Australia’s most inspiring walking holidays. greatwalksofaustralia.com.au greatwalksofaustralia.com.au Contents Introduction 5 Seasonal Calendar 7 Bay of Fires Lodge Walk 9 Freycinet Experience Walk 11 Darwin The Maria Island Walk 13 Cradle Mountain Huts Walk 15 Three Capes Lodge Walk 17 Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk 19 2. 3. Spicers Scenic Rim Trail 21 NORTHERN TERRITORY ‘Look deep into nature, Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort 23 Margaret River Cape to Cape Walk 25 and then you will understand Murray River Walk 27 Alice Springs QUEENSLAND The Arkaba Walk 29 Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort everything better.’ Seven Peaks Walk 31 WESTERN Brisbane – Albert Einstein. Signature Experiences of Australia 32 AUSTRALIA SOUTH Spicers Scenic Rim Trail greatwalksofaustralia.com.au Get the big picture 34 AUSTRALIA greatwalksofaustralia.com.au greatwalksofaustralia.com.au #mygreatwalk 35 The Arkaba Walk Perth NEW SOUTH WALES Seven Peaks Walk Sydney Margaret River Cape to Cape Walk Murray River Walk Adelaide ACT VICTORIA Melbourne Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk Launceston Bay of Fires Lodge Walk Cradle Mountain Huts Walk Freycinet Experience Walk Hobart The Maria Island Walk Three Capes Lodge Walk TASMANIA 4. Great Walks of Australia is an exclusive 5. collection of Australia’s best walking experiences. Each of these independently owned, guided, multi-day walks is unique. Together they cover some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes – from untamed Tasmanian wilderness and beaches; the ruggedly beautiful Victorian coastline; ancient volcanic plateaus and rainforest in Queensland; the spectacular coastline of Western Australia; greatwalksofaustralia.com.au greatwalksofaustralia.com.au a UNECSO world heritage listed island in NSW; pristine islands and meandering rivers; and the magnificent outback of South Australia and the Northern Territory. Nothing sparks the senses quite like spending time in nature and these walks present an unparalleled opportunity to experience the landscape, up close, in depth and on foot. Each walk is led by expert guides with a deep understanding of the environment, giving you the opportunity to hear the stories behind the place you are exploring. Walkers enjoy the sense of adventure in often remote wilderness locations, combined with the comforts of a luxury holiday, the company of others in a small group, and gourmet food and wine. All walks offer a level of service and experience that aims to consistently exceed expectations and to provide you, our guest, with a truly enviable experience. A range of unique accommodations are on offer, lodge-based walks and journey-style experiences (end-to-end walks). From purpose-built eco-lodges through to luxurious glamping, the Great Walks of Australia provide walkers with a true sense of exclusivity on each walk. If you choose to experience a Great Walk of Australia, you will be rewarded with a heightened sense of physical and emotional wellbeing but more importantly a sense of reconnection - with nature and with yourself. At Great Walks of Australia we live life one step at a time, at walking pace. Come and discover Australia with us. This really is your bucket list of walking experiences. The next step is yours… 6. The seasons for walking 7. With a wide variety of different landscapes and wilderness areas to experience, Great Walks of Australia recommends trying all of our walks and making the most of Australia’s varying regional climates and seasons. From long, mild summer days in Tasmania and Victoria, to warm and gentle winter walking in South Australia, Queensland and Northern Territory, or the temperate climates of Western Australia greatwalksofaustralia.com.au and Lord Howe Island, there’s a choice of Great Walks and unique greatwalksofaustralia.com.au landscapes perfect for exploring right throughout the year. January February March April May June July August September October November December Bay of Fires Lodge Walk Bay of Fires Lodge Walk Bay of Fires Lodge Walk Bay of Fires Lodge Walk Bay of Fires Lodge Walk Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort Bay of Fires Lodge Walk Bay of Fires Lodge Walk Bay of Fires Lodge Walk Cradle Mountain Huts Walk Cradle Mountain Huts Walk Cradle Mountain Huts Walk Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort Margaret River Cape to Cape Walk Murray River Walk Murray River Walk Margaret River Cape to Cape Walk Cradle Mountain Huts Walk Cradle Mountain Huts Walk Cradle Mountain Huts Walk Freycinet Experience Walk Freycinet Experience Walk Freycinet Experience Walk Cradle Mountain Huts Walk Cradle Mountain Huts Walk Murray River Walk Scenic Rim Trail Scenic Rim Trail Murray River Walk Freycinet Experience Walk Freycinet Experience Walk Freycinet Experience Walk The Maria Island Walk The Maria Island Walk Margaret River Cape to Cape Walk Freycinet Experience Walk Margaret River Cape to Cape Walk Scenic Rim Trail The Arkaba Walk The Arkaba Walk Scenic Rim Trail Margaret River Cape to Cape Walk Margaret River Cape to Cape Walk The Maria Island Walk Three Capes Lodge Walk Three Capes Lodge Walk Scenic Rim Trail Margaret River Cape to Cape Walk Murray River Walk The Arkaba Walk Three Capes Lodge Walk Three Capes Lodge Walk Seven Peaks Walk Scenic Rim Trail Scenic Rim Trail Three Capes Lodge Walk Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk The Arkaba Walk Scenic Rim Trail Scenic Rim Trail Three Capes Lodge Walk The Arkaba Walk Seven Peaks Walk Seven Peaks Walk Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk The Maria Island Walk Seven Peaks Walk Seven Peaks Walk Three Capes Lodge Walk The Arkaba Walk The Maria Island Walk Three Capes Lodge Walk The Arkaba Walk The Arkaba Walk Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk The Maria Island Walk Three Capes Lodge Walk Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk The Maria Island Walk Three Capes Lodge Walk Three Capes Lodge Walk Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk Three Capes Lodge Walk Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk The walk at a glance… Accessed via Launceston, Tasmania Duration is 4 days/3 nights Distance 33km (20 miles) Walk is graded as moderate Trail is mainly beaches & sand walking + bush trails Walk operates from October to May Group size is 10 maximum Sleep 1 night wilderness camp & 2 nights lodge based Operated by the Tasmanian Walking Company 8. Bay of Fires Lodge Walk 9. At the edge of Mt William National Park in North-Eastern Tasmania, the magnifi cent wilderness coastline known as the Bay of Fires provides dramatic landscapes. Immerse yourself in one of the most pristine environments that Tasmania has to off er; walk the sandy beaches, explore coves, and kayak the Ansons River. See unique Australian wildlife – wombats, Forester kangaroos, echidnas, dolphins and whales in their natural habitats – and discover Aboriginal heritage up close. Departing daily from October to April, the fi rst night’s accommodation is spent at Forester Beach Camp. This private haven is nestled in a greatwalksofaustralia.com.au greatwalksofaustralia.com.au protected dune swale behind a stretch of clean, white-sand beach, complete with an outdoor shower overlooking the ocean. Nights two and three are at the multi award-winning Bay of Fires Lodge. Set 40 metres above the beach, this eco-conscious building is an architectural feat comprising two long timber and glass pavilions, and an open living area complete with fi replace and private twin-share bedrooms. All meals are provided for the duration of the walk, using only the fi nest Tasmanian local produce, complete with world-class Tasmanian wines. If you are looking for a little indulgence why not book a massage, treatment or bath experience at the exclusive boutique spa. Optional extras: kayaking on the Ansons River (included), massage and spa treatments. Bay of Fires Lodge Walk DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 Elevations are indicative only. Please contact the walk operators to better understand the terrain and walk difficulty. The walk at a glance… Accessed via Hobart, Tasmania Duration is 4 days/3 nights Distance up to 37km (23 miles) Walk is graded as moderate Bush trails, beaches and sand walking Walk operates from October to April Group size is 10 maximum Sleep 3 nights lodge based (Friendly Beaches Lodge) Operated by Freycinet Experience Walk Pty Ltd 10. Freycinet Experience Walk 11. This is a four-day exploration of the Freycinet National Park on Tasmania’s east coast. Returning each night to Friendly Beaches Lodge, renowned for its award-winning environmental architecture, guests quickly relax into their home for this walk. Set against the dramatic backdrop of pink granite mountains, you will be led by engaging guides to rarely explored corners of the Freycinet National Park including the breathtaking Schouten Island. Here you will discover diverse marine life and wildlife, secluded turquoise bays and rich coastal forests. Travelling in the footsteps of the Oyster Bay Tribe, the walk traverses the same ancient bush tracks trodden some greatwalksofaustralia.com.au greatwalksofaustralia.com.au 30,000 years ago. On day two there is a choice between a challenging walk over Mt Graham or a leisurely coastal route before re-grouping at the end of the day at the spectacular Wineglass Bay. Travelling light you will only need to carry a small backpack for your lunch, water, jacket and a camera. The ambience at Friendly Beaches Lodge is informal but sophisticated. The relaxing atmosphere is accompanied by delicious meals using the best Tasmanian produce – freshly caught fl athead, local oysters and wines of the region. The lodge is exclusive to your group and you will enjoy private rooms with comfortable beds, an extensive library and friendly personal service. No single supplement applies. We recommend a fi nal swim at Friendly Beach, it is exhilarating! Freycinet Experience Walk Optional walks DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 Elevations are indicative only.