Freycinet National Park

Headlined by Wineglass Bay but covering so much more, Freycinet is one of the state’s favourite coastal playgrounds.

Occupying most of Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania’s east coast, the park has dramatic pink granite peaks, secluded bays, white sandy beaches and abundant wildlife. Walks lead to bays and beaches, while the waters beckon for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.

The main body of the national park covers Freycinet Peninsula’s southern tip, but it also extends along the peninsula’s east coast, taking in the Friendly Beaches and stretching almost to the coastal town of Bicheno. With Mount Field, Freycinet is Tasmania’s oldest national park.

Highlights

Wineglass Bay

Tasmania’s most famous beach forms a perfect white curve beneath the Hazards mountains, and is far and away the park’s most popular – and photogenic - natural feature.

The Hazards

This low line of granite peaks forms a spectacular barrier across the national park. The Wineglass Bay Lookout sits in one of the passes through the peaks. 

Friendly Beaches

This long beach lining the peninsula’s east coast is a striking contrast of white sand and blue sea.

Cape Tourville

This lighthouse-topped cape ringed by a boardwalk gives easy glimpses into Wineglass Bay and a chance to spot marine life, including whales.

Walks

Wineglass Bay Lookout

A well-groomed trail climbs through the Hazards to this lookout platform poised above Wineglass Bay. Allow 60-90min for the 2.6km return walk, which is one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks.

Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach

Continue past the lookout and down onto the sands of Wineglass Bay. Return by crossing the isthmus to Hazards Beach and rounding the coast beneath the Hazards. This circuit (4-5hr, 11km) is one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks.

Mount Amos

Scale the heights of the Hazards for an extraordinary view down onto Wineglass Bay and across much of Freycinet Peninsula. It’s a challenging track (3hr return, 3.6km) on steep granite slabs, requiring some scrambling, and shouldn’t be attempted when the rock is wet.

Freycinet Circuit

Get the full perspective on the peninsula and national park with a two- to three-day loop, taking in Hazards Beach and Cooks Beach before crossing Mount Graham to Wineglass Bay. There are walkers’ campsites at Hazards Beach, Cooks Beach and Wineglass Bay.

Other activities

Wineglass Bay Cruises

Sail out from Coles Bay on this catamaran trip, rounding the tip of the peninsula and cruising into Wineglass Bay for lunch with the ultimate coast view.

Freycinet Adventures

Paddle across the toes of the Hazards on this 3hr guided kayak tour, with the peaks rising above and a stop ashore at beautiful Honeymoon Bay.

Need to know

Camping

Beachfront camping is available in the park at Richardsons Beach, Honeymoon Bay, Ranger Creek and the Friendly Beaches. A ballot system operates for sites at Richardsons Beach, Honeymoon Bay and Ranger Creek during the summer school holidays and Easter. The ballot is drawn in August. There’s plenty of accommodation in Coles Bay, at the park’s edge.

Visitor centre

At the entrance to the park, the Freycinet Visitor Centre issues park passes and information, and sells outdoor equipment, clothing and natural history books. A parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania’s national parks. 

Where

Freycinet National Park is a 2hr 30min drive (195km) north-east of Hobart, and a 2hr drive (175km) south-east of Launceston.

More detail

https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/freycinet-national-park