Tassie’s east coast is many different things. Its natural beauty, spectacular landscapes and long beautiful beaches offers a completely different Australian coast experience. Here, you’ll discover the beaches of iconic Bay of Fires, one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 regions in the world, five national parks including the stunning pink granite mountains of Freycinet National Park along with a gourmet food bowl bursting with the best local affair. A journey that will leave you coming back for more. We’ve put together the very best of the east coast that will turn your wanderlust into a bucket list ticked.
East Coast Tasmania Walks
Photo Credit: Jason Charles Hill, Tourism Tasmania
Australia Traveller magazine has voted two quintessential east coast walks, the Bay of Fires Walk and the Maria Island Walk, among the country’s best walking holidays. You are guaranteed to have a great time with the Freycinet Walk or Wineglass Bay Sail Walk showcasing a unique chance to experience the beaches, peninsulas and walking trails of Maria Island, Freycinet Peninsula and Schouten Island. Three Capes & Tasman Peninsula, hailed Australia’s premier coastal walk, might tickle your fancy. It takes you to the edge of the world at 190 million year old sea cliffs boasting some of the highest dolerite columns in the Southern Hemisphere!
Ready to lace up your hiking boots, we’ve listed the top walks that must be on your Tassie Bucket List here!
East Coast Tasmania Road Trips
The Great Eastern Drive
The best way to explore the East Coast is by taking a road trip along the Great Eastern Drive—176 kilometres of utterly scenic East Coast highway that stretches between Orford in the south and the Bay of Fires in the north. A journey that offers something different at every turn- laidback hinterland towns, classic seaside villages, sparkling white sand beaches, stunning national parks threaded with award-winning walking tracks, inhabited by wildlife and an abundance of exquisite local food and wine. Embrace east coast’s legendary icons including Wineglass Bay, Freycinet, Maria Island and Bay of Islands as well as its well-kept secrets.
The East Coast Wine Trail
Follow this trail and you'll be knocking at some of the best cellar doors and farm gates in Tasmania. This is one of the state’s premier growing wine regions, known for its fine cool climate varieties. Stroll through the quaint coastal towns of Orford, Swansea, Bicheno or St Helens, boasting the finest vintages to handcrafted beers, spirits and ciders. Sample fine wines paired with tasting plates of Tassie’s cheeses, freshest seafood and many more exquisite delights imaginable. Some of the more famous wineries along the route include Freycinet Vineyard, Spring Vale, Milton Vineyard, Gala Estate and The Hazards. Meet with passionate growers and makers all while soaking up incredible east coastal views.
We recommend the 6 Days Grand East Coast Explorer, where the Great Eastern Drive takes you along the path of the East Coast Wine Trail. The perfect blend and enough to leave a lasting impression!
Things To Do East Coast Tasmania
Photo Credit: Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service, Tourism Tasmania
A place where any time of the year brings so much to see and do, you'll be spoilt for choice. With long beautiful beaches and five national parks scattered along the coast, it is one of the most stunning stretches of coast in Australia, regardless of season. This is a journey that will lead you to places and moments that you’ll never forget. Its delicious landscapes from lush rainforests, award-winnning walks to powder-white beaches are just as delicious as your food and wine menu on offer. A place of never ending surprises, where every turn will take your breath away! Find something that tickles your fancy here.
Accommodation East Coast Tasmania
Photo Credit: Saffire Freycinet
From luxury hotels to boutique escapes, East Coast Tasmania offers it all. But as far as Tasmania’s best luxury hotel, nothing compares to Saffire Freycinet. The most ‘basic’ of accommodation is luxury suites and it’s only up from there with the option of booking a private pavilion with a private suite kitchen and chef, a private courtyard and plunge pool! Or take it down to the basics, with a flair of luxury of course, and stay at a glamping retreat.
In fact, we’ve listed 5 of East Coast Best Stays strategically chosen across the bucket list places to inspire your next trip.
Weather East Coast Tasmania
Tasmanian weather in 5 words or less? Four seasons in one day! Layer up so you can easily layer down where a waterproof jacket will be handy. We think autumn – March to May – is actually the best season to visit Tasmania! Cool, dry days and crisp nights. Eggshell-blue skies and the slow creep of red, gold and orange as the leaves start to turn. Seeing the uniquely Tasmanian ‘turning of the fagus’ is a must! It also makes pleasant conditions for hiking.
