Each group of ten walkers is hosted by two staff at the lodge and two guides on the walks.

Their warm personalities, knowledge of the natural environment and ability to ensure guests feel at ease are fundamental to making this experience one to remember.

Our team of caring, intelligent and enthusiastic individuals includes environmental scientists, doctors to be, artists and outdoor adventurers. This makes for a unique and professional walking adventure that would be difficult to find elsewhere. They are supported by our wonderful team of local drivers and office personal, who are involved with every aspect of the walk and ensure all runs smoothly.

Joan Masterman - Founder

The Freycinet Experience Walk is a passion project of Joan’s. A great lover of a Friendly Beaches ocean swim and long-time Tasmanian eco-tourism pioneer, Joan has always been a strong proponent for, and protector of, Tasmania’s vulnerable wild places. From its inception twenty-eight years ago, and to this day, Joan’s aim for the Freycinet Experience has remained “to share Friendly Beaches‘ beauty with others, and help to ensure it remains as is for generations to come”. Outside of her love for the Freycinet Peninsula and protecting coastal habitats, Joan is passionate about the arts. This is reflected in the diverse collection of artworks from prominent Tasmanian artists on display at the Friendly Beaches Lodge; the result of over twenty years collecting!

We hope that you feel as welcomed by Joan’s vision and hospitality as we do!

“the beauty of the white sand, and the fact that when you wander down there, there’s never another person in sight”

Joan on Friendly Beaches.

Belinda and Anthony - Managers & Hosts

“We both love the fact that we get to meet new people and welcome them to this amazing space. Freycinet is such a unique part of the world. We’re both so excited to be part of this very special experience.”

Anthony on the Eco Lodge.

Q&A with Billie - Our Head Guide

What's your connection to the region?

As a walker, swimmer and surfer the east coast is somewhere I love to spend my time. I take every opportunity to be here, often bringing friends and family to explore too.

What do you think makes the region so special?

Freycinet peninsula has rich indigenous cultural history, including First Nations cultural living sites. The area also has a complex post-colonial history of exploration, whaling, sealing, farming and even mining. As a national park, Frecinet peninsula offers visitors a deep experience of time and place.

I also can’t talk about what is special about the area without mentioning the iconic Wineglass Bay. It is spectacular. But it is not the only beautiful beach to discover. There are other coves of turquoise waters and white sands and there are beautiful towering granite mountains from many different vistas.

What are some of your favourite parts of the walk?

I have many good memories of resting up and enjoying a glass of wine with guests over dinner, as we toast completing a challenging day of walking. Together we might also share laughter walking up ‘a thousand stairs’ and sigh watching the sun set from a deserted beach. Lunch could be a picnic on “My Beach” while dolphins play in the water and the waves crash against the granite boulders. These experiences help all of us to disconnect from regular life and reconnect with nature and our own wellbeing.

What can guests expect?

Depending on conditions, guests can choose to hike Mt Graham, exploring the rocky outcrops and wonderful views OR they could spend the day beach hopping, exploring all the shells and shore birds along the coast.

The extra dimension of having a guide with you means you can find out why a tree looks a certain way or how animals are adapting to the changing seasons or even just whose scat that is! These conversations can open new ways of seeing a place.

The lodge also makes a perfect spot for quiet reading. We have an enviable collection of publications about the region. Or guests can simply gaze into the bushland, appreciating the beautiful habitat. With our trips it is possible to indulge a sense of adventure, deepening a connection to nature, without sacrificing life’s gentle comforts.