Cornelius Amann
October 06, 2026
5/5
Tasmania walking: Maria Island, Freycinet and the Bay of Fires
6 days from Hobart to Launceston on foot along Tasmania's east coast: Maria Island, the Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach circuit at Freycinet, and the Bay of Fires.
6 days · Hobart to Launceston · up to 12 guests
Orange-lichen granite at the Bay of Fires Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bay_of_Fires-Tasmania04.jpg)
The facts
At a glance
- Length
- 6 days, 5 nights
- Start and end
- Hobart to Launceston
- Group size
- 7 to 12 guests
- Longest drive
- 3 h on day 2No drive day is longer than 4 hours.
- Activity level
Active
Walking of 3 to 6 hours on four days, on beach sand, rock steps and bush tracks. The longest walks are Bishop and Clerk on Maria Island (about 12 km return, a climb to about 600 m with a boulder scramble at the top) and the Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach circuit (about 11 km, 4 to 5 hours). Each long walk has a shorter version of 1 to 3 hours, and our vehicle carries the bags, so you only carry a day pack.
- Meals included
- 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
- Room of your own
- + CAD 750 (estimated price)
- Season
- October to April
Highlights
Why this trip
- The ferry to Maria Island, where there are no cars, and the wind-carved sandstone of the Painted Cliffs
- The climb to Bishop and Clerk above the Tasman Sea, or the Fossil Cliffs and the convict village of Darlington
- The full Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach circuit at Freycinet, on the track by about 8 am
- Cape Tourville lighthouse over the Freycinet coast, with a sunrise option
- Orange-lichen granite and white beaches at Binalong Bay and The Gardens
- The lighthouse and red-rock bays at larapuna / Eddystone Point, at the far end of the Bay of Fires
- Wombats at dusk in Darlington and on the east coast
What makes this trip different
Short drives, all published
Every drive is listed day by day, and none is longer than 4 hours.
Free time is part of the plan
Free time and choices are marked on the days they fall.
Solo without the penalty
A room of your own is + CAD 750 (estimated price).
Day by day
Itinerary
The longest drive is 3 h, on day 2.
Tap any stop on the map to open that dayClick any stop on the map to open that day
Arrive in Hobart
Hobart Airport to your hotel in central Hobart
- Welcome dinner
- Stay in Hobart
- Drive about 30 min
Fly into Hobart (HBA), about 20 km east of the city, landing by about 1 pm; a driver meets you and takes you to the hotel near the waterfront.
Afternoon
In the late afternoon your See Sight Tours guide walks the group around the old harbour: the fishing boats and cray pots at Victoria Dock, the sandstone warehouses of Salamanca Place, and up Kelly's Steps into Battery Point, the cottages and narrow lanes of the city's early maritime quarter. It is an easy hour on foot, and a chance to check boots and day packs before the walking starts. Back at the hotel we hold a short briefing on the five days ahead: the ferry time tomorrow, what to carry on Maria Island, where there are no shops, and how the easy and active options work.
Evening
Then we sit down together to a welcome dinner in town, with Tasmanian seafood on the menu. Tell us any dietary needs when you book, and every kitchen on the route has them before you arrive.
Included
- Pick-up at Hobart Airport (HBA)
- Guided walk of the Hobart waterfront, Salamanca Place and Battery Point
- Welcome briefing with your guide
- Welcome dinner
Free time: Free until the late-afternoon walk
Activity: About an hour of easy walking, with one flight of stone steps.
Maria Island: Darlington, Bishop and Clerk or the Painted Cliffs
Hobart to Triabunna, ferry to Maria Island, then north to Coles Bay
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Stay in Coles Bay
- Drive about 3 h
An early start, at about 6:45 am, because the ferry sets the day: we drive about 85 km (1 h 15) north-east to Triabunna, check in for the first sailing at about 8:30 am and cross the Mercury Passage to Darlington on Maria Island, where there are no cars and wombats graze between the convict buildings, one of the Australian Convict Sites on the World Heritage list. Here the group splits. The active walkers climb Bishop and Clerk, about 12.6 km return from the wharf, 4 to 5 hours through dry forest to a boulder-strewn summit at about 600 m. The easy group walks the Fossil Cliffs, packed with shells some 300 million years old, then the Painted Cliffs, sandstone striped orange and cream by iron, best at low tide.
Afternoon
Both groups meet in Darlington at about 2 pm for a late picnic lunch, then an unhurried hour among the old buildings.
Evening
We take the last ferry back (about 3:15 or 4:15 pm, by season), drive about 1 h 30 through Swansea and reach Coles Bay by about 6 to 6:30 pm, for two nights and dinner together at about 7 pm.
Included
- Return ferry from Triabunna to Maria Island
- Darlington convict settlement with your guide
- Bishop and Clerk (active) or the Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs (easy), each with a guide
- Picnic lunch on Maria Island
- Dinner in Coles Bay
Easier option: The Fossil Cliffs loop (about 4.5 km, 2 hours), then the Painted Cliffs (about 4 km return, just under 2 hours), all on gentle tracks.
More active option: Bishop and Clerk only, about 12.6 km return from the wharf and 4 to 5 hours, with a steep boulder scramble near the top; there is not time for the Painted Cliffs as well.
Activity: Leaves Hobart at about 6:45 am for the first ferry (about 8:30 am, with check-in before it); about 7 hours on the island; ferry back about 3:15 or 4:15 pm; driving is 1 h 15 before the ferry and 1 h 30 after; Coles Bay by about 6 to 6:30 pm, dinner at about 7 pm. There are no shops on Maria Island; we carry lunch and water. When the tide and the ferry times do not line up, the easy group sees the Painted Cliffs from the beach above.
Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach
Coles Bay to the Wineglass Bay track and back
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Stay in Coles Bay
- Drive about 15 min
We leave the hotel at about 7:45 am and are on the track by 8, before the day coaches from Hobart and Launceston arrive. The path climbs on granite steps between the pink peaks of the Hazards to Wineglass Bay Lookout, where the curve of white sand opens below you. From there the full circuit drops down to the beach itself, crosses the flat isthmus behind it to Hazards Beach on the other side of the peninsula, and comes back north around the coast below Mount Mayson. It is about 11 km and 4 to 5 hours with stops, and most day visitors never go past the lookout.
Afternoon
Lunch is a picnic on Hazards Beach, with time for a swim if the day is warm. We are back in Coles Bay by mid-afternoon, and the rest of the day is yours: the little beaches along the Coles Bay foreshore, a kayak, or a rest.
Evening
The light over Great Oyster Bay is soft at sunset, and dinner is together in town.
Included
- Tasmania national parks pass
- Wineglass Bay Lookout, Wineglass Bay beach and the Hazards Beach circuit with your guide
- Picnic lunch on Hazards Beach
- Dinner in Coles Bay
Optional experiences
- Sea kayaking at Coles Bay (price shown at booking)
- Wineglass Bay cruise (price shown at booking)
Easier option: Walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout and back with the guide's second group (1 to 1.5 hours), then a free late morning in Coles Bay; we meet the circuit walkers for a late lunch.
Free time: Afternoon free in Coles Bay
Activity: About 11 km with a steady climb on rock steps to the lookout and a steep descent to Wineglass Bay. Bring 2 litres of water, a hat and swimwear.
Cape Tourville, then north to the Bay of Fires
Coles Bay to Cape Tourville, then Bicheno, St Helens and Binalong Bay
- Breakfast and lunch
- Stay in St Helens
- Drive about 2 h
A day with room in it.
Morning
Active walkers leave after an early breakfast to climb Mount Amos, a steep scramble up granite slabs to one of the best views of Wineglass Bay, only when the rock is dry; it takes about 3 hours return. Everyone else has a slow breakfast, and we all meet at Cape Tourville in the late morning. The lighthouse boardwalk is a short, level loop of about 600 m with views south to Wineglass Bay and the granite of the Hazards. Early risers who skip Mount Amos can come up for sunrise over the Tasman Sea with the guide.
Afternoon
We drive about 40 minutes north to Bicheno for a sit-down lunch by the harbour and a look at the blowhole, then about 1 h 15 up the coast past Scamander to St Helens, our base for two nights. In the late afternoon we walk the beach at Binalong Bay, about 11 km on, where the orange lichen on the granite glows in the low sun.
Evening
Dinner tonight is your choice in St Helens.
Included
- Cape Tourville lighthouse boardwalk
- Sit-down lunch in Bicheno
- Late-afternoon walk at Binalong Bay
Optional experiences
- Bicheno little penguin tour, if we stay late in Bicheno on your date (price shown at booking)
Easier option: A slow breakfast, then the Cape Tourville boardwalk and the beach at Binalong Bay, about 1 hour of easy walking in all.
More active option: Mount Amos after an early breakfast, before we meet at Cape Tourville: about 3 hours return, steep granite slabs, only in dry weather.
Free time: Evening free in St Helens
Activity: Mount Amos is closed to our groups when the rock is wet; the guide decides on the morning.
larapuna, The Gardens and the length of the bay
St Helens to larapuna / Eddystone Point, then The Gardens and Binalong Bay
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Stay in St Helens
- Drive about 2.5 h
Today we walk the Bay of Fires from its quiet north end to its busy south. The bay was named by the navigator Tobias Furneaux in 1773 for the fires he saw along the shore, lit by the Aboriginal people who have lived here for many thousands of years. We drive about 60 km north by road (about 1 h 10) to larapuna / Eddystone Point in Mount William National Park, where a granite lighthouse stands above red-rock coves.
Afternoon
The walk loops past the lighthouse and along the beaches south of it, with a picnic lunch on the rocks. On the way back we stop at The Gardens, at the end of the road north of Binalong Bay, for the coves and boulders most photographs of the bay show. The afternoon walk follows the coast from Skeleton Bay towards Dora Point, through she-oak and banksia, back to St Helens by late afternoon.
Evening
Tonight is a farewell dinner together.
Included
- larapuna / Eddystone Point lighthouse and coast walk
- The Gardens
- Skeleton Bay to Dora Point coastal walk
- Picnic lunch at larapuna
- Farewell dinner in St Helens
Optional experiences
- A palawa-led cultural experience in the northeast, if one can be arranged for your dates (we ask the wukalina Walk team and other palawa organisations, and confirm at booking)
Easier option: The lighthouse loop only at larapuna, then the beach at The Gardens instead of the afternoon coastal walk.
More active option: A longer beach walk south from larapuna before lunch, about 2 hours more on soft sand.
Free time: Late afternoon free before dinner
Activity: About 3 to 5 hours on foot in all, much of it on soft sand and rock. Parts of the road to larapuna may be unsealed; we check the road conditions at booking and on the day.
St Columba Falls and Launceston
St Helens to Pyengana and St Columba Falls, then Launceston Airport
- Breakfast and lunch
- Drive about 2.5 h
Morning
A slower last morning: an early swim or a walk on the beach for those who want one, then breakfast. We drive inland about 25 km into the green Pyengana valley, dairy country with a long cheesemaking history, and walk through tree ferns and myrtle to the foot of St Columba Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Tasmania, a short walk of about 20 minutes return.
Afternoon
From there the Tasman Highway climbs over the Weldborough Pass, through tall wet forest, and down through Derby and Scottsdale towards Launceston, about 2 hours more, with a stop for lunch on the way. We reach Launceston Airport (LST) by about 1:30 pm. Book a flight leaving after about 3 pm; if you are staying on in Launceston, we drop you in the city centre instead, a short drive from the airport, and you can walk to Cataract Gorge from there. Your guide sees you to the terminal before saying goodbye.
Included
- St Columba Falls walk
- Lunch on the drive to Launceston
- Drop-off at Launceston Airport (LST) or the city centre
Activity: Book a flight leaving Launceston after about 3 pm.
- Hobart1 night
- Coles Bay2 nights
- St Helens2 nights
- Launcestonend
- Overnight stop
- Day trip
- By boat or train
Wildlife and weather: We run from October to April. The east coast is the sunniest part of Tasmania, with days around 17 to 23 C in summer, but cold southerly changes can bring rain and wind in any month, and the sea is cool for swimming. UV is strong even on cloudy days. Summer bushfires can close a road or a track; if one does, we reroute and tell you why. Snakes are active in the warm months, so we keep to the tracks. Common wombats graze around Darlington on Maria Island, and Bennett's wallabies, pademelons and echidnas are likely along the coast. Dolphins and white-bellied sea eagles are possible from the ferry and the headlands.
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Before you book
Right for you?
Good for you if you want
- Walkers who want three of Tasmania's coastal walks in one trip, with a hotel bed every night
- Travellers who like a choice each morning between a long walk and a shorter one
- Anyone who wants beaches, wildlife and granite headlands more than towns and museums
- Solo travellers in a group of 12 or fewer
Not for you if you want
- Step-free access: the tracks have rock steps, sand and steep sections
- Travellers who want a multi-day hut or camp walk carrying a full pack
- A first visit to Tasmania that should include Cradle Mountain and Port Arthur (see our Tasmania road trip)
- Late risers: day 2 leaves Hobart at about 6:45 am for the first ferry
Book flights after we confirm your seat.
5 nights
Where you'll stay
Your hotels are named in your trip confirmation.
- Hobart1 night
- Coles Bay2 nights
- St Helens2 nights
One price
What's in the price
Included
Accommodation
- 5 nights: 1 in central Hobart, 2 in Coles Bay at Freycinet, 2 in St Helens for the Bay of Fires
- Hotels of at least 3-star-plus standard with private bathrooms; we name each hotel when we confirm your dates
- Rooms shared, or your own for a supplement
Transport
- Pick-up at Hobart Airport (HBA) and drop-off at Launceston Airport (LST) or the city centre
- A private minibus with a licensed local driver for the group, carrying your bags between hotels
- Return passenger ferry from Triabunna to Maria Island
Your guide
- A See Sight Tours guide for the whole trip, walking with the group every day, with a second walk leader on days when the group splits between the easy and active options
Activities
- Tasmania national parks pass for Maria Island, Freycinet and Mount William national parks
- Hobart waterfront, Salamanca Place and Battery Point walk
- Maria Island: Darlington, then Bishop and Clerk or the Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs
- Freycinet: Wineglass Bay Lookout, Wineglass Bay and the Hazards Beach circuit
- Cape Tourville lighthouse boardwalk
- Binalong Bay and The Gardens
- larapuna / Eddystone Point lighthouse and coast walk
- Skeleton Bay to Dora Point coastal walk
- St Columba Falls
Meals
- 5 breakfasts
- 5 lunches: picnics on Maria Island, Hazards Beach and at larapuna, a sit-down lunch in Bicheno and lunch on the last day
- 4 dinners: welcome dinner in Hobart, two dinners in Coles Bay and a farewell dinner in St Helens
Not included
- International and domestic flights to Hobart and from Launceston
- Australian ETA or visa
- Travel insurance
- Dinner on day 4 in St Helens
- Drinks
- Tips
- Optional activities: Wineglass Bay cruise, sea kayaking, Bicheno penguin tour, a palawa-led cultural experience
- Personal walking gear: boots, day pack, rain jacket, water bottle
Extras
- Room of your own
- CAD 750 (estimated price)
When you can go
Dates and prices
Pick your start date when you request to book. We check that date and confirm it in your quote.
Prefer to travel without a group or guide? Ask us about arranging hotels, transport and city tours for you to travel independently.
Before you book
Booking terms
Nothing is charged now. Full terms and the cancellation schedule come with your quote, before you accept.
Business addresses
See Sight Tours Trips (USA): 3172 N Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89108, United StatesSee Sight Tours Trips (Canada): 5305 50 Avenue, #1091, Red Deer, AB T4N 4B6, Canada+1-888-961-6584Guest reviews
What guests say
Reviews from guests on our day tours.
Jane
October 06, 2026
5/5
Susan
October 06, 2026
5/5
Tom L
October 05, 2026
5/5
MandL83
October 05, 2026
5/5
Darren O
October 05, 2026
5/5
Good to know
Questions
What does the price include?
Five nights in hotels with private bathrooms, 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners, airport transfers, a private minibus and driver that carries your bags, the Maria Island ferry, the national parks pass, your See Sight Tours guide throughout and every walk in the day plan. Flights, drinks, tips and the few optional extras are not included.
How fit do I need to be for this Tasmania walking trip?
You should be comfortable walking 10 to 12 km on uneven ground with some steep steps. Four days have 3 to 6 hours on foot. Every long walk has a shorter version of 1 to 3 hours, so you can choose on the morning, and you only ever carry a day pack.
How early are the starts on this trip?
Most days start after breakfast, around 8 am. The one exception is day 2, when we leave Hobart at about 6:45 am to check in for the first Maria Island ferry at about 8:30 am; the ferry timetable sets that time. Day 3 is on the Wineglass Bay track by 8 am, and the sunrise at Cape Tourville is optional.
How big is the group?
The small-group trip runs with 7 to 12 guests in one minibus. On days when the group splits between the easy and active walks, a second walk leader joins so both groups are guided.
Who leads the trip?
A See Sight Tours guide travels and walks with you for all six days, with a licensed local driver at the wheel so the guide's attention stays on the group. On split days a second walk leader takes the other group. We name your guide when we confirm your dates.
I am travelling solo. What is the single supplement?
A room of your own is CAD 750 more, about 17 percent of the trip price, and it is shown up front when you request to book. Solo travellers sit at the same tables and walk in the same groups as everyone else.
When is the best time to walk Tasmania's east coast?
October to April. Days are longer and warmer, the Maria Island ferry usually runs more sailings, and we confirm the timetable for your date. The beaches are good for a swim in midsummer, and spring and autumn are quieter on the tracks. Weather can turn cold and wet in any month, so a warm layer and a rain jacket always come.
Is this different from your Tasmania road trip?
Yes. The road trip covers Hobart, Bruny Island, Port Arthur, Freycinet and Cradle Mountain in 8 days with shorter walks. This trip is about walking: Maria Island, the full Hazards Beach circuit at Freycinet and the Bay of Fires. They share only Freycinet, so you can take them back to back from Launceston.
Can we travel privately or on our own dates?
Yes. Besides the small group, the trip comes as a private trip for your party only, on a date you choose, from CAD 7,945 per person. If you would rather travel independently on your own dates, ask us from the dates section and we will quote the hotels, ferry and transfers for you.
How does booking work?
Choose a start date and request to book. We confirm your place within 24 hours, and no payment is taken until then. Prices are indicative, per person sharing a room with taxes included, from CAD 4,415 for the small group.
Do I need a visa for Australia?
Most visitors do. Canadians and Americans apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) in the official AustralianETA app before flying; many European passport holders use the free eVisitor. Check the current rules for your passport before booking flights.
Will we see wombats on Maria Island?
Very likely. Common wombats graze openly around Darlington, often in the middle of the day, along with Forester kangaroos and Cape Barren geese. Keep a few metres away and never feed them. Wild animals are never guaranteed, but Maria Island is one of the easiest places in Tasmania to see them.
See Sight Tours has been providing travel services across North America since 2006. Operating in 20 cities across Canada and the USA, the company specializes in small group tours that offer personalized, high-quality experiences for travelers.
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