Australia: Freycinet Experience Walk
“The sky was brilliant with the setting sun. Reluctantly we turned away from the beach, trusting our guide Nick as he led us into a thicket of trees. Twilight was turning into a slight chill of darkness as we followed a short path. Soon our narrow walkway opened up to the soft glow of candle light with the welcoming warmth of the staff at Friendly Beaches Lodge. As I stood in front of the fireplace, I immediately felt the comfort of home. I think I would like to stay awhile…” Jo Ann Taylor 2013
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In true Walking Connection tradition, this adventure is about you connecting with nature, an undisturbed environment and peace. Yet at the same time, you’ll get the satisfaction of a good day’s hiking carrying only your lunch, jacket and camera. Each evening you’ll return to secluded Friendly Beaches Lodge where there are steaming hot showers, deep baths and comfortable beds. Unwind with a glass of wine by the log fire, peruse the library, watch visiting wildlife and enjoy a glass of Tasmanian wine.
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Each night features a specially prepared delicious, healthy meal with just the right amount of indulgence. Candlelit evenings spent around the dinner table in the good company of your fellow walkers is a definite highlight and our friends at Friendly Beaches Lodge know just how to make your experience perfect. Come Walk With Us!
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The Freycinet Experience Walk with The Walking Connection.
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The Freycinet Experience is the original guided walk on Tasmania’s east coast. Walk through the pink granite Hazard Mountains, rich coastal forests, and the purest of white-sand beaches including the world-renowned Wineglass Bay.
Travel in the footsteps of the Oyster Bay Tribe, walking the same ancient bush tracks trodden some 30,000 years ago. Here, you’ll discover diverse marine and wildlife, nesting lagoons, wildflowers and other unique flora and fauna.
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Led by engaging and knowledgeable naturalist guides, we travel by boat into remote and rarely explored corners of the Freycinet National Park. Our days are full of options so you can choose between challenging mountain climbs or more leisurely coastal routes before regrouping at the end of the day. You’ll also travel light, needing only to carry your camera and a small day-pack for lunch.
DATES
November to April
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PRICES
From $2,100 pp dbl. occ.
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LENGTH
4 Days / 3 Nights
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ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate
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TYPE
Private
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ITINERARY
Download & Print (PDF)
The Walks and Hikes
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The Freycinet Experience Walk is a four-day submersion into one the most stunning coastal wilderness areas on Earth. The ethos of this walking company is simple; serve up the best that nature has to offer.
The day’s walks have been selected to bring guests to the most beautiful parts of the Freycinet Peninsula. Wineglass Bay is voted regularly by travel authorities as one of the world’s best beaches. The majority of the walks are off the beaten track, so you’ll rarely see another soul outside of your walking group.
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Friendly Beaches Lodge
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Returning each night to the barefoot luxury of the award-winning Friendly Beaches Lodge, enjoy the stunning architecture, friendly service and private rooms with comfortable beds.
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Situated on a 130-hectare private sanctuary, Friendly Beaches Lodge is surrounded by the Friendly Beaches National Park. The location and isolation of the lodge is sublime. Exclusively for the use of the walking group, the uncomplicated eco-friendly luxury of the lodge has remarkable powers of rejuvenation. A fine collection of artworks by prominent Tasmanian artists and a well-stocked library enhance your experience.
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Your friendly hosts will provide delicious meals using the best of Tasmanian produce; freshly caught flathead, local oysters, handmade chocolates, fresh fruit and premium Tasmanian wine and cheese.
Highlights:
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Friendly Beach National Park
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10 Guests Maximum
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Spectacular ocean views
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Expert naturalist guides
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Wineglass Bay & Quartzite Ridge.
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Local oysters, handmade chocolates
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Tasmanian wine
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Amazing Artwork & Library
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Stunning architecture
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130-hectare private sanctuary
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Your Walking Connection Experience Includes:
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Entry into The Walking Connection High Mileage Club.
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Introduction to the lodge staff and management by Gene and Jo Ann Taylor.
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Expertly planned custom itinerary exclusive to The Walking Connection including visits to little known destinations not typically frequented by tourist groups.
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All park fees, sanctuary fees, government taxes and statutory charges as listed on the itinerary.
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Friendly Beaches Lodge eco-luxury accommodations.
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Expert Driver/Guide transportation where needed.
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Local experienced interpretive and naturalist guide(s) on walks and hikes.
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Daily Meals as indicated in itinerary: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch and (D) Dinner.
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Coffee, tea and drinking water will be provided with meals.
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All transfers and transportation to and from airports.
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Arrival meet & greet assistance, departure assistance.
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Detailed “Know Before You Go” information including recommended website, reading lists, packing list, what to bring, weather and much, much more.
Itinerary
Coles Bay to Schouten Passage
Travel by boat from Hobart to Coles Bay and Schouten Passage. We’ll walk up Bear Hill for magnificent views and return to Coles Bay at the end of the day.
Details
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Coming Soon
Bryan’s Beach to Wineglass Bay or Cook’s Beach to Mount Graham
Take a peaceful walk from Bryan’s Beach through sclerophyll forests and along beaches. Or, take the more challenging walk to the top of Mt Graham, descending to Wineglass Bay via spectacular Quartzite Ridge.
Details
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Coming Soon
Bluestone Bay to Friendly Beaches
Explore the fascinating geology of White Water Wall and Little Bluestone Bay. Climb to the Bluestone Bay cliff tops and walk back over a track used by the ancient Oyster Bay Tribe.
Details
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Coming Soon
Mount Mary to Hobart
Walk along the fossil-rich ridgeline of Mt Mary and a descent to Saltwater Lagoon. Take an easy stroll along the beach to Isaac’s Point before taking our private mini-bus back to Hobart.
Details
Coming Soon
*Itinerary: Please note that the details of this itinerary are subject to change. Many of the planned activities are organized according to availability, events or seasonal dates, appropriate weather conditions, and the discretion of our guides. We make every effort to provide the experience described in the itinerary with the understanding that some things may change.
Customer Comments
“Everything exceeded my expectations, it was wonderful to have my own room and hot shower every night.”
~Michelle DeJong, March 2013
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“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, January 2012
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“In the top 10 things I’ve ever done. Staff were like family, totally polite, generous and intuitive.”
~Wendy Hancock, March, 2011
Details
All prices in AUD including GST
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30 October – 24 December, 2015
Prices begin at $2,150 AUD per person
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29 December, 2015 – 2 May, 2016
Prices begin at $2,350 AUD per person
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Single
There are NO single supplement charges for this adventure.
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Deposits: A deposit of $500 USD per person is required to reserve your space. No space will be held without a complete deposit. Deposits may be made by check or credit card. Our tour prices are subject to change due to currency fluctuation at the time of final payment.
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Payments: All payments must be made according to the schedule & are subject to the cancellation & penalty policy. Final payment is due on or before 90 days prior to the trip. We request that all final payments be made by check. Credit card payments for final amount due may be available but all credit card company surcharges will apply. They are usually 3% of the total due.
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Itinerary: Please note that the details of this itinerary are subject to change. Many of the planned activities are organized according to availability, events or seasonal dates, appropriate weather conditions, schedules of hosts, or the discretion of our guides. We make every effort to provide the experience described in the itinerary with the understanding that some things may change.
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Special Supplier Gifts and Items: As a local custom, vendors, suppliers, ground operators, restaurants and hotel properties may offer complimentary beverages that may or may not contain alcohol. Should you elect not to accept this gift, complimentary water may not be offered as a replacement and may only be offered for a fee. This is a local custom beyond the control of The Walking Connection.
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Travel Roommates and Single Supplements: If you have registered for double occupancy but don’t have a travel roommate, the Walking Connection will attempt to locate one for you. In the event that a roommate cannot be found, you may be charged for a Single Supplement for any portion of the trip where you will be rooming as a single other than bothfeet lodge.
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Travel roommates are assigned in the order in which we receive deposited and confirmed reservations. Final roommate assignments will be made and you will be notified of any Single Supplement charges due 30 days prior to the due date of your final payment.
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Air Arrangements: The Walking Connection is now associated with Goway Travel and they are a full service travel agency that can assist you with making your air travel arrangements. If you prefer to directly book your own air the Walking Connection will gladly provide you with the recommended arrival and departure time for this trip. Please let us know if you would like assistance and we will provide you with the contact information.
Trip Minimum: There is no minimum for this CONNECT trip. It is available for single individuals up to a group of 10 people. On the guided portions of the adventure you maybe joined with other guests at the lodge or if you prefer, private walks and hikes may be arranged. Please note that private hikes may cost extra. Please do not make your international or domestic air arrangements until trip is confirmed.
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Waiting List Policy: On occasion, Walking Connection tours sell out and a waiting list is formed. If this should happen, the following policy will apply. To be put on the waiting list, a fully refundable deposit is due with reservation. If space becomes available, you will be notified at that time and if you choose to go, the standard cancellation policy will then apply. If not, your money will be refunded in full.
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Cancellation, Penalty & Refund Policies: Should you have to cancel your tour the following terms will apply: Due to the exclusive and small group nature of this adventure, all cancellation requests will incur a $500 per person administrative fee (the amount of your initial deposit).
For cancellations from 91 -120 Days prior to the trip: deposit is forfeited.
For cancellations from 61 -90 days prior to the trip 40% penalty of the total trip cost.
For Cancellations and no shows 60 days before trip, no refunds.
No refunds will be made for any unused portion of the tour.
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All cancellations must be made in writing and delivered to The Walking Connection via e-mail and/or United States Post Office. Your cancellation date is the date your notice is received and confirmed by The Walking Connection, not the postmark date.
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Your Walking Connection Experience does NOT include:
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All international and domestic airfares with taxes not outlined in the Inclusions section.
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All items of a personal nature including beverages, guide gratuities, laundry and shopping.
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All passport and visa application fees, vaccination and medical consulting fees.
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All international departure taxes collected at airport of departure.
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Anything that is not expressly stated in the itinerary or on the inclusions page as included.
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Travel Insurance is not included, we recommend CSA Travel Pro.
*Please note that both Gene and Jo Ann are designated hosts and escorts for this trip if the minimum of 10 guests is met. Another host or escort may be substituted if either or both are unable to lead this adventure for any reason.
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