We depart the Old Woolstore in Hobart at 8.30am for the scenic journey from Hobart to Coles Bay, taking in wide panoramas of the Freycinet Peninsula across Great Oyster Bay. A morning tea break is taken at the historic Spiky Bridge near Swansea. On arrival at Coles Bay we board the Naturaliste for a spectacular sea cruise down the western length of the Peninsula to Schouten Island, the southernmost part of Freycinet National Park (weather permitting). After a picnic lunch, there is a walk up Bear Hill for magnificent views, or fishing for flathead in Schouten Passage with our coxswain Shep. The boat returns to Coles Bay and guests are transferred to Friendly Beaches Lodge to relax and enjoy a dinner of fresh fish and fine wine, all to the rhythm of the waves on Friendly Beaches.
Day Two
Coastal Track Walking time: 5hrs Distance 12km
Mt Graham Walking time: 8hrs Distance 16km
Walkers rise with the sun and after breakfast are transferred to Coles Bay for another boat trip down the Peninsula. There is a choice of walks today. A peaceful walk from Bryan’s Beach through sclerophyll forests and along beaches to the renowned Wineglass Bay or, the more challenging walk from Cook’s Beach to the top of Mt Graham (579m above sea level) descending to Wineglass Bay via spectacular Quartzite Ridge. When we arrive at Wineglass Bay late in the afternoon, it is the perfect time for a swim in the Bay’s crystalline waters. Refreshed, we make the climb to the Wineglass Bay Lookout for spectacular views, then descend to the waiting vehicle. Back at the lodge, we enjoy refreshing hot showers before drinks and dinner.
Day Three
Walking time: 6 hrs Distance: 12km
Transfer by vehicle this morning brings walkers to secluded Bluestone Bay. Here there is time to explore the fascinating geology of White Water Wall and little Bluestone Bay before climbing to the Bluestone Bay cliff tops. We walk back to the lodge through pristine bushland following a track used by the Oyster Bay Tribe. This headland is home to a stunning array of native plants including the giant Xanthorea (Grass Trees). We continue along the dazzling white sands of Friendly Beaches to arrive at the lodge where cool drinks and homemade afternoon tea await. Savour a well-deserved meal and then relax with a glass of wine by the roaring fire.
Day Four
Walking time: 3 hrs Distance: 6km
Rise early and head to the beach or sleep in. After breakfast there’s an optional walk along the fossil-rich ridgeline of Mt Mary and a descent to Saltwater Lagoon, nesting ground of black swans and pelicans. After a delightful brunch, a stroll along Friendly Beaches brings walkers to Isaac’s Point, meeting place for the bus trip back to Hobart.
You are a great time, knowledable, hospitable and completely genuine. The lodge is beautifully designed and run, the Tasmanian cuisine in exceptional, and the walks were fascinating and suitably challenging.
Julia Crombie
March 07 2012
Friendly Beaches Lodge and Freycinet Experience epitomise the essence of Tas tranquility, nature, flora, and fauna.
Christine Costello
December 15 2011
Last time I threatened to return, be warned that still stands. This trip was as good as the last and the last was magnificent!
Jack O’Dowd
February 23 2012
It was a wonderful 4 days. The warmth and care and professionalism you all used in your work were outstanding. The lodge too was so heavenly comfortable relaxing and inspirational.
Di Neil SA
April 20 2012
Wonderful guides and lodge hosts, informative, charming, patient and considerate.
Suzanne Nicole WA
March 02 2012
A personal thank you to all who made my time with you exceptionally lovely.
Michelle DeJong VIC
March 02 2012
Everything exceeded my expectations, it was wonderful to have my own room and hot shower every night.
Michelle DeJong VIC
November 17 2011
Superb experience my heartfelt thanks to Joan, George, Claire, Cate, Nick, Craig, Sonya and Tyler and the stunning Freycinet peninsula and Friendly Beaches Lodge.
Judy Millington
November 18 2011
Brilliant chefs, Sony and Tyler excelled in their provision of fine fare, particularly meeting my gluten free requirements
Judy Millington
April 20 2012
We had not expected those lovely lagoons, and with was a memorable moment sitting and just watching the swans swim closer at Freshwater lagoon.
Duncan and Diana Ferrier QLD
April 20 2012
Food was delicious, plentiful, and innovative with plenty of fresh ingredients – culminating to the best brunch ever experienced.
Duncan and Diana Ferrier QLD
April 20 2012
The Four days exceeding our expectations, Jane and Nick were delightful and competent guides, Tyler and Sonya creative and welcoming hosts, the lodge so lovely I wish we lived there and the walks so enjoyable that we are now hooked!
Duncan and Diana Ferrier QLD
March 16 2012
‘Wonderful Hidden Gem’ Amazing walking, climbing experiences. Food to die for! What more could we ask for.
Ann and Denis Wood
February 03 2012
The most outstanding short break we have ever had! Great walks, delicious food, and company.
Glenda and Keith Rudkin
January 26 2012
Much more than I ever expected, the challenge, the scenery, the exhilaration of completing, the camaraderie, and the wonderful spirit and care of the guides and hospitality hosts.
Basil and Chris Hannah
December 15 2011
From the pick up, to the last day, great walks, good challenges, fantastic scenery, a lot of laughs and some of the best food ever! Really memorable 4 days…
Anna Gatti
December 02 2011
Thank you for allowing us to feel so intrepid, while still being coddled at every step. We were spoilt rotten and enjoyed every minute!
Rigmor Berg
November 18 2011
Everything about the day’s has been exceptional. Guides, food, accommodation and especially the environment, a great Experience.
Marc Gibson VIC
November 11 2011
For us all expectations were exceeded over and over again, and we are so appreciative – you all have touched our lives.
Don and Linda Wolf USA
February 17 2012
We had two very enthuastic and knowledgeable guides. The main experience was their kindness, good humour and energy.
Jenny Nicholson ACT
April 06 2012
It was an added joy to have the integral art collection in the lodge and the remarkable library.
Jeremy and Jennifer Connell QLD
December 20 2011
Our best holiday ever, look forward to doing it again!
Monique Newell VIC
January 07 2012
Would recommended the experience to friends relatives with confidence.
Peter Lark
February 09 2012
Friendliness and helpfulness of all concerned was much appreciated, a very caring environment. We loved it!
Debra and Sol Majteles WA
January 18 2011
The Lodge is simply perfect, surrounding bush ethereal, food beyond perfect.
Judy Schaffer USA
March 22 2011
We loved the whole experience, ‘the crew’ were all just wonderful, 1st class.
J&P Kauffman ACT
March 11 2011
In the top 10 things I’ve ever done. Staff were like family, totally polite, generous and intuitive.
Wendy Hancock VIC
March 08 2011
Jack and I had the absolute best time thank you; it will be an anniversary for us to always remember.
Donna Noye QLD
March 08 2013
The guides/lodge hosts were excellent. It is so pleasing to see such wonderful and enthusiastic young people doing such a great job.
Graham Johnson
March 23 2011
Walking in areas where you see no other walkers due to accessibility was fantastic.
Michelle Barnes NSW
February 23 2011
Felt thoroughly spoilt with well-planned walks fabulous food and enthusiastic staff. Would recommend the experience to friends.
Sue Finnie Victoria
March 15 2012
A wonderful treat, I have told everybody that it must be on their ‘bucket list’
Annie and Simon Cooper Vic
January 19 2011
We were very impressed by the dedication and expertise of the guides and lodge co-coordinators as well as the minimal impact on the environment.
Wendy & Brad Potts Tas
January 12 2011
Wonderful enthusiastic attentive guides, staff and knowledgeable bus driver (gil) and Naturalist Sea Captain (shep). Thank you to Joan Masterman for providing us with the best Eco Tassie tour.
Warwick Risby Tas
January 25 2011
The food was perfect, Sonya and Tyler were so careful of my gluten intolerance and preference for vegetarian fare. How delicious were the gluten free brownies!
Judy Schaffer USA
December 17 2010
Our 13 year old loved the experience, he said it was awesome; he coped really well with the walks, food and loved the guides. He has told all of his friends and their parents, he’s recommending it to everyone.
Stuart, Gwenn and Remy Crozier QLD
January 01 2013
The stories and knowledge of wildlife and plant life were great, but the solitary experience of hiking along Friendly Beaches was beyond compare.
Jill and David Bauer, NSW
January 03 2013
We have traveled to more than 50 countries and all 7 continents, this experience was one of the best ever!
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