Ready for a double dose of Tasmania’s epic coast? Alluring East begins in the north east on our Bay of Fires Lodge Walk. Expect sand between your toes (yes, kick off your boots), secluded coves, and a day-long kayak exploring the Anson’s River. The uncomplicated luxury of the Bay of Fires Lodge invites restful sleep and foot spas for weary walkers.
Between walks, you can organise accommodation and a schedule that suits your taste and pace. After a night of dining in Launceston, head south through the mid-lands, or take a longer more scenic route by heading west and skirt around Tassie's alpine lakes to arrive in Hobart. Or turn east and take in the sights of the East Coast Drive, Freycinet and Maria Island National Parks. You'll have a night in Hobart, or more if you choose before you again tie up your boots and head back out on track.
The wilderness then pulls once more, drawing us down the dramatic Tasman Peninsula for some edge-of-the-world walking on our Three Capes Lodge Walk. The wild Southern Ocean is your constant as you take in 37,000 years of history, towering dolerite spires and epic views from your architecturally-designed lodging.
Let Tasmania’s coast pull you in for 9 days and deliver you to the world recharged.
Approximately 4 hours walking
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.
Approximately 7 hours walking
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.
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.
Approximately 6 hours kayaking/walking
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.
Today, choose your own adventure. This morning, choose to join your guides in a gentle 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.
Approximately 1 hour walking
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 Entally Lodge there will be time to raise a glass to the four wonderful days spent together.
Tonight's accommodation is yours to choose and organise. See our Walker Benefits Program for recommendations and discounts. Please see our FAQ's for Walk Conclusion times.
These are various options including your own private car, a hire car, the Redline Bus Company or private companies that can help you make your way from Launceston to Hobart.
The three routes most often chosen include the shortest and most direct, on the A1 or Midlands Highway. You can take a slightly longer route and travel via the Highland Lakes on the A5. The most popular is to drive via Tasmania's stunning East Coast, along the Great Eastern Drive or the A5. Discover more about Tasmania's Driving Journey's here.
Our recommendations for Hobart accommodation is found in our Walker Benefits and FAQ's.
Approximately 2 hours walking
At the start of your walk we will pick you up from MACq01 between 9.00am - 9.10am, followed by the Old Woolstore between 9.05am - 9.15am. Or make your way down to our walkers base (164 Murray Street, Hobart) at 9.30am. Here you will meet your guides and have a briefing.
Upon arrival at Stewarts Bay we will make our way down to the jetty where a private boat will be waiting to depart for our short trip across to Denman’s Cove at 1.15pm. Cruising with views back to Port Arthur, aside from the possible seal and dolphin spotting, some of the highest dolerite cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere come into view, an indication of the drama to come.
A short wade ashore from the boat signals your arrival at Denman’s Cove. On day one, please wear shorts, zip-off walking trousers or pants that can be rolled above your knees. You may encounter knee-high waters, depending on where sandbanks have formed. At the beach, we’ll fuel you with local produce for lunch, in preparation for a gentle walk through coastal woodland to the rocky refuge of Surveyors Cove. At this point, if the Southern Ocean begs, head for a dip before a gradual incline up to the lodge.
Crescent Lodge is perched high, with far stretching views across Crescent Bay to Cape Raoul, with guest rooms spilling into the gully. Settle in with a warm shower as your guides-come-chefs prepare a three-course feast of local fare. Post dinner, take your Tassie pinot to a quiet deck for your own private sunset.
Approximately 5 hours walking
Wake to the silence of Crescent Lodge and wander down to the stunning dining room for a hearty breakfast to start the day. From here, head due south with views across Safety Cove and Maingon Bay to Bruny Island. Climbing Arthurs Peak, 300 metres above sea level, is worth the oceanic vista. In these parts, White Bellied Sea Eagles soar in the thermal currents, so be sure to look skyward. Lunch isn’t far away, an easy downhill descent to south-facing cliffs where pelagic seabirds are plenty - albatross, petrels and gannets. Here, there’s nothing between you and Antarctica.
Following lunch, skirt the edge of Tornado Ridge before heading south toward Cape Pillar Lodge, your base for the next two nights. Your pace might quicken in the knowledge there is a massage, facial or relaxation bath on offer at Cape Pillar Lodge.
Approximately 6 hours walking
This is the most adventurous day of your journey. Today you’ll walk through silver gum forest (Eucalyptus Tenuiramis), a species endemic to the area and out to the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. There’s little wonder Cape Pillar has been afforded other names – Hurricane Heath and Desolation Gully. A side trip to The Blade is a must, with staggering views across to Tasman Island.
Lunch is served at Chasm Lookout – with Tasman Island’s weathered lighthouse in sight. Then, it’s a direct return journey home to Cape Pillar Lodge, where the relaxation pavilion, three-course dinner and ocean views await. Unlace the boots, kick up your feet and let the sea breeze tickle your toes.
Those with a penchant for pampering can forego today’s walk and spend the day at Cape Pillar Lodge. Enjoy one of our relaxing treatments ranging from 45 minutes to a splendid three hours and immerse yourself in the enchanting surrounds.
Approximately 6 hours walking (Cape Hauy side trip optional)
Time to farewell Cape Pillar's safe forest haven. From here you’ll cross Retakunna Creek (local indigenous dialect for creaking trees) en route to a patch of rainforest. Breathe it in – lush mosses, ferns and vibrant greens. Next mission is the peninsula’s highest peak, Mount Fortescue, climbing some 490 metres above sea level. Enjoy lunch with leafy-framed ocean views overlooking The Monument.
Take the side trip and enjoy the majesty of Cape Hauy - or simply remain with the group for a final cliff-walk descent onto the cool white sands of Fortescue Bay. This is your chance to drop the pack and sink your toes in pristine sands or perhaps take a celebratory dive into the crystal clear waves. We will then travel back to Hobart (approximately 5.45pm) via the airport (approximately 5.30pm). We will finish in Hobart with a glass of celebratory bubbles.
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