Bay of Fires Walk Tasmania

Day 1 ARRIVE LAUNCESTON
Transfer to your accommodation. Quamby is a beautiful homestead located just outside Launceston near the township of Hagley where you can relax and unwind in the quiet embrace of a secluded country estate. Quamby Estate has only 15 guest rooms and is on 64 hectares of parkland setting featuring magnificent 170 year old trees and a perfectly groomed 9-hole golf course. Quamby is set in an elevated position with views over rolling country-side to the Ben Lomand Ranges.

The 1930’s Heritage listed homestead has been impeccably restored in keeping with the home’s original features, but without compromising modern-day luxuries. Modern bathrooms, luxury bedding and flat screen televisions are just a few of the new additions. (D).

Quamby Estate, Superior Room

Day 2 QUAMBY – BAY OF FIRES WALK
After an early breakfast meet at 8.00 am with your walking guide and fellow walkers (maximum of 10 in total) for a full briefing and equipment check. You will be issued with your backpacks, sleeping back lining sheets, pillowslip and Gore-tex jacket in case of wet weather. The guides will also make sure that you are not carrying anything unnecessary and provide a full safety briefing.

Depart as a group at 9.00am transferring through the scenic and rich pastoral landscapes of Scottsdale and the tin mining town of Derby to the northern end of Mt. William National Park. Here the walk begins at Boulder Point with views north to the Bass Strait Islands, stepping stones remaining of the land bridge that once connected Tasmania to the mainland. Secluded beaches tucked between sand dunes and off-shore rocks are separated by rocky headlands – the perfect place for shells, birds’ nests and relaxed lunches.

Whilst walking you might come across an echidna or two, particularly in the summer months, they like to forage for ants on the walking tracks. Birdlife is rich and varied in the Mt William National Park, with nearly 100 species in all.

The evening is spent at Forrester Beach Camp in twin share tents with timber floors, canvas roofs and full kitchen facilities. Private wash areas and composting toilets are provided. Each tent has two single beds comprising of a mattress on a metal base and a sleeping bag into which you will place your sheet insert, provided at the briefing. Each bed also has an individual fly net if required.
(Walk approximately 9km, 4 hours). (B,L,D).

Forester Beach Camp, Permanent Tent

Day 3 BAY OF FIRES WALK
Enjoy a bush breakfast this morning to fuel up for the walk today. Walking distance is around 14 kms today with plenty of time in which to complete the distance. Travelling south you’ll be amazed at this magnificent coastline of colour and solitude. Elevated views of the park and out to sea are enjoyed from the ridgeline of sand dunes and prime heath-lands. We take time to explore the marsupial lawns behind the dunes, a great site to identify local wildlife foot prints. Lunch is at historic Eddystone Point Lighthouse, and in the afternoon you’ll enjoy the seclusion of superb beaches and coves along the coastline before arriving at the sanctuary of the Bay of Fires Lodge.

The Lodge is an ecologically designed building perched on a hill 40 metres above the sea and surrounded by views of bush and white sandy beaches. The lodge is not luxurious but rather an experience of true communion with nature in accommodation that combines simplicity of design with comfort and warmth.

Relax on one of the two long timber and glass pavilions allowing maximum connection to the landscape with minimum impact on the environment: all building materials – Tasmanian hardwood and plantation pine – were lifted in by helicopter or hand carried to the site. In the magnificent living area with its large timber deck and open fire, you’ll enjoy delicious meals prepared with the freshest local produce, accompanied by fine Tasmanian wines. Solar power provides the lighting, while hot showers and comfortable hotel beds provide well earned rejuvenation and rest at the end of each day’s activities.

Bay of Fires Lodge has 10 rooms which all share bathroom facilities comprising of four toilets and four showers.
(Walk approximately 14 km, 7 hours). (B,L,D).

Bay of Fires Lodge, Lodge Room

Day 4 BAY OF FIRES WALK
Based at the lodge, the day is yours to relax or set off on yet another adventure paddling the tranquil waters of Ansons River in a kayak. Discover the delicate ecology of this river system as it winds its way to the mouth of Ansons Bay, a haven for water birds and eagle rays. After a picnic lunch, leave the kayaks behind and stroll back to the lodge along the Abbotsbury Peninsula back to the Bay of fires Lodge.

Enjoy another evening in warmth and ambiance of the Lodge with fellow walkers and new friends. (B,L,D).

Bay of Fires Lodge, Lodge Room

Day 5 BAY OF FIRES WALK – QUAMBY
After breakfast, explore the beaches and headlands, take a swim or simply curl up and read a book. Leaving the lodge on foot, you’ll make your way through the fragrant inland heath and peppermint forests to a secluded spot for lunch. Your return trip takes you along the north coast to Bridport and then south through the Tamar wine region and Lilydale before returning to the walkers’ base at Quamby Estate. (B,L).

Quamby Estate, Superior Room

Day 6 QUAMBY – LAUNCESTON
After breakfast transfer to Launceston Airport (B).