Trip Essentials
If you are unsure about anything in the lead up to your walk please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office or send us an email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Following are a few frequently asked questions about the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk located on the East Coast of Tasmania that you may find useful.
How often do trips depart?
Our trips depart daily from 1 October through to 1 May
Walk Accommodation
Whilst walking with us you will experience some truly spectacular accommodation. The first night will be spent nestled behind the dunes at Forester Beach Camp for the second and third night you will enjoy uncomplicated luxury at the award winning Bay of Fires Lodge.
How many guests?
Each trip requires a minimum of four and a maximum of ten guests on each departure. All accommodation is twin share. If the group is full, sharing is with another guest, however, we try to avoid this if possible.
How fit do I need to be?
As long as you regularly exercise, or are capable of walking between 9 - 14 kms for the first two days along beaches and rocky headlands, you will enjoy your walking holiday. There is plenty of time each day to sit and rest as well as explore If you have any concerns about fitness please call and speak to one of our staff members.
How much weight do we carry?
Before the trip, the guides will carry out a thorough check to ensure you have suitable gear. Usually packs weigh between 8.5 - 9.5 kgs but ultimately your pack and contents can weigh as little as 7.5kg
What do we carry?
Each person carries their lunch, personal clothing, toiletries, wet weather gear, plus any extras such as a camera. Sleeping gear is provided at your accommodation. If you are unable or would prefer not to carry your own backpack we may be able to provide a porter for an additional charge, please contact our office for details.
How many guides?
Every trip has two experienced guides. This allows plenty of opportunities to rest, take photos and walk at your own pace.
How about food?
All meals are provided, including scrumptious three-course dinners with fresh Tasmanian produce prepared by your gourmet cooks/guides. We are happy to cater for special dietary requirements, we just need to know in advance.
For example here is a sample dinner menu served at Bay of Fires Lodge during your stay:
Entree:
Roasted beetroot, red onion and baby spinach salad
Main course:
Tomato, olive and herb braised lamb polpette with a platter of roasted potatoes and salad
Vegetarian alternative:
Beetroot and parmesan arancini with a platter of roasted potatoes and salad
Dessert:
Freshly baked lemon tart with cream
What style of shoes should we have?
You will need lightweight lace-up boots or walking shoes. Boots/shoes must be worn in to minimise the risk of blisters. Sandshoes, elastic-sided boots, street shoes and similar are not acceptable.
Do we need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend travel insurance. Consideration needs to be given to our cancellation policy, injury, evacuation, delayed flights, illness, etc. We do not refund for such occurrences, therefore travel insurance is your only safeguard.
What time does the trip commence and conclude?
We ask you to be at our walker’s base at Quamby Estate by 8.20am at the latest. Given this it makes an ideal place to stay before and after your walk. If you’re staying in Launceston there will be a shuttle bus departing Peppers Seaport Hotel at 7.50am sharp. This allows forty minutes for introductions and a gear check before departing for the Mt William National Park at 9.00am.
At the end of the walk you have the option of leaving us at Peppers Seaport Hotel around 5.30pm, Launceston Airport at 6pm or returning to Quamby homestead at approximately 6.30pm.
What accommodation options do we have pre-and post-walk?
Quamby Homestead 25 minutes west of Launceston is a great pre and post walk option, the Homestead is located on the same Estate as the walkers base so it is very convenient. To enquire about the special walker rate and check availability please call 03 6392 2135 or email reservations@quambyestate.com.au.
For those wishing to stay in Launceston our complimentary shuttle service departs from Peppers Seaport Hotel at 7.50am. Peppers have a special rate for people walking with us so make sure you mention this at time of booking. Bookings can be made directly with Peppers by phoning 03 6345 3333. Upon your return you have the option of leaving us at Peppers Seaport Hotel around 5.30pm, Launceston Airport at 6pm or returning to Quamby homestead at approximately 6.30pm.
There are many other accommodation options in Launceston, if you choose to stay somewhere other than Peppers prior to your walk please ensure you are ready for the pick up outside of Peppers reception at the designated time.
Please feel free to contact us if you require any further information.
Gear Check List
The items below will be packed into your 50 litre pack (provided) and carried by you. If followed correctly, the pack should weigh about 8.5kg and as little as 7.5kgs.
Essential Gear List
- Lightweight lace-up walking boots or walking shoes with ankle support and treaded soles. Sandshoes, elastic sided boots, street shoes and similar are not acceptable.
- Polar fleece jacket (preferred) or woollen jumper
- Light jumper (warm)
- Beanie
- Shorts and/or light cotton trousers for walking
- Polypropylene thermal underwear - long sleeved top and long johns. Essential in summer and winter.
- Warm long pants - evening camp / lodge wear
- Shirts / t-shirts - 3 recommended
- Socks - 3 pairs recommended
- Underwear
- Lightweight footwear - suitable for lodge and kayaking
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Towel or body chamois - light and quick to dry
- Swimming costume
- Water bottle - at least 1.5 litres
Tip: Layering of clothing has long been the basis for dressing in the outdoors and the gear list above follows this principle. When the temperature drops, we add another layer of insulation. If it rains, we add a rain shell on top; and when it’s warm and dry, we strip off layers.
Optional items you may wish to take include:
- Camera, spare batteries (if digital)
- Walking poles,
- Insect repellent
- Small torch
- Binoculars (for wildlife spotting),
- Drawing or painting equipment
- Small mirror (especially if you wear contact lenses)
- Short lightweight wetsuit or spring suit for swimming,
- A compact light-weight day pack (should pack down to pocket size, available for purchase at our walking base)
Mountain Designs (120 Charles Street, Launceston, phone 03 6334 0988, email Launceston@mountaindesigns.com) offer Bay of Fires Lodge Walk guests a 10% discount on purchases with presentation of this sheet. Many of our guides work with Mountain Design so you can be assured of receiving the right advice about the equipment you need on the walk.
Mountain Bike Tasmania hire gaiters, over-pants and walking poles. All must be pre-booked prior to arrival with enquiries and bookings going directly to enquiries@mountainbiketasmania.com.au or phone on 0447 712 638.
A backpack, Gore-tex jacket, sleeping sheet and pillowcase are provided for the duration of the walk. They will be available on the morning of departure.
Bio-degradable liquid soap is at both the camp and lodge. It is suitable as a shampoo as well. Your comfort and enjoyment is of paramount importance to us and keeping your pack weight to a minimum is our intention. Aim for one set of warm clothes for evening and another set to wear whilst walking. Thermals are necessary due to their lightweight, quick-drying and warm properties.
Please note that guides will do a thorough gear check prior to departure. If you are unsure about anything on the gear list, Please call us or talk to your local outdoor adventure store.
Any luggage not required on your walk can be stored at our office.
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