At the Bay of Fires Lodge, the only building in this near-unknown wilderness paradise, both solitude and comfort are guaranteed. 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, and the lodge is autonomous in providing and managing its existence.

Here you will experience true communion with nature in accommodation that combines simplicity of design with comfort and warmth. 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.

Nestled in a protected dune swale behind a glorious white sand beach, a separate camp, Forester Beach 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. We've obtained special permission 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 under the biggest starry night skies.

Bay of Fires Trip Details
Day 1 - Launceston to paradise
(Launceston - Mt William National Park via Scottsdale)
You will be met at Peppers Seaport Hotel in Launceston at 7.15am and transferred to the walk base at Quamby Estate. Here you will meet your guides who will provide a briefing on the walk, check your gear and assist with preparing your pack. There is then time for breakfast before departing at 9am for Mt. William National Park.

The drive from the walking base, Quamby Estate, 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 views 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. Day 1 walk is approximately 9km, 4 hours. The night is spent at Forester Beach Camp.

Day 2 - Whitest sand, bluest water and reddest rocks
(Forrester Beach Camp Eddystone Point and Bay of Fires Lodge)
Travelling south you'll be amazed at Tasmania's 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. We take time to explore the marsupial lawns behind the dunes, a great site to identify prints and scats of the local wildlife. 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.

Day 3 - Wildlife or relaxed life
(Kayaking 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 we leave the kayaks behind and stroll back to the lodge along the Abottsbury Peninsula. Your 3rd night's accommodation is again at the Bay of Fires Lodge.

Day 4 - The revitalised return...
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 along the north coast to Bridport and then south through the Tamar Wine region and Lilydale before returning to our walkers’ base at Quamby Estate. You will return to the walk base at approximately 5pm on Day 4. A complimentary transfer is available back into Launceston at 6pm.

Included in your Bay of Fires Walk
• Return transfers between Launceston and the walk base
• Breakfast on the day of departure
• 1 night at Forester Beach Camp and 2 nights at Bay of Fires Lodge twin share
• All meals and non-alcoholic beverages, plus a limited selection of Tasmanian wines
• National Park pass
•Use of a backpack and Gore-tex jacket for the duration of the walk
• Two qualified guides for the duration of the walk

Additional Touring Information
Grading - moderate
Minimum participants 4 - maximum 10
Daily departures between 1 October 2008 - 01 May 2009 ex Launceston
Duration 4 days
Departs Launceston 7:20am - returns 6:30pm
Tour not suitable for children under 12 years of age
Guaranteed departure for international guests

Fitness and Track Conditions
If you are healthy and participate in some form of physical activity on a regular basis, then you should enjoy a walking holiday. Needless to say the best preparation for walking is walking. If you follow the gear list provided on confirmation of booking then your pack weight can be as little as 7½kg. For the majority of the trip you'll be walking on beaches crossing coastal headlands, rocky outcrops and occasional coastal creeks ranging in depth. It is important that you have lightweight walking boots with treaded soles and ankle support.