Swansea

This sleepy seaside village has some of the best views of any settlement on the east coast. 

The journey along the Great Eastern Drive to Swansea offers one sweeping view after another. Expect long beaches and the pink granite peaks of the Hazards range across Great Oyster Bay. 

For food lovers, Swansea delivers a harvest from land and sea – a plate of freshly shucked oysters from the bay pairs well with wine from nearby Milton Vineyard.

Just a short drive south of Swansea is Kate's Berry Farm, with fresh berries, artisanal chocolates, ice-cream and berry wine. Take time to forage and fill the picnic basket at farm gates around the town offering fresh fruit, walnuts, olives and more.

History and architecture enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the town centre and local history museum. 

From Hobart, the approach to Swansea features one of Tasmania's most curious convict constructions. About 7.5km south of town, don’t miss the aptly named Spiky Bridge, which was built in 1843 by convicts using field stones laid without mortar or cement and the parapet has upright stones, giving the bridge a spiky appearance.

Where

Swansea is a 90min drive (134km) north-east of Hobart and a similar distance south-east of Launceston.

Insider tips

• Take a guided off-road cycle tour through working farms and vineyards with Swansea Cycle Tours.
• Keen ocean anglers can cast out and bring home fresh seafood for dinner.
• Just across the highway from Spiky Bridge, Spiky Beach is a favourite spot to float in calm turquoise water over white sand, surrounded by boulders and cliffs splashed with orange lichen.