A lodge based experience with your own private beach only metres away.
The original four day coastal walking tour in Tasmania, the Freycinet Experience Walk is an eco certified, fully inclusive walking tour in Tasmania. Over four days, you will cover the entire length of the Freycinet Peninsula, including the iconic Wineglass Bay. Spend your days taking in stunning coastal vistas and the beauty of Tasmania’s flora and fauna. By night, dine on freshly prepared Tasmanian produce before resting your head at the sustainably built Friendly Beaches Lodge in the heart of Freycinet National Park.
A guided walk in Tasmania where you can truly switch off from the world. You will discover forests of towering white gums, stunning coastal vistas, a unique boating experience and delicious, freshly prepared meals using the best Tasmanian produce. Return each evening to your accommodation in Freycinet, at the award-winning Friendly Beaches Lodge, where steaming hot showers, deep baths and comfortable beds await. You and your walking companions, a maximum of 10, will feel like the only souls on earth.
Departure & Return
Hobart
Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Distance Walked
37kms
Weight Carried
Day Packs
Accommodation
Wilderness Lodge
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Price
from AU$2,400 pp
Plan your Trip
Our journey begins upon departure from the Old Woolstore Apartments in Hobart at 8am on the first morning. We then transfer from Hobart to our sustainably built Friendly Beaches lodge before an afternoon of exploring.
Our journey begins in Freycinet National Park, Coles Bay where we board the Naturaliste 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. Return to Coles Bay by boat, then transfer to Friendly Beaches Lodge for an evening meal of fresh fish (perhaps caught by you that day!) and fine wine.
Rise with the sun for another boating adventure down the Peninsula. Weather permitting, 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 the 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.
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.
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.
We say goodbye to Friendly Beaches lodge and transfer back to Hobart.
We arrive back into Hobart at 5pm on the last day. If you’re booked on a flight, we can provide Hobart Airport drop-offs. Please note, we recommend for flights leaving after 5.30pm.
Tour details
Tasmania has a beautiful array of natural produce, wine, and some stunning beaches- and we offer access to all these beauties. Throughout your walks, you will visit internationally acclaimed beaches such as Wineglass Bay, while exploring a properly unique natural setting. Our knowledgeable guides will be able to draw your attention to the unique flora and fauna of Tasmania and offer insight into the fascinating history of the Oyster Bay tribe. Not only will you visit turquoise beaches, but during your stay with us, you will be based at the award-winning Hidden Lodge just off Friendly Beaches.
This unique location is where our Lodge Hosts will look after your every need, preparing you a hearty breakfast to start your day as well as the sustenance that will get you through your walks. They will also have indulgent cheese boards ready for you at the end of the day when you want to kick off your hiking boots and sit by the fire. Our Lodge Hosts prepare 5-star meals using local Tasmanian ingredients that are paired with local wines and beers; a real showcase of what Tasmania has to offer. Our thoughtful staff, paired with our small group size of up to 10 people, makes the experience truly unique and personal.
In terms of the difficulty of this hike, this trip is accessible to all age groups. Guests walk no further than 14 kilometres a day and only carry a small day pack which includes personal items and water. The walks often also have various options allowing guests to choose a suitable track for them.
Three nights accommodation at Friendly Beaches Lodge, exclusive to your walking group (max 10). Superb meals made lovingly by our lodge hosts using quality Tasmanian produce, paired with award winning Tasmanian wine and spirits.
Two knowledgeable and passionate nature guiding experts and two professional lodge hosts (and superb cooks) who can't wait to show you our stunning corner of Tasmania.
Leave the planning to us and we will get you to and from your walking experience, hassle free. Your tour with us includes return transfers to and from Hobart CBD/Hobart Airport as well as a unique boat trip and national park passes.
We provide the following items for your convenience, so you do not need to bring*:
- A day pack
- High quality Gortex waterproof jacket
- Hiking poles
- Maps
- Torches
- Interpretive materials
- First aid kit (guides carry these)
*Of course you’re welcome to bring your own of any of these items if you prefer.
We aim to provide all of the things you need to complete your stay, but there are some items that aren’t provided due to the natural environment, or that you need to make sure to bring along to make your walking experience comfortable:
- 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
It has been called the invisible lodge. Deep within the heart of Freycinet National Park, Friendly Beaches Lodge is tucked into a secluded, 130-hectare private sanctuary, just 100 metres from the beach. You’ll retreat here after a day’s walking to relax, take a hot shower or bath, browse the well-stocked library and artwork by some of Tasmania’s finest artists, enjoy a delicious dinner and sleep in your spacious, private bedroom.
Winner of awards from the Royal Australian Institute of Architecture for sustainable design, this walkers’ haven sits lightly in its environment, invisible to the eye until you’re close by. Friendly Beaches Lodge is the only building located on the coastal side of the Freycinet National Park, ensuring we usually have the beach entirely to ourselves. Learn more about our commitment to sustainability here.
From the perfectly positioned picture windows and decks, to the shared dining and living areas, the lodge’s design is all about sophisticated simplicity. Find out more about the invisible lodge.
Each lodge includes a relaxed lounge with cosy, wood-burning stove, a bathroom with a claw foot bath, separate shower room and toilets. Individual travellers are offered their own private room at no extra cost. From the perfectly positioned picture windows and decks, to the shared dining and living areas, the lodge is designed to blend into the pristine Freycinet National Park surroundings. Our accomodation is separated 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.
What our guests say
