TASMANIA 81Maria IslandMaria Island WalkTasmania's newest four day "Gourmet Walk" reallywill captivate you from the Hobart start pointonwards. The island has a compelling mix oftranquility, varied scenery, abundant wildlife and oneof Australia's best preserved convict settlements.Aboriginal ochre pits, ancient fossil cliffs as well asthe flora and fauna are really brought to life by yourinformative local guides. This walk features theindulgence of meals prepared with fine Tasmanianproduce and accompanied by regional wines servedat your magnificent beachfront wilderness camp.Your final night is spent in a National Trust Listedhouse, a magnificent banquet is a fitting finale.What makes the walk unique is the fantastic varietyof geography, flora and fauna that you willexperience in just four days, a real roller-coaster ofdiverse sights and sounds. Cape Barren gooseBay of Fires WalkAt the edge of Mount William National Park, themagnificent wilderness coastline known as the Bay ofFires (page 78) invites you to experience itsdramatic landscape and wildlife. Led by well-informed Tasmanian guides, small groups canexplore both the fascinating beach environment andthe rich diversity of the nearby woodlands. The firstnight of this three day walk is spent in a permanentbush camp set in the sand dunes just back from thebeach, while the following two nights are in thelovely Bay of Fires Lodge. You will spend the free dayrelaxing and kayaking up Ansons River in MountWilliam National Park, a haven for wildlife and hometo the largest population of eastern grey kangaroosin the state, as well echinadas, brush-tail possums,wombats, Bennett's wallabies and Tasmanian Devils.Birdlife too is abundant, with over 100 speciesoccurring in the park, including many varieties of seaand shore birds. The area is one of great significanceto the Aboriginal community and huge middens ofdiscarded shells are a reminder of days when tribeswould migrate to the coast in winter to forage forshellfish, mutton birds and seals. Up to 10,000years ago these Aboriginal tribes would cross theland bridge that once connected Tasmania to themainland. Today, looking north to Bass Strait, theremnants of this land bridge - the Islands of theFurneaux Group - can be clearly seen from thecoastline of this magnificent national park.Bay of Fires LodgeThis is the only building in this near-unknownwilderness paradise and has views up and down thepristine white sand beaches. In the lodge'smagnificent living area, with a large timber deck andopen fire, you'll enjoy delicious meals prepared withthe freshest local produce and accompanied by fineTasmanian wines. Solar power provides the lightingand hot showers in a building whose very conceptwas based on 'eco-sustainability'.Cradle Mountain Huts WalkCradle Mountain National Park is home to one ofthe southern hemisphere's great wilderness walks.The 64 kilometre track has traditionally beenenjoyed by only the most serious of walkers whohave taken all provisions with them on a gruellinghike that extends from Cradle Valley to Lake St Clairthrough spectacular landscapes. The CradleMountain Huts six-day walk follows the famousOverland Track and now allows walkers to enjoy thetrek while staying in five, comfortable, well-appointed huts. After a hard day's walk withstunning views you will find yourself at a rustic diningtable, in convivial company, for a hearty mealprepared by your guides with fine Tasmanian wineand cheerful conversation. Your twin-share roomsare in the only private huts in the area. The eco-friendly design ensures that your hot showers,cooked meals and local wines do not impact theenvironment while local guides will enhance thejourney with their knowledge and understanding ofthe flora, fauna, geology and history of the OverlandTrack and tales about the World Heritage Area.Bay of Fires

WHICH AIRLINES DO WEWORK WITH?Audley arranges tailor-made holidays all over theworld and has forged strong relationships withthe most reputable airlines, securing some ofthe best prices on the market. Airlines deservinga particular mention are Qantas, British Airways,Air New Zealand, Emirates and SingaporeAirlines. All have excellent legroom andentertainment facilities as well as offering themost direct flights to Australia and some of themost exciting stopover destination options.Flying with these airlines may also allow youdiscounted or complimentary flights in the UK,Australia and stopover destinations.CLASS OF TRAVELThere has never been a better time to fly longhaul. Economy cabin seats are ergonomicallydesigned for comfort and have sophisticatedseat-back entertainment systems. Upgrade tobusiness class, however, and you enter anotherworld. Several airlines offer flat beds, such asthe Qantas Skybed, which allow you a goodnight's sleep, leaving you refreshed and alertupon arrival. Some airlines, such as BritishAirways, Air New Zealand and Virgin, have apremium economy service that is quieter andmore spacious, with greater legroom, thaneconomy. These airlines will even allow you toupgrade individual flights within your trip.Flights & Stopovers82When travelling to Australia, you maybe driven by a desire to fly in thegreatest possible comfort, to travel mosteconomically, to depart from a regionalairport or by wanting to have a specificstopover destination included enroute.These are all factors that we take intoconsideration when selecting the mostappropriate airline for your trip.Easter IslandQantas Skybed