Tasmania
Freycinet & Bay of Fires
Josh Fotheringham / Unsplash
Wineglass Bay lookout, pink granite boulders, and the most-photographed beach in Australia stretching north to the Bay of Fires.
The Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania's east coast contains Wineglass Bay — consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches and famous for the Hazards pink granite peaks framing the perfect arc of white sand. The 5km return lookout walk takes 90 minutes and delivers the full view; continuing down to the beach adds another 90 minutes. The Bay of Fires Coastal Reserve, 80km north via the Tasman Highway, has the orange lichen-covered granite boulders that give it its name, and a 4-day guided walk connects the two landscapes through remote beach camping. The east coast is Tasmania's sunniest and warmest coastal region — sheltered from the westerlies that bring weather to the rest of the island.
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What you gain
- ↑The Wineglass Bay lookout walk (5km return, 1.5 hours, moderate) is the defining east-coast Tasmania walk — the view from the col between the Hazards peaks across the curved white sand and turquoise water to the Freycinet Peninsula is the image that sells Tasmania to the world; reaching it with your own legs makes it feel earned
- ↑The Bay of Fires 4-Day Walk (guided, October–April, limited places) is one of Australia's most exclusive multi-day experiences: private beach camps, the eco-camp at Forester Beach, and the guiding team's expertise in local ecology make it a step above standard wilderness walks; the orange lichen boulders of the northernmost beaches are unlike anywhere else
- ↑The east coast wine circuit — Freycinet Vineyard (the most scenically located winery in Australia, with vines directly above the sea), Devil's Corner, and the Bay of Fires Wines cellar door — makes the drive from Hobart (2.5 hours) a food-and-drink experience as well as a landscape one
What you sacrifice
- ↓Freycinet is car-dependent — there is no public transport to the peninsula. The Freycinet Lodge and Saffire resort are the only quality accommodation options close to the park, both at premium prices. Self-contained options in Coles Bay are cheaper but require booking well ahead in summer
- ↓The Wineglass Bay lookout is one of the most photographed spots in Australia — the walk can feel crowded at midday in January and February. Starting at dawn or arriving in the late afternoon avoids the majority of day visitors
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Other Tasmania neighbourhoods
Tasmania's cultural hub — the Salamanca Market, MONA ferry, Battery Point village, and the island's best waterfront.
Tasmania's second city — Cataract Gorge a 10-minute walk from the centre, Tamar Valley wines, and Mole Creek cave systems.
Tasmania's iconic wilderness — UNESCO glacial lakes, dolerite peaks, wombats at dusk, and the Overland Track's northern trailhead.
Know where to stay — now find when to go.
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