Bay of Fires Signature Walk, East Coast, Tasmania © Tourism Australia
Guide to Eastern Tasmania
Eastern Tasmania is well-known for its wild and beautiful landscapes, but hidden among the beaches and bays are unforgettable culinary experiences, too.
The east coast of Tasmania is best explored at an unhurried pace. Wind your way along the Great Eastern Drive, stopping frequently for freshly shucked oysters, blindingly white beaches and world-class wineries. Watch little penguins waddle ashore at dusk, walk the coastline with First Nations guides and kayak into secret coves. In Eastern Tasmania, you can’t help but slow down and soak everything in.
Tasmania is an island that lies south of mainland Australia, so you’ll travel here by air or sea.
- Hobart Airport (HBA) is Tasmania’s largest airport — serviced by direct flights Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and the Gold Coast. Hobart Airport is within a one-hour drive of popular stops on the east coast.
- LauncestonAirport (LST) has direct flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and the Gold Coast and is the best gateway for the northeast coast including Bay of Fires and St Helens.
- Take your hire car aboard the overnight ferry Spirit of Tasmania, departing from Geelong on the mainland and docking at Davenport in Tasmania’s north. It’s then a 2.5-hour drive to Bicheno.
Driving is the best way to explore Eastern Tasmania. The Great Eastern Drive follows the Tasman Highway north from Hobart through Orford, Swansea, Bicheno, St Marys and St Helens up to the Bay of Fires. It’s one of the country’s most spectacular road trips. The roads are well maintained and campervans and caravans are well catered for.
Come summer, the days are warm and long and the beaches are busy, so it’s always best to book well ahead. For nature lovers, November offers wildflowers and whale watching. Foodies can enjoy the autumn harvest between March and May.
- High season: Summer (December to February)
- Low Season: Winter (June to August)
- Arrival: Both Hobart and Launceston airports have accessible facilities. The Spirit of Tasmania has accessible cabins; contact the booking team directly to organise.
- Getting around: Hire cars will offer greater flexibility for accessibility needs. Contact your hire car company in advance to arrange the best vehicle option for you.
- Accessible experience highlights: To hit the beach and swim in pristine waters, head to Bicheno and organise a beach wheelchair with the local surf life saving club. For a scenic loop around a lighthouse with views of Hazards and Wineglass Bay, head to the Cape Tourville boardwalk.
- Helpful resources: Eastern Tasmania’s information on accessibility and inclusion
