Located just 2.5 hours from Hobart or 2 hours from Launceston, the Freycinet National Park is on Tasmania’s east coast and is home to the iconic Wineglass Bay. The area is littered with pristine secluded beaches, clear blue water and lush bushland. If you’re wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle and into nature, the Freycinet National Park is for you!
We spent a few days in the area staying in Coles Bay, so here are some of our must dos in this stunning area.
#1 Wineglass Bay Lookout walk
One thing I never realised about Wineglass Bay before my trip is that it is completely secluded. You can only reach Wineglass Bay via a 3 hour return hike or by boat.
If you’re a little short on time or just want the highlights, the walk up to the Wineglass Bay lookout must be on your list. After around 45 minutes of uphill walking you get to the lookout with the picture perfect view over the Bay.
It’s worthwhile wearing sturdy shoes and take some water as there are no facilities on the track. The hike is marked as “moderate” but I found it quite easy, taking frequent breaks at the many pit stops along the way. Just take your time on the way up and soak in the views!
It’s best to start the hike in the morning before the crowds arrive. The car parking fills up, so you may find yourself walking an additional 30 minutes to just get to the start of the track.
#2 Cape Tourville walk
If you’ve completed the Wineglass Bay walk and have jelly legs, take a drive out to Cape Tourville for an easy 15-20 minute walk around the lighthouse. It’s a relatively flat, short walk with amazing views over the cliffs of the coast.
Are you an Aussie adventurer extraordinaire? Check out our favourite landmarks around Australia for some travel inspiration.
#3 Sleepy Bay
On the road out to Cape Tourville, a stop at Sleepy Bay is a must. From the small carpark, a short walk down a set of stairs will lead you to views out over the bay with gorgeous orange rocks and sparkling turquoise water.
#4 Freycinet Marine Farm
Given you’re staying by the bay you can’t leave without trying some local seafood. The Freycinet Marine Farm is the best place in the area. It’s a casual outdoor dining restaurant about 5 minutes outside the main town of Coles Bay. The Marine Farm offers a huge variety of fresh and cooked seafood.
We couldn’t pass up the Oysters Kilpatrick and cooked scallops with a glass of local wine to wash it down. Just make sure you get there before a busload of tourists arrive or you may be waiting a while!
#5 Sunrise or sunset over Coles Bay
Freycinet National Park is packed with great views. But perhaps the best time to take in a vista is with the sun rising or setting. When the sun is about to go down, perch yourself on some rocks with a view towards The Hazards mountain ranges.
We were lucky enough to witness some fantastic pink and purple sunrises and sunsets and watched as the colours of the mountains changed by the minute. Just magical!
#6 Spot the wildlife
As you’re in an area of bushland you’ll come across lots of native animals. It’s hard to miss the wallabies which pop up all over the place. We were lucky enough to have some frequent friendly visitors at our accommodation. If you’re really struggling to find some, try the carpark at Cape Tourville where they’re super friendly.
HOT TIP: the fees for the Freycinet National Park are $24 per vehicle for 2 or more people. If you’re only doing a weekend trip, try and focus all the national park activities within those 24 hours so you don’t need to pay twice! If you’re on a longer trip, you’re better off paying for an 8 week holiday pass. That will get you into all the national parks within Tasmania for only $60.
Where to stay around the Freycinet National Park
During our visit, we stayed at the Freycinet Lodge property. This was a wonderful spot. Rooms are designed as cabins, and feel like studio apartments. Spacious and with windows to take in the surrounds, it’s an amazing choice to take in the Freycinet area.
During our stay, we were visited by a number of local wildlife who were very friendly and seem to make a habit of checking in our new visitors!
We’d love to get back to Freycinet at some time in the future. Have we missed any of your favourite tips? Let us know below!
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