Walk the Bay of Fires

Welcome to your Intrepid walking adventure in the beautiful surrounds of Tasmania. Your trip starts today at 8am with a departure from Launceston, heading east to the bayside town of St Helens, known for its seafood delights just offshore. Shop for some lunch for later, then continue to the Bay of Fires Conservation Area just up the coast and visit the area known as The Gardens. The Gardens lie about halfway between Ansons and Binalong bays and there are boardwalks and lookout platforms across bright white sands, fiery lichen boulders and water clear right to the seabed. Head back down to Binalong Bay to enjoy your picnic lunch, then start today’s walk from Skeleton Point to Dora Point. Follow a trail that meanders from forest to rocky headlands and maybe learn the history behind the colonial name (Indigenous name larapuna) of memorable stretch of coastline. Each headland will reveal how the Bay of Fires is one of the few places that actually lives up to itineraries that call it one of Australia’s greatest natural beauties. After a big first day return to St Helens to relax at your accommodation and enjoy dinner with the group.

After breakfast this morning, make the drive north to Mt William National Park (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes), which covers the very north east tip of the island. 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’s pretty tempting for a swim at Boulder Point. Then it’s on to the next walk, the Cod Bay to Cobler Rocks Loop, taking in the striking coastline, heathland and a series of long sweeping beaches that make your path back. Return to St Helens (approximately 90 minutes) and enjoy a free evening to rest up or explore the small town.

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, and takes in all the highlights that this coastline is known for, from endless stretches of empty beach to fiery rocky headlands. Keep an eye out for wallabies and echidnas along the way, and the track is perfect for bird lovers – Pied Oystercatchers, Pacific Seagulls and even Pelicans take to the skies here. Head towards Picnic Point on the inland route and then cross the beach towards Eddystone point, navigating the peninsula before driving to the lighthouse to complete one of the best loop walks along the larapuna coastline. Return to St Helens (approximately 1 hour) for the evening. The town is really getting into the Tassie food scene, so there are a bunch of new eateries that have popped up in recent years to choose from – and don’t forget all the great seafood on offer.

Say bye to St Helens and drive 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, and the forest of giant trees and hidden waterfalls is once again left to grow wild. Begin 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 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 picturesque, gurgling falls hidden among the ferns – it’s a great way to finish up your time out in nature. Return 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.

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