Maria Island Walk Recognised Among the World’s Best by Time Out
The Maria Island Walk, part of the Great Walks of Australia collection, has been officially named by Time Out as one of the 20 best hikes in the world. This four-day guided walk off Tasmania’s east coast blends pristine wilderness, rich history, and intimate luxury — creating an unforgettable Australian walking holiday.
Where Nature and History Unite
Maria Island is a short boat ride from Tasmania’s east coast, yet feels a world away. Known as “Tasmania’s Noah’s Ark,” the island is a sanctuary for wildlife including wombats, wallabies, Cape Barren geese, and rare bird species. The surrounding waters are home to dolphins, seals, and migrating whales.
Along the trail, walkers traverse 25–43 kilometres through diverse landscapes:
- White sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters
- Fossil-rich cliffs dating back millions of years
- Lush eucalypt forests alive with birdsong
- Rolling grasslands dotted with native animals
The walk also explores the island’s cultural history — from its deep First Nations heritage to its UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict-era settlement at Darlington.
Guided Comfort in the Wilderness
Over four days, expert guides lead small groups through ever-changing terrain. By day, walkers enjoy spectacular scenery and wildlife encounters; by night, they retreat to award-winning wilderness camps with comfortable beds, hot showers, and candlelit gourmet dinners prepared from fresh Tasmanian produce. The final night is spent in a beautifully restored heritage home, steeped in history.
Why Time Out Chose the Maria Island Walk
In May 2025, Time Out placed the Maria Island Walk alongside some of the world’s most iconic hiking trails, such as Spain’s Camino de Santiago and France’s Tour du Mont Blanc. The editors praised its unique combination of accessibility, biodiversity, and storytelling, making it a truly world-class walking experience.
Plan Your Adventure
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or simply looking for an immersive nature-based holiday in Australia, the Maria Island Walk offers the perfect balance of physical challenge and personal connection. It’s more than a walk — it’s a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Ready to experience one of the world’s best hikes? Learn more and book your Maria Island Walk here.
Tasmania’s Bay of Fires Best Australian Beach 2025 title has been officially awarded, marking the first time a Tasmanian beach has taken out the top spot in Tourism Australia’s annual list.
Stretching across 10 kilometres of Tasmania’s northeast coast, the Bay of Fires Best Australian Beach 2025 is renowned for pristine turquoise waters, long white-sand beaches, and striking orange-lichen covered granite boulders. Backed by tranquil lagoons and lush coastal vegetation, it’s a destination that blends breathtaking natural beauty with rich cultural heritage.
This year’s recognition was announced by Australia’s beach ambassador, Brad Farmer AM, who visited and assessed over 12,000 beaches across the country using his world-first 130-point selection criteria. Farmer described the Bay of Fires as a “fusion of environmental gifts”, noting not just the scenery, but the abundance of local seafood, fresh produce, and the warm Tasmanian welcome.
“Australia is globally renowned among international travellers for our beaches, so to have Tasmania on the top of this list is a huge win,” said Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff. “It’s another reminder for visitors to explore our unique and diverse regions.”
A Cultural and Natural Treasure
The Bay of Fires holds deep cultural significance for the palawa people, the Traditional Custodians of this Country. Guests walking in the area can connect with this heritage through stories, landscapes, and the region’s enduring cultural history.
Why Walkers Love the Bay of Fires Best Australian Beach 2025
For Great Walks of Australia guests, the Bay of Fires offers a rare combination of:
- Spectacular landscapes – from crystal-clear seas to dramatic rock formations.
- Wildlife encounters – seabirds, wallabies, and dolphins often spotted along the shore.
- Exquisite local food and wine – celebrating Tasmania’s paddock-to-plate culture.
- Luxury in nature – with eco-luxe lodge stays and knowledgeable local guides.
Whether it’s a guided coastal hike, a sunrise beach walk, or a swim in the invigorating cool waters, the Bay of Fires delivers an unforgettable Australian walking experience.
Plan Your Bay of Fires Signature Walk
Visitors can experience the Bay of Fires Best Australian Beach 2025 on the Bay of Fires Signature Walk Walk — a five day guided journey combining breathtaking scenery, cultural insights, and luxury lodge stays. Discover why the Bay of Fires Best Australian Beach 2025 is now officially number one — and experience it on foot.
Yes, you read that correctly! We’ve got a super hot and exclusive Great Walks offer for you: book Seven Peaks Walk for any departure in Spring 2023 and you’ll score a bonus free night at Pinetrees Lodge, WITH free meals, to make the magic of Lord Howe Island and your Great Walk last a longer.
This offer is exclusive to Great Walks of Australia and for bookings made through Pinetrees Lodge.
Use the promo code GWOA0923 to secure an extra night on the house and free meals on your Seven Peaks Walk booking for this Spring.
The five day/six night Seven Peaks Walk has been a wildly hot ticket for hikers over the past few years for good reason; the island’s pristine natural beauty, diverse hiking terrain, gorgeous beaches, crystal clear waters, and unique flora and fauna make for a slice of paradise that’s enchanting, fascinating and a dream to explore on foot!
Plus, if you want to experience truly awesome and sustainable hospitality, Pinetrees Lodge – your hosts and accommodation on the Seven Peaks Walk – has just won TripAdvisor’s hotel of the year for the fourth time and is the first hotel in Australia to become certified as carbon neutral through the Climate Active program.
Book Seven Peaks Walk Now
T&Cs: Available on new bookings only for Seven Peaks Walk made through Pinetrees Lodge. For travel from September to December 2023, until availability is sold out. Not transferable.
Great news if you want to hike solo on the Classic Larapinta Trek In Comfort; Australian Walking Holiday’s popular special of a free upgrade to a private tent for solo walkers (no single supplement) has been extended throughout the 2024 walking season.
A limited number of spots per trip are available for those traveling solo to have a tent to yourself at no extra charge.
An outback odyssey, the six day Classic Larapinta Trek In Comfort is a bucket-list journey for many walkers around the world, and one that delivers personal achievement and reward in spades.
Big days adventuring through the West McDonnell Ranges gets you up close and connected with the outback, while nights are spent in the comfortsof award-winning safari style eco-camps.
Book the Classic Larapinta Trek In Comfort Walk now
If you’ve been thinking of walking the four day Scenic Rim Trail in Queensland with your mates, here’s a brilliant reason to do so now: book for four or more people staying twin share and you’ll save $250 per person with this hot deal.
This offer is for walks from June to November 2023, and bookings must be on the same departure (subject to availability).
The four day Scenic Rim Trail covers 60km through Main Range National Park and Spicers’ own private nature reserves, taking you from soaring mountain tops down into the lush ancient world heritage listed Gondwana rainforests – some truly epic scenery.
Located just 1.5 hours from Brisbane, it’s the area is much loved by walkers in the know as Queesland’s best kept secrets and places to hike.
The Scenic Rim Trail 2023 walking season has just kicked off, it’s such a sensational time to hike in Queensland, so make the most of this great cost saving and book today.
Book the Scenic Rim Trail Bring Some Friends offer
Bay Of Fires Signature Walk has joined with Barnbougle Golf Links once again to offer hikers their popular limited edition hike and golf walks in 2024, featuring two of northern Tasmania’s great outdoor experiences.
These special walks combine the full four day Bay of Fires Signature walk with two days golfing at nearby Barnbougle – one of Australia’s premier golf courses and one of the Great Golf Courses of Australia – including transfers and executive club hire.
Two exclusive departure dates are available, for up to 10 people per date.
January 13 – 18, 2024 | Price $3,595 per person
March 16 – 31, 2024 | Price: $3,595 per person
Book now or get more info on Bay Of Fires Signture Walk & Golf At Barnbougle
