Have you always wanted to stay in remote lighthouses? If so, then this is the trip for you. Be one of only 12 lucky people to join the Lighthouses Trek. You can expect adventure, romantic locations and precious out-of-the-way places that few people ever get to.
This fabulous walking holiday includes a section of spectacular coastline from southern NSW to the eastern most part of Victoria. There are coastal walks on sandy beaches and cliff top tracks through colourful heathland - including the "Light to Light" walk in Ben Boyd National Park and a section of the "Wilderness Coast Walk" in Croajingolong National Park. There are also river and lakeside walks in the Mallacoota area. Plus a couple of peaks to climb that overlook this scenic stretch of coast.
The walks are absolutely stunning - beautiful forests, serene lakes, airy lookouts, pristine sandy beaches and rugged coastline such as this section of the "Light to Light" walk. With two guides we’ll offer easier and harder walk options - stretch yourself on a 20km walk or relax on a short stroll and soak up the atmosphere.
Montague Island is a remote island off the coast near Narooma. We’ll travel out there by boat, stopping at a seal colony along the way. We’ll explore the island on foot, visit the restored lighthouse keeper’s cottages and have a tour of the lighthouse.
We’ll stay at 2 lighthouses in the historic keeper’s cottages - experience the solitude of these special settings, learn the unique history of the early keepers and enjoy the camaraderie of the group. It’s a very special feeling being able to stay in places like these!
Abundant wildlife - we guarantee you’ll see fur seals and numerous birds and, with a bit of luck, migrating whales.
Location This holiday starts and finishes in Canberra.
Travel Air-conditioned mini bus. Total travel distance 1400km.
Grading 50% easy, 35% moderate, 15% more strenuous. 6½-22km (2½-7½ hours) walking each day. You should be in reasonable shape - but there’s certainly no need to be an iron man! Full day walks will generally involve 4-6 hours on the track at a moderate pace. On some walks there will be 2 guides so we will offer a faster, longer walk and a slower, easier option. On other days there will be an opportunity to shorten the walk with a ride on the bus! Those who like really long walks won’t be disappointed - there are a couple of 20km walks to keep you happy - and of course shorter options for the not-so-inclined! Note that you’ll need to carry a day pack including picnic lunch. This trip offers a lot of variety. The "Light to Light" walk is moderately easy although the days are long if you choose to go the whole way. The Mallacoota walking is also easy with an optional ascent of Genoa Peak via ladders. The walk along the Wilderness Coast in Croajingolong National Park is very long but very easy - unless you are unlucky and strike soft sand and a head wind! An easier option will be offered naturally. The final day allows intrepid hikers to forge a route across vast sand dune country - no tracks here! This trip is ideally suited to those who like to do lots of kilometres without climbing much. It's also suited to those who are happy with short days and lots of time relaxing, taking in the wonderful ambience of the lighthouses we stay at.
Accommodation We’ll spend the first night in the seaside village of Narooma on the NSW South Coast. We’ve booked the best accommodation available - a smart 4 star motel with good ocean views and an excellent central location. One night will be spent at secluded Green Cape staying in the Lighthouse Keepers Cottages. The cottages are simple but the setting is magnificent! All rooms will be double or twin share - singles are not available on this night. There are two bathrooms to share between 7 people. One night will be spent at Wonboyn Lake Resort. Once again, simple but clean and comfortable cottage accommodation in a superb setting right on the lake shore. Two nights will be spent at award winning Gipsy Point Lodge overlooking the Genoa River. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms and the property features landscaped gardens and large living areas with panorama windows. The restaurant is featured in The Age Good Food Guide. The final two nights are at Point Hicks Lighthouse, perched on top of the cliffs overlooking the Southern Ocean. From this remote setting we have a good chance of spotting seals or even whales. There are 2 Lighthouse Keepers Cottages. Once again there will only be double or twin share rooms available and each cottage has one shared bathroom.
If you book as a single person you have a couple of choices. You can pay the per person rate and choose to twin share for all nights (subject to us being able to find another person of the same sex for you to share with) or you can pay the additional single supplement and have your own room on four nights – we will then match you up with another person of the same sex to twin share with for three nights at the lighthouses. This is necessary due to the limited number of rooms.
Food Expect quality home cooking at the lighthouses and Wonboyn Lake and gourmet restaurant meals at Gipsy Point. Note that restrictive diets cannot be catered for on this holiday due to the extremely limited catering facilities at the lighthouses.
Included Guiding, all transport ex Canberra, 7 nights accommodation, 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners, Montague Island boat trip, lighthouse tours as Montague Island, Green Cape and Point Hicks, National Park fees, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, maps. NOTE: This trip includes two guides so we are able to offer a range of easier and harder walks on most days.
Not included Alcohol, additional meals.
Departure dates 7 November 2008 16 November 2008 25 October 2009 Subject to minimum numbers. Due to the limited number of rooms available at the two lighthouses, we can only take a maximum of 12 people in the group.
Itinerary guide - 8 days (includes 7 nights accommodation) Day 1: Approximately 9am start in Canberra. Drive to the coast at Narooma. Afternoon boat trip to Montague Island. Overnight in Narooma. Day 2: Travel south to Eden. Walk the first section of the "Light to Light" walk in southern Ben Boyd. Dramatic coastal scenery unfolds as one lighthouse disappears from view and the next one looms ahead. Overnight at Green Cape Lighthouse (half the group) & Wonboyn Lake Resort (half the group). Day 3: Start the day with a tour of Green Cape Lighthouse. The complete the "Light to Light" walk in the afternoon. Switch accommodation groups - Green Cape Lighthouse (half the group) & Wonboyn Lake Resort (half the group). Day 4: Scenic drive to the seaside village of Mallacoota. A morning walk highlighting the different habitats in the Mallacoota region. The afternoon walk is an easy stroll along the shores of the inlet - water birds abound. We’ll stay for 2 nights at Gipsy Point Lodge - a bird lovers’ paradise set on the banks of the Genoa River. Day 5: A morning climb up Genoa Peak for a truly panoramic view. Ladders assist in the last section of this airy peak. Then lunch at delightful secluded Genoa Falls. We’ve left the afternoon free to relax and enjoy the special atmosphere of Gipsy Point Lodge. Keen birdos can join the guide on a bird watching walk. Day 6: Time to head south to Croajingolong National Park. Today’s walk is a major highlight as we cover more than 20 kilometres of the famous Wilderness Coast Walk, our goal being the Point Hicks Lighthouse. A shorter walk option will also be offered. We’ll spend 2 nights in the lighthouse keepers cottages at Point Hicks - a fabulous position to watch the sun set and rise again bright and early the next morning. Day 7: Today begins with a tour of the lighthouse followed by a day walk in the lighthouse area. We’ll stroll along a sandy beach, traverse the largest sand dunes in Australia and see a shipwreck site. An easier option will be offered too. Day 8: Drive back to Canberra, arriving at around 4pm.
