The Freycinet Experience Walk

Route

What’s the plan?

DAY 01
Hobart, Swansea, Spiky Bridge, Coles Bay, Freycinet Peninsula, Schouten Island, Bear Hill
2 hour walk, 3 km, Moderate

Leave everyday life behind and depart the Old Woolstore in Hobart at 8.30am for the scenic journey from Hobart to Coles Bay, taking in wide panoramas of the Freycinet Peninsula across Great Oyster Bay. After morning tea at historic Spiky Bridge near Swansea, board the Naturaliste in Coles Bay for a spectacular sea cruise down the western length of the Peninsula to Schouten Island, the southernmost part of Freycinet National Park (weather permitting).

On the way, keep a lookout for pods of playful dolphins and large Australasian gannets diving for food.

After a picnic lunch and swim choose between a short but steep climb up Bear Hill for expansive views of the Freycinet Peninsula, or fish for flathead in Schouten Passage with our coxswain, Shep. Return to Coles Bay by boat, then transfer to Friendly Beaches Lodge for a evening meal of fresh fish (perhaps caught by you that day!) and fine wine.

DAY 02
Coles Bay, Freycinet Peninsula, Bryan’s Beach, Wineglass Bay, Mt Graham, Quartzite Ridge
Coastal: 7 hour walk, 14 km, Moderate
Mt Graham: 8 hour walk, 16 km, Difficult

Rise with the sun for another boat adventure down the Peninsula. Today there are two walks to choose from.

The walk from Bryan’s Beach journeys through sclerophyll forests and along beaches to the renowned Wineglass Bay. Along the way, encounter unforgettable ‘up-close’ moments with local birdlife.

For those seeking a serious challenge, opt for the climb from Cook’s Beach to the top of Mt Graham (579m above sea level) where you’ll enjoy wonderful views of The Hazards’ dusky pink rock outcrops, before descending to Wineglass Bay via spectacular Quartzite Ridge.

The two groups rejoin at Wineglass Bay in late afternoon – the perfect time to swim in its crystalline waters, enjoy a cup of tea and exchange stories about the morning’s adventures. Feeling refreshed, take the climb to Wineglass Bay Lookout for sublime views, then descend to the waiting vehicle. Back at the lodge, enjoy soothing hot showers before drinks and dinner.

DAY 03
Bluestone Bay, White Water Wall, Oyster Bay Tribe, Friendly Beaches
6-7 hour walk, 14 km, Easy to Moderate

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before transferring to secluded Bluestone Bay for the start of the walk. Explore the fascinating geology of White Water Wall and little Bluestone Bay before climbing to the cliff tops. Journey back to the lodge on foot, following an ancient track through sacred bushland once followed by the Oyster Bay Tribe and now used exclusively by Friendly Beaches Lodge guests.

The headland is home to a stunning array of native plants, including the giant Xanthorrhoea (Grass Trees). Continue along the white sands of Friendly Beaches, perhaps celebrating with a dip in the sparkling ocean waters.

Then arrive back at the lodge where cool drinks and homemade afternoon tea await. End the day savouring a well-deserved meal, then relax with a glass of wine by the roaring fire.

DAY 04
Mt Mary, Saltwater Lagoon, Isaac’s Point
3 hour walk, 6 km, Easy

Rise early and head to the beach for morning coffee, or sleep in and pretend you never have to leave. After breakfast, there’s an optional walk along the fossil-rich ridgeline of Mt Mary and a descent to Saltwater Lagoon, where you’ll experience the curious honks and calls of countless wild black swans and pelicans in their natural nesting ground.
After a delightful brunch, a convivial affair where experiences of the last four days are recalled and delicious food shared, take a final stroll along Friendly Beaches to Isaac’s Point, the meeting place for a bus trip back to Hobart.

What's included

Included:

√ Transfers between Hobart and Freycinet

√ Three nights accommodation at the secluded Friendly Beaches Lodge which is exclusive to your walking group and hosted by our lodge co-ordinators

√ Boat trips to Schouten Island on day one and along the Peninsula on day two

√ All food and wine and beer

√ Use of daypacks and waterproof jackets

√ Experienced, passionate and knowledgeable guides – two per group

√ Two Lodge hosts providing incredible food

√ National Parks Pass

Important Notes

– The Freycinet Experience Walk operates from October to April each year
– Maximum 10 guests per trip
– Minimum 4 Guests – (confirmed departures for international bookings)
– No Single Supplement – Individual travellers have their own room at no extra cost
– Guests carry only a light daypack
– Explore the entire length of the Freycinet Peninsula
– Moderate fitness level required
– Guests can choose to walk between 28 to 40 km over the four days
– Varied walking showcasing both mountain and coastal terrain

Accommodation

Accommodation

Accommodation
Friendly Beaches Lodge has a shared dining and living area and two sleeping lodges known as North and South which branch off from the main lodge. North and South have a collection of double and twin rooms to suit everyone’s accommodation needs. Individual travellers have their own private room at no extra cost. Both sleeping lodges contain a lounge area with fireplace, a shared bathroom with a claw foot bath, a separate shower room and two composting toilets. The Lodge is an environmental lodge and is completely ‘off the grid’; solar lighting, rain water and composting toilets help sustain its pristine surrounds. For this reason we have no capacity to recharge camera batteries while at the Lodge – please charge before hand or bring spare batteries.

No single supplement
Individual travellers are offered their own private room at no extra cost. Please let us know if this is required.

Food
Share splendid meals and the finest local wines in great company. Menus include fresh local flathead, oysters, grass-fed beef and excellent fresh local produce and wines. Special dietary requirements can be catered for and this can be noted on your booking form.

Training

Level of fitness

Participants must be moderately fit. The walk is organised so that people who are active will enjoy the trip. On the second day there is a choice between doing a challenging eight hour 16km walk to climb Mount Graham which is recommended for strong walkers only or choosing a more relaxed, yet rigorous, 14km route along coastal heath lands and fabulous beaches. On the third day, there is a 14 kilometre (approximately six hour) walk to Friendly Beaches Lodge from Bluestone Bay. Guests will walk between 28 – 40 kms over the four days. It is recommended that at the time of booking increased activity and training is undertaken as this will enhance the enjoyment of the experience.

No single supplement
Individual travellers are offered their own private room at no extra cost. Please let us know if this is required.

Food
Share splendid meals and the finest local wines in great company. Menus include fresh local flathead, oysters, grass-fed beef and excellent fresh local produce and wines. Special dietary requirements can be catered for and this can be noted on your booking form.

Packing List

Packing List

We provide the following items

So you DO NOT need to bring
— Pack/or bring your own comfortable day pack
— Waterproof jacket
— First aid kit (guides carry these)

We DO NOT provide the following items

You DO need to bring
— Footwear
Walking boots with good ankle support or sturdy walking shoes with good tread are required. (Sandshoes and trainers are not recommended for walking). New boots
need to be broken in (at least 2–3 months in advance for your personal comfort).
— Shorts x 1
— Long sleeve shirt for sun protection x 1
— Thermal/warm long sleeved top x 1
— T-shirts x 2
— Long pants x 1 (jeans are not recommended for walking in)
— Warm jumper or fleece jacket
— Socks to wear with boots x 3 pairs
— Sunglasses
— Sunscreen
— Swimwear
— Sun hat
— Beanie
— Small beach towel
— 1 litre water bottle (1 litre capacity or greater is essential)
— Toiletries
— Insect repellent

Suggested items for evening —
— Change of clothes
— Lightweight sandals/shoes

Optional items you might consider bringing along —
— Trekking poles – we do have 10 pairs at the lodge
— Dressing gown
— Head torch
— Small binoculars

In Hobart

Meeting point

Reception Area
The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel
1 Macquarie Street, Hobart

Please arrive by 8.00am at the latest on the day your trip departs. This allows time for us to distribute daypacks, waterproof jackets and for introductions. Today’s adventure takes you by boat to Schouten Island (weather permitting). Dress for walking and boating and also have available a sunhat, sunglasses and warm jumper to pack into your daypack for the day ahead. Some guests may prefer to bring their favourite daypack.

We will be leaving for the Freycinet Peninsula at 8.30am sharp for the 3-hour drive to Coles Bay. Don’t forget to charge all camera batteries before you leave as there are no facilities at the lodge to do so.

Dropoff details
Guests will return to Hobart by 5:00 pm on Day Four. Airports drop offs can be arranged for those taking flights that depart around 6pm.

Hobart accommodation
We recommend The Old Woolstore Apartments. Staff will look after you and they are happy to offer our guests a special rate. Centrally located and within walking distance to some of Hobart’s key attractions, including Salamanca Place (home to the iconic Salamanca Markets), historic Battery Point and nearby Constitution Dock where you catch the ferry to MONA.

reservations@oldwoolstore.com.au
Freecall 1800 814 676
Telephone +61 3 6235 5355.
www.oldwoolstore.com.au

FAQ

FAQ

Is there any mobile phone reception?
There is no mobile phone reception at Friendly Beaches Lodge and only small patches of reception along the Freycinet Peninsula (Telstra network preferred). Our guides will happily point out these areas if you would like to discreetly check messages or make a phone call. We do encourage guests to switch devices off as much as possible as we think this increasesthe sense of isolation and in return the enjoyment of the experience.

Is there any place to charge devices?
We only have one power board at the Lodge to charge devices so it is best to bring them fully charged. We recommend phones to be put onto flight mode to extend battery life.

What amount of luggage can we bring?
As we are a lodge based walk, you are free to bring all your luggage with you and store it in your room at the Lodge.

How much time do we spend out walking?
The main walking component is on day 2 and 3. On these days the majority of the day is spent away from the Lodge along the trails and beaches of Freycinet National Park. The actual walking time varies between 5 and 8 hours each day.

How fit do I need to be?
You do not need to be an elite athlete to enjoy our walks. If you already enjoy activities such as walking, swimming, taking the stairs, playing golf etc. you are well placed to manage our walks. We recommend starting some more targeted training, including walking, in your daily routine leading up to the trip to ensure maximum enjoyment of the experience.

What do I carry each day?
All you carry is a daypack containing lunch, two litres of water, weatherproof jacket and personal items, such as a camera and sunglasses.

What is the weather like and what if the weather is bad?
We choose the best months of the year to operate our walk which is from October to April. Check the weather forecast for Coles Bay a week before depature to give you the best idea. If the weather is ominous, the boat may be prevented from heading out. In this situation alternative plans can be carried out and segments of the walk modified to allow for the best outcome.

Are the bathrooms shared?
Yes. Our accomodation is seperated into two lodges. Each lodge has four bedrooms, a lounge with fireplace, two toilets, a bathroom, a shower and a sink area. You share with a maximum
of five people.

Can I get my own room?
In most cases we are able to offer individual travellers their own room at no extra cost. Please let us know if this is required.

Are there hair dryers for use?
No, the lodge is lit by solar power and there are no electricity sockets in the bathroom or guests’ rooms.

How many people on each trip?
We have a maximum capacity for 10 people per trip.

Can we be collected from our hotel on the day we depart?
It is important that guests arrive at the same time to meet their group and guides, so we cannot pick up guests prior to meeting at the Woolstore at 8.00am.

How To Book

How does it work?

On Bookatrekking.com you can find and compare the adventures of your dreams. Is this trekking adventure your match? In that case you can proceed to booking. At Bookatrekking.com you make a deposit of 15% of the total amount. You pay the remaining amount on location prior to the trek directly to the trekking company.

Bookatrekking.com uses only the safest payment methods. Once your booking has been received, your place is reserved, your place is safe and you can look forward to your chosen trekking.

After you have made your booking, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with all necessary information and the contact details of the trekking company. If you have any questions or if you want to clarify something, you can obtain information directly from the right person. Of course, you can also always ask us your question. Send us an e-mail on support@bookatrekking.com

The trekking company will also receive your details and can therefore always contact you and provide you with extra information.

Cancellation Policy

You wish you didn’t have to, but there is no other way: You find yourself having to cancel your plans. In this case, you lose your deposit, but since you haven’t paid the large sum yet, you at least save that. Please do let us know if you cannot make it. A no-show can be a small disaster for your trekking provider, who did its best to block your dates. View our complete cancellation policy here.