Explore Tasmania’s beaches and coastal charm this summer

One for the sun-lovers: grab the beach towel and get the lowdown on 11 of the best beaches in Tasmania.

As the ice melts on another Tasmanian Off Season, summer in Tasmania rears its sun-kissed head. This island state is, quite literally, surrounded by water, and that means a bevy of beautiful beaches – many as crisp-white as your straight-out-of-the wash sheets.

Quiet fishing towns and quaint clusters of family shacks create a coastal charm unique to the place, with freakishly clear waters, family-friendly camping spots, and wild locations for adventure seekers.

Before you jump into the best beaches Tasmania has to offer, here are a few pieces of local knowledge to note:

1. The early bird gets the worm – Tasmania’s beaches are often best in the morning when the wind is down. It’s also the quietest part of the day.
   
   
2. Afternoons are for the sun seekers – This is when the sand and sea have been warmed by the sun, and air temperatures reach their peak.
   
   
3. The evenings go on and on – In summer, Tasmania has the longest daylight hours in Australia. Anyone for 9pm sunset drinks?
   
   
4. It's important to swim safely – Before you swim, check out the official Beach Safe site for updates on patrolled and unpatrolled areas, boat safety and child-safe swim spots.
   
   
5. Some beaches have wheelchair access – Browse the list of wheelchair-accessible beaches and check local council websites for further info.
   
   

Tasmanian beaches aren’t the only places to cool off this summer – plunge into a natural waterhole, dip into a refreshing swimming pool, or go chasing one of many waterfalls.

But, if you’re a beach lover, this one is for you.

1. Friendly Beaches, Freycinet National Park

At the gateway to the Freycinet Peninsula, you’ll find the vast views and unspoiled white sand of Friendly Beaches. Part of Freycinet National Park, this is a top spot for surfing, shore fishing and bird watching. It’s also a popular place to photograph some speccy shots to rival the striking snaps of Wineglass Bay.

Friendly Beaches are also a bushwalker's paradise. As well as self-guided beach walks, Freycinet Experience Walk offers a luxury four-day lodge-based guided experience. And while you’re in the mood to get spoiled, you might like to take a scenic flight with Freycinet Air.

Access to ‘Friendlies’ is via a dirt road, so a reliable car is a must. You’ll also need to be able to tackle a short walk from the car park to the beach. The other option is to take in the sweeping scene from the car park at Friendly Beaches lookout.

And while you’re on the east coast, take the hassle out of planning your beach nibbles with Salty Picnic Co or Pop-Up Picnic Tasmania. Both options provide you with a custom experience, complete with low tables and chairs, and gourmet east-coast produce and wine. Bon appétit.

2. Martha Lavinia beach, King Island

Getting from Tasmania’s main island to the golden sands of Martha Lavinia beach on King Island takes a bit of doing. But it’s 100% worth it for the unspoiled serenity and one of the top surf beaches in Tasmania. A remote isle 80km off the north-west tip of Tasmania, light aircraft flights head to King Island from Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Melbourne.

The name “Martha Lavina” is spoken in hallowed tones in surfing circles. The main activity here is the legendary surf with perfect A-frame waves.

Not an experienced surfer? Martha Lavinia beach and its sand dunes are lovely to explore and beachcomb. Ocean currents here are strong and the beach is unpatrolled, so think twice before taking a dip.

Access to this beach is via gravel roads. If you’re hiring a vehicle, check with your rental company, as not all cars can get you there. Check out the locals' guide to King Island and discover tips for travelling to Tasmania.

3. Adventure Bay, Bruny Island

No Bruny Island expedition is complete without a visit to South Bruny’s crown jewel: Adventure Bay. Known for its scenic views and rare wildlife (including the famed white wallaby), Adventure Bay represents what Tasmanian beaches are all about: sheltered coves, clear waters and family camping.

Adventure Bay is your jumping-off point for sea life cruises, penguin watching and bushwalking to the top of majestic Fluted Cape, where endless ocean views beckon.

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys offers guided tours, including:

• Bruny Island Cruises – This three-hour boat ride departs Adventure Bay.
• Fluted Cape Walk – A 2.5-hour return hike and one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks.

Bring your car across to Bruny on the 20min SeaLink ferry, crossing from Kettering several times a day.

4. Trousers Point Beach, Flinders Island

Salt air, towering granite cliffs and bays clearer than a glass of Tassie gin; Flinders Island is an adventure for the senses. It’s all about scenery and seclusion – and it’s highly likely you’ll find yourself solo on a deserted beach asking, “How’s the serenity?!”

With its distinctive orange rocks and its lofty backdrop of Strzelecki Peaks (the centrepiece of Strzelecki National Park), Trousers Point Beach knows how to bring the visual drama. Base yourself at Trousers Point camping ground for a restorative holiday of swimming, snorkelling, and rock climbing, interspersed with satisfying sleeps under the stars. Trousers Point is also the starting point for another of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks, taking you past the granite caves of Fotheringate Bay.

Trousers Point is just a Killiekrankie-diamond’s-throw (aka 15mins) from Whitemark, Flinders Island’s general services hub, and the deliciousness of the Flinders Wharf.

With very few humans and vehicles on Flinders Island, prepare to give a friendly ‘Flinders Island wave’ to every car you pass.

5. Boat Harbour Beach

No arguments – Boat Harbour is one of the best beaches in Tasmania. This cute cove of turquoise waters and white sands is backed by the sloping green hills north-west Tasmania is loved for.

Pack yourself a picnic for a day of snorkelling, diving and sunbathing at this sheltered, family-friendly beach that’s patrolled in the summertime.

Boat Harbour is a laidback beach town evoking Tasmania’s quintessential shack culture. Kids will love exploring the calm rock pools and saying hello to the resident marine life and cormorants. The playground next to the surf club is also home to a cafe. Stay nearby at a luxury villa, garden cottage or farm.

6. Binalong Bay, Bay of Fires Conservation Area

Looking for the Insta-perfect shot of the whitest-of-white sandy beaches? Think Binalong Bay. The window into Bay of Fires Conservation Area on the north-east coast, Binalong Bay has water so aqua it tempts the most reluctant of cold-water swimmers.

Fisherpeople and snorkellers: pack your gear. You can swim straight from the shore or take a tour of the coastline with Bay of Fires Eco Tours.

Get all the sandy feet feels at more beaches in the larapuna / Bay of Fires area:

• Cosy Corner
• Jeanneret
• Swimcart

Whatever you do, come camera-ready – those orange-tipped granite boulders are begging to be captured. The friendly local pelicans might want a selfie, too. If you’re not a water baby, fear not: there are hikes aplenty around these parts, such as the Bay of Fires Signature Walk. Be sure to factor in time for lookout-lingering.

Binalong Bay is a scenic 11min drive from St Helens.

7. Roaring Beach, Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula

Exposed, wild and woolly – Roaring Beach in the south east has long been a surfing mecca for Tassie locals. Precariously placed on Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula, the sand dunes are high, the waves are worthy, and the rips are fierce.  

Even experienced surfers should:

• Surf with a buddy
• Monitor the surf conditions carefully
• Opt for autumn surfing for the cleanest waves.

Just along for the ride? There’s plenty to keep you busy. Beachcomb a morning away or simply soak up the Tassie sunshine while you watch the waves.

On the peninsula, you might also like to visit:

• Nubeena Bee Festival (every October)
• Port Arthur
• Coal Mines Historic Site

8 and 9. Riedle Bay and Shoal Bay, Maria Island

Once upon a time, bread-stealing convicts roamed Maria Island. Today, you’re more likely to bump into a wide-eyed wallaby or sleepy wombat – and those are just the onshore occupants. Down south, the unusually warmer, shallower waters of Shoal Bay (aka Ocean Beach) attract a smorgasbord of marine life. Snorkelling is highly recommended.

Riedle Bay sits a short amble over McRaes Isthmus. Here, the sea churns ferociously, but the shells and relics hiding in the sand create a beachcomber’s paradise.

Come for a day or explore for a few. Check out the:

• Maria Island Active Day Tour
• Maria Island Cruise + Walk Day Tour
• Maria Island Guided Walk

No cars are allowed on the island, so it’s hikers and bikers only. Lycra lovers can bring their own wheels or you can hire one through Encounter Maria Island. It’s a 30min ferry trip from Triabunna to the island.

INSIDER TIP

Refuel at the Fish Van in Triabunna on your way back for some of Tasmania’s freshest seafood.

10. Seven Mile Beach

Not only is Seven Mile one of Tasmania’s best beaches, it’s only 20min from Hobart International Airport. Better yet, it comes equipped with toilet and shower facilities.

Meander down the seemingly endless expanse by foot or on horseback. Pack the hamper and top up your tummy at any number of picnic spots. Just don’t leave without at least dipping your toes in the water.

Swimmers, surfers and shore-dwellers can play here all day. Bring the whole family – even your furry friends. Like many beaches in Tasmania, most of Seven Mile is dog-friendly, so your pooch is sure to find a pal.

11. Wineglass Bay, Freycinet Peninsula

Tasmania has a cellar that’d knock the socks off a French sommelier. But at Wineglass Bay, you’ll find only aquamarine seawater – fresh as a Freycinet Vineyard sparkling.

From the car park, it’s a 1.3km walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout. Breathe in the tranquillity, then make your way to the white, sinking sands below. Need more than a stroll? Kayak around the bay, get cruising or lace up for a hike up mighty Mount Amos.

While there, take the time to go further afield. Freycinet National Park is one of Tasmania’s overachievers, giving you:

• Abseiling
• Sailing voyages
• Four-wheeler adventures
• Multi-day hikes

After the fun, fill up on ocean fare at Freycinet Marine Farm and trot along the East Coast Wine Trail to get acquainted with a different kind of wineglass.

The many faces of Tasmanian beaches

Whether you’re after a quiet spot to soothe your soul or a fun family adventure, the Tasmanian coast has something snappable around every rocky corner. Get off-grid and onto an island hike. Stay closer to the urban action. Or simply pack a picnic and leave life for a day.

Now, all that’s left to do is stock up on snacks from the nearest produce market, pick a beach and drift into island bliss.