On the way to the north-east coast we pass through Lilydale and the Pipers River wine region, before stopping by at the beach side village of Bridport for a short break.

It’s then on to Mt William National Park, and the white sands of Cape Naturaliste – the most northern point of our four-day wander. These first few hours are spent entirely on the beach, pleasantly easing one into their own natural walking pace and rhythm.

Pausing for an afternoon tea break, we head inland to tackle a one-hour return walk to the summit of wukalina/Mt William. At an elevation of 216 meters, this is the highest point in the surrounding area – providing walkers with a far-reaching panoramic view of the area encompassed on our first two days of walking and beyond.

We then return to the bus, before heading back to our accommodation to unpack and settle in.

 After breakfast and lunch making, we head out for our longest day of walking. We return to Boulder Point at the far end of Stumpy’s Bay, and continue south along a lovely stretch of coastline featuring successive small coves protected by rocky headlands. This section is particularly notable for its abundance of large granite boulders covered in bright orange lichen.

We soon reach the long sandy stretch of Cod Bay, one of the more remote sections of our walk, before picking up a series of inland tracks which cut across coastal heathland vegetation. These tracks are often ablaze with wildflowers and orchids in early spring. For lunch, we find ourselves a lovely secluded nook – where there may be an opportunity for a swim – before continuing around a hidden lagoon encircled by open marsupial lawns. 

On arriving at Deep Creek, depending on water levels, it may be necessary to make a shallow wade across a small outlet to reach our designated afternoon tea stop and the completion of our day’s walking. Again, in good weather – this is a lovely spot for a quick refreshing dip. If energy and time permit, some may choose to continue on along the next stretch of beach for an additional 20 minutes of idyllic beach walking, to the prominent rock formation of Picnic Rocks. Here the bus will meet the group, before returning to our accommodation.

 Today’s walk is packed full of highlights. We start our day at larapuna/Eddystone Point – adorned with its beautifully grand lighthouse, built in 1889 from locally quarried granite.  

Leaving the lighthouse, we break out onto an expansive dune swept beach, often teeming with birdlife. Here we may observe gulls, terns, albatross and gannets – or occasionally migratory species such as short-tailed shearwaters and ruddy turnstones.

The remainder of the day is spent enjoying seemingly endless coves – each being worthy of their own picture-perfect postcard. There are numerous shelly beaches to inspect, and lovely small bays for swimming. This area also boasts some of the more interesting rock formations of the trip, awaiting decipherment from a creative types’ imagination.

After passing across another dune swept beach, we finish our day at Ansons Bay – wading a narrowing in the lagoon to reach our designated afternoon tea spot, and meet back up with the bus.

We return to our accommodation for one final relaxing night – enjoying pre-dinner nibbles and a fabulous two course meal prepared by your guides.

 Today’s hike is an interesting mix of changing landscapes within the Bay of Fires Conservation Area – consisting of secluded beaches, dark tannin stained lagoons, and contrasting stretches of pebbly shoreline.

Beginning at Policeman’s Point, we often get the chance to spot many species of bird which congregate around the outlet of Ansons Bay. These may include pelicans, cormorants and oystercatchers. After a stretch of sand walking, we reach the first segment of the aptly named Pebbly Beaches – featuring numerous 1km long stretches of coastal cobble stones. Being a little awkward to navigate, trekking poles are highly recommended for this section.

Shortly, another stunning expanse of white sandy beach is obtained – being so remote that you are unlikely to notice any signs of other visiting people. Regular granite headlands are crossed once again – each guarding their own hidden pocket of paradise. Somewhere along here we will select a suitable lunch spot, and maybe take the opportunity for one last refreshing swim.

Passing over a forested hill, it’s not much farther until we reach The Gardens – the final destination of our trip. This is a beautiful place to finish, before slipping back into the “real-world.” We wave goodbye to the white sand and orange rocks of the Bay of Fires, before returning to Launceston via the lovely sea-side town of St Helens.

Returning to Launceston for our last night before flying out the following day. Check into accommodation at Grand Hotel Chancellor. 

 Transfers from Hotel to Launceston Airport for your flight home.