Freycinet Experience Walk

MEETING POINT: Reception Area,The Old Woolstore Hotel,1 Macquarie Street, Hobart between 7:45am - 8:00am sharp. Guides and guests will be introduced before leaving at 8:30am for the scenic journey from Hobart to Coles Bay, taking in panoramas of the Freycinet Peninsula across Great Oyster Bay. A morning tea break is taken near the historic Spiky Bridge close to Swansea. On arrival at Coles Bay on the Freycinet Peninsula, we board the Naturaliste for a spectacular sea cruise down the western length of the peninsula to Schouten Island, the southernmost part of Freycinet National Park (weather permitting). After a picnic lunch, there’s a walk up Bear Hill for magnificent views, or fishing for dinner in Schouten Passage with our Coxswain Shep. The boat returns to Coles Bay and guests are transported to Friendly Beaches Lodge to relax and enjoy a dinner of fresh fish, good company and fine wine. Walking time: 2hrs Distance: 3km Total elevation gain: 200m

Meals:  L,D

Walkers rise with the sun and are transferred from Friendly Beaches Lodge to Coles Bay for another boat trip down the peninsula. There’s a choice of walks today (the group will be split in two based on your preferred walk): a peaceful walk from Bryan’s Beach through sclerophyll forests and along beaches to the renowned Wineglass Bay or the more challenging walk from Cook’s Beach to the top of Mt Graham (579m above sea level) descending to Wineglass Bay via spectacular Quartzite Ridge. The two groups rejoin at Wineglass Bay in the late afternoon, the perfect time for a swim in the bay’s crystalline waters. Refreshed, we make the steep climb to the Wineglass Bay Lookout for spectacular views, then descend to the waiting vehicle. Back at the lodge, we enjoy refreshing hot showers before drinks and dinner. Coastal Track Walking time: 7hrs Distance 14km Total elevation gain: 213m Mt Graham Walking time: 8hrs Distance 16km Total elevation gain: 792m

Meals:  B,L,D

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we transfer by 4WD vehicle to secluded Bluestone Bay. Here there’s time to explore the fascinating geology of White Water Wall before climbing to the Bluestone Bay cliff tops. We walk back to the lodge through pristine bushland following a track used by the Oyster Bay Tribe. Along the way we spot giant Xanthorrea (Grass Trees) and the exceptionally rare flowering Epacris barbata. After a peaceful walk we arrive at the orange lichen-splashed rocks at the beautiful south Friendly Beaches headland. We continue along the dazzling white sands of Friendly Beaches to arrive at the lodge where cool drinks and homemade afternoon tea await. Savour a well-deserved meal and then relax with a glass of wine by the roaring fire. Walking time: 6-7hrs Distance: 14km Total elevation gain: 205m

Meals:  B,L,D

Rise early and head down to the beach or sleep in. After breakfast there’s a walk along the fossil-rich ridgeline of Mt Mary and a descent to Saltwater Lagoon - nesting ground of black swans and pelicans. After a spectacular lunch at the lodge, a stroll along Friendly Beaches brings walkers to Isaac’s Point. Here, we are met by our vehicle for the journey back to Hobart, arriving by 5:00pm to 5:30pm. Airport drop offs can be accommodated for flights departing after 6:00pm. Walking time: 3hrs Distance: 6km Total elevation gain: 96m

Meals:  B,L