Tasmania: Bay of Fires Walk

Tasmania: Bay of Fires Walk Itinerary:

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• Day 1 G'day mates! Today's journey takes us to the magnificent wilderness coastline of eastern Tasmania.

  This trip starts just outside Launceston, Tasmania at the lovely Quamby Estate. Guests can choose to meet at either the Estate or take the provided shuttle from Launceston. After a gear check and introductions we depart at 9:00a.m. and journey to Mt William National Park via a scenic route that includes the rich pastoral landscapes of Scottsdale and the tin-mining town of Derby. We reach the Northern part of Mt. William National Park and begin walking at Boulder Point. Views to the north include the Bass Strait Islands (Flinders, Cape Barren, etc.) Lunch is enjoyed in the company of native birds, interesting shells and marine artifacts on one of the many pristine beaches nestled into the coastline. The evening is spent at Forester Beach camp in comfortable, semi-permanent tents. Meals are usually spent relaxing on the deck and enjoying the surrounds of the dune swale location. Lunch and dinner included.

  Hiking: approx. 9 km or 5.5 miles, 4 hrs. Overnight at Forester Beach Camp.

• Day 2 Walk along ridgelines of sand-dunes and discover some of the most pristine shores on Earth.

  Following a relaxed breakfast at the camp we walk south, absorbing the magnificent coastline colors and the solitude. Walking along ridgelines of sand dunes, one can enjoy views across heathlands and across the ocean to the east. Exploration of the marsupial lawns often reveals quiet native animals and the many tracks they leave behind. Lunch is at one of the coves sheltered behind the dunes near Eddystone Point Lighthouse. The afternoon is enjoyed in the seclusion of beaches and coves that lead gradually to afternoon tea at the Bay of Fires Lodge. The evening is spent relaxing at the majestic Bay of Fires Lodge. Meals are expertly prepared by your lodge hosts and guides and accompanied by fine Tasmanian wine and beer. The library can be a source of reference material or just light reading as well as games for the evening. All meals included.

  Hiking: approx. 14km or 8.7 miles, 7 hrs. Overnight at Bay of Fires Lodge

• Day 3 Optional easy paddle today down the Anson River or perhaps a day on the beach - the choice is yours.

  Based at the Lodge, the day is yours to decide how you would like to enjoy the area. Rise early and experience the many native birds accompanying the dawn, or, if you're lucky, watch whales glide down the coast or dolphins surfing waves. You can sleep late and be woken by the aromas of a hot-cooked breakfast and freshly brewed coffee. During the day you can choose to kayak down the Anson's River and experience the riparian ecology of this winding river. Cross the bird-rich waters of Anson's Bay and conclude with a walk over the dunes of Abbotsbury Peninsula back to the lodge. Other options for this day include fishing, snorkeling in the marine nursery, exploring the nearby shell coves or enjoying the surroundings of the lodge. In the evening you can go for a walk, and depending on the weather, you may encounter wombats, wallabies, forester kangaroos, possums or even a Tasmanian devil. The night sky is an awesome spectacle from the pristine vantage point of the lodge and its surrounds. Your accommodation is again at the lodge. All meals included.

• Day 4 Rejuvenate with a swim and hike before returning to Launceston.

  Following a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, allowing time for a morning swim or walk we depart the lodge walking through eucalypt forests and coastal heath land. Many native birds can be seen and heard (including the endemic black cockatoo). After enjoying lunch, your return trip takes you through the picturesque Pipers Brook wine region stopping at Dr Andrew Pirie's vineyard. You will then travel onto Launceston and have the option of leaving us at Peppers Seaport Hotel around 5:30p.m., Launceston Airport at 6:00p.m. or returning to Quamby homestead at approximately 6.30p.m. Breakfast and lunch included.

  Hiking: approx. 4km or 2.5 miles; 1 hour

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.

Combine this walk with a 6-day Overland Track Hut to Hut for a complete Tasmania experience!

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

Trip accommodations are based on double occupancy. If you are willing to share we will pair up single travelers based on their gender and no single supplement will be due. To guarantee a single room for the duration of the walk a supplementary charge of 75% of trip cost will apply. There is very limited availability, and single accommodations are provided on a first come, first serve basis.

All accommodations; transfers from/to Launceston; all meals noted on itinerary and non-alcoholic beverages plus a limited selection of Tasmanian wines; National Park pass; use of back-pack and Gore-tex jacket for the duration of the hikes; professional guides.

Air transportation to Launceston; guide gratuities; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, cost of obtaining a passport, immunizations or insurance.

REI Adventures standard payment and cancellation policies do not apply to the Bay of Fires Walk. A special cancellation policy applies which is stricter than the REI policy. A deposit of $500 per person is required for confirmation. Full payment for the Bay of Fires trip is due at 90 days before departure. For any cancellations outside of 90 days, $250 of the deposit is non-refundable. Within 90 days, REI Adventures' standard policy applies.

This trip is rated Easy Active [2]. Most days will be between 5 ½ - 9 miles for the first two days along beaches and rocky headlands. The hikes will generally take about 4 to 7 hours. There will be plenty of time each day to sit and rest as well as explore. All guests will be carrying a pack containing personal items (clothes and toiletries). Backpacks should not weigh more than 20 lbs. as long as only the suggested gear is packed. This is a trip for active people in good health who are strong walkers and/or hikers. The minimum age to participate on this trip is 12 years.

Tasmania has four distinct seasons. Spring spans September, October and November, and brings oceans of wildflowers. Average daily temperatures are 45 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmest months are December, January, February and March. The average summer temperatures are usually between 60 - 75 degrees F. Tasmania's location below the 40th parallel means the summer evenings display a lingering twilight.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing (including hiking boots) and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed. Pack your camera and film in your carry-on, too.
• Cotton is wonderful in hot weather or in the evenings. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool, or polyester fabrics such as Capilene or MTS, which will insulate even if they get wet.
• Bring clothing that is light in weight and color, which ventilates and protects you from the sun. It is always good to have a lightweight, long-sleeved fleece or synthetic top, especially for the evenings.
• Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
• If you wear prescription glasses, use a safety cord and bring an extra pair if possible. Contact lens wearers should also bring an extra set, or bring eyeglasses for a backup.