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EAST COAST WILDERNESS WALK, Tasmania
Accommodated 4 Day Guided Trek
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East Coast Wilderness Walk, Bay of Fires, TasmaniaAt the edge of Mt. William National Park in Tasmania is a magnificent wilderness coastline.  Here, led by well informed, young Tasmanian guides, you can join a small group (maximum 10 people) to explore both the fascinating beach environment and the rich diversity of the nearby woodlands.
Accommodation on the first night is at the civilized Forester Beach Camp and then for the next two nights at the Bay of Fires Lodge, the only building in this near unknown wilderness paradise, where both solitude and comfort are guaranteed. 
Bordering the fine white granite beaches from Boulder Point to the Abbotsbury Peninsula, Mt William National Park's diverse vegetation is a haven for wildlife.  This area is home to the largest population of eastern grey kangaroos in the state, as well as echidnas, brush-tail possums, wombats, Bennetts wallabies and Tasmanian devils. Birdlife too is abundant, with over 100 species found in the park, including many varieties of sea and shore birds.   Many sites of significance to the Aboriginal community can be found in the park, which has recently been recommended to be returned to Aboriginal ownership.   Here, huge middens of discarded shells are a reminder of the days when tribes would migrate to the coast in winter to forage for shellfish, mutton birds and seals. Up to 10,000 years ago, these Aboriginal tribes would cross the land bridge that once connected Tasmania to the mainland. Now, looking north to Bass Strait, the remnants of this land bridge - the Islands of the Furneaux Group - can be clearly seen from the coastline of this magnificent National Park. 
 
ABOUT THE ACCOMMODATION ...
Bay of Fires Lodge
Looking down on Bay of Fires LodgeSet on a hilltop, 40 metres above the pounding of the sea and surrounded by National Park, Bay of Fires Lodge is the only building on 20 km 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 sustainable 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. 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 lighting and hot showers while comfortable hotel beds (in private twin share bedrooms with views to the sea or the bush) add a touch of luxury at the end of each day's activities.

 
Forester Beach Camp Forester Beach Camp 
Nestled in a protected dune swale behind a glorious white sand beach, a separate camp has been designed as a demountable seasonal structure. Twin share rooms with timber floors, canvas roofs and full kitchen facilities provide perfect seclusion in a setting of unspoiled beauty. Private wash areas and composting toilets provide comfort without harming the environment. Special permission has been obtained to operate this camp within the National Park, so close to the beach and yet so private. Here, you can swim or snorkel in the shelter of a natural, rock-ringed 'harbour', enjoy your meals on the outdoor decks or picnic on the beach.
The basic principles of sustainability have been wholeheartedly embraced in the construction of the Bay of Fires Lodge and Forester Beach Camp. From the siting of the buildings and the form of their design to the selection of building materials and the management of the construction process, the focus has been on protecting the landscape and connecting to it. Using sustainable materials and employing non-polluting services such as roofwater collection, greywater treatment systems, composting toilets and energy-efficient solar power, the building was gently placed in the landscape to create minimal disturbance while maximising the visual connection with the surrounding vegetation and the ocean beyond. It is this connection with the unspoiled beauty of the environment, its flora and fauna, that creates a magical experience for guests at the Bay of Fires.

 
WALK ITINERARY - Departs daily Nov-May
For a map of the walk, relatively slow to download, click East Coast Wilderness Walk MAP...
 
DAY 1: Quamby Esatate  (near Launceston) via Scottsdale, Derby, Branxholm to Mt William National Park 
You will be met at a pre-arranged location in Launceston at 7.15am and transferred to the walk base at Quamby Estate, located near Hagley which is east of Launceston.  Here you will meet your guides who will provide a briefing on the walk, check your gear and assist with preparing your pack. 
After an included breakfast, your transfer vehicle winds through the scenic and rich pastoral landscapes of Scottsdale and the tin mining town of Derby to the northern end of Mt. William National Park. Here the Bay of Fires walk begins at Boulder Point with views north to the Bass Strait Islands, stepping stones remaining of the land bridge that once connected Tasmania to the mainland. Secluded beaches tucked between sand dunes and off-shore rocks are separated by rocky headlands - the perfect place for shells, birds’ nests and relaxed lunches.
The night is spent at Forester Beach Camp. Evening is spent at the Forester Beach camp in twin share rooms. Meals are usually taken relaxing on the deck and enjoying the surroundings of the dune swale location. 
Day 1 walk is approximately 9km, 4 hours. 
 
DAY 2: Forester Beach Camp to Eddystone Point and on to Bay of Fires Lodge
Bay of Fires beach

Travelling south you’ll be amazed at this magnificent coastline of colour and solitude. Elevated views of Mt. William National Park and out to sea are enjoyed from the ridgeline of sand dunes and prime heathlands.  Lunch is at historic Eddystone Point Lighthouse, and in the afternoon you’ll enjoy the seclusion of superb beaches and coves along the coastline before arriving at the sanctuary of the Bay of Fires Lodge, your accommodation for the night.
Time is taken to explore the marsupial lawns behind the dunes, a great site to identify prints and scats of the local wildlife.
Day 2 walk is approximately 14 km, 7 hours. 
 
DAY 3:  A day relaxing and enjoying the area 
View from Bay of Fires LodgeBased at the lodge, the day is yours to relax or set off on yet another adventure paddling the tranquil waters of Ansons River. Discover the delicate ecology of this river system as it winds its way to the mouth of Ansons Bay; a haven for water birds and eagle rays. After lunch you leave the kayaks behind and stroll back to the lodge along the Abottsbury Peninsula. In the evening you could consider a wildlife walk, with the opportunity to see wombats, wallabies and possums...or, with luck, even a Tasmanian devil!  Your 3rd night's accommodation is again at the Bay of Fires Lodge. 
 
DAY 4: Final day 
After a leisurely breakfast, you can explore the beaches and headlands, take a swim, or simply curl up and read a book. Leaving the lodge on foot, you make your way through the fragrant inland heath and peppermint forests to a secluded spot for lunch. Your return trip takes you along the north coast to Bridport and then south through the Tamar wine region and Lilydale before returning to the walk base at the Quamby Estate.   You will arrive back at the base at approximately 5pm. A complimentary transfer is available back into Launceston at 6pm.
 
If you like the sound of this, you'll love .......  World Heritage Trek, Tasmania 6 day walk, the unique National Park experience of the Maria Island Walk, Tasmania 4 day walk and the Best of Freycinet Peninsula, Tasmania 4 day walk
 
PRICES: EAST COAST WILDERNESS WALK Tasmania 1 Oct'09 - early 1 May'10 1 Oct'10 - early May'11

Truly
Ref
Per person - share twin / full board
4 day / 3 night Walking tour A$1940 A$1989# 674
To check approximate prices in other key currencies, see the Currency Converter
# A$100 per person supplement applies for high season departures - Jan/Feb/Mar 2011
A$350 per person deposit is required on confirmation of your walk booking
Included:
* All transport in Tasmania from Launceston and returning to Launceston
* 3 nights twin-share accommodation and all meals  * 2 experienced tour guides accompany each trip
* Park entrance fees * Waterproof jacket and backpack for walk 
* Bedding for your first night at the beach camp.
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Please use the Truly Reference Number when making booking enquiries
  
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