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
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
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
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
Day 5: Launceston
Your trip comes to an end today and you are free to leave after checkout time.
Meals