Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Freycinet Aqua Express One-Way Coles Bay to Cooks Beach

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A one-way boat between Coles Bay and Cooks Beach, the remote camp near the southern end of the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit, in the direction you choose. Ride out to start the walk without the long hike in, or finish the circuit at Cooks Beach and ride home up Great Oyster Bay.

Days

About 45 minutes, one way

Age

No age limit

Group size

Shared water taxi

Start / finish

Coles Bay to Cooks Beach, or Cooks Beach to Coles Bay (one way)

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Catamaran water taxi, beach landing

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Freycinet Aqua Express One-Way Coles Bay to Cooks Beach

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Included experiences

Great Oyster Bay — boat ride south past the Hazards
Cooks Beach — land on the sand at the southern end of the peninsula
Freycinet Peninsula Circuit — start or finish the walk from Cooks Beach
Camping — free first-come sites with composting toilets

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Freycinet Aqua Express One-Way Coles Bay to Cooks Beach

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Itinerary

Map

CHOOSE YOUR DIRECTION

This is a one-way boat between Coles Bay and Cooks Beach, sold in either direction, for walkers on the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit, a walk of about 30 km that usually takes two or three days. Ride out and walk home, or walk the peninsula and ride back from its far end. There's a morning and an afternoon boat each way, and walkers staying at Freycinet Lodge can be collected there. The boat is Southern Edge, a 12 metre catamaran with an enclosed cabin and a bow ramp that folds down onto the sand.

THE RIDE: DOWN GREAT OYSTER BAY

The run takes about 45 minutes along the western shore of the peninsula. First come The Hazards, pink granite peaks about 400 million years old, then the long white sweep of Hazards Beach, and finally the rising bulk of Mount Freycinet, at 620 metres the highest point on the peninsula. Out on Great Oyster Bay, keep watching for fur seals, dolphins and seabirds. If the sea is too rough to land at Cooks Beach, the boat uses Hazards Beach instead.

COOKS BEACH

Cooks Beach is one of the quietest corners of Freycinet National Park, a long curve of sand facing across to Schouten Island, named by Abel Tasman in 1642. There are a few free walkers' campsites that can't be booked, composting toilets, and a water tank at Cooks Hut that can run dry. You need to be fully self-sufficient, with a fuel stove, as campfires aren't allowed anywhere on the peninsula. Coming the other way, this is where your circuit ends: be on the sand for the boat home to Coles Bay.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Coles Bay boat ramp, Garnet Avenue, Coles Bay, or Freycinet Lodge. Be there 15 minutes before departure.
Departure time: A morning and an afternoon service; your time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: About 45 minutes on the boat.
Minimum age: No age or height limits.
Accommodation note: Campsites at Cooks Beach are free, first come and first served, and cannot be reserved. A spot is not guaranteed.
Please note: If conditions stop the boat reaching Cooks Beach, you will be dropped at Hazards Beach instead. Landings are on the sand from a bow ramp and your feet may get wet. One bag or backpack each. The boat is a water taxi only; your walk and safety in the park are up to you. Services run whether or not the boat is full, and a weather cancellation is refunded in full.

What to bring

Everything you need to camp self-sufficiently, including a fuel stove
Enough water to cover an empty tank at Cooks Hut
Walking boots and clothes for changeable weather
Sunscreen and a hat
One bag or backpack per person only

What is included

One-way boat transfer between Coles Bay and Cooks Beach, in the direction you choose
Pick-up from Freycinet Lodge if you are staying there

Not included

Freycinet National Park pass (every visitor needs one; buy it before you go)
The boat for the other leg (a separate ticket)
Camping gear and food

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.