After breakfast, head out to Stumpys Bay for the longest leg of your Tasman trek. From its long beaches and countless rockpools to its unique history and abundant plant life, Stumpys Bay is a site of constant fascination. It’s here that you’ll be properly introduced to the blazing orange lichen-covered boulders for which the Bay of Fires is known.
You’ll soon reach the long, sandy stretch of Cod Bay, one of the most remote sections of your walk, before ascending a series of inland tracks that cut across coastal heathland vegetation. Take lunch in a secluded nook before pressing on to a secret lagoon, where you may be able to glimpse the region’s many native wombats, black swans and native hens, before pressing on to Deep Creek. Dependent on water levels, you may walk or wade across a small stream to your picturesque afternoon tea spot.
If time permits, take a quick 20-minute stroll up the beach to the picturesque Picnic Rocks or cool off with a refreshing dip, then board your bus and return to Icena Farm for the night. Enjoy another relaxing evening of pre-dinner nibbles followed by a two-course meal prepared by your guides.
After breakfast, begin today’s walk at Iarapuna/Eddystone Point with a visit to the impressive pink granite lighthouse, built in 1889. This natural promontory is a fascinating site of historic importance surrounded by windswept beach dunes and captivating birdlife, such as the stout albatross and elegant gannet. Discover seemingly endless coves, shelly beaches and small bays, then wade across a narrow lagoon to end the day at the beautiful Ansons Bay. Birdlife here is rich and varied, with nearly 100 species found in the vicinity, including the superb blue wren, flame, dusk and scarlet robin.
After the day’s walk, take the bus back to your accommodation for one final night of delicious pre-dinner nibbles followed by a fabulous two-course meal prepared by your guides.
Get a slightly earlier start before heading into the Bay of Fires conservation area for the last day of walking. Beginning at Moulting Bay, walk through gently rustling xanthorrhoea or ‘grass trees’, dry scrubland and admire spectacular coastal views. Trek through pearl-white beaches towards the Georges Bay Inlet and admire the sight of Saint Helens in the far distance.
As you trek higher, you’ll journey through quiet woodland, catching glimpses of the shimmering ocean where the tree line breaks. Enjoy lunch beneath the trees and one final swimming opportunity before passing over the hill. Bid farewell to one of the country’s best-kept secrets, then board your bus and head back to Launceston via the quaint seaside town of Saint Helens.