Welcome

I had the privilege of providing a keynote address at the Global Eco-Tourism Conference held in Alice Springs this month.  Of course I talked about Anthology, our fantastic Tassie walks, the beauty and the grandeur of Quamby and the spectacular landscape around Wilpena Pound, but I also focused on how travel trends have changed and the need for Australia to consistently delight and surprise travellers through innovation and authenticity. These are topics that I am passionate about, and principles we try very hard to instill into all we do at Anthology.

We recently added fantastic three and four day itineraries to our famous six day walk across the Overland Track.  While I’m sure most people will want to walk end to end and not miss the spine tingling excitement of emerging at Lake St Clair after a week in the wilderness, the shorter walks are designed for those “time poor” adventurers that aspire to do the Overland Track, but just don’t have a full week.  A good example of how we constantly endeavour to adjust to changing trends and patterns.

Other examples include our Limited Edition range of workshops and retreats (along with private use) of the Bay of Fires Lodge out of season.  From May to September, anyone can enjoy the Lodge and its’ surrounds without doing the walk.

So if you have any great ideas on how we can better respond to meet your needs, send me an email.  You never know where the best ideas come from!

Happy travels

Grant Hunt
CEO

New three, four and six day guided walks on the Overland Track

This season Cradle Mountain Huts will offer a choice of three, four and six day guided walks within Tasmania’s pristine wilderness in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

All guided walks follow the famous Overland Track commencing in the Cradle Valley and taking in the spectacular scenery of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake on the first day. The shorter three-day and four-day itineraries have been designed to depart the Track earlier for those of you that may not have the time to complete the entire six day walk which extends through to Lake St. Clair.

Let us carry your bags for you on the Bay of Fires Walk

In recent months we have received enquiries from customers asking if we would consider offering portered walks on our famous four-day Bay of Fires Walk in Tasmania.

In answer to these requests we are pleased to let you know that portered walks are now available on limited departures this season. For a supplementary cost of $500 per person, we will transport your backpack to the Forrester Beach Camp for the first night and then on to the Bay of Fires Lodge for the last two nights of your itinerary. All you will need to carry each day is a day pack for your lunch, water bottle, camera and other personal items you want with you.

Space is limited and available on request at the time of booking. All guests on a specified portered departure must have pre-paid the $500 supplement.

If this sounds like the perfect option for you, contact us now and ask about availability http://www.bayoffires.com.au/porteredwalks/

New walking base in Tasmania

The first walks of the season departed from our new walking base at Quamby Estate on Thursday, 1 October. The new base is now housed in Quamby’s original Georgian stables which have been fully restored. Cradle Mountain Huts and Bay of Fires Walks depart early in the morning from the base each day throughout the season, making Quamby Homestead the most convenient place to stay before or after your walk.

Plus we have a new range of branded merchandise available at the base for those last minute requirements and souvenirs. Items include polo tops, fleeces, water bottles and day packs.

New Aboriginal cultural tours at Wilpena Pound

We are delighted that award-winning Aboriginal owned and operated tour company, Bookabee Tours is now operating from Wilpena Pound Resort. Offering a morning and afternoon tour, Bookabee will take guests on cultural journeys that incorporate story-telling, Aboriginal cultural experiences and visits to significant locations including Arkaroo Rock and Brachina Gorge. This is a unique opportunity to gain insight into the Adnyamathanha creation stories relevant to the region and learn about the relevance of plants and animals to the Adnyamathanha people.

Choose from the morning Adnyamathanha Rock Art Tour and the afternoon Culture and Wildlife Tour. Click here for more details. http://www.wilpenapound.com.au/explore/
 

Additional powered sites at Wilpena Campground

Situated in the Flinders Ranges National Park, Wilpena Pound Campground covers 50 hectares set amongst river red gums, native pines and abundant wildlife. Located just a short walk from the entrance to Wilpena Pound, the campground is a perfect base for exploring the area. In this natural bush setting, you will encounter kangaroos and emus grazing while wedge-tail eagles soar overhead.

We have recently added an additional 16 powered sites to the campground, taking the total up to 46. Plus we have extensive bush camping areas. The campground has campfire pits and barbecues, three shower and toilet blocks, two laundry areas and a General Store for supplies and souvenirs. Guests are also welcome at Wilpena Pound Resort to relax with a cool drink in the bar or take a night off from cooking and enjoy a meal at the restaurant.

Limited Edition Experiences

Following on from the successful Limited Edition series in 2009, we are planning some fantastic new experiences for 2010. Each one has a unique offering. From yoga to photography, gourmet weekends and historic tours, Anthology is offering guests the opportunity to spend time with experts in their field while enjoying the company of other likeminded guests.  We hope you are inspired by these opportunities to do something different with Anthology.

Quamby Estate officially re-opened

Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett officially re-opened Quamby Estate on Sunday 4th October and congratulated Anthology on our “outstanding development”.
 
It was certainly fitting that the current Tasmanian premier should officially re-open Quamby, as it was once the northern home of former Tasmanian Premier, Sir Richard Dry and became known as the ‘Government House of the North’. Dry was Premier from 1866 to 1869 and was the first Tasmanian-born premier and the first Tasmanian to be knighted.