Freycinet National Park (and the entire region in and around Wineglass Bay) offers an array of outdoors activities, from in-shore fishing and game fishing to sea kayaking, swimming and scuba diving.
Choose from a range of hiking trails to explore Freycinet National Park – a stunning peninsula of pink granite mountains, pure white beaches and dry eucalyptus forests, located on Tasmania’s east coast.
Enjoy a range of guided tours and activities: climb to the top of Mount Amos for panoramic views across the peninsula including Wineglass Beach; head to the Hazard Range for climbing, abseiling, hiking and mountain biking; or check out Great Oyster Bay and Coles Bay for surfing and windsurfing.
Try the popular Freycinet Peninsula Circuit, a 27km (16.7mi) hike taken over two days that encompasses the best of the peninsula, from the 485m-high Hazard Mountains south to Cooks and Bryans beaches.
Then continue on over a heath-land plateau in the shadow of the 620m-high Mount Freycinet (pronounced Fray-sin-ay) to the long curve of Wineglass Bay, a picture-perfect crescent of pure white sands, fringed by bushland.
Along the way experience some of Tasmania’s most interesting wildlife: see and hear birds such as eastern spinebills, yellow-throated or crescent honeyeaters and yellow-tailed black cockatoos and watch out for white-bellied sea eagles gliding overhead or large Australasian gannets diving for food.
Or take the shorter hike to the lighthouse at Cape Tourville then continue up to Wineglass Bay Lookout for spectacular views across the bay – from here it’s just a short stroll down to Wineglass Bay for a picnic, a walk on the beach or a kayak paddle through the crystal clear waters.
This 27km (16.7mi) walk takes two to three days to complete from the Wineglass Bay car park in Freycinet National Park.
Along the way, take time to savour the changing hues and textures of Freycinet’s spectacular granite mountain ranges, its extraordinarily diverse and colourful forests and heathlands, and iconic Tasmanian wildlife. Stroll the beaches, splash in its waters.
The Freycinet Peninsula Circuit offers a taste of Freycinet National Park’s finest offerings: ocean views, sandy beaches, rocky coves, orange granite boulders, mountain summits, forests, heathlands, abundant birdlife, friendly wildlife – and the iconic Wineglass Bay.
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service advise walkers to walk the circuit in an anti-clockwise direction from the Wineglass Bay car park, down the western side of the peninsula. This helps minimise the spread of Phytophthora (root rot).
Carpark to Hazards Beach Campsite – This first 7km (4.3mi) section of the walk should take two hours.
Follow Hazards Beach Track around the headland through coastal heathland, blue gum woodland and sheoak forest to Hazards Beach.
Walking on the the wet sand will help prevent disturbing nesting shorebirds. The campsite is at the far southern end of the 3km (1.8mi) beach, nestled amongst blue gums, banksias and sheoaks.
There is a composting toilet at the campsite, and water is available from Lagunta Creek. This can be unreliable though and walkers are advised to boil before drinking.
Alternatively, continue on to Cooks Corner campsite to end day one – a total of 12km (7.4mi) of easy walking taking around three hours 30 minutes.
Hazards Beach Campsite to Cooks Corner Campsite – This section of the walk is just 5km (3mi) and takes around one hour 30 minutes, which is why many walkers generally continue on from Hazards Beach to finish day one here.
The Peninsula Track continues along the coast to Cooks Beach, through much the same mix of coastal vegetation as the Hazards Beach Track. Both tracks are rich in birdlife.
Cooks Corner Campsite is located at the southern end of the 1km-long Cooks Beach that fringes dense coastal scrub. Historic Cooks Hut (its stone section dating back to 1859) is located about 100m inland and is for emergency use only.
Facilities at the campsite include a composting toilet, sheltered tent sites and tank water available, though this is unreliable. Walkers are advised to boil before drinking.
Side trip from Cooks Beach to Bryans Corner – This 3km (1.8mi) walk takes around two hours return. Note: there are no camping facilities at Bryans Corner.
Cooks Beach Campsite to Wineglass Bay Campsite – This 11km (6.8mi) trail has some steep and challenging sections and takes around six to eight hours to complete.
You should top up water supplies before leaving Cooks Beach so you have sufficient water supplies to make it back to the car park, as there is no water tank at Wineglass Bay campsite.
After backtracking the length of Cooks Beach to the trial’s junction, head inland to continue the circuit along the Peninsula Track.
This section of track involves a total climb of 500m and takes you through heathland, woodland and wet forest, with opportunity to see various wildlife.
On this section, you have the option of of climbing to the summit Mount Freycinet as a side trip.
Mount Freycinet Summit Walk – This 1.5km (1mi) return walk is along a steep and occasionally difficult trail, and takes around two hours return.
Mount Freycinet is the highest point on the peninsula. This side trip should be planned for, rather than a spontaneous extra, as it will make considerable demands on your time, energy and water consumption.
The rewards for ascending Mount Graham on an often steep and challenging trail are the excellent views south to the southern end of Freycinet Peninsula and Schouten Island.
The descent to Wineglass Bay campsite takes around two hours 30 minutes and includes a ridge top walk across buttongrass moorland before descending into Graham Creek valley. Another ridgeline follows then a descent to Wineglass Bay.
There is a composting toilet at the campsite, a large, sheltered camping area behind the dunes beneath blue gums, banksias and Oyster Bay pines. There is no water at this site.
Wineglass Bay Campsite to car park – This last 4km (2.4mi) section of the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit takes around one hour and 30 minutes.
From Wineglass Bay Beach, you climb up and over The Hazards saddle to the car park and so finish the circuit.
Other popular walks in Freycinet National Park, include…
Cape Tourville – This easy 600m circuit walk offers a great opportunity to experience coastal views of Freycinet National Park and takes only 20 minutes.
You don't need any bushwalking experience required. The flat elevated track loops around the automated lighthouse at Cape Tourville.
The track is wide, with even surfaces and gently graded slopes. Much of the walk is on a raised boardwalk which at times takes you right to the cliff edge, offering amazing views. Sights include the Hazards, Wineglass Bay and nearby offshore rocks known as The Nuggets.
Look out for wildlife including sea-eagles, whales, seals and dolphins.
The trail is easily reached from inside Freycinet National Park: just follow the main road, then turn left onto the Cape Tourville Road.
Mount Amos – This 3.6km (2.2mi) return walk leads you along a challenging track only suitable for physically fit and well-equipped walkers.
The track crosses very steep and slippery rock slabs, which are extremely dangerous when wet.
This walk shouldn’t be undertaken when it is raining or likely to become wet. The summit is exposed and subject to changeable weather conditions. Bushwalking experience is required and walking boots are recommended.
Mount Amos is part of the range of granite mountains, known as the Hazards, which dominate Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park. The track to the summit is steep and strenuous, but walkers are rewarded with panoramic views. Allow three hours for the return walk.
There are no facilities along the track, although a toilet is available at the car park. This walk is not recommended for the elderly or young children.
Friendly Beaches – Explore the expanse of these 5km (3mi)-long beaches at your own leisure.
This walk leads to one of the most beautiful, long, white sand beaches in the world.
Get some sand between your toes, admire the sea swells and look out for the shorebirds. If the surf’s up, you could try out the breaks or caste a fishing line.
Wineglass Bay Lookout – This steep uphill walk leads to one of Tasmania’s most celebrated views — the crystal-clear waters and curvaceous white beach of Wineglass Bay.
The 2.6km (1.6mi) return walk takes you along a constructed trail through coastal woodland, past striking granite boulders, to the lookout, with short but steep hill sections and many steps.
As well as the scenic views an occasional bonus is the possible sighting of whales or dolphins in the bay. This walk is best done in the early morning and afternoon to avoid the busy midday period.
Wineglass Bay Beach – Dip your toes into the turquoise waters and meander along the pristine white sand of Wineglass Bay Beach on this 6km (3.7mi) walk, which takes roughly two to three hours.
Follow the track to Wineglass Bay Lookout until you reach a set of steps that descend to Wineglass Bay Beach. A 20-minute stroll to the southern end of the beach provides magnificent views back towards the Hazards.
Returning via the same track is the shortest and easiest route. There are no facilities along the track, although a toilet is available at the car park.
Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach – This 11km (6.8mi) circuit walk takes around four to five hours to complete. Sections of this track are steep and walking boots are recommended.
The route follows the Wineglass Bay Track to Wineglass Bay Beach, then crosses the isthmus on the Isthmus Track to Hazards Beach.
After tracking along the beach, the Hazards Beach Track continues up and around the low rocky coastline, with beautiful views across Great Oyster Bay then passes a stretch of coastal woodland before arriving back at the car park.
Note: Water availability on this circuit walk is scarce, so you need to be prepared to carry sufficient water – another reason to walk during winter when creek water is often more reliable. Walkers are advised to boil water before drinking.
The best accommodation options in and around Wineglass Bay and Freycinet National Park include the following…
Saffire Freycinet
Location: Coles Bay
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD1950 per room
Description: This luxury hotel is 4.2 km (2.6 mi) from Freycinet National Park and within 10 km (6 mi) of Freycinet Marine Farm and Wineglass Bay. Freycinet Vineyards and Devils Corner Cellar Door are also within 32 km (20 mi). All 20 soundproofed rooms provide free WiFi, free wired Internet, and iPod docks. Guests can enjoy deep soaking tubs, and other standard amenities include furnished balconies, living rooms, and LCD TVs. This smoke-free hotel features a full-service spa, a restaurant, and a health club. Free full breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free valet parking are also provided. Other amenities include a bar/lounge, a conference center, and massage/treatment rooms.
Freycinet Lodge
Location: Coles Bay
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD349 per room
Description: Situated in a secluded waterfront location within Freycinet National Park, this lodge offers luxurious chalets, 2 restaurants and a bar. Buffet breakfast is included. Some log cabins feature a spa bath. Each cabin features a private balcony, en suite bathroom with shower, heating, air conditioning and a refrigerator. A TV is also provided. Facilities include a tennis court, bicycle rental, barbecue area and a tour desk. With panoramic views of Great Oyster Bay, The Bay Restaurant offers fresh produce and local wines. Guests can enjoy casual dining at Richardson’s Bistro. Hazards Bar and Lounge has an open fireplace. Located in a remote forest setting, Freycinet Lodge is a superb base for enjoying guided walks, four-wheel-drive and wildlife tours, and sea kayaking.
Freycinet Eco Retreat
Location: Freycinet National Park, Coles Bay
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD345 per room
Description: Freycinet Eco Retreat is a Eco-certified property, located on 1200-acres in the centre of the Freycinet Peninsula, adjacent to the National Park and only 14 minutes' drive from the famous Wineglass Bay. These luxury cottages have stunning views of the peninsula, from the beaches to the Tasman sea, round to the Hazards mountain range and Great Oyster Bay. Each Eco Studio is contemporary and has a 6-star energy rating. They are compact but are equipped with high-end finishes, including a well-equipped kitchenette with granite benches and a microwave/grill oven. A Smart LED TV, free internet access and an en suite bathroom with a shower and heated flooring are provided. Guests can relax on their private deck and gaze out to the ocean or watch the native wildlife grazing in front of your accommodation. Located on Mt Paul, Freycinet Peninsula Eco Retreat is a 5-minute drive from Swanwick and a 10-minute drive from Coles Bay. Parking is provided right outside the property.
Edge of the Bay Resort
Location: Coles Bay
Rating: 4.5-star
Prices: from AUD330 per room
Description: Situated within 27-acres of bushland, in the heart of the Freycinet Peninsula, Edge of the Bay Resort offers direct access to 3 private beaches. Free WiFi and free parking are provided. All rooms at Edge of the Bay Resort include a flat-screen TV, DVD player, air-conditioning, a seating area and a kitchenette with a toaster, kettle and a refrigerator. A patio with sea views is included. The bathroom offers free toiletries. Guests staying at Edge of the Bay Resort enjoy views across Great Oyster Bay to Coles Bay and the Hazards Mountains from every cottage, suite and from the on-site a la carte restaurant. There are an array of free activities offered at Freycinet National Park, 5 minutes' drive away, including guided/self-guided walks, scenic flights, kayaking, quad-bike riding and cruises into Wineglass Bay.
Freycinet National Park is located around 200km from Hobart, about two hours 30 minutes by car. Turn off the Tasman Highway (A3) onto the Coles Bay Road (C302), 12km (7.4mi) south of Bicheno.
The main park entrance and Freycinet Visitor Centre are accessed by driving straight through the Coles Bay township, 28km (17mi) from the highway on a sealed road.
The turn-off to the Friendly Beaches section of the park is via a gravel road about 9km (5.6mi) after leaving the Tasman Highway (A3).
You can also access the park by public transport or tours.
Latest update: Freycinet National Park Attractions: 13 May, 2022
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