17 Awesome Things To Do In Freycinet National Park
On the east coast of Tasmania lies a peninsula that beckons more travellers than any other destination on the island – except perhaps Cradle Mountain – and once you receive your first glimpse of the pink granite peaks towering above a thriving coastal woodland bordering translucent turquoise bays, and experience all the incredible things to do in Freycinet National Park, you’ll understand why this slice of Tasmania is so popular.
The Freycinet National Park is not only home to the famous Wineglass Bay and iconic walking trails carved across the landscape, but it’s also a place of indulgence and adventure. If you know what to search for, you’ll struggle to run out of things to do in Freycinet National Park.
And that’s exactly what we’re here for. We’ve done the hard work for you and after countless trips to the Freycinet Peninsula, we’ve put together the ultimate list of things to do in Freycinet National Park from a local’s perspective.
In this post, you can expect to find all the greatest things to do in Freycinet National Park, including some quick and useful tips for your visit to Tasmania’s dramatic east coast. What’s more, we’ve produced detailed guides on many of the walking tracks listed below so for additional information, simply click the link provided in the description.
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Quick Tips And Info For Visiting Freycinet National Park
Book ahead
Freycinet National Park can get super busy – and for good reason. But if you’re planning to travel during the school holidays or summer, book your Freycinet accommodation and activities in advance to avoid missing out. We recommend using Booking.com for accommodation and Get Your Guide for tours due to their great deals and ease of organisation through their apps.
Visit in Winter
If you can brave the cold of a Tassie winter, visiting Freycinet in winter will allow you to experience the Freycinet Peninsula with a third of the crowds. While swimming in the translucent turquoise bays may not be so inviting, the weather on the east coast of Tasmania is generally quite mild compared to the rest of the state and you’ll often be rewarded with stunning bluebird days through May and June.
Purchase A Tasmania Parks Holiday Pass
To explore Wineglass Bay and a number of other walks around the Freycinet Peninsula, you’ll need a Tasmania Parks Pass. You can simply purchase a day pass at the visitor centre on your way through, but with over 40% of the state protected by national park or reserve status, it’s beneficial to buy the reasonably priced 2-month holiday pass that gives you access to all parks within Tasmania – including Cradle Mountain and Mt Field.
Here is a list of the current prices as of April 2023.
Allow Enough Time
A common mistake of travellers visiting the peninsula is allowing too little time and only scratching the surface of possible things to do in Freycinet National Park. We recommend allowing a minimum of two days but if possible, 3 – 4 days is the sweet spot – giving you plenty of time to add the longer adventures to your itinerary.
Day Trips From Hobart or Launceston
For those travelling without a vehicle, you’re in luck. Due to its immense popularity, there are plenty of options for day tours to Freycinet National Park from either Launceston or Hobart and even some that provide a one-way day trip from Hobart to Launceston – or vice versa – with a lengthy stopover at Freycinet National Park.
Below you’ll find a list of the best day tours for Freycinet National Park.
Best Freycinet Day Tours
How To Get There
Freycinet National Park lies on the east coast of Tasmania, 2 hrs 15 minutes southeast of Launceston and 2 hrs 40 minutes northeast of Hobart. There are no public transport options for the Freycinet Peninsula, requiring you to self-drive or join a tour. If you’re in need of a hire car, we recommend checking out Rental Cars for the best deals.
Where To Stay
The Freycinet Peninsula is covered in quaint accommodation options ranging from cute studio apartments to your own private island! And the town of Coles Bay has all the basics you need for a weekend of hiking. However, if you’d rather stay in a larger town with more options to dine out and a bigger supermarket, we suggest basing yourself in Bicheno which is a short 30-minute drive from the walks in Freycinet National Park.
Freycinet National Park Accommodation
Freycinet is littered with places to stay ranging from luxurious resorts to budget friendly cabins. Some of our favourites are listed below:
Need More: For more information on staying on the Freycinet Peninsula, we’ve put together a helpful guide on the best Coles Bay accommodation options for any budget, plus you can also read about our top-rated campsite in Freycinet National Park.
17 Best Things To Do In Freycinet National Park
1. Explore The Many Freycinet National Park Walks
Tasmania truly is a hiker’s paradise, and some of Tasmania’s best hikes can be found within Freycinet National Park. Here, you’re gifted with a collection of trails that accommodate all levels and range from scrambling over pink-granite boulders to languidly hopping from cove to cove.
Wineglass Bay Lookout is the most popular of the walks in Freycinet National Park and like most of the trails found on the peninsula, it begins at the end of Freycinet Drive – 10 minutes south of Coles Bay.
Our absolute favourite walks on the Freycinet Peninsula are Mount Amos and Hazards Beach, which you can read more about below. For additional trail suggestions, take a look at our guide to the best walks in Freycinet National Park next.
2. Watch The Sunrise From Mount Amos
If you’re interested in adding a little extra adventure and thrill to your day, start by summiting Mount Amos by the light of your head torch to witness a sunrise you’re not likely to forget.
Not only is this your best chance of having Mount Amos all to yourself, but it’s also one of our all-time favourite sunrise locations. We can guarantee this is one of the best things to do in Freycinet and the memory of the warm yellow glow drenching the perfectly arched Wineglass Bay will stick with you forever.
Read this post next for more information on hiking Mount Amos.
Note: This is recommended for experienced hikers only. We’ve classed Mount Amos as a grade 4 but at night, it is definitely a grade 5 and should only be attempted if you’re confident walking in the dark and rock scrambling.
2. Have a Picnic At Honeymoon Bay
Grab a basket full of fresh local seafood from the Freycinet Marine Farm and wander down to the breathtaking Honeymoon Bay for a picnic. Secluded and sheltered from the wind, this little cove has the perfect view of The Hazards range and out across the calm bay.
You could easily spend all afternoon at Honeymoon Bay, munching on delicious local produce, swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear water and soaking up the sun from the orange lichen rocks.
To access Honeymoon Bay, park in the day use picnic area just past Freycinet Lodge and follow the short track down to the water’s edge. The Honeymoon Bay Picnic Area is equipped with toilets, water and barbeques.
4. Take A Cruise Around Wineglass Bay
Treat yourself to an unforgettable morning cruising around Wineglass Bay on the wildly popular Pennicott Cruise. Along with gaining a new perspective on the iconic coastline, there will also be a strong possibility of spotting dolphins, seals, sea eagles – and humpback whales during their migration season.
There are three cruise options: the Vista Lounge, the Vista Lounge with a ploughman’s style lunch included, or the adults-only Sky Lounge, which includes a wine and beer pairing with your ploughman’s style lunch.
The Wineglass Bay eco cruise takes roughly 4.5 hours and begins from Coles Bay at 9:45 am every day.
5. The Freycinet Paddle
If the idea of experiencing the rugged coastline from the water is enticing, yet a cruise doesn’t quite cut the mustard, perhaps a kayaking trip around the peninsula will be more your style.
The Freycinet Paddle is a 3-hour (ish) long kayak tour that begins at Muirs Beach in Coles Bay where an experienced guide will lead you around the peninsula, pointing out interesting facts while you search for sea life and marvel at the monstrous seacliffs.
No experience or personal equipment is necessary and tours depart multiple times throughout the day, making it easy to fit the Freycinet Paddle into your itinerary. But for the best views and the chance to watch the sunset from the water, we recommend choosing the latest time possible.
6. Discover Hidden Coves By Standup Paddle Boarding
One of the best things to do in Freycinet National Park on a warm and breathless day is stand-up paddle boarding. The beaches and coves fringing the coastline are best explored by sea, and the stretch from Coles Bay all the way down to Honeymoon Bay is notorious for crystal clear water – often without even a ripple.
And luckily, you can rent stand-up paddle boards in Coles Bay and have them delivered to your accommodation! Freycinet Paddle Boards offers half day (4 hours) rentals for $40 and full day (8 hours) or sunset to sunrise (overnight) rentals for $60.
Included in your rental are life jackets and travel accessories such as soft roof racks so you can begin your journey at any time and from any location you wish within Freycinet National Park and Coles Bay.
Plus, you can also rent snorkel gear from Freycinet Paddle Boards for $15 per kit, allowing you to thoroughly explore the secluded coves.
7. Take a Scenic Flight Over Freycinet National Park
For the ultimate experience, give yourself the gift of witnessing the entire Freycinet National Park (plus Maria Island) from a birds-eye view. Beginning in Hobart, the scenic flight focuses on showcasing the abundance of wildlife that live on Maria Island, where you’ll stop for a picnic lunch, before flying over the stunning Freycinet Peninsula.
To be honest, this is one of the most unique things to do in Freycinet National Park and if you’ve always wanted to experience a scenic flight, this 3-hour interactive tour is a perfect choice as it’s relatively inexpensive for what you get. Plus, if you’re short on time, you don’t even need to leave Hobart to see Freycinet National Park!
8. Whale Watch At Cape Tourville
Arguably the best place to spot humpback whales in Freycinet National Park is from the Cape Tourville Lighthouse, located on an eastern rocky cape north of Wineglass Bay and The Hazards.
A short wheel-chair accessible circuit leads from the car park and loops around the lighthouse, stopping at the lookout where you’re afforded glimpses of Wineglass Bay and the dominating mountains of Mt Freycinet and Mt Graham across the isthmus.
A fixed pair of binoculars live at the lookout, where a couple of dollars will provide you with the chance of spotting seals sunbathing on a collection of rocks named ‘The Nuggets’ just off the cape. But if you’re visiting between April and November, set your sights on the ocean and search for the humpback whales that journey from Antarctica to the north sub-tropical waters and back each year.
9. Swim In Wineglass Bay
While most travellers simply walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout and back, for one of the best experiences in Freycinet, continue onward and tackle the 1,000 steps down to the pure-white sand through a thriving coastal woodland.
Once you’re standing on the shore of Wineglass Bay, rejuvenate with a swim in the strikingly blue water. There’s a good chance you’ll see a dolphin or seal while you swim and an even stronger chance of meeting the resident wallabies that call the stretch of sand home.
The Wineglass Bay track is a moderate 6km return walk and takes an average of 2-3.5 hours to complete.
10. Go Camping on Wineglass Bay Beach
Go one step further and pack your overnight hiking backpacks, walk the Wineglass Bay track and continue along the 2.8km length of the beach to the southern corner where you’ll find a secluded campsite boasting stellar views back towards The Hazards Range.
Waking up to the sound of the native birds singing to one another and witnessing the sun creep across the pink granite mountains is worth every step. Plus, it’s the perfect place to base yourself for a day of snorkelling or swimming in the magical bay.
This is a fantastic walk for your first overnight hike due to its easy nature and short distance. But don’t forget to pack all the water you’ll need for cooking and drinking as there is nowhere to refill.
11. Walk Along Hazards Beach
Hazards Beach stretches along the western side of the isthmus that connects Mount Freycinet and Mount Graham to The Hazards range. Ocean debris litters the coarse yellow sand, offering a stark contrast to the calm Wineglass Bay found on the opposite side.
The walk to Hazards Beach takes you on a journey around the base of Mount Mayson, weaving through windswept coastal forests and dipping into secret coves along the way. You can either wander onto Hazards Beach and return once you’ve finished exploring or continue on The Hazards Beach and Wineglass Bay Circuit which includes crossing the isthmus and returning via Wineglass Bay and the many steps.
The Hazards Beach and Wineglass Bay Circuit is 11.6km and takes approximately 3-5 hours to complete. To return from Hazards Beach is roughly the same distance, making it beneficial to simply complete the full circuit.
Experience Freycinet With The Locals
- Wineglass Bay Cruise – For the adults only, experience Freycinet from the water as you’re spoiled with an incredible ploughman’s style lunch paired with delicious local beer and wine.
- Day Walk With The Locals – Discover the beauty of Wineglass Bay with the locals as they lead you on an epic adventure to the lesser known coves and bays found on this stunning coastline.
- 4-Day Fully Guided Tour – For the advanced hikers, set off on an eco-certified all-inclusive guided walk, showcasing the entire Freycinet Peninsula and all the wonders to be found within.
12. Explore The Lesser Known Sleepy Bay
Escape the crowds and wander down the gently descending steps to the Sleepy Bay lookout, located on the eastern side of the peninsula. Sleepy Bay is often anything but – regularly battered by wild weather and rough seas, making it an enjoyable exploration for keen beachcombers.
And for those wanting a little more adventure, continue past the lookout for an extra 10-20 minutes along a rough track leading to a hidden cove named Gravelly Beach. The walk to Sleepy Bay and onto Gravelly Beach is 1 km return and takes approximately 30 minutes, making it an easy spot to access for an afternoon picnic away from the multitude of travellers.
13. Take The Aqua Taxi To Cooks Beach
Leave the bustle of Coles Bay behind and take the Aqua Taxi to Cooks Beach, located south of Hazards Beach on the fringe of Mt Freycinet’s foothills. Not only is the boat ride across the bay a highlight, but you’ll also have access to several other walks that generally take days to reach.
From Cooks Beach, which is a stunning location all on its own equipped with a magical campsite, you have the option of 5 walks:
- Bryans Corner and Bryans Beach – Witness stunning vistas across the water to Schouten Island from Bryans Beach, a 7 km return walk through coastal forests from Cooks Beach
- Mount Freycinet – The tallest peak in Freycinet National Park, Mt Freycinet is a fun but challenging rock scramble that rewards with sensational views down to Wineglass Bay below – but be warned, it’s a big walk of 14 km return and 686 m elevation
- Mount Graham – While still a long and arduous walk, Mount Graham is a little easier compared to Mt Freycinet but still provides breathtaking views over the isthmus and The Hazards – this hike is 14 km return with roughly 550 m elevation
- Wineglass Bay – Completed over one or two days, walk over Mount Graham and continue onto the white sand of Wineglass Bay where you can choose to camp the night before returning to the car park via Wineglass Beach – this walk is 17 km and takes roughly 6 – 8 hours
- Hazards Beach – Rather than getting the aqua taxi back, walk from Cooks Beach along the yellow-sanded Hazards Beach and finish on the coastal trail winding around the base of Mt Mayson – this track is 13 km and will take approximately 4-5 hours to complete
The first three walks require you to return on the aqua taxi, but for the best experience, camp at Cooks Beach and return the following day or continue onto Wineglass Bay. Cooks Beach campsite lies at the edge of the treeline, equipped with a toilet, water tank and a historic hut that can be used for shelter but not for sleeping.
14. Enjoy The Sunset From The Bar At Freycinet Lodge
After a big day of experiencing the many things to do in Freycinet National Park, grab a drink and rewind at the Freycinet Lodge, which boasts the best sunset views from the large deck overhanging the bay.
Whether you are staying at the Freycinet Lodge or not, you can dine at any of their three restaurants – our favourite being the Hazards Bar and Lounge which extends to the deck and offers a casual experience with tasty burgers or seafood.
But no matter which you choose, just make sure to find yourself a good seat to watch as the sun sets over Great Oyster Bay and disappears behind the distant hills.
15. Hike The Multi-Day Freycinet Peninsula Circuit
For the ultimate adventure, pack your hiking boots and backpack ready for a 3-day hike through coastal scrub, eucalypt forests and long stretches of pristine beaches. The Freycinet Peninsula Circuit is our favourite coastal multi-day hike in Tasmania and the best way to truly experience all that Freycinet National Park has to offer.
The 30 km loop passes Hazards Beach and Cooks Beach, climbs over Mt Graham (with the option to also summit Mt Freycinet) before dropping onto Wineglass Bay and returning via the infamous 1000 steps.
While it’s physically challenging with over 1800m elevation if you choose to include Mt Freycinet’s summit track, it’s a relatively moderate track that is a perfect introduction to multi-day hiking.
For more information on the walk, check out our guide to hiking the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit.
16. Harvest Your Own Oysters With Oyster Bay Tours
For something a little different, hop into some waders and waddle out into the waters of the Freycinet Marine Farm to harvest your own oysters.
Tasmania is well-known for its deliciously juicy oysters and we’ve only found one place that produces better tasting oysters than the Freycinet Marine Farm – Lease 65 in St Helens. But as a close second and providing the opportunity to experience oyster farming yourself, Oyster Bay Tours is well worth your time if you’re an oyster enthusiast.
Oyster Bay Tours is a family-run business that operates in partnership with the Freycinet Marine Farm to provide a hands-on experience filled with facts on oyster farming and incredibly delicious seafood paired with local Tasmanian wine.
17. Take A Trip To Schouten Island
Whether you travel by aqua taxi or by sea kayak, a trip to Schouten Island will be full of adventure and wonder as you explore the isolated island south of the Freycinet Peninsula.
Completely cut off from the mainland of Tasmania, Schouten Island provides a tranquil escape from the majority of the crowds and will keep you busy for multiple days. Snorkelling, hiking the three peaks – bear hill, Mt Story and Mt Daedalus – and beach hopping are among the many things to do on the island.
You’ll find a campground at Crocketts Bay and Moreys Bay, both providing majestic views back at the Freycinet Peninsula. Taking the aqua taxi is the most common way to reach Schouten Island, but if you’re in search of more adventure, check out the Southern Sea Venture 6-day Freycinet sea kayak tour.
Final Thoughts On The Best Things To Do In Freycinet National Park
This is by no means an exhaustive list of things to do in Freycinet National Park, only the top activities. You could easily while away a whole week on the peninsula, but if you’re limited on time, we suggest trying to allocate at least two days to truly explore the region.
What is your favourite thing to do in Freycinet National Park? We’d love to hear about your experience below and as always, feel free to drop any questions in the comments section and we’ll endeavour to answer as soon as possible.
Happy Adventuring 🙂
