Two people walking on a beach in Tasmania
View of Tasmania | Australia holiday
Brown boulders and rocks with a curvaceous beach of white sand and blue waters in the distance
Two people walking on a beach in Tasmania
View of Tasmania | Australia holiday
Brown boulders and rocks with a curvaceous beach of white sand and blue waters in the distance
The jewel of Tasmania's eastern coastline

Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park occupies most of the Freycinet Peninsula, located on the east coast of Tasmania. A dramatic landscape, 125 kilometres northeast of Hobart, that is part rugged and breathtaking and part calm and serene. Named the jewel of Tasmania's eastern coastline for its iconic views, towering granite mountain peaks, white sand beaches, azure waters, sheltered bays, and abundant plants and wildlife. Hike the Wineglass Bay Lookout for exceptional scenery. Kayak the crystal clear waters for surprising discoveries. Or take a leisurely cruise for a more relaxed experience.

Where should you visit Freycinet National Park?

Aerial view of a white sand bay, turquoise water and green forested hills
Take a flight or ferry from Australia to Tasmania and have an unforgettable experience
© Jesse Desjardins
View of rocks on the beach with clear blue water, white sand beach and green hills in the background
Go kayaking at Wineglass Bay beach or brave the cool waters for a swim

About Tasmania

Tasmania is beautiful and for most a little-known island 240 kilometres south of the Australian mainland that is waiting to be discovered. It is a state of Australia that was originally connected by a bridge but 12 thousand years ago the sea levels rose separating it from the Australian mainland. Most of the land is wilderness protected by national parks and heritage sites making it a real pleasure to explore. The stunning beaches and coastline, rugged nature, and amazing wildlife are waiting for you.

Hop on a short flight from Australia

Hike mountains and stunning trails, go whale watching, shuck oysters, cycle in forests, taste organic, farm fresh produce, see unique wildlife or simply breathe and relax. Tasmania is an Australian destination worth visiting not only for having the cleanest air in the world but also for spectacular scenery, its rich history and world-class food and wine.

View of Tasmania | Australia holiday
Discover an untamed wilderness of mountains, forests, beaches and more
Spot a Tasmanian devil
If you're lucky you may spot a Tasmanian Devil
© TravelEssence

Highlights

Situated on the rugged east coast of Tasmania, Freycinet National Park is best known for the beauty of Wineglass Bay. Picture a curvaceous stretch of white sand beach, crystal-clear blue waters flanked by mountains and one of Tasmania’s most acclaimed views.

The diversity in the landscape is what makes Freycinet so fascinating. On the one hand, wild, with jagged coves and swelling waves, and on the other, tranquil, with sheltered bays and pristine beaches. Surrounded by the Hazards – a striking pink granite mountain range that provides a breathtaking backdrop that is never far from view.

Brown boulders and rocks with a curvaceous beach of white sand and blue waters in the distance
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Wineglass Bay
© TravelEssence

Things to see and do

Hike to iconic views

The Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach hike is a must-do. Walk 45 minutes uphill to Wineglass Lookout and enjoy incredible views of the bay. Descend hundreds of steps to the beautiful coast and return by crossing the isthmus to Hazards Beach. The entire circuit is 12.8 kilometres and takes 5 hours to complete. This trail is one of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks.

For legendary views of Cradle Mountain, hike the six-kilometre Dove Lake circuit. One of Tasmania's best walks, it starts at the stunning Dove Lake just below Cradle Mountain and weaves around the lake and through the rainforest. The walk takes you through some of Tasmania's extraordinary vegetation, from button grass ​to myrtle.

You can still be active with a short walk

If you prefer a shorter walk, the Wineglass Bay Lookout track takes you through the Hazards to the lookout platform above Wineglass Bay and back in 2.6 kilometres. The 4-kilometre Mount Amos offers incredible views of the Freycinet Peninsula and is a popular trail for spotting birdlife.

Aerial view of a coastline with sand, rocks, ocean and green vegetation
Walk on long stretches of beach and through lush forest
Group of people walking on a beach
Join your friends on a hike exploring the coast of Tasmania

Enjoy a relaxing cruise

Pack your sailing hat, sunglasses and sandals for a day out on the water. Set sail from Coles Bay on a catamaran, and cruise into Wineglass Bay for a laid-back lunch with the ultimate coastal views. Or take a scenic cruise to Great Oyster Bay and appreciate the untamed beauty of the Freycinet Peninsula’s many bays and beaches. Enjoy unbelievable sights of untouched white sand beaches, ancient rock formations, and dense forests.

Kayak to undiscovered bays and beaches

Paddle across the base of the Hazards and look up to its soaring peaks. Discover hidden bays and beaches and take a break at beautiful Honeymoon Bay. Explore some of the most scenic parts of the Tasmanian coastline including Bluestone Bay, Cape Tourville Lighthouse, and the incredible valleys beyond.

Discover stunning blue waters | Australia holiday
Relax on a cruise and admire Wineglass Bay, Hazards Beach and Cooks Beach

Spot unique wildlife

When you are in Freycinet National Park stay alert for wallabies, possums, echidnas, wombats and birds. You may even spot Tasmanian devils, quolls, pademelons or a snake or two. Keep your eyes and ears open for signs of wildlife and make sure to look up occasionally as there is an abundance to see in the trees as well.

Watch the sunset over Freycinet

Few experiences could beat watching the pink granite rocks around Freycinet slowly turn from a glowing pink to burnt orange as the sun sets over the peninsula. Pack a picnic basket full of award-winning Tasmanian produce from wine to fruit and settle in for a spectacular evening show in the skies.

A smal brown quoll in the green forest
Keep your eyes peeled for quoll while out exploring
© Ash Thomson Photography
Two pademelon on the side of the road
Spot unique wildlife including pademelon while hiking in Freycinet National Park
© Tourism Tasmania/ Rob Burnett

Towns nearby

Hobart

Hobart is not only Tasmania’s capital city it is also Australia’s second-oldest city. This Aussie gem is a place that is rich with history, heritage, and charm. Hobart lies on the Derwent River and boasts the 1271-metre-high Mount Wellington right on its doorstep. It may be a small city but it is monumental for its dynamic food scene and a range of outdoor activities. No visit to Hobart would be complete without a stop at Salamanca Market. Wander the stalls for art, gourmet food, artisanal products and colourful conversations with locals.

Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain is a nature lover and hikers' paradise. Lake St Clair National Park is at the northern end of Cradle Mountain and a part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area. It is one of Tasmania’s most famous natural environments; a wilderness featuring age-old rainforests and alpine heathlands. Cradle Mountain is the starting point for the famous Overland Track, Australia's prime alpine walk. It covers a span of 65 kilometres over 6 incredible days.

A boat cruising in blue and green water with a backdrop of a forested mountain
Hobart is a mecca for cultural and outdoor activities
© Pennicott Journeys
A market with stalls and people and Mount Cook in the background
Wander along the streets of Salamanca market and unearth handmade goods and gourmet foods
© Poon Wai Nang

Port Arthur

Port Arthur is a small town approximately 100 kilometres southeast of Hobart. Port Arthur Historic Site is a significant place of history and heritage but also of global importance: One of the 11 places that make up the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Australian Convict Sites. With over 40 hectares and 30 buildings and ruins to explore it’s understandably one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations.

Coles Bay

Coles Bay is a trendy seaside town located 173 kilometres southeast of Launceston. It is within easy reach of Freycinet National Park and is an ideal family base to access a range of beach activities including fishing, kayaking, sailing, or quad biking.

Port Arthur Historic Site
Learn about convict history at Port Arthur Historic Site
© Alastair Bett
A brown historical building set amongst green trees
Immerse yourself in stories of Australia's past
© Pete Harmsen

Bruny Island

Bruny Island is considered one of Australia's most prominent island destinations. It is a 362 square kilometres treasure trove of everything you could desire for a nature lovers' paradise. Discover untamed Tasmanian wilderness including wildlife, birds, bush walks, rugged scenery, beaches and cliffs and the famous South Bruny National Park and historic Cape Bruny Lighthouse.

A foodie and photographer's dream

Bruny Island is blessed with a lavish choice of locally grown food, wine, beer and more. Take a culinary tour of the island and chat with the locals who grow and serve handcrafted delicacies. Have your camera ready at the 'Neck' where north and south Bruny are connected by a small stretch of land. Capture the contrast of a quiet channel on one side and a rough ocean on the other.

A strip of land separating a quiet channel and an ocean
Capture rare and natural wonders on Bruny Island
© Jess Bonde
A hand taking an oyster off a natural wooden board
Eat fresh oysters from a locally owned and operated oyster farm and bar
Aus Waterlilies in Kakadu Darwin NT

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How to get there

​​​Freycinet National Park is approximately three hours from either Launceston or Hobart. Take your time to enjoy the ride and stop at the lookout points along the Tasman Highway (also known as A3 on your map). The main park entrance and Freycinet Visitor Centre are reached by driving through Coles Bay town.

To get the most out of your experience, give yourself at least two days in Freycinet National Park. If you only have one day to explore, start as early as possible as there is much to see and do.

A red car driving on a road along the coast on a sunny day
Drive from Launceston to Freycinet on the Tasman Highway and stop along the way for amazing views at the various look out points
© Pete Harmsen

Best travel time

Freycinet National Park has a mild temperate climate meaning it never gets extremely hot or cold. It averages 300 days of sunshine per year and is one of the driest places in Tasmania. Freycinet is stunning all year round and the best travel time depends on what you would like to see and do.

Spring is ideal for hiking and spotting wildlife with the added benefit of smaller crowds. Summer is the peak period and perfect for beaches, swimming and water sports. Autumn is great for hiking and winter is best for whale watching. Whichever season you choose, you are sure to have the ultimate Tasmanian experience.

View of a cliff rock face and ocean
Autumn is a great time to go hiking in Freycinet National Park
Pink and orange hued sunset over the ocean
Experience spectacular pink and orange-hued sunsets

Where to stay?

Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in the Freycinet National Park and beyond. Your travel specialist will match you up with accommodations that suit your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.

A view of a bed and sitting area with a beautiful view of ocean and mountains
After a day of adventure, unwind in an elegant suite with undisturbed views of Oyster Bay

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  • 30 years of experience in travel to Australia

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We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped-out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.

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At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.