Testimonials

Words and photos aren’t enough to describe how insanely beautiful and momentous this experience was. I climbed mountains, saw astounding sunsets, learnt history about the history of the land and tasted some incredible food and wine. The architecturally designed accommodation offered everything we needed for four days and fits seamlessly into the surrounding landscape and coastal woodland. The walks were the perfect balance of a physical challenge to be conquered and awe- inspiring views. Our guides, Holly, Danny and Dan were considerate, supportive, so easy to connect with and always willing to go the extra mile to enhance our experience. Dan and Gemma prepared us some incredible meals (and good wine) made with local produce to enjoy out on the trail and back at the lodge after a long day exploring. We were never hungry. Our skipper, Noah (yes, his actual name) and our bus driver, Lauren also shared their knowledge and passion for Freycinet. I can’t give enough praise to the incredible crew who took such good care of our group. You feel their love for their work and their experience and understanding of what makes Freycinet magical. Intimate, reflective, moving and detoxing, choose Freycinet Experience Walk and you’ll have four days you’ll remember for the rest of your life - hot tip: turn off the phone, be sparing with the camera, just take in the moment and breathe the fresh air.

• Emma, QLD, Aust, April 2019 (travelled solo)

“Best trekking trip I’ve had - simply amazing!”

You won’t be disappointed at all! The best of everything one could dream of in a trekking trip and I had it all with Freycinet Experience Walk! I was completely pampered from the minute the road trip began. Best experience with best guide Jo and the lodge host Sam and Jemma! We were spoiled by Sam not only his great cooking skills but also his truly unbelievable music talents! Thanks so much Jo, Sam and Jemma for making my trip so amazing!

• Yvonne. C, Vietnam, Solo Traveller, Jan 2020

“Absolutely brilliant”

This is the most amazing getaway experience - beautiful and stunning scenery, moderate exercise, fantastic local produce and wine, comfortable and cosy accommodation, friendly and knowledgeable guides and staff. We were looked after from the moment that we were collected until our drop off at the airport. The guides and staff go above and beyond to ensure that guests needs are met and that the guests understand and appreciate the history of the lodge, its surrounds and the land. The genuine friendliness and enthusiasm of the staff are contagious. A HUGE thank you to Andy, Hugh, Noah, Zoe, Dan - you made the experience for us!

• Louise and Dinesh, NSW, Aust, April 2019 (travelled as couple)

…Than the sanctuary that is The Friendly Beaches Lodge. To curl up together with a glass of delicious Tasmanian Pinot in front of the open fire or in the cosy library or snuggled under the warmest of doonas is the perfect tonic after a day exploring. When the beauty of the splendid Friendly Beaches beckons (which is all of 100m away), there’s always 7km of pristine white sand to wander- often with no other souls in sight- human anyway. You may see a bounty of bird life on the nearby lagoon and spot playful dolphins catching waves- and there’s always the possibility of a resident marsupial to lure the family into a bush ramble. The lodge feels like home- earthy, warm timbers that ooze charm and style.

Wide windows from which to contemplate the remote and timeless wilderness, roofs of tin that remind you of the weather, shared spaces that invite togetherness , and the welcoming sleeping cabins where one can retreat for a lingering bath- or another chapter of that book from the well-stocked library that’s just too hard to put down! All on the doorstep of the spectacular Freycinet Peninsula with its array of hiking tracks, granite peaks and pristine beaches should you feel the desire to wander further...but then there’s always the fire, this time over a pot of tea and scrumptious cake that’s just out of the oven.

There’s no reason to go hungry here- your lodge hosts have access to the bounty of Tasmanian produce and a well-equipped kitchen to lovingly cook up a feast for everyone. The rustic candlelit table invites long lingering over shared platters, more great wine and elegantly relaxed ambience. A sojourn at this place with your family and friends will refresh you - and you will leave wanting to return.

• Gill Wright + Family, VIC, Aust.

“I didn’t even miss the wifi!”

This was a perfect 4 days. Great hiking, great food, great wine, a wonderful eco-lodge, with limited numbers and awesome support. Plus some surprises that I won’t spoil by putting them here. I have done some much more ambitious treks (Kilimanjara, Nepal etc) but I can’t imagine a better hiking experience that will suit all comers, and enable friends of all ability to have a wonderful shared experience. Kudos to all involved (especially Luke and Sam the hosts, and Jess, Danny and Emily the guides).

• Steve. R, NSW, Aust, Feb 2020.

“Spectacular scenery, amazing lodge”

We are a family of five who stayed in early December. Everything was just perfect. Admittedly blessed with great weather. The walks are challenging, but there are easier options if you choose. Great guides who clearly value the world we live in and love sharing its delights. The food was excellent. Satisfied the varied tastes of our family. I even came away with some recipes, which I very rarely do. Would strongly recommend to anyone looking to experience the wonderful wilderness with a decent dose of luxury to soothe the bones”

• Sean. N, NSW, Aust January 2019 (travelled as a family)

“Brilliant”

We have done many lodge and group based holidays all over the world but this was one of the best if not the best. Our cabin was great with a large bedroom and lounge with comfy sofas overlooking the bush not that we ever spent much time sitting on them; it is an energetic schedule.

Our hosts Toby and Noona are a charming and attractive couple; who also prepared some seriously good meals for us, by which I mean of a standard I would expect in a high end restaurant but without any pretentiousness. Our guides, Luke and Ella, complemented each other splendidly.They also work very hard indeed to make it all work.

Perhaps what surprised me most was how much our fellow guests and “the team “ felt like friends after our days together; it was a very sociable experience. I had high expectations of the trip, if only because some not insignificant expenditure is required. My expectations were exceeded and in monetary terms I feel it was very fair value.

• Nicholas, G, Bath, UK, Feb 2020 (travelled as couple)

“Wonderful escape back to nature”

Great hiking in a spectacular environment, many thanks to our wonderful guides Danny and Marla. Delicious local food and wine, luxury accommodation and service, thanks Zoe and Daniel for looking after us so well.

• Jill, R, Vic, Aust - March 2018 (travelled as a group).

“A gorgeous, memorable trip of a lifetime!”

The Freycinet Walk Experience was the best hiking trip we’ve ever experienced! We’ve done guided hikes all over the world but Jessie, our guide, Toby & Noona, our lodge managers/chefs and Matt, our boat captain, made this trip absolutely outstanding! The white beaches, aquamarine water, gorgeous cliffs and beautiful tracks are just the start. The lodge is timeless in its simple design and very beautiful. The information Jessie shared about the area’s history, animals, plants and topography was top notch. The food was incredible too!! Thanks for a wonderful time. We can’t recommend this experience more highly!

Judy C, Toronto, Canada (travelled as a couple, Feb 2020).

“Freycinet Experience Walk - AMAZING!”

This was the most lovely and exhilarating way to be introduced to a multi-day nature walk experience. Everything was so well planned, prepared and done with care and passion by the team of enthusiastic and able young staff. The walks were awe-inspiring, the lodge was eco-beautiful and blessedly "off-grid"; allowing time to watch the birds, read in the amazing library and kick-back and relax with a cup of tea or a nice Tassie wine. The food was exceptional and shared with care and flair. The guides were knowledgeable, energetic and thoughtful. Worth every dollar.

• Shan. S, ACT, Aust, Nov 2019 (travelled as couple)

“Truly magical”

It was an absolute gem of an experience, and we would do it again in a heartbeat.

• Christopher & Caitlin, Oregon, USA, Jan 2019 (travelled as a family)

“The best trip I have done in Australia, maybe anywhere”

The Friendly Beaches Lodge and associated Walks are a true gem, and should be on everyone's bucket list, whether you live in Australia or overseas. Like most of us, I thought the best experiences were overseas, and I have been lucky enough to track down a few. Hiking the Drakensburg Mountains, trecking Machu Pichu, cruising the Yangtze, the all inclusive ridiculousness of a Mexican beach resort. But none compare with the holistic, nurturing and adventurous experience of Friendly Beaches.

The environment is truly magnificent. There is a reason Freycinet is a legendary place, with Wine Glass Bay, pristine and bracing sea to swim and fish in, and vistas and beaches unchanged for millenia, and often just for you alone. The walks are adventures, taken at your pace with plenty of support and enthusiastic guidance through untouched wilderness.

The lodge steps so lightly on the landscape, and its form and function are faultless. I marvelled at the detail of the woodwork, and it's not surprising to hear it has won architectural awards. The vistas from every room say "Relax, the world has stopped turning for just this moment". The log fires perfectly warm the spaces, while walls can be pushed to one side if it's too hot. Every detail is so well thought out, from the lights guiding you on the walkways to the bed linen. Your residence is a cocoon from the rest of your world.

The dining lodge is the centre of sophisticated pampering. A library full of thought provoking and relevant literature sits beside the cosy lounge with its open fire. The perfect place to enjoy a Tassie pinot or small batch gin and tonic while the team cooks up a storm. Unpretentious, well thought out, delicious food graced the table every night and perfectly sated our well earned appetites. Followed by conversation, card or board games. My fussy wifi addicted kids forgot all about that in this special place, and actively engaged in discussion about the that day's and the next day's adventure.

The "Lodgies" and guides were truly wonderful people to meet, and provided exceptional support and service. Their love for this place, and the wild in general, is contagious and truly inspiring. After taking a run on the completely unspoiled and deserted beach we came back to find Dan and Gemma doing their morning yoga before preparing a fabulous breakfast for all of us. Hannah was our walking guide par-excellence, bandaging up one daughter's knee after a trip on the path and happily cajoling us all through a challenging but rewarding walk. Hector made sure our fresh caught flathead were gutted and filleted and ready for a fabulous and unexpected tasty treat. Be sure to ask him about Captain Hazard and his shipwreck! And Dan tirelessly ensured all was well - Did we have a backpack? Was there enough firewood? Anyone for coffee?

There are sea eagles, wedge tailed eagles, countless other birds, seals, pademelons, wallabies, wombats, wildflowers, fossils and even phosphorescence in the sea. A truly wild getaway within hours of the sophistication that Hobart is so cleverly husbanding.

My wife, two girls and I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this very special place. As the other reviews attest, it is hard to find the superlatives to do it justice. I will be voting with my feet, and hope to come back to put them in the squeeky clean sands of Friendly Beach many times more.

• Gwelodude, VIC, Aust, Nov 2018 (travelled as a family)