The Tasmanian Walking Company Launches New East Coast Guided Walking Experience

Filed under Tasmania

Commencing this October, hikers and nature-lovers will be able to combine several awe-inspiring guided walks with leisurely sailing on a luxury yacht on the new Wineglass Bay Sail Walk.

The walk, a new guided trekking experience exploring some of Tasmania’s most stunning east coast locations, is the latest offering from the Tasmanian Walking Company (TWC), which also owns the award-winning Bay of Fires Lodge Walk and the Cradle Mountain Huts Walk.

“TWC currently operates two of the seven Great Walks of Australia. We have been looking for some time to find a new expedition to complement those existing iconic experiences, much-loved by walkers the world over. We believe the Wineglass Bay Sail Walk does just that, giving walkers the perfect opportunity to discover the spectacular islands and peninsulas of Tasmania’s east coast national parks by foot and by water” said Brett Godfrey, co-owner of TWC.

Over a four or six-day itinerary, walkers will be able to explore some of Tasmania’s gems including Maria Island and both the Freycinet and Tasman Peninsulas. To access each destination, guests will travel by sail boat from one striking Tasmanian location to another aboard the luxurious Lady Eugenie, a 23-metre (75ft) luxury yacht which also serves as their accommodation.

The four-day Wineglass Bay Sail Walk itinerary travels from south to north (alternating directions on a weekly basis) and takes in Maria Island, Schouten Island, Cooks (or Bryans) Beach and Wineglass Bay. The six-day itinerary additionally explores the Tasman Peninsula, including a section of the new Three Capes Track. Both itineraries originate out of Hobart.

Walking highlights on both trips include the ascent of the 630m-high towering dolerite Bishop and Clerk columns on Maria Island, rounding the Fossil Cliffs to be greeted by sweeping views toward Schouten Island and the Freycinet Peninsula; a three-hour walk to the top of Bear Hill on remote Schouten Island; the climb of Mt Graham at Cooks Beach on Freycinet; and a walk along stunning Wineglass Bay.

For those with an interest in history, our walks also take in the World Heritage-listed convict site of Darlington. Once populated with prisoners, it is now home to an array of architectural relics and abundant wildlife.

Along the way, walkers will be treated to tall Tasmanian blue gum forests, button grass fields of the East Freycinet Saddle and plenty of opportunities for bird watching, photography or hunting for orchids. Walkers individually can also opt to relax on some days, swapping trekking with swimming, a stroll along a deserted beach, or simply staying on board; making this a perfect journey for groups or even couples of differing abilities or interests.

Each night, guests will be able to retire to the uncomplicated luxury of Lady Eugenie for drinks and canapés as the sun sets, followed by a chef-inspired, locally sourced dinner served with a selection of Tasmanian wines.

Alternatively, barefoot beach dinners in the itinerary allow guests to kick off their hiking boots as they sit on the uninhabited shores of Schouten Island or other secluded coastal locations while enjoying a fabulous candlelit dinner under the stars.

Lady Eugenie’s teak decks are the perfect setting for relaxing while taking in the stunning scenery of Tasmania’s east coast. During the evening guests can wind down in the spacious saloon and the professionally equipped, separate galley guarantees delicious meals made from local Tasmanian produce.

The trip operates with a maximum of 10 guests in five comfortable cabins, all with air conditioning, private bathrooms and showers.

The four-day Wineglass Bay Sail Walk starts from $2,990 per person, while the six-day itinerary starts from $3,990, on a twin share basis and for departures from October 2014 to May 2015.

For more information on The Wineglass Bay Sail Walk contact 03 6392 2211 or visit www.wineglassbaysailwalk.com.au

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