'll pass through heath and woodland vegetation before the view opens up to magnificent rock formations. Your guides will point out well-known sea stacks including the Candlestick and the Totem Pole.
Arriving back at Fortescue Bay, we transfer via tender to our 23-metre (75-ft) ketch, the beautiful Lady Eugenie. This will be your floating home for the next five nights. Once aboard, enjoy a glass of wine with pre-dinner nibbles with the dramatic cliffs of Cape Hauy as our backdrop. A gourmet dinner of local Tasmanian delicacies will follow, prepared by your guide and yacht crew in the shelter of Fortescue Bay.
At times the walk and sailing itineraries will need to be changed due to weather and sailing conditions. If alterations are made your guide and crew will keep you well informed.
The day begins in Hobart where you will meet your guides at our walking base at 7:30am. After a brief gear check and introductions, we board our bus and travel to the fishing port of Pirates Bay, on the spectacular Tasman Peninsula arriving around 10.00am.
Our morning begins with a short boat ride to the shoreline of Fortescue Bay. Here, choose to take an early morning dip or a short walk to Canoe Bay and back through small pockets of rainforest and coastal vegetation.
We return to the Lady Eugenie and sail north toward Maria Island, taking in the mighty dolerite spires from sea level. As we cruise along the Forestier Peninsula, we follow in the path of early European explorers such as Tasman, du Fresne and Baudin. Dropping anchor in Lagoon Bay, we head ashore for lunch and a walk on Hyatt's Beach.
The afternoon takes us past Marion Bay and Cape Bernier and to the overnight shelter of Maria Island's Shoal Bay. Late afternoon and early evening are the ideal time to disembark, explore the nearby trails and witness Maria Island's peak hour. Unhurried wombats are other local wildlife are very active and visible. We retire back to the yacht for a relaxed dinner aboard.
A short scenic morning's sail delivers us to the World Heritage-listed convict site of Darlington. Once populated with prisoners, it is now home to an array of architectural relics and abundant wildlife.
Today, we tackle our highest climb, the 630m ascent of Bishop & Clerk (4 to 5 hours return). As we traverse the high cliff edge of Fossil Bay, we are afforded sweeping views toward Schouten Island and Freycinet Peninsula, a glimpse of our journey to come. Perched high atop the dolerite columns of the summit, we enjoy lunch, with time to ponder the beauty and isolation of this island landscape.
Come late afternoon, we retire to the comfort of our yacht for pre-dinner nibbles and a delicious meal to celebrate the challenges and triumphs of our day.
For those wanting a more relaxed adventure, we visit the beautiful sandstone patterns and structures of the Painted Cliffs. We can also learn more about the island's unique Aboriginal, convict and industrial histories whilst rambling around the Darlington precinct.
Following a leisurely breakfast on board Lady Eugenie, we set sail, leaving Maria Island and heading north on a 4-hour journey towards Schouten Passage. Sailing past the large sedimentary deposits of Fossil Bay and the towering dolerite columns of Bishop & Clerk, a rare geological beauty comes into view: the pink granite boulders and mountains of Freycinet Peninsula. Along the way, we get an up-close view of an Australian fur seal colony that makes its home on the rocky outcrop of Isle du Phoques.
After dropping anchor, we disembark on the secluded Schouten Island for a scenic 3-hour walk, climbing to the top of Bear Hill. Those who would prefer a leisurely afternoon can snorkel, swim or relax on-board.
Tonight is very special; if weather permits, stunning barefoot canapes and sparkling wines on the secluded shores of Schouten Island (weather permitting). Return from Bear Hill to plump Pacific oysters and Tasmanian sparkling as part of a three-course dining experience aboard Lady Eugenie.
Over breakfast we decide whether we ascend Mt Graham and take the high route to Wineglass Bay or opt for the less challenging but equally stunning coastal section of the Freycinet Peninsula circuit track. The former sees us head inland from the shores of Cooks Beach and ascend through tall Tasmanian Blue Gum forests before traversing the button grass fields of the East Freycinet Saddle, dotted with seasonal wildflowers. The trail descending from Mt Graham and Mt Freycinet takes in spectacular coastal views including iconic Wineglass Bay.
The coastal track heads north from Cooks Beach following the shores of enticingly-named Promise Bay while The Hazards mountain range gradually reveal to dominate the northern vistas over the peninsula's isthmus. An hour's walk along Hazards Beach will bring us to the Isthmus Track where we'll enjoy a close up view of wildlife at the lagoon before setting foot on the white sands of Wineglass Bay. After our day of walking, there's time for a refreshing swim before boarding Lady Eugenie.
Our final day begins with breakfast on board Lady Eugenie. We can observe the busy shorebirds and towering forms of The Hazards mountain range above. We ascend gently between pink granite boulders until we overlook the white sands and turquoise waters of Wineglass Bay below.
A steep descent on a well-constructed track brings us back to the start of the Wineglass Bay Lookout Track. We continue for another two kilometres, winding through coastal heath and woodland habitats, until Honeymoon Bay. It is a beautiful cove, ideal for a picturesque lunch and a final swim. We meet our bus there, ready to take us to Hobart. Our return trip travels down Tasmania's east coast. The journey is not over yet, though. We visit a boutique vineyard for wine and canapés, easing us back into life off the track and the comforts of Lady Eugenie.
We then return to Hobart via the airport (approximately 5.00pm) and then Hobart hotels between 5.15pm - 5.30pm.
Trip Inclusions
- Return transfers between Hobart and the start & finish of the walk
- Accommodation each evening on our beautiful ketch, the Lady Eugenie; there are two cabins with one double bed each and two with two single beds each (1 x bunk each)
- All meals and non-alcoholic beverages, plus a limited selection of Tasmanian wines
- National Park pass
- All bedding and linen
- A qualified guide for the duration of the walk
- Skipper and crew
- Tasmanian Walking Co's Track Notes list everything you need to prepare and get excited about your adventure, all in one document. From pickup times to gear lists, daily distances to accommodation details, this is your Wineglass Bay (Signature Walk) go-to-guide.
Can't decide between a walking vacation and a sailing escape? This experience effortlessly blends both. Read more
Our Wineglass Bay Sail Walk guides and skipper are often thought of as our most outstanding assets. Read more
Our groups have exclusive use of Lady Eugenie - whilst traveling with us she becomes your home. Read more
Cabins
Trip FAQ's Frequently asked questions about the Wineglass Bay (Signature Walk).
Our trips depart regularly from late October through until early May each year.
Each trip requires a minimum of four and a maximum of eight guests. If booking as a single walker or in an odd-numbered group and the trip read more 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.
Lady Eugenie is a luxurious, 23-metre (75-ft) ketch-rigged yacht. She is five metres wide which makes her stable, safe and comfortable for read more both novices and sailing enthusiasts.
Her clipper bow, complete with a bowsprit you can walk on, is perfect for watching dolphins and other marine life. With beautifully maintained teak decks and classically varnished handrails, Lady Eugenie’s spacious decks are the perfect setting for relaxing and taking in the scenery. The central cockpit provides plenty of comfortable seating, with a picturesque alfresco dining setting: a magical place to take in the sunset.
There are four comfortable cabins on board, all with air conditioning, bathrooms and showers. During the evening you can relax in the delightful and spacious saloon with a dining table and comfortable lounge.
Lady Eugenie is your home whilst you are on board. You don’t need to assist with sailing, but if you are keen to learn more about sailing please speak with our skipper.
As long as you exercise regularly and have moderate fitness, you should enjoy this walking holiday. You need to be capable of walking between read more 9 and 14 km each day, including walking along beaches, some hill climbs and some uneven terrain. There is plenty of time to explore, as well as sit and rest each day. There are also alternative options, should you wish to stay on the boat or choose a more relaxed walking alternative.
We provide a duffel bag and a 25L day pack on the morning of your departure. You will pack all the gear you need for the duration of your read more trip into the duffel bag. Your gear will be stowed on board Lady Eugenie, so you will only require a day pack for all walks (provided by us). If you follow the gear list, your day pack should weigh approximately 5kg.
Each person must carry their lunch, wet weather gear, spare clothes for the hut, thermals, and warm clothing, plus any extras, such as a read more camera. For detail please refer to the gear list.
You will need lightweight, lace-up boots (preferred) or walking shoes (acceptable). Boots/shoes must be worn in to minimise the risk of read more blisters. Sandshoes, elastic-sided boots and similar are not acceptable. Whilst on the boat, we ask that you wear clear soled shoes to limit damage to the deck. There are many styles of boat shoe available, but if you are looking for a good option that isn’t too expensive, Dunlop Volleys or similar are perfectly fine.
Every trip has an experienced guide, skipper and crew.
All meals are provided, including scrumptious three-course dinners using fresh produce. Meals are prepared by our gourmet cooks/guides. read more We are happy to cater for special dietary requirements, we just need to know in advance. Evening meals are served with a carefully selected range of Tasmanian wines. *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.
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Wineglass Bay (Signature Walk)' Reviews
The excellence of the boat crew and our guide significantly contributed to my positive experience. They were knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient, always ready to provide assistance and make our trip more enjoyable. Based on my experience, I have recommended the Tas Walking company and its various tours to many people.
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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