Bay of Fires, Freycinet, Wineglass Bay and the Three Capes – 7 Days

This holiday commences in Launceston at 8.00 am. Travel to Tasmania’s sunny east coast.

On this afternoon’s walk, we’ll explore the northern section of the Bay of Fires. From long, secluded beaches to abundant wildlife and unique history, this hike offers constant points of interest along with its uninterrupted coastal views that stretch to the lighthouse at Eddystone Point. There’s a good chance of spotting kangaroos, wallabies and pademelons along the coastline of the Mt William National Park. Expect diverse vegetation, abundant birdlife, and a real sense of place while following in the footsteps of the Aboriginal people who once walked along the same path.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 12 km / 3-4 hrs

Meals: Lunch and two-course a la carte chef-prepared dinner at the resort restaurant

Accommodation: Panorama Resort St Helens in ensuite rooms

The morning’s walk features more stunning beaches of the Bay of Fires. Like much of Tasmania’s 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 clifftop tracks or free time to swim or relax at beautiful Binalong Bay.

Walking: Moderate / 15 km / 5-6 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast in the resort restaurant, walkers lunch and two-course a la carte dinner in the hotel restaurant

Accommodation: The Beachfront Motel Bicheno in ensuite rooms

Today we head south to one of Tasmania’s jewels – the rugged and beautiful Freycinet Peninsula. Jutting out into the sea, the imposing granite peaks of the Hazards and the many white sandy beaches that dot the peninsula welcome you as you enter the park. Our circuit walk takes you to a lookout with spectacular views over picturesque Wineglass Bay. After a stroll along this delightful beach, we continue across the isthmus to the more remote Hazards Beach. Next, we’ll explore a boardwalk with stunning views at Cape Tourville Lighthouse. Tonight, there’s an opportunity to visit a penguin colony (at extra cost).

Walking: Moderate / 12 km / 5-6 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Chef-prepared cooked breakfast/walkers lunch and two-course a la carte dinner in the hotel restaurant

Accommodation: The Beachfront Motel Bicheno in ensuite rooms

Today we travel south to the Tasman National Park – an area that preserves diverse forest and spectacular coastline on this picturesque peninsula. On an afternoon walk, we’ll explore the Coal Mines Historic Site where uncrowded ruins offer a true 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. Expect to see kangaroos and wallabies as well as observe sea birds such as gulls, terns, gannets, albatrosses, oystercatchers and majestic sea eagles.

Walking: Easy / 5 km / 2 hrs

Meals: Chef-prepared cooked breakfast, lunch and two-course dinner in the hotel restaurant

Accommodation: Stewarts Bay Lodge in ensuite rooms

A full day’s walk today commences 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, which is 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 from 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.

Walking: Moderate / 15 km / 6-7 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Chef-prepared cooked breakfast/lunch and two-course dinner in the hotel restaurant

Accommodation: Stewarts Bay Lodge in ensuited rooms

Today we do a full day hike at Cape Raoul, one of the 3 capes which incidentally is not linked to the official 3 Capes walk as yet. We hike through tall stringybark forest, old sheoak woodland and coastal banksia scrub. As we walk, we sight the world-renowned big wave surfing spot Shipstern Bluff. At the cape, we settle down for lunch and soak up the awesome view, jagged dolerite columns that rise up from the waves and blue sea and sky on an epic scale. Gannets, terns, sea eagles and the endangered wedge-tailed eagle can often be seen.

Walking: Moderate / 14 km / 6-7 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Chef-prepared cooked breakfast, lunch and two-course dinner in the hotel restaurant

Accommodation: Stewarts Bay Lodge in ensuite rooms

Another solid day’s hike in the Tasman National Park. The challenging option is out to Cape Hauy and includes some of the most stunning coastal scenery anywhere in Australia. The dramatic sea cliffs and fluted rock pillars that line the cape are a major highlight. These columnar dolerite cliffs are outstanding examples of a rock type that is very rare on the mainland. The easier option is to walk to Bivouac Bay with another optional side trip to Thumbs Point for fabulous coastal views. We’ll travel back to Hobart via the picturesque village of Richmond, famous for its historic convict-built bridge. We’ll arrive in Hobart just after 5:00pm.

Walking: Moderate / 16 km / 6-7 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Chef-prepared cooked breakfast and walkers lunch