Explore a peninsula of pink granite mountains, pure white beaches and azure bays in Freycinet National Park.

By Ellie Schneider

On Tasmania’s east coast, Freycinet National Park is a place of wild beauty. Towering pink-hued mountains, known as the Hazards, shadow the landscape, and at their foot are the calm, blue waters of Wineglass Bay. Explore the picturesque Friendly Beaches, dine on an abundance of fresh seafood, and spend the night at one of Australia’s exclusive luxury lodges.

Don't miss

• Take in unforgettable coastal views 
• Swim at secluded bays and one of the world's best beaches
• Feast on fresh seafood and local wines

Top things to do in Freycinet

Take in the natural wonders

Freycinet National Park is rich in stunning landscapes. Kick back on miles of white sand at the Friendly Beaches and the secluded cove of Honeymoon Bay, or try snorkelling and diving off the rocky Sleepy Bay. Follow the 90 minute walk to Wineglass Bay lookout, which offers impressive views across the bay, especially at sunrise. Or take the 11 kilometre (seven mile) Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit, which crosses the national park along the isthmus to remote Hazards Beach on the western coastline of Freycinet. You can also join a scenic flight from the Friendly Beaches Airfield to see the majestic Freycinet coast from the air.

Dine on Tasmanian delights

The Freycinet peninsula is famous for succulent grass-fed beef and lamb, full-flavoured game meats and fresh-off-the-boat seafood, including crayfish, scallops and oysters. Take a tour of the Freycinet Marine Farm, or simply enjoy freshly shucked oysters out on the deck. Visit the cool climate wineries within an hour's drive of Freycinet. Sample Pinot Noir at Devils Corner Cellar Door and Spring Vale, or award-winning Riesling at Gala Estate. Join a Long Lunch tour to visit four cellar doors and enjoy a gourmet lunch of Tasmanian produce. Drop in to Kate’s Berry Farm in Swansea to try time-honoured desserts such as freshly baked scones and fruit pies.

Meet the wildlife

Take a cruise around Wineglass Bay to see an abundance of wildlife, including penguins, dolphins, seals and whales. Or get out on the water on a three hour guided sea kayaking tour of the Freycinet coastline from Coles Bay. Spot southern right whales and humpback whales at Great Oyster Bay as they migrate north along the Tasmanian coast between May and July and south between September and November. Get up close to wallabies, possums, echidnas and potoroos on one of the many bushwalks through Freycinet National Park.

Stretch your legs

Freycinet Experience Walk is a four day guided trek along the Freycinet Peninsula. The walk takes you along deserted beaches, up the pink granite slopes of Mount Graham and through the heart of the rich native heathlands of Freycinet National Park. At the end of each day you'll relax and enjoy local produce and regional wines at Friendly Beaches Lodge. The walk covers between three and 16 kilometres (1.9 to 10 miles) per day, depending on which route you choose. Walks depart from Hobart and operate from mid October to the end of April.

Sleep in luxury

With a spectacular waterfront location overlooking the Hazards Mountains and Great Oyster Bay, Saffire Freycinet is a premium luxury lodge encased in nature. Its 20 suites blend classic and contemporary furnishings, and there's a day spa, restaurant and guest lounge on site. For the ultimate in luxury, book the top-of-the-range Private Pavilions, with spacious, open-plan, double shower and bath, and private courtyard with plunge pool.

How to get there

Freycinet National Park is roughly 2 1/2 hours drive north from Hobart or two hours drive south from Launceston. If you have time to spare, wind your way here along one of Australia's most dramatic road trips, the Great Eastern Drive.