Walking season has begun in north-eastern Tasmania with both the Bay of Fires Lodge and Cradle Mountain Huts Walks operating from now to 1 May 2012.
Guaranteed the delight of seeing up close the amazing scenery and wildlife viewing that these walks have become world famous for, trekking through some of the most pristine wilderness in Australia ... adventurists won't need much encouragement to get down to Tasmania and hit the tracks. But for those who may need a little extra inspiration, we've gathered this list of ten great reasons to see Australia step by step, direct from the intrepid team from Cradle Mountain Huts & the Bay of Fires Walk. Check it out (and book it in!):
1. How's the serenity?!
Both the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk and the Cradle Mountain Huts Walk take in some of Australia's most amazing landscapes. On the four day Bay of Fires Lodge Walk, travellers will experience pristine white sandy beaches that stretch into the future and grassy windblown heath-lands that make for great marsupial spotting. Native birds and marine life such as seals and dolphins are often spotted along the way. On the Cradle Mountain Huts Walks, walkers can take in a huge diversity of terrain including rainforest, glacial mountain lakes, steep craggy peaks and alpine meadows. Awesome!
2. Small groups, Big experience
Each of the walks only takes ten people allowing for each group to find their pace, stop and enjoy the environment, and take the time to get to know each other. Small group such as this also reduce the impact on the natural surroundings. As a part of the Green Guardians initiative, guests who are interested can become actively involved in protecting the area they are walking in. For more details visit the Cradle Mountain Huts & the Bay of Fires Walk website.
3. Great Storytellers
The guides on these walks get consistently high marks from guests as they provide excellent interpretation and commentary all the way along the walks but mostly they win the respect of our guests for their passion for this amazing part of the world which shines through everything they do. One of the guides describes it as a lifestyle not a job! Many of them have an environmental studies background and are only too happy to share their knowledge with our guests and most of them call Tasmania home.
4. Pass the Baked Beans!
There's not a campfire meal in sight on these Walks as at the end of each day a beautiful antipasto platter magically appears along with a glass of Tassie Pinot to satisfy big appetites built during a day of walking. This is followed by wonderful Tassie produce made into simple, healthy but gourmet meals - the menus are all designed by Tasmanian chefs. They are made to be enjoyed at communal tables by candlelight as stories are shared by the walkers of the kilometres behind them and the days to come.
5. Home comforts
While it is all about the great outdoors, the accommodation on both walks is of the highest quality. Steaming hot showers, soft beds and a place to put your feet up greet our guests at each of the alpine style huts on the Cradle Mountain Huts Walks. During the Bay of Fires Walk guests are treated to a secluded beach camp on night one and two nights at the architecturally renowned Bay of Fires Lodge with uninterrupted views out over the southern ocean.
6. I would like to thank ...
And if there was ever a doubt all this was too good to be true then listen to the experts who have judged our Walks to be the best of the best for their service, professionalism, high quality and excellent interpretation of the natural landscapes:
Cradle Mountain Huts Walk - winner of the Best Adventure Tourism award at the 2011 Australian Gourmet Traveller Award;
Bay of Fires Beach - named the world's "hottest" travel destination for 2009 by international guide book Lonely Planet;
National Geographic named the Bay of Fires Walk as one of the top 15 walks in the world;
Conde Nast Traveller UK named Bay of Fires Lodge as one of the best hotels in the world for its amazing coastal location
7. But What's Next?
Looking for something different in your walk - Bay of Fires Lodge Walk was the first walk in Tasmania to introduce a portered option whereby they carry your backpack for you. All guests will need to carry is a day pack with lunch, water, a camera and any other personal items.
And they also offer a four day option for those who don't have enough time to take the full six day walk. So, what's your excuse?
8. Making it easy!
From the moment our walkers make an enquiry, the team make it easy for you to take this trip - packing tips provide essential gear lists and a fact sheet gives an overview to inspire them on what lies ahead. Flights arrive from major cities into Launceston daily. On the morning of the walk you'll be met at the walking base at historic Quamby estate where guides help to check backpacks for ease of carrying. And on the return, walkers are rewarded back at home base with sparkling Tasmanian wine and canapes.
9. And the price is right!
For walkers booking with a group of 10 friends you get a 10% discount for everyone in the group. And better still for walkers who are one of the first 50 to book for the season on either walk then they will go into a draw to win a free trip. So, get in early! Like, now!
10. What's not to like?
Fresh air, exercise without it feeling like a chore, good company, amazing natural Australian landscapes, professional guides, great memories.
I was already convinced. How about you? See on you on the walk ...!
For more information or bookings for Cradle Mountain Huts guests can call 03/6392 2211 or visit either of the websites for Bay of Fires.
