Guide to Freycinet
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
How to get there
Freycinet National Park is roughly a 2.5-hour drive north from Hobart or a two-hour drive south from Launceston. Both Hobart and Launceston are connected to mainland Australia with a range of daily flight options from most major cities. If you have time to spare, wind your way here along one of Australia's most dramatic road trips, the Great Eastern Drive.
Things to do and top attractions in Freycinet
Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania © Tourism Tasmania
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.
Freycinet Marine Farm, Coles Bay, Tasmania © Adrian Cook
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.
Wineglass Bay Beach, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania © Myka Photography
Meet the wildlife
Join Wineglass Bay Cruises for a tour of the coast and a chance to spot 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. Day tours and expedition tours run year round and no prior experience is necessary.
Freycinet Experience Walk, Freycinet, Tasmania © Tourism Australia
Stretch your legs on the Freycinet Experience Walk
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.
Private pavilions, Saffire Freycinet, Coles Bay, Tasmania © Saffire Freycinet
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. Alternatively, a few nights in the Coastal Pavilions at Freycinet Lodge will have you fully immersed in your surrounds while relaxing in elegant rooms. Soak in the outdoor baths which have been embedded into each private deck. The use of Tasmanian timbers along with curved glass makes this architecturally designed lodge blend right in to the bushland surrounding it.
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