Bay Of Fires Walk

The drive from the walking base near Launceston winds through the rich pastoral landscapes of Scottsdale and the tin mining town of Derby to the northern end of Mt. William National Park. The Bay of Fires walk begins at Boulder Point with views north to the Bass Strait Islands – the ‘stepping stones’ that remain 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, a perfect place for shells, birds’ nests and relaxed lunches.
Day 1 walk is approximately 9km, 4 hours. The night is spent at Forester Beach Camp.

Travelling south, you’ll be amazed at this magnificent coastline of colour and solitude. Elevated views of Mt. William National Park and out to sea are enjoyed from the ridgeline of sand dunes and prime heathlands. Take time to explore the marsupial lawns behind the dunes, a great site to identify local wildlife prints. 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.

Based at the lodge, the day is yours to relax or set off on yet another adventure – this time paddling the tranquil waters of Ansons River. Discover the delicate ecology of the river system as it winds its way to the mouth of Ansons Bay, a haven for water birds and eagle rays. After lunch, leave the kayaks behind and stroll back to the lodge along the Abbotsbury Peninsula.
Your 3rd night’s accommodation is again at the Bay of Fires Lodge.

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 then through the picturesque Fingal Valley en route to the walkers base at Quamby Estate.

The East Coast is famous for the Bay of Fires: the sea is aqua, and deserted shell-strewn beaches stretch for kilometres. House-sized granite boulders reddened by lichens are polished smooth by waves that thump and sigh as they crumple onto the shore.
Just before the small fishing town of Bicheno, is the Douglas-Apsley National Park, a landscape of rugged river gorges, waterfalls and gently flowing rivers. Nearby is spectacular Freycinet National Park, with Coles Bay at its entrance overlooking crystal-clear Oyster Bay, an ideal place for diving, snorkelling, kayaking, boating and fishing. The park is dominated by the pink granite of the Hazards Mountains and best known for the perfect curve of Wineglass Bay.
The produce of the region is legendary: expect the best in oysters, walnuts, olives and, of course, fresh fish.