EAST COAST
Slow down. There’s a view around every corner and a long white-sand beach in between.
Take a deep breath of salty air and wander along one of those secluded beaches or hinterland forest tracks. Slurp an oyster plucked straight from the sea. Eat fresh crayfish. Chat to winemakers at their cellar doors.
This is the place to embrace simple luxuries – take time to pull over and follow a beach track, order seafood at a fish shack, fall asleep with an ocean soundtrack.
THINGS TO DO
There’s so much to do. Or so little. Rock-hopping, beachcombing, kayaking, cruising, mountain-bike riding, wine tasting or hiking in rainforest. You choose.
Best of the east coast
The views
See why Wineglass Bay and the spectacular backdrop of the Hazards are the most photographed vista in Tasmania. Pull over along the Great Eastern Drive to savour panoramas of sparkling coastline, especially around larapuna, which includes the Bay of Fires. Admire the sweeping views that stretch to the Furneaux Islands from wukalina / Mount William.
The wildlife
Wander among wombats, wallabies and Cape Barren geese on Maria Island. Watch little penguins waddle up the beach in Bicheno. See Tasmanian devils play and feast. Dive into an underwater wilderness and explore one of the region’s marine reserves.
The walks
Easily accessible walking tracks thread across Freycinet National Park, ranging from two hours to multi-day walks. A dip in a waterhole at Apsley Gorge is a refreshing end to a hike. Marvel at one of Tasmania’s highest waterfalls on the short walk to St Columba Falls.
The seafood
Make a detour to try oysters plucked straight from Great Oyster Bay or pull into a marine farm and pick up some abalone, scallops and fish. Order a lobster roll, take a seat on a giant boulder and watch the cray boats coming into the harbour in Bicheno.