Walk with David Boon
Available by request for private groups | Maximum: 8 guests
You are invited to share stories and walk the iconic Bay of Fires with Tasmanian legend, David Boon.
David Boon's journey from Tasmania to international cricket stardom is an inspiring story of how dedication persevered to overcome challenges. This experience gives you time and space to relax and converse in a small group.
Over three days, walk along soft sandy beaches, discover secluded coves, kayak Ansons River and enjoy the luxury of two nights accommodation at the award-winning Bay of Fires Lodge.
This package also includes one luxurious night at Quamby Homestead prior to the walk departure, a two-course dinner, and breakfast.
Direct bookings only. For all enquiries and bookings please contact Tasmanian Walking Company by emailing Daniel@taswalkingco.com.au
David Boon
For aspiring sportspeople who don’t have Olympic Athlete physiques or need to trust that hard work will pay off, David Boon is a hero. ‘Boonie’ showed what steely determination and hard work can realize - the mantle as one of Australia’s finest top-order batsmen and close fielders.
Boonie played for Tasmania when it was a fledgling cricket state. His portly figure (and legends about beer-drinking records) belied his fitness and strength. Boon was to become Australia’s top batsman in the early 90’s with brilliant centuries against the West Indies, India, and successive hundreds against England at Lords, Trent Bridge and Headingly. He was to make 21 Test tons, none better than his 184 not out in the second innings of the Bicentennial Test at Sydney to extricate Australia from a potentially match-losing position. He received the player of the match award for that knock and was voted International Cricketer of the Year.
After his playing days finished, David became an Australian Selector and is currently an IOC Match Referee. Boonie's generosity, affable nature and humility are always on display.
Day 1: Quamby Homestead
Saturday, October 31
Arrive in Launceston and make your way to the elegant Quamby Homestead where you will enjoy a two-course dinner. The Homestead Breakfast is included the following morning.
Quamby Homestead is a Tasmanian heritage hotel that offers ten beautifully restored luxurious guest rooms, each uniquely decorated with an eclectic collection of original art and antique furniture. Rooms are appointed with king, queen and optional twin bedding, marble or stone bathrooms with heated floors, flat screen TVs, DVD players and heating units or fireplaces. Deluxe rooms feature spa baths.
The Homestead offers breakfast and dinner to in-house guests and the public alike. Homely menus featuring Tasmanian produce have been created by Chef Sarah and can be enjoyed in a grand yet relaxed environment.
Quamby Estate offers a rare gem of a Tasmanian golf course situated close to Launceston, and is open to members and the public as well as being available to book for corporate and private events. Lovingly constructed in the early 1990’s by local man Ian McFarlane, this beautiful course is positioned on a high elevation with magnificent rural views.
Bay of Fires Long Weekend with David Boon (3-days)
If squeaky white-sand beaches and wild coastline appeal to you, the Bay of Fires is a spectacular reason to lace up.
The Bay of Fires Long Weekend is a lodge-based. pack-free walk. Explore the iconic Bay of Fires carrying only a lightweight daypack. Walk along soft sandy beaches, discover secluded coves, kayak Ansons River and enjoy the luxury of two nights accommodation at the award-winning Bay of Fires Lodge.
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Day 2: Launceston to Bay of Fires
Approximately 4 hours walking
After a gear check at our walker base at Red Feather Inn, we arrive at the Bay of Fires, to be greeted by the azure blue waters, white sandy beaches and iconic orange lichen-covered granite boulders. Our lunch spot today is nestled in the dunes near Eddystone Point Lighthouse. We’ll have time to explore the lighthouse and its long-standing story before it's time to get our walking boots sandy as 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 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.
Day 3: Kayaking and enjoying the area
Approximately 6 hours kayaking/walking
Today choose your own adventure. 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.
Later in the morning, choose to 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, 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.
Day 4: Return to Launceston rejuvenated
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 Red Feather Inn there will be time to raise a glass to the three wonderful days spent together.
The Bay of Fires Lodge
Set on a hilltop, 40 metres above the pounding of the sea and surrounded by National Park, the Bay of Fires Lodge is the only building on 20km of outstanding coastal wilderness.
Enjoying views up and down the pristine white sandy beaches in an area of great significance to the Aboriginal community, a truly ecologically-aware building has been gently let into the landscape. Two long timber and glass pavilions allow 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.
The lodge is autonomous in providing and managing its existence. Here you will experience true communion with nature in accommodation that combines simplicity of design with comfort and warmth. 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 add a touch of luxury at the end of each day's activities.
All accommodation at the Lodge is twin or double share, arranged as two king-singles or one king bed.
There is a small library which is comfortable and cosy looking out over the ocean. This is a great place to sit back and relax or look through our selection of books and magazines.
Itinerary Details
Bay of Fires Long Weekend with David Boon
Available by request for private groups | Maximum: 8 guests
- One night at Quamby homestead with breakfast - (3 x Deluxe Room and 3 x Superior Rooms), all twin share (4 of the 6 rooms have spa baths), Deluxe rooms will be sold first.
- A two-course dinner menu featuring Tasmanian produce.
- 3 Day Guided Walk
- Minimum and Maximum guests - 8
- Minimum numbers must be confirmed before September 30
Price per person (inc GST)
- Walk Fee + David Boon's Fee
Direct bookings only:
- This walk cannot be booked in conjunction with any other offers and discounts.
- Direct bookings only. For all enquiries and bookings please contact Tasmanian Walking Company by emailing Daniel@taswalkingco.com.au
- or complete the below enquiry form
Single supplement
Single supplements are not available for this experience.
Special Interest Walks - Terms and Conditions
- All prices are quoted per person in $AUD including GST
- Full payment and the Guest Information Form are due within five days of booking
- Minimum numbers will be confirmed before September 30.
- Cancellations, after minimum numbers are confirmed, are non-refundable.
- Bookings are transferable.
- Prices are subject to change without notice
- Travel and pre and post-trip accommodation expenses are not included.
Please view our traditional booking terms and conditions
Peace of Mind Booking Assurance
After the minimum number of bookings has been achieved, the trip is guaranteed to depart. If for any reason, the trip cannot go ahead due to restrictions placed upon travel due to Covid-19, guests will be permitted to reschedule their walk to the new date provided for this departure with no additional fee or cancel. Guests can transfer to a traditional Bay of Fires Lodge Walk itinerary and have the difference in price refunded. Cancellations for other reasons will incur our standard cancellation fees.
Inclusions
- Return transfers between Quamby Homestead and the walk base
- 1 night at Quamby Homestead including a two-course dinner and breakfast
- 2 nights at Bay of Fires Lodge including all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, plus a limited selection of Tasmanian wines
- National Park pass
- Use of a backpack and Gore-tex jacket for the duration of the walk
- Optional kayaking day
- Two qualified guides for the duration of the walk.
Enquire
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