Grazing the east

Set out early from Hobart and cross to the east coast. Stretch your legs at Mayfield Beach, the site of a little-known three-arch bridge built by convicts from the nearby Rocky Hills Probation Station. There's another good beach stop ahead at Kelvedon Beach, featuring one of the state's most evocatively located boat sheds.

Linger over lunch, handcrafted chocolates and berry ice-cream in sight of Great Oyster Bay and Freycinet Peninsula at Kate's Berry Farm, open Friday to Tuesday.

See the best of Swansea and its coast on the loontitetermairrelehoiner walk, a 2.3km circuit that starts in the centre of town and rounds Waterloo Point, the site of Swansea's first European settlement in 1827.

Pay a visit to Swansea's fascinating East Coast Heritage Museum, which runs the course of history from Tasmanian Aboriginal artefacts to convict and whaling days. Ever seen a Tasmanian tiger trap?

Overnight at Swansea, where options include Swansea Beach Chalets and the former coaching inn of Schouten House.

Crank into the day on a cycling trip with Swansea Cycle Tours and pedal through private land between three vineyards.

Driving through the vineyards around Cranbrook will likely generate a thirst, which leads to the Farm Shed East Coast Wine Centre in Bicheno. The shed showcases wines from every vineyard on the east coast, including those without cellar doors.

If ocean conditions are sweet, Bicheno has prime surfing and snorkelling.

Meanwhile, Bicheno's nightlife is truly wild – watch little penguins waddle ashore with Bicheno Penguin Tours, or join a Devils in the Dark tour at East Coast Natureworld to observe Tasmanian devils living nocturnally.

Overnight at Bicheno – there’s plenty of options, including seafront Sandpiper Ocean Cottages and Sea Stacks – Shacks of the Denison.

Fuel up at Bicheno's Blue Edge Bakery, then set out walking on Bicheno's Foreshore Footway, which follows the town's coastline for 3km between Redbill Beach and the watery gargles of the Bicheno Blowhole. A short, steep climb leads to Whalers Lookout for views over Bicheno.

Take off to Douglas-Apsley National Park at Bicheno's edge. A short stroll leads to Apsley Waterhole – take the plunge on a warm day – or spend the day on a circuit walk that returns through the narrow and rocky chasm of Apsley Gorge.

Bicheno is the perfect launch pad for an exploration of Freycinet Peninsula.