Wineglass Bay, Coles Bay & Freycinet

Discover Tasmania’s most iconic coastal destination — pink granite peaks, turquoise water, and one of the world’s top-ten beaches, all within an easy day trip from Hobart or Launceston.

A Coastline Carved from Pink Granite

Freycinet Peninsula juts into the Tasman Sea on Tasmania’s east coast, a wild stretch of pink granite mountains, sheltered bays and dazzling white-sand beaches. At its centre sits Wineglass Bay — a perfect curve of turquoise water regularly voted one of the world’s finest beaches.

The small township of Coles Bay is your gateway to it all: waterfront cafés, kayak launches, oyster farms and easy access to the walking trails of Freycinet National Park. Whether you have a single day or a long weekend, this is the East Coast at its most spectacular.

Freycinet National Park

Tasmania's oldest national park, est. 1916

Wineglass Bay Lookout

Reached in about 45 min return walk

100% Tasmanian

Locally owned & operated tours

Year-Round

Beautiful in every season

10k+

Hectares

100+

Years Protected

#1

Top Beach

Top Attractions

What to See in Freycinet

From world-famous lookouts to sheltered coves loved by locals, here are the experiences worth building your day around.

Wineglass Bay Lookout

The iconic postcard view of Tasmania. A steady 45–60 minute return walk climbs through pink-granite boulders to a viewing platform that reveals the perfect crescent beach far below.

Wineglass Bay Beach

Continue past the lookout down to the beach itself — white silica sand, clear turquoise water and often just a handful of other visitors. Regularly ranked among the world’s top-ten beaches.

The Hazards Range

The pink and orange granite mountains that form Freycinet’s dramatic skyline. Their warm hues come from lichen and mineral content and glow beautifully at sunrise and sunset above Coles Bay.

Cape Tourville Lighthouse

An easy 20-minute loop on a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk with sweeping ocean views across sea cliffs, the Nuggets and — in season — migrating whales and dolphins.

Honeymoon Bay & Sleepy Bay

Two small, sheltered coves framed by pink granite. Honeymoon Bay is perfect for a calm swim, while Sleepy Bay’s tumbled boulders make it a favourite spot for sunrise photographers.

Coles Bay Village

The gateway township to Freycinet with waterfront cafés, a bakery, general store and jetty. A relaxed base to refuel, grab local oysters or launch a kayak onto Great Oyster Bay.

One Perfect Day in Freycinet

A realistic, easy-to-follow schedule that balances the must-see icons with quieter local moments — all doable as a day trip from Hobart or Launceston.

7:30 AM

Depart Hobart or Launceston

Set off early on the scenic Tasman Highway. Coach transfers include a comfort stop en route so you arrive fresh at Coles Bay by mid-morning.

10:00 AM

Coles Bay Coffee Stop

A quick café break in Coles Bay village with the Hazards glowing across the water. Grab a takeaway coffee and a bakery treat for the walk.

10:45 AM

Wineglass Bay Lookout Walk

Head to the Freycinet Visitor Centre trailhead and take the iconic 45–60 minute return walk to the world-famous lookout.

12:30 PM

Lunch by the Water

Return to Coles Bay for a relaxed lunch — fish and chips at the jetty, freshly shucked oysters, or a picnic on the foreshore.

2:00 PM

Cape Tourville Lighthouse

A short drive and an easy 20-minute boardwalk loop with wide ocean vistas. Keep an eye out for whales and pods of dolphins.

3:00 PM

Honeymoon Bay & Sleepy Bay

Wander two of the prettiest hidden coves in the park. Time for a swim, some rock-hopping, and postcard-worthy photos.

4:30 PM

Return Journey

Head back with a scenic stop at Spiky Bridge or Kate's Berry Farm for an afternoon treat before arriving back in the city.

Local Tips

Insider Advice for a Smoother Day

Small details that turn a good visit into a great one, straight from our team who drive this route every week.

Start Early

The Wineglass Bay Lookout can get busy after 11 AM. Aim to be on the track by 9:30 for cooler temperatures, quieter trails and softer light.

Pack a National Parks Pass

Freycinet is a national park — you'll need a Tasmania Parks Pass. A holiday pass covers all parks for up to 8 weeks and is great value.

Bring Water & Snacks

There's no reliable water on the trails. Carry at least 1 litre per person, plus snacks — you'll want to linger longer than you expect.

Weather Changes Fast

Tasmanian weather is famously four-seasons-in-one-day. Layers, a rain shell and sun protection are essentials year round.

Wear Proper Shoes

The lookout track is well maintained but rocky in parts. Sturdy walking shoes make a big difference, especially if continuing down to the beach.

Go Beyond the Lookout

Have a full day? Continue down to Wineglass Bay Beach or complete the Hazards Beach circuit for a quieter, more rewarding experience.

How to Reach Coles Bay

Coles Bay is an easy self-drive or coach transfer from anywhere on the East Coast. Here are the most popular routes.

From

Hobart

195 km / 2h 30m

Temperatures at the summit can be 10°C cooler than Hobart, with strong wind. Bring a windproof jacket, beanie, gloves, and sturdy footwear year-round.

From

Launceston

170 km / 2h 15m

Head south-east via St Marys and Bicheno. The drive winds through Elephant Pass — don't miss the famous pancake barn on the way.

From

Bicheno

35 km / 30m

A quick and scenic hop south. Perfect if you're spending a night on the coast and want an unhurried Freycinet day.

Where to Eat

The Best Bites Around Coles Bay

From farm-fresh oysters and wood-fired pizza to fine dining with a view of the Hazards, here are the picks.

Wineglass Bay Lookout

The regional icon. Order a dozen freshly shucked Pacific oysters straight from the farm with a glass of Tasmanian sparkling, mussels in white wine, or a rock lobster roll — eaten under the pines with the Hazards on the horizon.

Richardson's Bistro

Freycinet Lodge’s relaxed in-park bistro serving modern Tasmanian share plates. Think crispy pork belly, local octopus, oysters three ways and slow-cooked lamb, all paired with East Coast wines and views out over Great Oyster Bay.

Food 'n' Brew Co

A relaxed lakeside café famous for wood-fired pizzas topped with Tassie ingredients — think smoked salmon, prosciutto and native pepperberry. Great coffee, house-baked pastries and a small but well-picked local wine list.

Geographe Restaurant & Espresso Bar

The heart of Coles Bay village. Excellent all-day breakfasts, hearty burgers, fresh fish of the day and legendary scallop pies. A friendly, buzzy spot to fuel up before or after the Wineglass Bay walk.

Coles Bay Trading (Iluka Tavern)

A proper Aussie pub with pool tables, a big beer garden and honest counter meals — fish and chips, steaks, parmis and cold Cascade on tap. Live music on weekends and one of the friendliest crowds on the East Coast.

Devil's Corner Cellar Door

One of Tasmania’s most scenic cellar doors, a short drive from Coles Bay. Sample cool-climate Pinot Noir and Riesling alongside wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood and Mt Elephant Pancakes — all served with a jaw-dropping view of the Hazards.

Eat Like a Local on the East CoastWant a shorter or slower day?

Book Dinner Ahead

Coles Bay is small and evenings book out fast in summer. Reserve a table 2–3 days ahead for The Bay or Tombolo, especially on weekends.

Grab a Picnic for the Walk

Pick up sourdough, cheese and pastries at the Coles Bay bakery in the morning to enjoy on Wineglass Bay Beach — there are no shops in the national park.

Follow the Great Eastern Drive

The road to Coles Bay is dotted with amazing food stops — Kate’s Berry Farm, Melshell Oysters, Spring Vale Wines and Milton Vineyard are all worth a detour.

Book Your Trip

Get a Quick Quote for Your Freycinet Day

Tell us your dates, group size and pick-up point. Our team will build a custom itinerary and coach transfer to match — usually within a few working hours.

Small groups from 7 seats up to luxury 57-seat coaches

Experienced local drivers who know every stop

Fully accredited, 33+ years of Tasmanian touring

Request a Group Transport Quote

Tell us about your Mount Wellington group trip and we will send a tailored quote.

We will respond within 24 hours. For urgent enquiries, call (+61) 3 6272 2645.