Freycinet (pronounced fray-sin-ay) National Park on Tasmania’s east coast is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most phenomenal peninsulas … the mighty height of the mountain range juxtaposed with the impending depths of the coastline’s ocean culminates in a truly captivating spectacle.
This ecologically diverse park — Tasmania's most popular national park — attracts travellers from all over the globe. The milder, more consistent climate of the park with its white-sand beaches compared to the state’s mainland makes it an ideal location for nature lovers to visit with a camper all year round.
Day walks, overnight hikes, beach swimming, camping, kayaking, snorkelling and fishing are drawcards to the national park. The 1.3km hike to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, known as the saddle of the Hazards, is awarded with spectacular views of the glorious bay below. If up for the challenge, continue the trail down the 1000 steps until you reach the bay’s turquoise waters and the sands of Wineglass Bay.
For a multi-day hike option there’s the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit, a 27km loop that ventures further into the park’s untamed wilderness and unmatched beauty. The height of Mount Amos can be assessed by a steep 3.6km track, with rockface crossings and uneven pathways. Ascending the peak is only advisable for experienced trekkers, and appropriate footwear should be worn.
A glorious walk and dip at the aptly named Honeymoon Beach is a quaint location to quietly pass the time. Nestled in crystal-clear waters, the quaint beach is gently adorned by eucalypt trees and local florals. Featuring beautiful white sand, Richardsons Beach is a secluded inlet hugging the calm waters of Coles Bay. The long stretch of shoreline is a prominent spot for beachside camping.
Touring by foot through Freycinet National Park will literally take your breath away. Freycinet’s granite peaks, windswept coastal headlands and remote bushland is Mother Nature at her most sublime.
Wineglass Bay
The perfectly curved beach of Wineglass Bay is part of an astoundingly beautiful area home to white sandy beaches, dramatic pink granite peaks, and crystal-clear waters with majestic views far across the Tasman Sea.
Wineglass Bay offers amazing scenery but some brilliant accommodation options as well. From the luxurious Freycinet Lodge to the eco-conscious Freycinet Retreat, campsites and caravan parks, there’s an option to suit any budget.
The Freycinet National Park is set on a white sand isthmus between a pair of towering granite peaks of the Hazards Range. It’s a treasure trove for pastimes including climbing, hiking, kayaking, bird watching, photography, and many more.
If you’d rather relax, comfortable cruises and guided walking tours are also available giving a fascinating insight into local aboriginal heritage and hardy European explorers and entrepreneurs.
Things to see and do
The Cape Tourville Lighthouse on the Freycinet Peninsula
With many campgrounds and other accommodation options close by, Coles Bay is a central hub to explore the surrounding landscape and is the gateway into Freycinet. Stop into the Freycinet National Park Visitor Centre to plan out your time in the area, and purchase a mandatory Park Pass. Lovers of good food will find a true delicacy can be found at Freycinet Marine Farm and Restaurant, offering informative tours of its oyster and mussel operation located in the waters of the beautiful peninsula.
Husband and wife duo with a marine-themed last name, Julia and Giles Fisher, bought the farm in 2005 with a dream to highlight the superb quality of Tasmanian seafood produce. The onsite Oyster Bay Tours is an exclusive opportunity to try a pacific oyster, which you personally harvest from the rack located in the bay. For those with a sweet tooth, a couple of frozen scoops of icy goodness from the Ice Creamery is a great post-hike treat. With 24 various ice creams flavours to choose from, lick on a chosen few while admitting the textural peaks of the mountain range you have just conquered.
The Wineglass Bay Cruises is Pennicott Wilderness Journeys’ curated coastline boat tour of the national park, which cruises past Schouten Island and the Ile des Phoques, a rocky island occupied by seals. The Australian touring operator provides a sublime perspective of the biodiverse peninsula, complete with remote beach coves, erosive sea cliffs, inconspicuous sea caves and other granite nooks and crannies.
For a sea kayaking escapade that the whole family will love, enquire with Freycinet Adventures and paddle along the sparkling clear waters. They also organise a water taxi service to and from Picnic Island, a private island accommodation located just off the peninsula feels like a world away.
If you’re keen for a four-wheeled adventure and aren’t afraid to get a bit dusty, All 4 Adventure offers quad bike tours of the region, including the pebble-covered beach at Bluestone Bay. Helmets and safety equipment are provided, and a valid driver’s licence is a must.
A coastal tour with Freycinet Experience Walk provides an eco-friendly walking adventure through nature’s most beautiful setting. Being one of the oldest formal guided tours in the region, the guided tour invites eager adventurers along remote coastlines, intimate walkways and untouched sites off the beaten track.
Sustainable accommodation is provided for at the Friendly Beaches Lodge, a wooden house blended perfectly into its coastal environment. The interior artwork resembles more of a curated art gallery than a personal collection, with representation from many Tasmanian artists. Bookings with the provider are mandatory.
Take to the skies to view the unparalleled wonders of Freycinet with Freycinet Air, offering deluxe scenic flights over the national park. Departing from the scenic runway near Friendly Beach, appreciate the unique bird’s-eye view of the east coastline. Offering various flying routes to suit your liking, including a southern detour over Maria Island. The light aircraft has the capacity to take eight passengers at a time.
Accommodation and camping
Coles Bay:
Freycinet Resort
P: 03 6287 6345
W: freycinet.com
Freycinet Lodge
P: 03 6256 7222
W: freycinetlodge.com.au
Saffire Freycinet
P: 03 6256 7888
W: saffire-freycinet.com.au
Eagle Peaks at Freycinet
P: 0438 678 592
E: eaglepeaks@hotmail.com
W: discovertasmania.com.au/accommodation/eaglepeaksatfreycinet
Edge of the Bay Resort
P: 03 6257 0102
W: edgeofthebay.com.au
Freycinet Paintball and Campground
P: 0407 251 095
E: beck@freycinetcampground.com
W: freycinetcampground.com
Big 4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park
P: 03 6257 0115 / 1800 786 512
W: big4.com.au/caravan-parks/tas/freycinet-east-coast/iluka-on-freycinet-holiday-park
River and Rocks (Swan River) Camping
P: 03 6256 7000
W: freecampingtasmania.com/listing/camping-river-rocks-coles-bay
Friendly Beaches:
Aplite House
P: 0405 756 564
E: aplitehouse@gmail.com
W: aplitehouse.com
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