Things to do in East Coast Tasmania

Gleaming white sands and aquamarine waters form the wide arc of Wineglass Bay, a breathtaking beach on the Freycinet Peninsula. This remote paradise is renowned for its beauty and is an idyllic spot to stop for a swim or a beach stroll. Accessible only via a bushland walking track or a scenic cruise, Wineglass Bay is an ideal daytrip within the pristine Freycinet National Park.

The blue skies and blue-green ocean are impressive on their own, but Bay of Fires adds surprising contrasting color with miles and miles of bright orange rocks. Enjoy the view from afar and step very close to the granite boulders to study the delicate web of algae and fungus on the surface. Interestingly, the area was named for actual fires that Aboriginal inhabitants set along the beach rather than the orange lichen.

Enjoy the scenic coastline and pristine habitats of Freycinet National Park. Relax with a glass of Tasmanian wine and oysters fresh from the farm as you watch the sun set over the Hazards mountain range. Keep an eye on the horizon to spot whales. The park is also home to some of Australia’s other iconic species, such as potoroos, echidnas, quolls and wombats.

The UNESCO-listed Port Arthur was one of the British Empire’s most brutal penal settlements. Located on the stunning Mason Cove, the natural beauty of the landscape stands in stark contrast to the history of convict prisoners who were sent here, condemned to hard labor. See these stunning ruins at your own pace or on a guided or themed tour.

Bicheno Blowhole is a spectacular natural phenomena that is powered by the waves of the Tasman Sea. Millennia of erosion has caused this coastal fountain to be moulded out of solid granite. The large, upright boulder that towers right beside the blowhole is a dramatic addition to this fascinating scene.