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EAST COAST WILDERNESS WALK, Tasmania
Accommodated 4 Day Guided Trek |
| Scroll down for Itinerary and Price Panel ... |
 At 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.
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| ABOUT THE ACCOMMODATION ... |
Bay of Fires
Lodge
 Set
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.
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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.
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| WALK ITINERARY - Departs daily Nov-May |
For a map of the walk, relatively slow
to download, click East Coast
Wilderness Walk MAP...
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DAY 1: Evandale
(near Launceston) via Scottsdale, Derby, Branxholm to Mt William National Park
Depart in the morning from Evandale on a drive that 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 walk begins at Boulder Point with iews 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.
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| DAY 2: Forester
Beach Camp to Eddystone Point and on to Bay of Fires Lodge |
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Travelling south after a relaxed breakfast, you'll
be amazed at this magnificent coastline of colour and solitude.
Elevated views of the park and out to sea are enjoyed from the
ridgeline of sand dunes and prime heathlands. Time is taken to
explore the marsupial lawns behind the dunes, a great site to
identify prints and scats of the local wildlife.
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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. Day 2 walk is approximately 14 km, 7 hours.
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DAY 3: A
day relaxing and enjoying the area
 Based 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. |
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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 south to the fishing village of St Helens and through the scenic and historic Fingal Valley before returning to Evandale (near
Launceston).
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| PRICES: EAST COAST WILDERNESS
WALK Tasmania |
1
Oct'07
- 1 May'08 |
1
Oct'08
- early May'09 |
Truly
Ref |
| Per
person - share twin / full board |
| 4 day / 3 night Walking
tour |
A$1795 |
A$1845# |
674 |
| To check approximate prices in other key currencies, see our
Currency Converter |
# A$50 per
person supplement applies for high season departures - Jan/Feb/Mar 2009
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
Click here for details of How
to Book /How to Make a Secure Payment
Please use the Truly Reference Number when
making booking enquiries |
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| Bookings made with Truly Australia are covered by our
ABTA Bond - this financial protection does NOT apply to bookings made
direct with the local operator or hotel. You are completely
free to arrange your own flights to Australia - or, if you are departing from the UK, we can quote
separately by Email
for competitive flight prices, including in business class. |
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