From Hobart: 4-Day Guided Freycinet National Park Walk – Coles Bay, Australia

EXPERIENCE

Day 1

Depart from the Old Woolstores Apartments in Hobart at 8 AM and transfer to sustainably built Friendly Beaches lodge. Begin your Freycinet National Park adventure in Coles Bay by boarding the Naturaliste for a spectacular sea cruise down to Schouten Island, the southernmost part of Freycinet National Park (weather permitting). On the way, keep a lookout for pods of playful dolphins.

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. The Bear Hill walk is of moderate difficulty, takes 2 hours, and covers 3 kilometers (1.9 miles). Return to Coles Bay by boat, then transfer to Friendly Beaches Lodge for an evening meal of fresh fish and great local wine.

Day 2

On the second day, there are 2 walks to choose from. The first option is to take a 7-hour, 14-kilometer (8.7-mile) moderate coastal 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 Australian wildlife.

Alternatively, if you’re seeking a serious challenge, opt for the climb from Cook s Beach to the top of Mt Graham (579 meters/1,900 feet 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. This is a difficult 16-kilometer (almost 10-mile) hike that takes about 8 hours.

The two groups rejoin at Wineglass Bay in the late afternoon the perfect time to swim, enjoy a cup of tea, and exchange stories about the morning s adventures. Feeling refreshed, take the climb to Wineglass Bay Lookout for iconic views, before descending to the waiting vehicle to transfer you back to the Lodge.

Day 3

Today, discover the secluded Bluestone Bay, and explore the fascinating geology of White Water Wall and little Bluestone Bay on an easy to moderate 14-kilometer (8.7-mile) hike for about 6-7 hours. Follow an ancient track through sacred bushland once followed by the Oyster Bay Tribe. 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, and enjoy a swim before you arrive back at the lodge where cool drinks and homemade afternoon tea await.

Day 4

Rise early and head to the beach for morning coffee. After breakfast, there s an optional walk along the fossil-rich ridgeline of Mt Mary and a descent to Saltwater Lagoon before taking a final stroll along Friendly Beaches to Isaac s Point. In total, this easy walk lasts 3 hours and is 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) long. Finally, transfer back to Hobart to arrive at 5 PM on the last day. If you re booked on a flight after 5:30 PM, a Hobart Airport drop-off can be provided.

HIGHLIGHTS

Hike spectacular pink granite mountains and marvel at Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park
Delight in powder white sand beaches, boat tours, fishing, swimming, and snorkeling
Return each evening to the award-winning sustainably built Friendly Beaches Lodge
Discover forests of towering white gums, abundant local wildlife, and gems of indigenous history
Enjoy delicious, locally sourced food and wine, and a small group of no more than 10

Discover more exciting & fun things to do in Coles Bay