5 Day Bay Of Fires Walking Tour

Blaze a trail across Tasmania’s most impressive coastline!

Launceston, Australia

Duration
5 days, 4 nights

Max Group Size
12 ppl

Minimum Age
15 years old

Fitness Level
Medium

Meals
Included

Start & End Location
Launceston

What's Included

Get up to $90 cash back per person when you book with us
Time to reconnect with nature in one of Australia’s – and the world’s – most beautiful coastal regions!
Learn about your surroundings from a local leader who knows the area inside-out
Low impact, local travel, supporting regional communities, and getting right to the heart of the landscape on two feet
Walks to the red rocks and crystal-clear waters of The Garden, Mt William NP, Eddystone Point, and Blue Tier Forest Reserve
Meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Transport in a private vehicle + walking
4 night stay in a hotel

Where We Visit

St Helens
Bay of Fires Conservation Area
Binalong Bay
Mt William National Park
Cod Bay
Eddystone Point
Picnic Point
Blue Tier Forest Reserve
Launceston

What to Expect

Seclusion, solitude, stunning scenery, and sweeping stretches of sand await on this 5 day walking adventure from Launceston. This tour heads east to a remote corner of Tasmania and follows trails to bright beaches rimmed with red-ringed rocks, up summits for incredible views, and through fern-filled rainforests to hidden waterfalls. Let an experienced guide lead the way so that you can enjoy this world-famous stretch of coastline. This active adventure is the perfect way to get outside and explore the incredible sites of Tasmania.

Itinerary:

Day 1: St Helens

Welcome to your walking adventure in the beautiful surroundings of Tasmania! Your trip starts with a departure from Launceston, heading east to the bayside town of St Helens, known for its seafood delights. Grab lunch, then continue to the Bay of Fires Conservation Area just up the coast and visit The Gardens.

The Gardens lie about halfway between Ansons and Binalong bays. There are boardwalks and lookout platforms across bright white sands, fiery lichen boulders, and water clear to the seabed. Head back down to Binalong Bay to refuel, then start today’s walk from Skeleton Point to Dora Point. You'll follow a trail that meanders from forest to rocky headlands and learn the history behind the colonial name (Indigenous name larapuna) of this memorable stretch of coastline. After a big first day, the tour will return to St Helens to relax at your accommodation and enjoy dinner with the group.

Special information: It’s important that you meet the group early this morning to begin your Bay of Fires tour. If you are going to be late, we recommend spending a night before your tour begins in Launceston. Today’s hike is 10 kilometres. It will take around 2-3 hours, depending on the group.

Meals

Dinner

Day 2: St Helens

After breakfast this morning, the tour drives north to Mt William National Park (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes), which covers the northeast tip of the island. This area is full of native plants, flowers, and beach-hopping Forester kangaroos. The park is a secluded place where you’re more likely to see an echidna in the heathland than other walkers.

Start with an easy summit of Mt William (wukalina) to take in sweeping views from its 216-metre peak. If the weather’s right, you can see as far as the islands of Furneaux Group in the Bass Strait. Make your way back down for a relaxed picnic lunch, then head south to the beaches that are as isolated as they are beautiful. The water is tempting for a swim at Boulder Point. The next walk of the day is Cod Bay to Cobler Rocks Loop, taking in the striking coastline, heathland, and long sweeping beaches. Return to St Helens (approximately 90 minutes) and enjoy a free evening to rest or explore the small town.

Today’s walks are approximately 3.5 kilometres, 1.5 hours (Mt William summit), and 5 kilometres, 2-3 hours. It's mostly flat, transitioning from fire trails onto beach walking.

Meals

Breakfast
Lunch

Day 3: St Helens

It’s back up the coast this morning on your way to Eddystone Point (approximately 1 hour), at the end of which the 100-plus year old lighthouse still lights the night. Today’s loop walk takes in Picnic Point, the white sands of Bay of Fires beach, and Eddystone Point. It covers all the highlights that this coastline is known for including endless stretches of empty beach and fiery rocky headlands. Keep an eye out for wallabies and echidnas along the way! The track is perfect for bird lovers – Pied Oystercatchers, Pacific Seagulls, and Pelicans enjoy the skies here.

The tour continues towards Picnic Point on the inland route and then crosses the beach towards Eddystone point. You'll navigate the peninsula before driving to the lighthouse to complete one of the best loop walks along the larapuna coastline. Then the tour returns to St Helens (approximately 1 hour) for the evening. The town is right into the Tassie food scene, so there're a bunch of new eateries to choose from – taste the seafood when you get the chance!

Today’s walk is approximately 12 kilometres, 4-5 hours.

Meals

Breakfast
Lunch

Day 4: Launceston

Say goodbye to St Helens as the tour drives northwest to Blue Tier Forest Reserve (approximately 1 hour). The area attracted miners back at the end of the 19th century but 100 years later was reclaimed as a conservation area. The forest of giant trees and hidden waterfalls is once again left to grow wild. The tour begins with the short Goblin Forest walk, which introduces the area and the stories of mining history and those that worked to restore the region, before taking the Mt Michael Loop (3 kilometres, 2 hours).

You’ll make your way through the rainforest and relics of mining history and be rewarded with great views across the surrounding area from the summit. From there, head into the lush vegetation of the Halls Falls Loop (1.3 kilometres, 1 hour) to find a waterfall hidden among the ferns. The tour returns to Launceston (approximately 2 hours), stopping along the way at Scottsdale or the charming little town of Derby. Celebrate the end of your trip with a group dinner here in Launceston and share your favourite moments.

Meals

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 5: Launceston

Your trip comes to an end today and you are free to leave after checkout time.

Meals

Breakfast

Frequently Asked Questions

Day-pack – with a thick waist strap to help take some weight off your shoulders. In wet weather, a waterproof cover or a bin bag to wrap your belongings in can be handy
Shorts/long pants and shirts for walking – as many sets as you wish! Quick-dry material is best, especially for trousers. Don’t wear jeans walking.
Socks – whichever thickness you’re comfortable walking in and as many pairs as you like
Boots/shoes for walking
Windcheater or lightweight jumper for walking
Waterproof jacket
Sun protection – hat (secure fitting and/or with chin strap), sun cream, sun glasses
Casual clothes for evenings
Fleece jacket, gloves, beanie and/or thermals (it can get quite cold in the evenings and early mornings, depending on the time of year)
Torch/headlamp (it can be handy when twin sharing for getting up at night and for going back to your room after dinner)
Any preferred first aid supplies – such as your favourite blister treatment! (Your guide will carry a full first-aid kit)
Water bottle/s or camelback – 2 to 3 litre capacity
Expect some bad weather at any time of the year so bring wet weather gear even if the forecast is fine

Tasmania will no doubt give us everything it has to offer. You need to be prepared for hot weather as well as cold/wet (maybe even on the same day). It is unpredictable, especially in the alpine regions. Tasmania has four distinct seasons with the warmest months being December to March. The average maximum daily summer temperatures are between 17 and 23 degrees Celsius and winter daily temperatures sit between 3 and 11 degrees Celsius.

Even in the peak of Australia summer, Tasmania, being the most southerly point of the country is subect to cold and wet weather from Antarctica. It can get very cold, particularly at higher elevations such as Cradle Mountain. Tasmania sits on a latitude of approximately 40 degrees south, which sometimes means the wind chill from the 'roaring 40's' can make the days very cold!

Daily weather conditions in Tasmania can change very quickly from sunshine to rain. We suggest that you come prepared for all extremes, some light clothing for the sunshine and something a little more protective for the colder and possibly wet days. Even though the days may look pretty warm over there, the nights can be quite cool. You may be walking up in the mountains, which can mean that it is much cooler than what is actually forecasted.

The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel.

The tour begins & ends at Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston. 29 Cameron St, Launceston TAS 7250
Launceston, Australia.

All food for this trip is purchased and packed prior to your group leaving on day one. Travellers with special dietary requirements or food allergies are required to advise us at the time of booking. The tour can provide easily available substitutes, but please bring your own staples (nuts, bars, snacks) if you require a diet differing from the following.

Vegetarian
Gluten Free
Dairy Free (soy available )
Pork Free

Stay in a hotel for 4 nights.

Policies

Terms & Conditions:

You must provide all requested details with the balance of the trip price. Necessary details vary by trip; they include but are not limited to full name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport issue and expiry date and any pre-existing medical conditions you have which may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements. On some more demanding trips, you are required to complete and forward a Self-Assessment form. Failure to provide the requested details may result in additional charges or non-refundable cancellation of your trip.
Not all Intrepid tours are 'confirmed bookings'. When this is the case, our Backpacker Deals Agents will reach out to confirm with Intrepid and notify you within 48hrs that your booking is confirmed.
The land price of your trip does not include: international or internal flights unless specified airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified meals other than those specified in the Essential Trip Information visa and passport fees travel insurance optional activities and all personal expenses
A minimum age at the time of travel applies. There is no upper age limit though we remind you that the trip can be physically demanding and passengers must ensure that they are suitably fit to allow full participation. All travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveller under the age of 18 day to days care.
You must carry a valid passport and have obtained all of the appropriate visas, permits and certificates for the countries which you will visit during your trip. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the duration of the trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits, and certificates for your trip.
Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers on this tour and should be taken out at the time of booking. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each of the categories of cover. It is recommended as it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You must provide proof of your travel insurance on the first day of your trip; you will not be able to join the trip without it.
The itinerary provided for each trip is representative of the types of activities contemplated, but it is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events.
While the tour endeavors to operate all trips as described they reserve the right to change the trip itinerary. The definition of a major change is deemed to be a change affecting at least one day in five of the itinerary. When a major change is made you may choose between accepting the change, obtaining a refund of money paid on the land portion of the trip only, or accepting an alternative tour offered. after departure:The tour reserves the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or events outside of our control. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you.
Group trips are run by a group leader. The decision of the group leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any person participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a group leader or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the group leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right to refund. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our responsible travel guidelines.
Optional activities not included in the trip price do not form part of the trip or this contract. You accept that any assistance given by your group leader or local representative in arranging optional activities does not render us liable for them in any way. The contract for the provision of that activity will be between you and the activity provider.
This itinerary is updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.
A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don't include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials have been sighted and assessed.
On most days, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Your leader will prepare most of the meals whilst on tour. This tour is activity and participation-based. You will have the opportunity to assist with daily activities such as setting up camp, helping prepare meals and clearing dishes. None of this is difficult however many hands make light work and any assistance provided to crew is always much appreciated. Most people agree that this type of activity helps you feel like less of a tourist and more of an explorer. All food for this trip is purchased and packed prior to your group leaving on day one. You may be asked to pay for any additional food if you have not advised us of any special dietary requirements. Due to the often remote nature of our trips, food is basic but plentiful and delicious. The tour can provide easily available substitutes, please bring your own staples (nuts, bars, snacks) if you require a diet differing from the following. Vegetarian Gluten Free Dairy Free (soy available ) Pork Free
While the tour always endeavours to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
This itinerary is updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.
Meeting point: Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston 29 Cameron St, Launceston TAS 7250 Launceston AUSTRALIA
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel (4 nights)
CLIMATE AND SEASONAL INFORMATION: Tasmania will no doubt give us everything it has to offer. You need to be prepared for hot weather as well as cold/wet (maybe even on the same day). It is unpredictable especially in the alpine regions. Tasmania has four distinct seasons with the warmest months being December to March. The average maximum daily summer temperatures are between 17 and 23 degrees Celsius and winter daily temperatures sit between 3 and 11 degrees Celsius. Even in the peak of Australia summer, Tasmania, being the most southerly point of the country is subect to cold and wet weather from Antarctica. It can get very cold, particularly at higher elevations such as Cradle Mountain. Tasmania sits on a latitude of approximately 40 degrees south , which sometimes means the wind chill from the 'roaring 40's' can make the days very cold! Daily weather conditions in Tasmania can change very quickly from sunshine to rain. We suggest that you come prepared for all extremes, some light clothing for the sunshine and something a little more protective for the colder and possibly wet days. Even though the days may look pretty warm over there, the nights can be quite cool. You may be walking up in the mountains, which can mean that it is much cooler than what is actually forecasted.
GROUP LEADER: All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.
SAFETY: Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip.
TRAVELLING IN A GROUP: As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. The very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.
SOLO TRAVELLERS: The tour pairs solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per your passport or the information in our booking system, so if you identify differently from the gender marker on your passport, please let us know in advance. The tour has a Single Supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation by the traveller If you cancel some or all portions of your booking cancellation fees will apply. A cancellation will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation. If you cancel a trip:
- 30 days or more prior to departure, we will retain the deposit
- Between 15 and 29 days prior to departure, we will retain 50% of the total booking cost
- 14 days or less prior to departure, we will retain 100% paid by you in connection with the booking
Note that different cancellation conditions apply to some trips and additional services. Your booking consultant will advise if differences apply. Please note that for certain travel arrangements the cancellation charge may be higher than those shown. In certain cases a 100% cancellation fee applies as soon as the booking is made and the ticket is issued. You will be advised of different cancellation charges at the time of booking. You are strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking, which will cover cancellation fees. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. The above cancellation fees are in addition to fees that may be levied by accommodation providers, travel agents, or third party tour and transport operator fees.
Cancellation by the tour: They may cancel a trip at any time up to 30 days before departure, subject to clause 13. They may cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if, due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability or other external events it is not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary. If the tour cancels your trip, you can transfer amounts paid to an alternate departure date or alternatively receive a full refund. In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside reasonable control, refunds will be less any unrecoverable costs. The tour is not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess, or non-refundable flights.