Roadtrip Hobart to Launceston via Freycinet: Top Stops Exploring Tasmania’s East Coast Beauty
Your Roadtrip Hobart to Launceston via the visually stunning Freycinet (or reverse it and go the other way) is one of Tasmania’s most scenic drives. This 4–5 day itinerary highlights Wineglass Bay, charming towns, and hidden coastal gems along the East Coast. A wonderful pitstop for 2–3 nights is at Walters at Coles Bay or the cosy Lobster Pot Cabin, both offering a perfect base to explore. Don’t forget to check out Travellarks’ Things to do around Freycinet, filled with local tips, eateries, and activities to keep you busy!
Day 1: Hobart to Richmond to Orford
Distance: 80 km
Drive Time: Approx. 1.5 hours
Depart from Hobart
If you’ve just arrived from interstate or from overseas, Hobart is the charming capital of Tassie. Here, you can explore popular spots Salamanca Place where artisans gather with the State’s best; the Hobart waterfront famous for its Sydney Hobart Race commencing on Boxing Day annually; or take a quick trip up Mount Wellington for its sweeping views. For art devotees or simply the curious, there’s the MONA, a fascinating and eclectic mix of old and new art. Defined by its quirkiness its bound to draw conversations from strangers around you, raucous laughter, disgust, surprise and serious frowns and admiration.
Richmond Stop:
Distance: 25 km
Drive Time: Approx. 30 mins
Historic Richmond boasts the Richmond Bridge and Richmond Gaol, Australia’s oldest intact gaol. Take a stroll and soak up the colonial charm.
Roadtrip Hobart to Launceston: Orford Arrival:
Distance: 55 km
Drive Time: Approx. 1 hour
Relax by Great Oyster Bay, famous for its oysters and marine life. It’s located on the eastern side of the Freycinet Peninsula. Visitors can often tour oyster farms and enjoy fresh oysters straight from the water. And an area also known for its rich marine life such as dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Short walks along the beach or a ferry trip to World Heritage Listed, Maria Island National Park from Triabunna, and offers pristine hiking and wildlife spotting, including endangered swift parrots and forty-spotted pardalotes.
Stay overnight in Orford to recharge for the next day.
Day 2: Roadtrip Hobart to Launceston: Orford to Swansea to Freycinet / Coles Bay
Distance: 120 km
Approx. Drive Time: 1.5–2 hours
Depart Orford for Swansea
Distance: 45 km
Drive Time: 45 mins
Swansea is a great little seaside village. Visit the Swansea Bark Mill, restored from 1885, now serving up cakes, tarts, and local treats. Grab a pizza from the Water Tank Pizza Oven or some seriously good food and wine at Bark Mill Bar and Restaurant, or stock up on wine for your stay at Walters at Coles Bay or Lobster Pot Cabin.
Then walk off the calories at Spiky Bridge, a stunning 1840s stone arch bridge, before heading to Freycinet National Park / Coles Bay (75 km and about 1 hour duration).
Stay Overnight: Walters at Coles Bay or Lobster Pot Cabin
Freycinet National Park is a highlight of Tasmania, known for Wineglass Bay, dramatic granite peaks, and white sand beaches. Wineglass Bay’s name comes from its whaling history in the 1800s, when whale blood stained the water like red wine.
Highlights to enjoy in Freycinet National Park
- Wineglass Bay Lookout Hike – 45-min hike to stunning panoramic views of Wineglass Bay.
- Wineglass Bay Beach – hike down to the beach at this magnificent crescent shaped bay with fine white beach sand that “squeaks” as you walk on it.
- Cape Tourville Lookout: drive-up view point with spectacular vbiews.
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Things To Do Around Freycinet – Read our curated guide with local eats, adventures, and hidden gems.
Day 3: Freycinet Adventures & Coles Bay
No long drives today — just adventure on your doorstep! Go kayaking in Coles Bay and explore secluded coves. Explore Freycinet Marine Farm and taste fresh Tasmanian oysters. Hazards Beach & Moulting Lagoon are hidden treasures for walkers with plenty of wildlife spotting
Overnight again at Walters or Lobster Pot Cabin.
Distance: 40 km
Drive Time: Approx 40 min
Day 4: Coles Bay to Bicheno to St Helens
Distance: 90 km
Drive Time: Approx. 1.5 hours
Drive North to Bicheno
Distance: 40 km
Drive Time: Approx. 40 mins
Bicheno is a coastal town for beaches, fishing, and wildlife spotting, including little penguins, wallabies, and seals. See Bicheno Blowhole with its dramatic sea water spouts and the East Coast Natureworld for Tasmanian devils, koalas, and kangaroos. There are also great evening Penguin Tours – guided tours to see the little penguins coming ashore after dusk.
Roadtrip Hobart to Launceston: Bicheno to St Helens
Distance: 50 km
Drive Time: 45 mins
St Helens, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant fishing community. Life here revolves around the ocean: beaches, bays, and estuaries of St Helens perfect for swimming, beach walks, sailing, snorkelling, and fishing. It’s surrounded by some of Tasmania’s most pristine coastal areas that ensures pescatarians will delight in the quality of seafood caught in local waters. Whether you have the luxury of your own boat to explore and fish or hire one, or drop a line off the jetty, St Helen’s is the hub for anglers, amateurs or pros!
St Helens Highlights:
- Bay of Fires is breathtaking and a must-see destination known for its white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and iconic orange lichen-covered rocks. It’s perfect for a swim or a coastal walk. Choose a beach, any beach for a dip (Cosy Corner and Binalong Bay are recommended), then laze on the pure white sand. Discover the headlands, smothered in orange lichen, bring out the camera ready for ‘can you believe this images’.
- St Helens Point Conservation Area: Another great spot for a relaxing walk along the beach or around the stunning coastline.
- If you’re an experienced 4WD enthusiast, Peron Dunes will not disappoint spirits who love being challenged. with deep bogs, steep slopes, soft sand.
- Interested in exotic captive bred reptiles, head to Serpentarium.
- For Foodies, there’s no shortage of choices of good eateries such as Priory Ridge Estate (a winery no less), East Coast Village Providore located at 55-59 Cecilia street, Cecilia St, St Helens – picnic supplies aplenty. Then there’s Lease 65 Oysters – only takeaway but an epic starter of plump boys for your picnic – located at 444 Binalong Bay Rd, St Helens. Something a bit more formal – dine at Parkside Bar and Kitchen. Or out to impress? Then the go to restaurant is the modern French – Australian modern cuisine at Furneaux Restaurant and is not to be missed. If its a welcoming cafe for barista made coffee alongside all day breakfast, lunches, daily specials, homemade cakes and fresh scones – breakfast stop at Sco & Co and The Lifebuoy Cafe.
For a bucket of fabulous local info see St Helen’s History Room
Stay Overnight in St Helens or Coles Bay. They are a great base for further adventures.
Day 5: Roadtrip Hobart to Launceston: St Helens to Launceston – charm, heritage and world class cuisine
Distance: 150 km
Drive Time: Approx. 2 hours
Travel west towards Launceston, Tasmania’s second-largest city, known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture and beautiful parks and now a UNESCO listed, City of Gastronomy. Check into wonderful accommodation from Travellarks Getaways at either The Townhouse, Launceston or Henry’s on Balfour, Launceston depending on how many guests you have in tow – both are welcoming and heavenly homely places to stay, centrally located.
Launceston Highlights:
- Cataract Gorge: A unique natural reserve located just minutes from the city centre, featuring walking tracks, a chairlift, and stunning views.
- City Park: A lovely park with a Japanese macaque monkey enclosure and beautiful gardens.
- Tamar Valley Wine Region: If you’re a wine lover, make sure to explore the Tamar Valley, just outside Launceston, home to some of Tasmania’s best vineyards.
Roadtrip Hobart to Launceston: Best Time to Visit
Spring (Nov – early Dec) or Autumn (Mar – May) where you can focus on scenic drives, hiking, wildlife, beaches, great local food, and Tasmanian wine
Looking for accommodation in Tasmania?
Your Road Trip Hobart to Launceston via Freycinet blends coastal beauty, adventure, and relaxation, with wonderful stays such as The Townhouse, Henry’s on Balfour, Launceston, Walters at Coles Bay and Lobster Pot Cabin, Shack in the Dunes, Cambridge House and more, making it even more memorable.
Go to Travellarks Tasmania accommodation. .
