Additional Departure Dates for the Murray River Walk
As Murray River Walk guests spread the news about their fantastic experience, the popularity of this relatively new walk is ever increasing. In light of this we’re excited to announce that more departure dates have been set for 2019.
For the 2019 season, the Murray River Walk in South Australia will introduce twice weekly departures. These departure dates, from May-September 2019, are now available to book.
The Murray River Walk covers 40km of easy walking over three days in an intimate journey, enabling a deeper connection and understanding of the Murray River.
Like all Great Walks of Australia, The Murray River Walk guides are at the heart of the walking experience and their passion for the river is infectious. Guests often comment on how much knowledge is able to be acquired in such an effortless and enjoyable manner.
The nature of these small walking groups also enables the guides to provide comprehensive and tailored information and for guests to have time to build friendships with like-minded people, over the leisurely pace of the walk.
With the addition of sophisticated catering, luxurious accommodation in a house boat and not to forget, some very fine South Australian wine, the growing popularity of this unique Great Walk of Australia is testament enough in itself.
Take the time to find out more – view full itinerary details or make an enquiry into 2019 departure dates here.
Congratulations to our Great Walks of Australia members who had success at their respective state events last year and progressed through to the National finals of the Qantas Australia Tourism Awards (QATA17).
Held in Perth last Friday night, our winners are still on a high from being crowned in the following categories at this prestigious awards event:
GOLD for Tasmanian Walking Company (TWC) in the Ecotourism category, also progressing to the Hall of Fame after winning this award three years running. TWC are the operators of Cradle Mountain Huts Walk, Bay of Fires Lodge Walk and the new Three Capes Lodge Walk.
GOLD for The Maria Island Walk in the Tour & Transport Operator category. This is the 4th time the walk has won an award at National level in their 15 years of operation, previously winning Best Adventure Tourism operator in 2008, 2011 and 2012.
SILVER for Murray River Walk in the Ecotourism category after their first full season of operation. Congratulations on this fine achievement! #QATA17
Our full list of walk operators who went through to the finals is:
Ecotourism
Larapinta Trail by World Expeditions/Australian Walking Holidays – NT
Murray River Walk – SA
Tasmanian Walking Company – TAS
Tour and Transport Operators
The Maria Island Walk – TAS
Walk into Luxury – Cape to Cape Track and Bibbulmun Track – WA
Congratulations to all our walks – we are certainly very proud of their achievements!
Next year’s event will be held at First Basin (Cataract Gorge), Launceston, Tasmania. #QATA18 (Qantas Australian Tourism Awards)
Media Release: 16 January 2018: As the only official guided walk operator appointed to the Three Capes Track, the Tasmanian Walking Company has been formally accepted into the Great Walks of Australia Signature Collection with their new Three Capes Lodge Walk. Over the past thirty years, this company has continued to set and deliver the highest standards for guided walking holidays in Australia. They have two other Great Walks of Australia Signature Collection walks, Cradle Mountains Huts Walk and Bay of Fires Lodge Walk.
The new, fully-guided walk experience along Tasmania’s dramatic Tasman Peninsula includes exclusive use of new luxurious and sustainable eco lodges, the only private accommodation allowed within the Tasman National Park.
Chair of Great Walks of Australia, Geoff Dixon said, “The standards set by Tasmanian Walking Company are of the highest calibre. We look forward to welcoming this new product into our premium collection of walks, supported by Tourism Australia through their Signature Experiences of Australia program.”
The 46km walk takes guests to the edge of the world on this southern tip of Tasmania. From Port Arthur (with transfers from Hobart), this four-day walk starts with a boat transfer, incredible views of dolerite spires, marine and birdlife in an environment with 37,000 years of history.
Each evening, walkers settle into architecturally-designed lodges and enjoy comfort in the wilderness. These purpose-built advanced off-grid lodges are discreetly positioned off the trail, with their design responding to contours of the land. Hot showers, generous lounge areas and plush pillows on comfortable beds await hikers at the end of each day. Along with a showcase of Tasmania’s finest regional food and wine, guests may also choose to take in a bathing or massage treatment.
GM of Tasmanian Walking Company, Heath Garratt said, “It’s great to have our newest walk recognised within the Great Walks of Australia collective. Our advance bookings for this walk are both strong and well above expectations. We look forward to walking with people from all over the world, showcasing this magnificent destination on a world class walking track.”
Note: This walk will commence on 1 September 2018. Forward bookings are being taken directly by Tasmanian Walking Company, the only guided walking company authorised by the Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife Service to offer the Three Capes Track and stay within the national park overnight. The Three Capes Track and public huts originally opened in December 2015 for self-guided walkers.
For further information comment and images contact:
Gina Woodward, Great Walks of Australia
+61 458 434450
gina.woodward@greatwalksofaustralia.com.au
www.greatwalksofaustralia.com.au
Kirsten Aitken, Tasmanian Walking Company
+61 434602109
kirstyaitken@me.com
www.taswalkingco.com.au/three-capes-lodge-walk/
Three Capes Lodge Walk by Tasmanian Walking Company
Accessed from: Hobart, Tasmania
Operating season: September – May
Commencing September 2018. Forward bookings currently being taken for walk opening.
Distance: 46km (28 miles)
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Grade: moderate
Group size: 14 guests maximum
Price: from $2790pp all-inclusive twin share
Optional extras: bathing/massage treatments
Walk Itinerary
Day 1 – Hobart to Crescent Lodge (6km)
Depart Hobart and arrive at Port Arthur township. Private boat ride to Denman’s Cove where walkers enjoy lunch before a gentle walk through coastal woodland to the rocky refuge of Surveyors Cove. If the Southern Ocean allows, guests can take a swim before walking up to Crescent Lodge. With far stretching views across Crescent Bay to Cape Raoul, the lodge provides hot showers while guides-come-chefs prepare a three-course meal of local Tasmanian produce and sunset drinks on the deck.
Day 2 – Crescent Lodge to Munro Lodge (11km)
The walking group heads due south to enjoy views across Safety Cove and Maingon Bay to Bruny Island. Climbing Arthurs Peak, 300m above sea level, is truly worth the rewarding ocean vista. Lunch follows an easy downhill descent to south-facing cliffs where pelagic seabirds are aplenty – albatross, petrels and gannets. Walkers skirt the edge of Tornado Ridge before heading south toward Munro Lodge, home for the next two nights.
Day 3 walk – Munro Lodge Return (15km)
This is the most adventurous day (and is optional). Walkers head through silver gum forest, a species endemic to the area, out to the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere at Cape Pillar. A side trip to The Blade is a must, with staggering views across to Tasman Island. Lunch is served at Chasm Lookout with the Island’s weathered lighthouse in sight. Then a direct return home to Munro.
Day 4 walk – Munro Lodge to Fortescue Bay (13km with optional Cape Huay side trip +4km)
Walkers say farewell to their home and head to cross Retakunna Creek (local indigenous dialect for creaking trees) enroute to the rainforest. Next mission is the peninsula’s highest peak, Mount Fortescue, climbing 490m above sea level. Guests enjoy lunch with leafy-framed ocean views overlooking The Monument before taking the side trip to enjoy the majesty of Cape Hauy or wait for the final cliff-walk descent onto the cool white sands of Fortescue Bay when a celebratory swim or a sooth of hiking weary feet in the cool Southern Ocean waters awaits. After canapes & sparkling wine, guests return to Hobart.
Great Walks of Australia
Great Walks of Australia is a collective of 13 privately owned walks that highlight the very best of Australia’s premium, guided, multiday walk experiences – with coastal, inland and outback trails, high end accommodation, outstanding regional food and wine, and expert guides. Since its inception in 2012, Great Walks of Australia continues to grow with new member walks to the group, increased brand awareness, and partnerships through activity in the domestic and international markets that are key to the premium tourism sector of walking in Australia.
Signature Collection Walks (11 members):
Northern Territory: Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort by Australian Walking Holidays
Queensland: Scenic Rim Trail by Spicers Retreats
South Australia: The Arkaba Walk by Wild Bush Luxury; Murray River Walk by Luxury River Trails
Tasmania: Freycinet Experience Walk; The Maria Island Walk; and Tasmanian Walking Company’s three walks: Cradle Mountain Huts Walk, Bay of Fires Lodge Walk and Three Capes Lodge Walk
Victoria: Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk by Australian Walking Company
Western Australia: Margaret River Cape to Cape Walk by Walk into Luxury
Member Walks (new member tier introduced in 2017, differ from above Signature Collection by one selection criteria only, be it non-exclusive accommodation or shorter walk duration):
NSW: Seven Peaks Walk by Pinetrees, Lord Howe Island; Blue Mountains Grand Traverse by Auswalk
Three Capes Lodge, the newest addition to the Great Walks of Australia Signature Collection is the new and fully-guided experience along Tasmania’s dramatic Tasman Peninsula that includes exclusive use of new luxurious and sustainable eco lodges, the only private accommodation allowed within the Tasman National Park.
The Three Capes Lodge Walk is a 4 day, 3 night walk that over 46km takes guests to the edge of the world on this southern tip of Tasmania. From Port Arthur (with transfers from Hobart), this walk starts with a boat transfer, incredible views of dolerite spires, marine and birdlife in an environment with 37,000 years of history. Forward bookings are now open for the first departure on 1 September 2018, so book today!
Each evening, walkers settle into architecturally-designed lodges and enjoy comfort in the wilderness. These purpose-built advanced off-grid lodges are discreetly positioned off the trail, with their design responding to contours of the land. Hot showers, generous lounge areas and plush pillows on comfortable beds await hikers at the end of each day. Along with a showcase of Tasmania’s finest regional food and wine, guests may also choose to take in a bathing or massage treatment.
GM of Tasmanian Walking Company, Heath Garratt said, “It’s great to have our newest walk recognised within the Great Walks of Australia collective. Our advance bookings for this walk are both strong and well above expectations. We look forward to walking with people from all over the world, showcasing this magnificent destination on a world class walking track.”
View the Three Capes Lodge Walk itinerary, image gallery and booking details now
Looking for a hike around the Australia Day Long Weekend? Look no further than our summer walk experiences in Tasmania and Victoria. All the walks below are 4 day/3 night experiences and include transfers to the walk start (ie from Launceston, Hobart or Melbourne).
We have some last minute availability on our #greatwalksofaustralia as below:
Tasmania
Cradle Mountains Huts Walk, Tasmania – depart 26 Jan (3 nights). One place (female twin share only). BOOK NOW.
Bay of Fires Lodge Walk, Tasmania – depart 25 Jan (3 nights). One place (female twin share only). BOOK NOW.
Freycinet Experience Walk, Tasmania – depart 26 Jan (3 nights). Six places available, plus 30 Jan departure too. BOOK NOW.
Maria Island Walk, Tasmania – depart 24 Jan (3 nights). Three spots available (twin share x 2 beds plus one male twin share). BOOK NOW.
Victoria
Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, Victoria – depart 23 Jan (3 nights). Eight places available. Ends on Australia day, return to Melbourne. BOOK NOW.
To check out all our walks, whether dreaming or planning, this here is all you need: www.greatwalksofaustralia.com.au/walks
The festive season is the perfect time to take advantage of some fabulous offers from our Great Walks. So go on, treat yourself or someone you love with these great offers for Christmas and the current walking season…
15% Discount on the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk
Book a place on the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk in Victoria by December 25 and receive a 15% discount. To make the most of this offer please email res@twelveapostleslodgewalk.com.au or phone 1300 767 416. Be sure to quote ‘GWOA Christmas’ when you make a booking.
20% extra for you with the Tasmanian Walking Company (Bay of Fires Lodge Walk & Cradle Mountain Huts Walk)
Why not treat your loved one to the perfect Christmas Gift and give them a voucher which gives a bit more. No matter the value of the voucher we will give an additional 20%. Pay $400 and receive a $500 voucher, pay $800 and receive a $1000 voucher. The choice is yours. Buy online right here or email bookings@taswalkingco.com.au You must quote GWOA20 and vouchers may be purchased up until 25 December 2017.
Spend the weekend with us in Freycinet
Make a long weekend even better when you join us on the Freycinet Experience Walk in Tasmania. Receive $250 off all new bookings on Friday departures, now isn’t that the best walking weekend you can ask for?! Book before Christmas (bookings close 5pm December 24) – call 1800 506 003 or email walk@freycinet.com.au Valid for 2017/18 season only (excludes 30 March and Easter departures)
Free night in Hobart, ahead of your Maria Island Walk
Get one free night at The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel for walks departing between December and April (excluding 25 Dec 2017 through 2 January 2018). Email office@mariaislandwalk.com.au Valid for new direct bookings made before 31 January 2018.
Walk in style in Queensland, with 15% off
Discover the magic of Queensland’s mountains and rainforest on the Scenic Rim Trail. Book before 28 February 2018 to get 15% off this three night experience. Season recommences in March 2018. Call 13 77 42 or email reservations@spicersretreats.com – quote Great Walks newsletter.