At a Glance
Explore remote landscapes admiring awe inspiring scenery along the east coast of Tasmania on the 4-day-3-night Bay of Fires luxury guided walk. You will discover one of the most pristine natural environments in the world, traversing soft sandy beaches and secluded coves, kayaking the famous Ansons River and ending each day in the comfort of luxury accommodation.
The iconic Bay of Fires is famed for its spectacular and pristine coastline. Stretching over 50 kilometres from Binalong Bay in the south to Eddystone Point in the north, the region is renowned for it's jaw-dropping scenery from the turquoise-coloured ocean breaking onto a breathtakingly white beach to the rugged rock formations draped with orange lichen. This beautiful part of Tasmania's east coast has been named by Lonely Planet as the hottest travel destination ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Use of a backpack and Gore-tex jacket for the duration of the walk
- Return transfers between Launceston and the walk base
- Two qualified guides for the duration of the walk
- 1 night at Forester Beach Camp and 2 nights at Bay of Fires Lodge - twin share
- All meals and non-alcoholic beverages, plus a limited selection of Tasmanian wines
- National Park pass
Itinerary
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As a guest, you are implored to arrive latest by 5:30 pm, giving you enough time to relax and enjoy the inn before our walker briefing at 6 pm. Here you’ll meet your guides, and they will walk you through what to expect from the next four days and conduct a gear check. Following our briefing, the night of celebration begins - Your Bay of Fires adventure has officially begun! Converse with your fellow workers as you sip wine and savour canapés before moving into the formal dining room for a dinner service full of seasonal and local products, cooked for you by the in-house chef. The rooms at Red Feather Inn are designed for your comfort, giving you the perfect excuse to head off to bed early and get a restful night’s sleep before your early start the next day. |
Red Feather Inn
Dinner |
Walking distance: approximately 9km walking; approx. 4 hours Start at Red Feather Inn, taking time to fuel up for breakfast before boarding our bus and travel to Mt William National Park via a scenic route that includes the rich pastoral landscapes of north-eastern Tasmania. We reach the northern part of the Mt William National Park and begin walking at Boulder Point. Views to the north include the Bass Strait Islands (Flinders, Cape Barren, etc). Lunch is enjoyed in the company of native birds, interesting shells and marine artefacts on one of the many pristine beaches nestled into the coastline. The evening is spent at Forester Beach Camp in twin-share, semi-permanent tents. Meals are usually spent relaxing on the deck and enjoying the surrounds of the dune swale location. |
Forester Beach CampBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: approximately 14km walking; approx. 7 hours Following a relaxed breakfast at the camp we walk south, absorbing the magnificent coastline colours and the solitude. Walking along ridge-lines of sand-dunes, one can enjoy views across heathlands and across the ocean to the east. Exploration of the marsupial lawns often reveals quiet native animals and the many tracks they leave behind. Lunch is at one of the coves sheltered behind the dunes near Eddystone Point Lighthouse. The afternoon is enjoyed in the seclusion of beaches and coves that lead gradually to afternoon tea at the Bay of Fires Lodge. Once at the Lodge you may wish to indulge in one of their famous spa treatments - you can pre book with us to avoid disappointment. The evening is spent relaxing at the majestic Bay of Fires Lodge, in twin share or double rooms. Meals are prepared by your Lodge hosts and guides and accompanied by fine Tasmanian wine and beer. The library can be a source of reference material or just light reading as well as games for the evening. |
Bay of Fires LodgeBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
6hrs kayaking/ walking Based at the Lodge, the day is yours to decide how you would like to enjoy the area. Rise early and experience the many native birds accompanying the dawn, or, if you’re lucky, watch whales glide down the coast or dolphins surfing waves. You can sleep late and be woken by the aromas of a hot-cooked breakfast and freshly brewed coffee. During the day you can choose to kayak down the Ansons River and experience the riparian ecology of this winding river. 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 this day include enjoying a spa treatment, fishing, snorkelling in the marine nursery, exploring the nearby shell coves or generally enjoying the surroundings of the Lodge. In the evening you can go for a walk, and depending on the weather, you may encounter wombats, wallabies, Forester kangaroos, possums or even a Tasmanian devil. The night sky is an awesome spectacle from the pristine vantage point of the Lodge and its surrounds. You can also enjoy a SPA treatment for your relaxation and well-being including massage, facials, body exfoliations and hand & feet rituals (Pre-book is highly recommended. Additional cost applies. ) |
Bay of Fires LodgeBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: approximately 4km walking; approx. 1 hr Following a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, there is time for a morning swim or final spa treatment before we depart. Walking through eucalypt forests and coastal heathland, tranquil conditions are often experienced during this last section of the trek. After enjoying lunch, your return trip takes you along the North-east coast of Tasmania and back to Launceston. Over a glass of bubbles, you will celebrate the journey completed while taking in the beautiful craftsmanship of some of Tasmania's finest designers and master artisans at the renowned Design Centre. Your walk will conclude at Red Feather Inn with airport drop offs at 6.15pm and Launceston CBD drop offs at 6.30pm. * This itinerary is provided as an example only - prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchAccommodation
Dates & Prices
Departs daily between October to April. Please contact us for group bookings or private departures.
NOTE: From July 1st 2024, Bay of Fires Lodge 5D4N will replace the Bay of Fires Lodge 4D3N Walk. The new itinerary will include one night accommodation at Red Feather Inn and dinner prior to commencing your walk. The walking itinerary remains the same. For all bookings departing from July 1st 2024 will be on the 5D4N itinerary.
More Info
The start and finish point is Launceston. Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Launceston.
Day 1: Approximately 9 km, 4 hours
Day 2: Approximately 14 km, 7 hours
Day 3: 6hrs kayaking/ walking
Day 4: Approximately 4 km, 1 hour
Tasmania experience four distinct seasons. Its climate is described as mild temperate maritime. The warmest months are December, January, February and March with average temperatures of around 21°C. Climate Statistics of Eddystone Point
How often do trips depart?
Our trips depart daily from 1 October through to 1 May.
Meeting point: At the start of your walk we ask that you be at our walker's base at Red Feather Inn at 7:00am for your briefing. This allows time for introductions and a gear check before departing for Mount William National Park.
For those staying in Launceston CBD, we offer a complimentary shuttle service from Chalmers Church (5A St Frederick Street, Launceston). You will need to be ready in front of church entrance at 6:30am. For those staying at Quamby Homestead our shuttle will pick you up in front of reception. Please be ready at 6:30am for the 10 minute transfer. If you require the shuttle from either of these locations please ensure you let our reservation team know so we can ensure the shuttle is provided.
Drop-off: At the end of the walk you have the option of leaving us from Red Feather Inn around 5.45pm.We drop off at Launceston Airport at 6pm followed by Launceston CBD at 6.15pm. If you are staying at Quamby Homestead we will organise a transfer for you.
What accommodation is included for the walk?
Whilst walking with us you will experience some truly spectacular accommodation. The first night will be spent nestled behind the dunes at Forester Beach Camp for the second and third night you will enjoy uncomplicated luxury at the award winning Bay of Fires Lodge.
How many guest for each trip?
Each trip requires a minimum of five and a maximum of ten guests on each departure. All accommodation is twin share. If the group is full and you are a single traveller, sharing is with another guest of the same gender.
How many guides for each trip?
Every trip has two experienced guides. This allows plenty of opportunities to rest, take photos and walk at your own pace.
What footwear should I wear for the walk?
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 boots, street shoes and similar are not acceptable.
What do we carry and how much do we carry?
Before the trip, the guides will carry out a thorough check to ensure you have suitable gear. Usually packs weigh between 8.5 - 9.5 kgs 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.
How fit do I need to be?
As long as you regularly exercise, or are capable of walking between 9 - 14 kms for the first two days along beaches and rocky headlands, 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.
What food is included in the walking tour?
All meals are provided, including scrumptious three-course dinners with fresh Tasmanian produce prepared by your gourmet cooks/guides. We are happy to cater for special dietary requirements, we just need to know in advance.
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend travel insurance. Consideration needs to be given to our cancellation policy, injury, evacuation, delayed flights, illness, etc.
Weather
The weather is one of the attractions of the north east coast and the area has the mildest climate in Tasmania. However, weather conditions are changeable and cold conditions are often experienced. If you follow our gear list you will be comfortable, and prepared for any variations in the weather.
"There may well be better walks in the world, but on the track between Mount William National Park and the Bay of Fires, it’s hard to imagine what they are. It’s not just the wild beauty of the coastline, not even the brilliant colours; snowy sands, turquoise seas, iridescent seaweeds of pink and green, and orange lichen-covered rocks. It’s also because the reward comes in the shape of two days’ stay at the serenely lovely Bay of Fires Lodge.” Amruta Slee
“Tasmania’s Bay of Fires Walk is on the bucket list of many a seasoned hiker. While he’s a novice tramper, …the exertion is certainly beautifully rewarded.” David Ryne
“A walk on the wild side - Tasmania’s Bay of Fires reveals the simplest of pleasures.” Kendall Hill, The Weekend Australian
“A Tasman Sea of turquoise rolls into white sands and smooth boulders are topped with a sprinkling of fiery orange. It is nature in her most decorated mood. And there’s not a human in sight; not a footprint to follow. It’s supposed to be a four-day walk and I begin by standing motionless.” Alice Hansen, Luxury Travel
With the combination of the pristine environment, a sensitive and sustainable space and the healing hands of our Spa Therapists, our award-winning Lodge Spa is a perfect destination to rest and relax. This is an opportunity to experience and embrace the simplicity of nature and the sense of wellbeing that follows. View the SPA Menu
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 5 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 5 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
