Last week I went on the 4-day Wineglass Bay Sail Walk with the Tasmanian Walking Company. Having spent most of my life in Tasmania, I was beginning to think I had seen it all. But trust me when I say the Wineglass Bay sailwalk experience made me realize how much I was missing out on. So, if you’re looking to embark on the adventure on your own, here’s our full review of the Wineglass Bay Sail Walk to help you make your decision.
Wineglass Bay Sail Walk
The only sail walking adventure of its kind in Tasmania, the four-day Wineglass Bay Sail Walk offers visitors to Tasmania the opportunity to see the absolute highlights of Tasmania’s east coast. From guided walks through Maria Island’s wildlife habitat to ending your trip with a satisfying postcard-worthy view of Wineglass Bay, here’s what you can expect from this experience.
Trip summary:
- 3 nights 4 days guided walking adventure
- All-inclusive adventure (accommodation, meals, Tasmanian beer/wine, guided walks with an experienced nature lover)
- Private room on a 75 foot yacht
- 100% carbon neutral
- 34 years experience in Tasmania’s guided walking industry.
What to expect on board a yacht
This is the only trip of its kind in Tasmania, so we were most excited to embark on this journey aboard the Tasmanian Walking Company yacht, sailing between the difficult-to-access islands of Tasmania’s east coast. On the morning of your departure, meet your guide and walking companions in Hobart, then drive just under an hour to Tasmania’s east coast. From there, board the Lady Eugenie yacht and take some time to settle in as you sail east toward Maria Island.
The yacht has 2 double rooms and 2 single rooms (each with 2 bunk beds). Each room is equipped with ample storage space, including drawers, cupboards, and several nooks and crannies to store your belongings. There are also two charging outlets in the room, making it convenient to keep all your camera equipment and technology charged during your trip. Each cabin also has a private bathroom, with a small space where you can take a (albeit brief) shower and freshen up in the morning.
The boat accommodates eight guests and staff, with enough cabins to accommodate everyone and two dining spaces (one covered downstairs and one on deck).
Day 1: Maria Island
On the first day, we set out to explore Maria Island. This is definitely one of the most popular day trips for Hobart-based travelers to Tasmania. Public ferries run to the island daily, but many of the other sites on the walk are only accessible if you have the luxury of a private boat.
Maria Island offers several hikes. I highly recommend embarking on the Bishop and Clark Track. There are great views of the island and far away. The painted cliffs are another highlight of Maria Island and are best seen in the late afternoon and early evening when the sun sets in the distance.
Day 2: Schoten Island
On the second day, after a hot breakfast, we set sail and headed to Schouten Island. The island is often overlooked by visitors to Tasmania, as it requires a private boat to reach it. Once there, you can enjoy some hiking (and the option to relax with a book on a private beach!)
The hike to Bear Hill is well worth it and offers great views of the island and surrounding area. Even better, the round trip is only about an hour, so you can enjoy a short hike, then relax on the beach or, weather permitting, enjoy dinner on a private beach.
Day 3: Hazard
This is when we realized how much Tasmanian weather can surprise you on a spring adventure. Unfortunately, we had bad weather on the third day and the itinerary had to be changed slightly. But if you’re planning a sailwalking adventure in Tasmania’s summer, you won’t have to avoid bad weather.
So the itinerary changed a bit at the last minute, but weather permitting, you’ll be able to spend your third day exploring the Hazard Mountains and eventually heading to Wineglass Bay for the final day of your adventure.
Day 4: Wineglass Bay
The highlight of the trip, and indeed the end of the trip, is one of Tasmania’s most popular destinations. wine glass bay. This destination on Tasmania’s east coast is often at the top of travelers’ bucket lists, so trust us when we say your trip will be a highlight.
A short hike to Wineglass Bay Lookout is a great way to end your trip. Save your energy for the last day. After this celebratory highlight, we returned to the yacht to enjoy champagne and oysters and toast to four wonderful days exploring Tasmania’s east coast.
Book this trip
Departure dates vary. Please make your reservation online. Tasmanian Walking Company.
Price: From $3,095 per person (twin share)