tasmanian coastal hiker
bay of fires, freycinet & the tasman peninsula

Guided group tour 7 day itinerary

highlights

• Hike to picture-postcard Wineglass Bay

• Discover the pristine white sandy beaches of the Bay of Fires

• Explore convict ruins

• Hike to fascinating rock formations on the Tasman Peninsula

Tasmania has an astonishing array of hiking on offer – there is just so much to see that we are now offering two Tasmanian trips – this one, the Tasmanian Coastal Hiker and the Tasmanian Wilderness Hiker.

On this holiday we’ll focus on the sunny east coast with its magnificent beaches, rugged rocky promontories and rich colonial history.

There are two days of walking on the Bay of Fires walk, which, like so much of the east coast, is dominated by pink granite with a very high quartz content that breaks down into pure white sand.  The white sands combined with magnificent outcrops of pink granite, orange lichen and an azure blue sky make this walk a photographer’s delight.  Expect to see kangaroos and wallabies and it’s also a great walk for observing sea birds such as gulls, terns, gannets, albatrosses, oystercatchers and majestic sea eagles.  There’s even the opportunity to see penguins at a nearby penguin colony one night (extra cost).

On the Bay of Fires Walk

Next is a jewel amongst Tasmania’s National Parks – Freycinet Peninsula, where you’ll marvel at the exquisite pink granite of the craggy tors.  The imposing granite peaks of the Hazards and the many white sandy beaches that dot the peninsula are among the highlights of the park.  An optional climb to the airy heights of Mt Amos will provide a challenge for the strong and fit whilst those seeking a more relaxed pace can enjoy picture postcard Wineglass Bay and the more remote Hazards Beach.

Picture-postcard Wineglass Bay

Further south we’ll explore the Tasman Peninsula with its unusual but magnificent geological formations with names like the Tessellated Pavement, Eaglehawk Neck, Devil’s Kitchen, Tasman’s Arch and Waterfall Bay.  You’ll learn about the dark days of Australia’s convict history at the Coal Mines Historic Site; a place of uncrowded ruins that offers a non-touristy perspective.  You’ll see remains of stone dormitories used to house the convicts, solitary punishment cells, officers’ quarters and old mining shafts. If you prefer, you can spend the afternoon by yourself visiting the Port Arthur Historic Site (at your own expense).

Sheer ocean cliffs feature on Tasman Peninsula Hikes

location
Tasmania is a small island state off the south coast of the Australian mainland. This holiday starts in Launceston and finishes in Hobart. Both are accessible by plane from the mainland.

grading
Overall, this is the easier of the two Tasmanian itineraries as there are no alpine regions involved and the weather is usually more stable.  There is some beach sand walking in the Bay of Fires area and the rest is on tracks that range from easy to moderate.  There will be a couple of challenging options offered as well.

The Bay of Fires Walks are all easy, although there are some optional sections that involve rock scrambling.  At Freycinet, the harder option will involve quite a lot of climbing – the easier option also has a climb but not so high and we'll do it more slowly.  The walks on the Tasman Peninsula are mostly moderate.

Bennetts wallabies abound

accommodation
Accommodation on this holiday is in properties on or close to the waterfront.  At St Helens we’ll stay in a resort hotel and on the other nights it’s comfortable motels.  They all have character, excellent bedding, ensuite bathrooms and are in quiet locations.

food & wine highlights
Tasmania is noted for its apples, berries, cheeses & smoked salmon. Wash it down with local beer or cider or try some boutique Tassie wines.

Along the Bay of Fires Walk

what's included
Guiding, all transport from Launceston on day 1 to Hobart on day 7, 6 nights accommodation, 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners, National Park fees, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, maps.

not included
Alcohol, additional meals.

departure dates
Please see our Departure Dates section of the website
Note that you can easily join this to the Tasmanian Wilderness Hiker tour which starts on the following day.

prices
Please see our Prices section of the website

Group on the Wineglass Bay track

itinerary guide - 7 days
(includes 6 nights accommodation)

Day 1: This holiday commences in Launceston at 8.00am. Travel to Tasmania’s sunny east coast. On this afternoon’s walk we’ll explore the northern section of the Bay of Fires. From its long, secluded beaches to its teeming wildlife; from its unique history to its abundant plant life, this hike offers uninterrupted coastal views stretching to the lighthouse at Eddystone Point. There’s a good chance of spotting kangaroos, wallabies and pademelons along the magnificent wilderness coastline of the Mt William National Park. Expect diverse vegetation, abundant bird life, a real sense of isolation and the knowledge that you are following in the footsteps of the Aboriginal people who once lived here. Accommodation: St Helens

Deserted beaches along the Bay of Fires

Day 2: A morning walk features more of the stunning beaches of the Bay of Fires. Like so much of the east coast, this area is dominated by pink granite, with a very high quartz content that breaks down into pure white sand. Many of the pink granite rocks also have an orange lichen cover. The white sands combined with magnificent outcrops of pink granite, orange lichen and an azure blue sky make this walk a photographer’s delight. It’s also a great walk for observing sea birds such as gulls, terns, gannets, albatrosses, oystercatchers and majestic sea eagles. During the afternoon there’s an optional hike along coastal cliff top tracks or free time to swim or relax at beautiful Binnalong Bay. Accommodation: Bicheno

Day 3: Today we head south to one of Tasmania’s jewels – the rugged and beautiful Freycinet Peninsula that juts out into the sea. The imposing granite peaks of the Hazards and the many white sandy beaches that dot the peninsula are among the highlights of the park. The dramatic peaks of the Hazards welcome you as you enter the park. Our circuit walk takes you to a lookout with spectacular views over picture-postcard Wineglass Bay. After a stroll along this delightful beach we continue across the isthmus to the more remote Hazards Beach. A harder option of climbing Mt Amos on the Hazards Range will also be offered. Next we'll explore a boardwalk with stunning views at Cape Tourville lighthouse. Tonight there’s an opportunity to visit a penguin colony (extra cost). Accommodation: Bicheno

One of the stunning Beaches at Freycinet

Day 4: Today we travel south to the Tasman National Park; a park that protects diverse forest and spectacular coastline on this picturesque peninsula. On an afternoon walk, we’ll explore the Coal Mines Historic Site; a place of uncrowded ruins that offers a non-touristy perspective on Tasmania's convict history. This was Tasmania's first operational mine and served as a place of punishment for the "worst class" of convicts from Port Arthur. On the walk we’ll see remains of stone dormitories used to house the convicts, solitary punishment cells, officers’ quarters and old mining shafts. Accommodation: Nubeena on the Tasman Peninsula

Away from the tourists visiting Port Arthur,
we explore secluded convict ruins

Day 5: A full day’s walk today commencing at the Tessellated Pavement.  Discover the unusual set of geological circumstances that have resulted in this rare landform with a “tiled” appearance.  Then on to Eaglehawk Neck, a narrow strip of land that separates the Tasman Peninsula from the mainland.  The infamous “dog line” ran across this narrow neck of land to prevent convict prisoners escaping from Port Arthur penal colony.  Explore the historic military barracks and other relics whilst learning of bizarre attempts at escape.  The walk continues passing unusual rock formations like the Blowhole, Devils Kitchen and Tasman's Arch.  Waterfall Bay offers a spectacular view across the cliff-lined bay to a waterfall that, after rain, plummets straight into the sea.  Continue along the cliff tops to a high vantage point overlooking the rugged sea cliffs.  Accommodation: Nubeena

Learning about the unique trigger plant

Day 6: Another full day of hiking in the Tasman National Park. The harder option is out to Cape Hauy and includes some of the most stunning coastal scenery anywhere in Australia. You’ll see dramatic sea cliffs that are among the highest and most spectacular in Australia, a major highlight being the fluted rock pillars that line the cape. These columnar dolerite cliffs are outstanding examples of a rock type that is very rare on mainland Australia. Gannets, terns, sea eagles and the endangered wedge-tailed eagle can often be seen. The easier option is to walk to Bivouac Bay with another optional side trip to Thumbs Point for fabulous coastal views. If you prefer, you can spend the afternoon by yourself visiting the Port Arthur Historic Site (at your own expense). Accommodation: Nubeena

Day 7:  We’ll travel back to Hobart via the picturesque village of Richmond, famous for its historic convict-built bridge. We’ll arrive in Hobart at around 11.00am.

fact sheet
Would you like more detailed information about this trip?

Download our Tasmanian Coastal Hiker Group Guided Walking Holiday Fact Sheet. It contains a detailed itinerary with walking times and distances and more information on accommodations including photos of places you will stay at.

Note: If you are having trouble opening this Fact Sheet, please click on the link to download the latest version of Adobe Reader.

prices
See the prices section

how to book
See the booking section

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