TASMANIA - THE EAST COAST
Tasmania’s East Coast is a stunning, sun-drenched itinerary of pristine white beaches, dramatic granite peaks, and world-class seafood. It is a journey defined by scenic drives, charming seaside towns, and protected national parks.
This region captures the island’s raw beauty, offering everything from vineyard tours and historic sites to the fiery-red lichen of the Bay of Fires and the crystal waters of Wineglass Bay.
Most Popular Attractions
Coastal Wonders & National Parks:
Freycinet National Park: Home to the iconic vista of Wineglass Bay, famous for its perfect crescent shape and turquoise waters.
Bay of Fires: A coastline renowned for its brilliant white sand, azure sea, and granite boulders covered in vibrant, orange lichen.
Maria Island National Park: A wildlife haven (wombats, Tasmanian devils) and historic site, featuring the dramatic sea cliffs of the Fossil Cliffs and the Painted Cliffs.
Bicheno Blowhole: A dramatic coastal feature where seawater is forced through a rock fissure, creating a powerful spray.
St Helens Point Conservation Area: Known for its vast beaches and the Peron Dunes, offering excellent fishing and surfing.
Douglas-Apsley National Park: A rugged inland park with waterfalls and gorges, known for the Apsley River Waterhole and Gorge.
Towns & Culture:
Coles Bay: The gateway town to Freycinet National Park, offering stunning views and local oyster farms.
St Helens: The largest town on the coast, known as the “game fishing capital” and the northern gateway to the Bay of Fires.
Swansea: A historic coastal town overlooking Great Oyster Bay, featuring colonial architecture and stunning ocean views.
Richmond Bridge: Australia’s oldest functioning bridge, an impressive example of convict-era stonework in the historic village of Richmond.
Port Arthur Historic Site: (Though technically just outside the East Coast definition, it is a crucial part of the tourist route): A UNESCO World Heritage site and a preserved penal colony with profound historical significance.
Triabunna: The port for ferries to Maria Island.
Orford: A popular holiday town on the Prosser River, known for its swimming and fishing beaches.
Food, Wine & Produce:
Freycinet Marine Farm: A popular stop for tasting fresh local oysters, mussels, and scallops straight from the sea.
Devil’s Corner Cellar Door: A renowned winery with an architecturally striking lookout offering panoramic views of the Hazards Mountains and Moulting Lagoon.
East Coast Wine Region: Tour the local vineyards, including Gala Estate and Craigie Knowe Vineyard, famous for their cool-climate Riesling and Pinot Noir.
Bicheno’s Rocking Chair: A local institution known for its fresh seafood and lobster rolls.
Spring Vale Cellar Door: A picturesque winery situated near Cranbrook, popular for its beautiful grounds and Tasmanian sparkling wine.
Unique Attractions:
Kate’s Berry Farm: Famous for its homemade ice cream, jams, and fresh berries, overlooking the sea near Swansea.
Mount Amos Hike: A challenging but rewarding climb in Freycinet National Park that offers the best high-vantage views of Wineglass Bay.
Scamander River Mouth: A beautiful location popular for estuary fishing and birdwatching.
Convict Trail at Prosser Plains: Explore the remnants of the original convict road that connected the east coast with the interior.
Activities & Experiences
Hike to Wineglass Bay Lookout and Beach: Take the iconic walk in Freycinet National Park to the lookout for the world-famous view, and continue down to the pristine white sands for a swim or beach stroll (allow 2-3 hours return).
Explore the Bay of Fires: Wander along the stunning coastline between Binalong Bay and Eddystone Point Lighthouse, famous for its white sand beaches and granite boulders stained orange by lichens.
Go Sea Kayaking in Coles Bay: Paddle the crystal-clear waters of the bay, enjoying spectacular views of the Hazards Mountains from a unique perspective, with a chance of spotting dolphins or seals.
Take a Cruise around Maria Island: Catch the ferry from Triabunna to Maria Island National Park (no cars allowed) and explore its historic convict settlement, hike to stunning viewpoints, and see abundant wildlife like wombats and Cape Barren geese.
Sample Fresh Oysters at a Marine Farm: Stop at Freycinet Marine Farm near Coles Bay or similar spots to enjoy freshly shucked Pacific oysters and other local seafood.
Go Mountain Biking in St Helens: Experience the thrill of the St Helens Mountain Bike Trails, offering epic downhill and cross-country runs for all skill levels, including the stunning Bay of Fires Trail.
Visit a Local Berry Farm: Stop at Kate’s Berry Farm near Swansea (seasonal) to pick your own berries, or indulge in fresh berry ice cream, jams, and other treats.
Witness the Bicheno Blowhole: Time your visit with a good swell to see a powerful surge of water blast through a small hole in the coastal rock formation near Bicheno.
Take a Wine Tasting Tour: Drive the East Coast Wine Trail to sample cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, at renowned cellar doors like Devil’s Corner or Gala Estate.
Go Penguin Watching: Join a twilight tour in Bicheno to see Little Penguins (Fairy Penguins) return from the ocean to their burrows on the shore after sunset.
Discover Coastal Convict History: Visit the World Heritage-listed Maria Island Penal Settlement or the historic Spiky Bridge near Swansea, built by convict labour in 1845.
Chase Waterfalls in the Pyengana Valley: Take a short walk to admire the impressive cascades of St Columba Falls and Halls Falls in the lush temperate rainforest inland from St Helens.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Essential: The East Coast of Tasmania is best explored via the Great Eastern Drive (A3). A rental car is strongly recommended as the primary means of transport to fully access national parks, remote beaches, vineyards, and small coastal towns. Travel times can be deceptive due to winding roads.
Public Transport: Long-distance buses, such as those operated by Tassielink and Calows Coaches, connect major towns like Hobart, Launceston, St Helens, Bicheno, and Swansea, but services are infrequent and have limited flexibility for accessing attractions.
Ferry & Shuttle:
Maria Island: Access is by passenger ferry from Triabunna (about an hour’s drive from Hobart). Bookings are highly recommended, especially in peak season.
Mountain Biking: Shuttle services like Gravity Isle operate to transport riders and bikes to the St Helens Mountain Bike Trails.
On Foot: Many of the key attractions are best explored on foot, including short walks to lookouts, multi-hour hikes, and leisurely beach strolls. Be aware that most towns are small and only walkable within their central areas.
Embrace the Wildlife: Tasmania has abundant and accessible native wildlife. You will frequently see wallabies, pademelons, and sometimes wombats, especially around dawn and dusk. Drive cautiously during these times, particularly the “half-hour after sunset” as this is the busiest time for wildlife movement on the roads.
Dining: Seafood and Wine: The East Coast is a foodie haven. Don’t miss the local fresh seafood, including Pacific Oysters from the clean waters of the coast and Southern Rock Lobster (crayfish). The region is famous for its cool-climate wines, with Pinot Noir being a celebrated variety. Look for roadside honesty stalls for seasonal produce like berries.
Wukalina/Bay of Fires Aboriginal Culture: The area around the Bay of Fires has deep Aboriginal heritage. The traditional name for Mount William National Park, located at the northern end of the coast, is Wukalina. Consider seeking out guided cultural experiences to learn about the history and connection of the local Indigenous people to the land.
Tidal Conditions at the Blowhole: The famous Bicheno Blowhole is best viewed when the swell is running and the tide is high. Check local information or ask a local for the best viewing time to see the most dramatic spray.
Hidden Gems:
Apsley Gorge Waterhole: Near Bicheno, this spot in the Douglas-Apsley National Park offers a refreshing, crystal-clear waterhole for a swim after a short walk.
Cape Hauy Track: While not strictly on the East Coast, the stunning, challenging walk to the high, exposed dolerite columns of Cape Hauy on the Tasman Peninsula is an unforgettable sight.
Freycinet’s Other Walks: Beyond Wineglass Bay, explore the pink granite peaks of The Hazards via the Mount Amos summit walk (challenging) or the easier Cape Tourville Lighthouse walk.
Friendly Beaches: A less-crowded alternative to Wineglass Bay in the Freycinet National Park, offering long stretches of pristine white sand perfect for a quiet walk or swim.
Weather: Tasmania’s weather is highly variable. Even in summer (December to February), you should always carry layers, including a waterproof jacket, as conditions can change rapidly.
Top Restaurants
Freycinet Marine Farm [$15-$30] – Located just outside Coles Bay, this is an essential East Coast stop for incredibly fresh seafood, especially oysters and mussels harvested daily from Great Oyster Bay, available cooked or raw.
The Lobster Shack [$25-$50] – A casual, absolute waterfront cafe in Bicheno at ‘The Gulch,’ renowned for its premium, freshly caught Southern Rock Lobster (crayfish) rolls and simple, authentic ‘ocean-to-plate’ dining.
The Wharf Bar & Kitchen [$25-$45] – Situated on the waterfront in St Helens, this venue focuses on showcasing the best locally sourced and seasonal produce from the Tasman Sea, including highly praised seafood pasta and fresh scallops.
Skipper’s Fish Shop [$15-$30] – A classic fish punt located on the waterfront in St Helens, a local favourite for simple, fresh, and perfectly cooked fish and chips and takeaway seafood.
Melshell Oysters [$10-$25] – A small, charming shack at Moulting Bay, north of Swansea, offering some of the best Pacific Oysters in Tasmania, shucked to order, with a lovely view.
Lease 65 Oysters [$10-$25] – Located just off the road to Binalong Bay near St Helens, this is a farm gate where you can purchase exceptionally high-quality fresh, unopened or opened oysters directly from the producer.
The Fish Van [$15-$25] – A popular, unpretentious fish and chip van in Triabunna known for serving incredibly fresh local catches, often considered a must-stop for a takeaway seafood lunch.
Tasmanian Coastal Seafoods [$20-$40] – Located at The Gulch in Bicheno, this is a great alternative for fresh, takeaway seafood, including local rock lobster (crayfish), to be enjoyed by the sea.
Blue Lagoon Oysters [$10-$25] – A small farm gate north of Dunalley, a favourite for locals to stop and buy exceptionally fresh oysters to take away and enjoy.
The Branch [$20-$40] – Located in a converted 1920s bank in Swansea, this spot offers an innovative Tasmanian tapas menu with a strong focus on local produce, including oysters, salmon, and scallops.
The Bark Mill Tavern & Bakery [$15-$30] – A comprehensive venue in Swansea housed in a historic bark mill complex, offering hearty, satisfying meals in the tavern and delicious, fresh bread and pastries from the bakery.
The Long Boat Tavern [$15-$30] – A relaxed, beachfront pub connected to the Beachfront Bicheno, offering classic country-style pub meals with stunning views of Waub’s Bay and local beer and wine pairings.
Holy Cow Café at Pyengana Dairy [$15-$25] – Located inland from St Helens, this café is set at the award-winning dairy, featuring light meals, coffee, and showcasing their famous Pyengana cheeses and homemade ice cream.
The Pub in the Paddock (St Columba Falls Hotel) [$15-$30] – One of Tasmania’s oldest licensed pubs, located near St Marys and St Columba Falls, known for its welcoming country atmosphere, hearty meals, and its resident pig.
Blue Edge Bakery & Café [$10-$20] – A cozy, essential stop in Bicheno, renowned for its fresh, artisan sourdough bread, excellent coffee, and a range of satisfying breakfast and lunch items.
Little Bay Pâtisserie [$10-$20] – A delightful small spot in Bicheno offering excellent, high-quality pastries and a great coffee fix for a perfect morning treat.
The Pondering Frog Café [$15-$25] – A popular tourist stop near Bicheno and Freycinet, known for its famous seafood chowder, surf and turf burger, and a large selection of unique, handcrafted berry ice creams.
Artifakt Gallery and Café [$15-$25] – Located in Swansea, this spot is a blend of a café and art gallery, offering good coffee, snacks, cakes, and light meals amidst local artwork.
Coffee Central [$10-$20] – A reliable and popular café in St Helens for a quick breakfast, coffee, and light modern Australian meals.
Blue Diamond Café [$15-$25] – A beloved local spot in Bicheno serving up classic comfort food, especially praised for its homemade savory pies and a warm, rustic atmosphere.
Shoreline Takeaway [$15-$25] – A convenient spot in Bicheno for a quick bite, offering simple, satisfying snacks and takeaway meals rich in local flavour.
Iluka Tavern [$15-$30] – A relaxed coastal pub in Coles Bay with a simple menu of casual meals, offering a laid-back spot against the backdrop of Great Oyster Bay.
Richardson’s Bistro [$20-$35] – A casual dining option at Freycinet Lodge, serving tasty, relaxed meals and snacks in a calm atmosphere within the national park area.
Trimbolis Pizzas [$20-$35] – A popular local option for Italian-style pizza in St Helens, perfect for a casual evening meal.
The Grapevine – St Helens [$20-$35] – Another great spot in St Helens, specialising in pizzas and offering a relaxed dining environment.
Homestead Restaurant (Piermont Retreat) [$50-$80] – An award-winning, heritage-listed restaurant near Swansea, offering a relaxed yet sophisticated dining experience with a constantly evolving menu based on seasonal, local ingredients and a stunning view of Great Oyster Bay.
Palate Restaurant (Saffire Freycinet) [$100+ (Degustation)] – This is possibly the most exclusive restaurant on the East Coast, offering a bespoke, multi-course degustation experience with panoramic views, focused on premium Tasmanian produce (typically exclusive to resort guests, but sometimes accessible for non-guests with a booking).
Sealife Bicheno Restaurant [$35-$65] – Contemporary dining with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean, offering a refined menu of seafood, steak, and other modern Australian dishes, making it a standout fine-dining option in Bicheno.
The Bay Restaurant (Freycinet Lodge) [$40-$65] – An elegant dining experience within Freycinet National Park, serving contemporary, seasonal Australian cuisine with a strong emphasis on fresh local seafood and wine, perfect for a romantic dinner.
The Waterloo Inn [$35-$60] – A highly-regarded, popular restaurant in Swansea housed in a traditional motel, known for its inventive and constantly changing menu that celebrates seasonal, local produce with honest fare designed to share.
Saltshaker Restaurant [$30-$50] – A waterfront restaurant in Swansea offering a wide selection of dishes, including pizzas and seafood, focusing on organic and fair-trade ingredients with a beautiful view over the bay.
Géographe Restaurant and Espresso Bar [$30-$50] – A lively spot in the heart of Coles Bay that specialises in local produce and offers wood-fired pizzas, open for all-day dining.
Panorama Hotel Bistro [$30-$55] – The bistro in St Helens offers modern Australian cuisine with an emphasis on the finest Tasmanian meats and fresh seafood, complete with a walk-in wine cellar and deck views.
Parkside Bar and Kitchen [$30-$50] – A modern Australian restaurant in St Helens overlooking Georges Bay, known for its clean lines and contemporary coastal vibe, serving refined meals.
Furneaux Restaurant [$40-$65] – Located in St Helens, this restaurant blends Modern Australian cuisine with a French twist, offering beautiful water views over George’s Bay.
Easy Tiger St Helens Restaurant & Bar [$30-$50] – A modern restaurant and bar in St Helens offering an inviting atmosphere and contemporary Australian menu.
Mary Lynn’s [$30-$50] – A well-regarded spot in St Helens known for quality food and a good dining experience.
St Mary’s Coach House Restaurant [$30-$50] – A dining option in the nearby town of St Marys that offers Modern Australian cuisine, a little bit inland from the main coast road.
Kate’s Berry Farm [$10-$20] – Located just south of Swansea, this farm is famous for its wide array of berry-inspired treats, including waffles with compote, scones, fruit pies, and highly-rated berry ice cream with a deck view of Freycinet.
The Ice Creamery & Co. [$5-$15] – Located near the entrance of Freycinet National Park, this spot specialises in Tasmanian ice cream with a vast selection of flavours, perfect for a post-hike treat.
East Coast Roasters [$5-$15] – A cafe in Bicheno for coffee aficionados, focusing on expertly brewed coffee using local beans, along with light snacks.
Cake & Honey [$10-$20] – A cute café on Franklin Street in Swansea, offering pastries, good coffee, and classic breakfast/brunch bites.
The Purple Possum [$10-$20] – A quirky café and wholefoods store in St Marys, offering a rustic feel and light meals, featuring local produce and a mini-gallery.
Doo-licious Fish & Chips [$15-$25] – A well-known fish and chip spot located near the dramatic coastal formations around Port Arthur (South East coast, but often included in East Coast drives), praised for its fresh, perfectly cooked fish.
Granite Freycinet [$25-$45] – A modern eatery in Coles Bay offering quality meals and coffee, a solid choice for a meal before or after visiting the national park.
Bay of Fires Lobster [$40-$80] – A unique seafood experience, potentially a truck or casual spot further north in the Bay of Fires area (check location), known for its focus on local lobster.
Alimento [$30-$50] – A spot along the East Coast offering gourmet delights by the sea, though specific location and cuisine may vary (check latest details).
The Bays Kitchen [$25-$45] – Another modern Australian dining option in St Helens.
Feed The Dragon [$20-$35] – A different culinary option in St Helens, offering a break from the seafood focus.
Family Bistro St Helens [$15-$30] – A casual, family-friendly dining option in St Helens, offering standard bistro fare.
Banjo’s St Helens [$10-$20] – A popular bakery chain in Tasmania, reliable for quick coffee, pastries, and simple hot foods in St Helens.
The Lifebuoy Cafe [$10-$20] – A cafe in St Helens, a great spot for breakfast and light meals.
Coffee Away [$5-$15] – A convenient coffee stop in St Helens.
Bay Bar & Bistro [$25-$45] – Located in St Helens, offering meals and uninterrupted views of Georges Bay.
Big Pete’s Eats [$15-$30] – A mobile spit-roast operation that can often be found on the Freycinet Coast, offering savory, filling meals (check current location/schedule).
Mount Paul Lounge [$30-$50] – An onsite restaurant at Freycinet Resort, offering delicious food in a spectacular setting, open to non-residents (check for availability).
Tombolo Pizza [$20-$35] – Located at the popular Devil’s Corner Cellar Door near Apslawn, offering delicious wood-fired pizzas with a magnificent view of the Hazards and Great Oyster Bay.
The Fishers (Devil’s Corner) [$25-$45] – Also at the Devil’s Corner Cellar Door, this venue focuses on fresh seafood and local produce to pair with the vineyard’s wines, with a casual, outdoor dining setting.
Mels Kitchen (Spring Vale Vineyard) [$30-$50] – A kitchen at Spring Vale Vineyard near Cranbrook, offering fresh Tasmanian produce expertly matched with their award-winning cool-climate wines, providing a beautiful cellar door dining experience.
Higher Ground (Milton Vineyard) [$30-$50] – This dining option at Milton Vineyard offers a chance to enjoy local produce in a relaxed vineyard setting, often with platters and light meals to complement their wines.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Hazards Bar And Lounge: Located within Freycinet Lodge at the heart of Coles Bay, this welcoming bar provides a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Guests can unwind by the open fire and enjoy a range of Tasmanian beers, wines, ciders, and signature cocktails, often with a daily happy hour.
The Branch: Found in a historical Commercial Bank building in Swansea, this stylish wine and cocktail bar showcases the best of Tasmanian produce. They offer a sophisticated cocktail menu and tapas-style food in both a cosy indoor setting and a large outdoor dining area.
Easy Tiger St Helens: Situated in St Helens, this venue is a true multi-purpose spot, featuring a restaurant, bar, cinema, and brewery. While primarily a family-friendly eatery and entertainment hub, its fully licensed bar and focus on live music and great vibes make it a lively evening destination.
Parkside Bar & Kitchen: This brand new, architecturally designed venue in St Helens overlooks Georges Bay. It offers a relaxed and casual bar space where patrons can enjoy the best of Tasmanian craft beer, wine, cider, and spirits, with a sophisticated dining experience nearby.
The Bark Mill Tavern & Bakery: Located on the Tasman Highway in Swansea, this historic restored mill and museum complex features a well-stocked bar. It offers a full range of drinks, including local wines and spirits, in a traditional tavern setting with a restaurant and bottle shop attached.
Beachfront Bicheno Tavern (Long Boat Tavern): Found right on the Esplanade in Bicheno, this classic country-style pub and tavern offers stunning views of Waub’s Bay. While known for beer and dining, its main bar area is a central evening spot that often features live music sessions.
The Edge Restaurant & Bar: Boasting a stunning outlook across Great Oyster Bay to the Hazards mountain range in Coles Bay, this elegant spot focuses on fine Tasmanian cuisine but includes a bar that is perfect for enjoying drinks with a view.
The Bay Restaurant Bar: Located at Freycinet Lodge in Coles Bay, this venue offers an elegant setting for an evening meal or a drink. Guests can pair their experience with a local vintage or an award-winning Tasmanian wine, perfect for an intimate or social gathering.
The Farm Shed East Coast Wine Centre: Situated in Bicheno, this is primarily a centre for discovering and enjoying East Coast wines, but it also features local gin, whisky, and craft beer, offering a refined tasting and drinking experience.
Beachfront Bicheno Tavern (Long Boat Tavern): This popular public bar and dining room in Bicheno is a central nightlife hub for the town. It hosts live and loud music sessions, including monthly “Big Bands” and frequent free music performances on warm-weather weekends, offering a proper lively pub atmosphere late into the evening.
Bayside Hotel Sports Bar: Located in the heart of St Helens overlooking Georges Bay, this dedicated Sports Bar is designed for a comfortable evening. It features big screens for various sports, TAB facilities, and operates late, serving as a key spot for entertainment and a lively atmosphere in the northern East Coast.
Coles Bay Tavern: Situated within the BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park in Coles Bay, this is the main social hub for the immediate area. It offers a classic pub and bistro experience with a bar, providing a casual, friendly, and lively spot for drinks and socialising in the Freycinet region.
The Pub in the Paddock: While technically slightly inland near Pyengana, this is a famous Tasmanian icon and one of the oldest licensed pubs. It offers a unique, hearty, and character-filled pub atmosphere late into Friday nights, providing a classic social experience away from the coast.
Easy Tiger St Helens: This unique venue in St Helens is a one-stop-shop for evening entertainment. Beyond the bar and brewery, the cinema and frequent live music performances ensure a great vibe and a bustling social scene, functioning as an entertainment hub well into the night.
The Bark Mill Tavern Bar: This historical tavern in Swansea acts as a solid, traditional local nightspot. It provides a relaxed environment to enjoy drinks and socialise, often serving as the main evening destination in the township.