Things to do around Freycinet & The East Coast, Tasmania

Freycinet & The East Coast, Tasmania – A Place of Wild Beauty

Looking for Things to do around Freycinet & The East Coast, Tasmania? But first, be met by dramatic pink hued granite peaks, of the Hazards mountain range. Turn 180 degrees to face pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters including the iconic Wineglass Bay. Its unique mix of wilderness, abundant wildlife, and outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and wine tasting makes it a must-visit destination in Tasmania.

Coastal forests beckon keen hikers, while foodies delight in local seafood from Tassie’s East Coast farms and delicious cool climate wines, especially pinot noirs renowned in Tasmania. To get to Freycinet National Park in Tasmania from mainland Australia, you have a few travel options, including by air, sea, and road.

The quickest method to get to Freycinet, Tasmania is by flying to Hobart or Devonport (Launceston is the nearest airport). From there, it’s an easy drive, about 1.5 hrs from Hobart or around 2 hrs from Launceston.

Things to do around Freycinet: Wellness and Pampering 

• Spa at Saffire Freycinet is renowned for deeply relaxing, wonderfully luxurious and totally restorative. Enjoy the luxurious spa experience at Saffire Freycinet, where you can indulge in signature treatments such as hot stone massages, body scrubs, and rejuvenating facials. Participate in group yoga or private sessions, either at the Saffire resort or in one of the beautiful surrounding settings. Relish meditative walks on the beach or saunter in the forest that can offer tranquillity.
• Yoga and Meditation is offered by Helena Wise from Bluecoast Yoga. Helena integrates elements of mindfulness, pranayama and meditation as you move with awareness. Classes held at the Bicheno Memorial Hall., Bicheno, Tasmania. M: 0457 153 79
• Freycinet Massage is a wonderful Mobile Massage service available in Coles Bay, Swansea, Bicheno and beyond or in their Bicheno Massage Studio. Bookings are essential. M: 0458 097 003
• Entice Hair Studio Swansea is a lovely location offering both me and women a full menu of services, as well as brow styling and tinting.
• Luxury Bathing Experience at The Bay of Fires Lodge (nearby). If you have time for a bit of adventure, the Bay of Fires Lodge offers luxurious bathing experiences where you can relax in private hot tubs with jaw dropping coastal views. Lap up the private pavilion designed to fully submerge you in nature, overlooking the Bay of Fires. Choose from a selection of bath blends, experiences and soak up the view.

Explore & Discover Things to do around Freycinet & The East Coast, Tasmania

Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Trips

• Freycinet National Park boasts that it has a magic all of its own, which is true. It is unique and its jewel in the crown is Wineglass Bay with its dramatic, curvaceous shape wrapping around pure waters and Instagrammable views. You don’t need to be a fixated walker because the Park has a variety of grades of short walks worth exploring. From a gentle stroll or an adventurous challenge; a walk with ocean views, sandy beaches and rocky coves or tackling mountain summits, forests brimming with birdlife and wildlife. This interactive map will help you. Also Thoroughly Travel is a complete guide to the park. Engage in guided mindfulness walks through the Freycinet National Park, focusing on the natural healing power of nature, the sights, sounds, and smells of the wilderness.

• Wineglass Bay Lookout: A short but rewarding hike with panoramic views of one of Tasmania’s most iconic beaches.
  • A shorter trek to the lookout and Wineglass Bay is 6 km, but if you think this is a doddle, consider the 1,000 or so stairs. There are fewer steps returning via Hazard Beach.
  • Hazards Beach Loop: It’s about 12 kms, a longer walk around the stunning Hazards Beach with views of the surrounding mountain range and coastline. Allow time to take a swim at a few beaches along the way.
  • Cape Tourville Lighthouse: A super easy short walk (Grade 1) covering 600 m, or 20 minutes to a scenic lighthouse, offering dramatic views of the coastline.

• The coastal landscape here is nothing short of dramatic, with rocky coves and surging surf around one corner, and sheltered bays and sandy beaches around the next. As you explore the park, The Hazards – a spectacular granite mountain range that rises dramatically from the sheltered turquoise bays and providing an awe-inspiring backdrop that is never far from view. However, we urge caution that the 11km trek is Grade 4 for serious and experienced bushwalkers commencing at Hazards Beach. with detailed information at Hazards Circuit. Planning, attire and experience are all critical to enjoy this challenge.
• Mount Amos, is part of  the Hazards, which whilst a relatively short track of just over 3.5 km, is only for the highly experienced bush walkers. It is both challenging and rewarding. Check for wet weather /slippery conditions which are NOT recommended.
• Take a drive (about 30 mins) to Bicheno to explore the famous Bicheno Blowhole, Whalers Lookout, and the fascinating marine life at the local rock pools. Nearby Waubs Bay is a beautiful beach perfect paddling, swimming and snorkelling. For motorcycle enthusiasts, pop into Bicheno Motorcycle Museum and Restoration, with vintage motorbikes and memorabilia. And if that’s not your thing, slip into nearby galleries.
• Explore the Bay of Fires, a region known for its striking white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and iconic orange-hued rocks. It’s a photographer’s paradise and one of Tasmania’s most famous coastal gems, St Helens, Tasmania.

Things to do around Freycinet: Walks & Cycle Tracks

• Freycinet Walk & Cycle Track is a far gentler experience and gradient suitable for all ages. Covering 4 km, taking about an hour, with views of Mount Baudin, Mount Dove and Mount Amos​ which belong to the Hazards range of boulders at the base of the mountain.
• Hire eBikes. For a different experience, also hire Quad bikes at Freycinet National Park. All4Adventure offers two hour or half day quad bike experiences in Freycinet National Park, travelling along bush tracks, climbing hills and riding through eucalypt forest to reach the coast. Options include single quad bikes or family-friendly three seat vehicles.
• Freycinet Walking Tours offers a unique experience of a 5.5 hr guided walking tour through Freycinet National Park.

Things to do around Freycinet: Wildlife and Wildflowers

• Wildsight is another resource for summarised walks and tips in Freycinet.
• Wildlife watching isn’t difficult whether you’re on or off the beaten track with an abundance of Australian native fauna. About 50 species co-habitat in this region like nocturnal Pademelons, Long-nosed Potaroos (a small, kangaroo-like creature), Bettongs (a rat-like kangaroo marsupial), Cape Barren Geese, Quolls, Possums including pygmy’s, Sugar Gliders, Echidnas, Long-eared Bats, Wallabies and Wombats. You may spot the endangered Tasmanian devil so keep your camera ready.
• Enter the annual Freycinet Challenge – a multi-sport event, running over 2 days within Freycinet National Park.
• Springtime wildflowers: See Freycinet National Park bursting with Australian native wildflowers of pinks, purples, yellows and white flora. Discover the best Wildflower Trails. 

Things to do around Freycinet: Kayaks and Cruises

• Take to the water and explore Wineglass Bay, to spot dolphins, seals, and whales during the right season. Boat Tours of Wineglass Bay include Pennicott’s Wilderness Journeys and  Wineglass Bay Cruises.
• Guided Photography Tour. A really interesting way to explore the skies and surrounds with local photographer, Luke O’Brien guiding you to the best scenic spots to capture the incredible beauty of the area. It’s a 4 day package for photography & astrophotography enthusiasts usually held in winter. Brrrr.
• Freycinet Coastline by Kayak including an Oyster paddle down the Swan River Estuary (an internationally protected area) to MelShell Oyster Shack for lunch! You don’t have to paddle over, instead pop over and stay, shuck & chat on shore, a tour that takes you into the workings of the farm. For other paddling journey with this crowd, see Freycinet Adventures. Rent a kayak or join a guided kayaking tour to explore the beautiful coastline and secluded beaches of Freycinet and crystal-clear Wineglass Bay.
• Golfers aren’t forgotten with a sweeping Par 72 golf course at the Freycinet Golf Club, 6.5 kilometres west of Coles Bay, Tasmania near Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay. The Slope rating is 130 for Men and 122 for Women. Visitors very welcome for rounds and all competitions. There’s a commercial kitchen and bar in the clubhouse open from 12pm daily.

Vineyards & Distilleries around Freycinet & The East Coast Tasmania 

• Wine Tasting at Devil’s Corner Vineyard – a short drive from Coles Bay with spectacular views and a delicious selection of wines. Here, vines meet the sea and where challenge meets character with cool climate wines born from a land of wild contradictions and undiscovered beauty. Your visit here will not disappoint. Open the boot to add your Pinot Noir & Syrah selections, for ‘ron’. Keep an eye out for Devils Corner Events, to tie in with your Freycinet odyssey. Do jump onto their website, it is a beautiful read about the unique nature of Tasmanian wines and how environmental factors converge, against all odds, to produce some of Australia’s most awarded Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
• Located 7 km south of Coles Bay/Freycinet National Park turn off is Freycinet Vineyard. Their philosophy is to make wines of place that blend traditional old world techniques with modern best practice. Wines that are unmistakably Tasmanian. Overlooking the oldest vineyard blocks and next to a working winery, the cellar door offers wonderful vistas across our vines, and with your tasting you can order a cheese platter. Open 7 days from 10:00 till 17:00.
• Craigie Knowe Vineyard is a 35 min to 42 min drive from Coles Bay for wine tasting from 11:00 to 4pm daily. A Tasmanian family owned  vineyard and cellar door operated and managed by father and son Glenn & Alex Travers, building on the tradition and somewhat crazy idea of its founding father, John Austwick, the family pondered years ago ‘wouldn’t it be nice to semi-retire in a vineyard’. Witness the fruits of their labours over the years, and talk about it at lunch at Flora’s, their on site restaurant.
• Edges from the sea in Bicheno is Waubs Harbour Whisky. Once serving as an old oyster hatchery, it’s now converted into a maritime Tasmanian single malt whisky distillery, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and ocean-inspired setting. Made from start to finish, matured by the ocean & bottled by hand in the family owned, ocean-cooled distillery in Bicheno, Tasmania. Distillery Tours & Guided Whisky Tastings available Tuesday – Saturday.

• The only brewery in Coles Bay is Malting Lagoon Brewery however they are only able to offer in-house tastings. However, their craft brews available in locations in Freycinet, like Big Pete’s.

Other Things to do around Freycinet & The East Coast, Tasmania

• The Annual Echo Festival is worth coinciding with your visit to Freycinet where connections across community are held and showcased through culture, art, wine, food and lifestyle programmes.
• Birdwatching: The region is home to several endemic bird species, perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts.
• Scenic Drives: Take the scenic route through the area, enjoying the rolling hills, beaches, and lush forests.
• Historic and cultural highlights surround Freycinet given its Aboriginal existence, dating back some 30,000 years, and subsequent European settlement history. The latter was borne on the back of whaling parties, tin and coal miners, and pastoralists who lived here. It’s been said that their early whaling days dragging whale carcasses, blood red, across Wineglass Bay was responsible for the naming of this bay, not its curvy shape!

Things to do around Freycinet: Good Eats 

• Grab your BBQ bits & tongs, or picnic basket. If you fancy alfresco self serve dining out in the fresh Freycinet air, there’s a lovely spot at Honeymoon Bay inside Freycinet National Park. A tiny secluded beach, lovely for children, snorkelling, swimming, a picnic and is a photographer’s delight, so take the pocket brownie. You’ll need a National Parks pass for parking. see tips below.

• Verge Edge of the Bay Restaurant is semi-casual, open for dinner only.  The Edge focuses on simple, fresh, and local dishes perfect for a relaxing meal with views.
• The Iluka Tavern is your classic pub bistro with gorgeous views over Muir’s beach from the beer garden, with friendly staff & regular live music. The classics are there with a shout out to Seafood Chowder. Family friendly with play area for children. Pool table for the big kids! Serving GF and V options.
•  A light & breezy eatery located within Freycinet Lodge, is Richardson’s Bistro, ideal to pick up a quick lunch, snack, a range of lodge burgers, a steak, grazing plates, morning and afternoon tea and, of course, the delightful dessert menu. Open 10:00 to 8pm.
• Open 7 days a week, for breakfast, lunch & dinner is  Geographe Wood Fired Pizzas + Espresso Bar by the bay specialises in local produce (especially seafood), wood fired pizzas, great coffee & spectacular views. GF, V, Vegan options. Dine in or takeaway.

• After dipping your toes all afternoon in the crystal – clear waters of Richardson Beach, head to Hazards Bar & Lounge. Open from 2pm, an inviting far experience awaits with a range of Tasmanian beers, wines, ciders and cocktails and tasting paddles. Happy Hour is from 4:30 to 5:30pm.
• Boasting cracking reviews is Big Pete’s Eats, the only place open late & located within the located in the club house of Freycinet Golf Club1 Swanwick Rd, Coles Bay. Dine in or takeaway, @eats.bigpetes also has pool comps, darts and live sports. Place to be!
• The local Ice Creamery Co right on the edge of the fabulous Freycinet National Park does more than luscious, creamy ice creams & sorbets. Standard flavours feature plus some unique ones like lavender, old English toffee, peanut butter chocolate, peppermint choco chip, rum & raisin and salted caramel crunch. Fish & chips and kiddie nuggets are also on the menu, and free of charge is the best outlook of the famous Hazards mountain range rising above the Bay.
• Turners Beach Berry Patch: berries and preserves at 50 Turners Beach Rd, Turners Beach.
• At Granite you’ll find pizza, cocktails and local vino by night. Located at Shop 2 Coles Bay Esplanade, Coles Bay @granitefreycinet.
• The Lobster Shack in Bicheno will have you, salivating over their menu of lobsters done every possible way. There’s also other delicious Tasmanian fruits of the sea for example abalone, scallops, calamari as well as plain freshest of fish & chips! A casual, walk-in cafe serving the freshest, premium Tasmanian and Australian seafood. Open 7 days year round (not Christmas or Boxing Day) from 11:00 to 19:00.

Things to do around Freycinet: Posh dining: why not?

• Every bite tells Tasmania’s story here as the crew source local, seasonal produce at Mount Paul Lounge. Located within Freycinet Resort’s onsite restaurant, serving delicious cuisine in a seasonal omakase-style menu, in spectacular surroundings. Of note are local seafood such as lobster, oysters, and abalone, Residents & non-residents are welcome. Bookings essential.
• Palate Restaurant at Saffire Freycinet is an in-house restaurant exclusively for guests only. It offers an elegant fine-dining experience with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and Tasmania’s unique produce. Expect sophisticated dishes are paired with local wines.
• Situated in a marquee in the vines at Craigie Knowes vineyard, is their latest addition, Flora’s. The team serves modern Australian cuisine, with many dishes that include meat and vegetables grown on the estate.  Open for lunch and breakfast bookings 7 days per week, Flora’s is a great venue for a special event including business meetings, birthdays, hens lunches, baby showers and of course weddings.
• Be surrounded  by elegant surroundings, with magnificent views and fresh, local produce at The Bay Restaurant (Bicheno). A short drive from Freycinet, this restaurant offers a range of delicious, locally sourced dishes, contemporary in style they serve seasonal Australian cuisine with a focus on local seafood.

Foodies around Freycinet, Tasmania: Fine Dining and Gourmet Food and Wine

• This is a must do in your Things to do around Freycinet. Visit Freycinet Marine Farm & be prepared to wade in for your supper. Dine in the middle of the sea, on a working oyster farm as part of  Oyster Bay Tours. The husband and wife team offer 2 types of experiences, and you must book & they promise you won’t get wet. The stunning setting on Tasmania’s East Coast, offers gob-smacking views out to The Hazards mountain range. Kitchen open 9-4pm daily, fresh options til 5pm (Summer trading hours).

• The Long Lunch Wine Tour Co is very special. It’s unique philosophy is to run tours to take people behind the scenes. Their joy of wine, wine making and viticulture and food, is here to be shared on one of their tours, bespoke or do it yourself, hop-on-hop-off, along the coastline. This is a wonderful way to sip the fruits of wine makers’ labours along Tasmania’s East Coast.
• Bicheno Farmers’ Market (Near Freycinet) –  find fresh local produce, Tasmanian honey, cheese, meats, and fresh seafood.
• Annually held, the Bicheno Food and Wine Festival is a celebration of Tasmania’s east coast’s pride around its produce. Held each November on the Bicheno waterfront.
• Kate’s Berry Farm is legendary in these parts. You haven’t really had berries till you’ve tried these nurtured cool climate berries. Enjoy while overlooking row upon row of berries across to Great Oyster Bay to Freycinet National Park. It’s worth the drive to Swansea to feel such earthy freshness of much beloved Kate’s berries.

Things to do around Freycinet: Retail Escapes

• East Coast Village Providore is 100 km north of Coles Bay however if you are driving south, having just arrived, it’s worth popping in for a graze & a few sup0plies.
• Coles Bay Convenience, General Store and Post Office. That is the village grocer and newsagency located at 3 Garnet Ave, Coles Bay

Retail: Local Finds in Things to do around Freycinet

• Bicheno’s Islander Art + Home features Tasmanian and international brands of clothing, homewares, candles, fresh flowers and more, at 79 Burgess St Bicheno.

• Log Cabin General Store has a stack of paraphernalia to sort through. Located at 59 Burgess St, Bicheno

• Bicheno Delivery create lovely boxes of goodies for all occasions, personalised for those receiving them.

Top Tips touring around Freycinet & The East Coast, Tasmania

1. A valid pass is required for entry to Tasmania’s national parks.
2. Walking in any weather means letting others know your location and expected time of return. Wear walking shoes, take water & snacks, sunscreen,  insect repellent and the ability to layer clothing for any type of weather.
3. Take your phone for jaw dropping images and as your emergency back up, including a location App installed such as Emergency Plus that has a distinct location finder and works without internet access.
4. Take a bag to carry your rubbish & dispose of it thoughtfully.

With these things to do around Freycinet, you’re bound to enjoy a balance of relaxation, exploration, fine dining, and shopping in the beautiful Freycinet region!

Need Roadtrip Inspiration? 

Check out our fabulous scenic Roadtrips at Travellarks Getaways.

Looking for accommodation in this region?

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