Top Destinations to Visit on Tasmania’s East Coast 

G’day adventurers. If you’re hankering for blue seas, white sand beaches, and landscape so picture-perfect you’d leave your Instagram pals turning green with envy, Tasmania’s East Coast is your go-to. It’s Tassie’s Great Ocean Road; without the crowds, more wombats, and oysters so fresh you’d be certain they’d bound onto your fork.

Stretching 220 km along the coast between Eddystone Point and Orford, Tasmania’s East Coast is something of a big deal. World-class national parks, poster-perfect fishermen’s villages, and so much outdoor adventure it’d make Bear Grylls, just a teensy bit envious? You get our point.

The region is inhabited by some 10,000 laid back locals (who just so happen to be possibly Australia’s nicest citizens) and legendary spots like Freycinet National Park and Bay of Fires. Insider’s secret: Pack your sense of adventure and your camera.

This piece of heaven is yours to discover, whether you are a tough-as-nails hiker, a sunset-drinking, wine-snobbish or wildlife whisperer. Here’s the inside story.

The Top 6 Tasmania East Coast Places to Visit

1. Freycinet National Park and Wine Glass Bay

“Wine not?” East coast jewel, famous for those rosy granite ridges and that Insta-famous curve of beach: Wineglass Bay. Take a walk to the lookout (1.5hr return) to see it, or do the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit as a multi-day hike. Don’t miss Hazards Beach for a quiet dip!

Local tip: Get the Take A Local app to uncover hidden beaches and local favourite oyster bars.

2. Bay of Fires

No, it’s not alight—those fang-like, lichen-encrusted rocks are simply Mother Nature doing her thing. From Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point, it’s 50 km of coastal heaven. Swim, snorkel, or camp under the stars (National Parks Pass required in some areas).

3. Maria Island National Park

Let’s ditch the car. This car-free island (30 minutes by ferry from Triabunna) is a wildlife paradise. Discover wombats and kangaroos, and the Painted Cliffs—bendy sandstone cliffs resembling works of abstract art. Take a hire bike or walk along the Fossil Cliffs Track.

Local tip: View ferry times and the best picnic spots beforehand (tip: French’s Farm).

4. Bicheno

This picturesque coastal town is full of penguins and blowholes. Take a sunset penguin tour to see miniature blue fairies waddle ashore, or watch as the Bicheno Blowhole stages a salty splatter. Stop by the Lobster Shack—at least, it’s a coming of age.

Local tip: Use your Take A Local app to be led to the best fish ‘n’ chips and other secret locations.

5. Coles Bay

Freycinet’s Coles Bay is where you’d be sipping Tassie pinot noir on the oyster platters’ side at Devil’s Corner Winery. Kayak across the peninsula or paddleboard at sunrise for next level serenity.

Local tip: Find viewing spots at sunset through the app.

6. Swansea

There is history aplenty here. The village is filled with convict history and historic architecture. Stroll past local galleries and museums to view local paintings, or drive the Great Eastern Drive with ocean views.

Local tip: The Take A Local app provides bite-sized history of the town and more intriguing details.

Things to Consider before Visiting Tasmania’s East Coast

• Weather Whiplash: Tasmania’s climate is full of  plot twists. Pack layers, sunscreen, and a coat—yes, even in summer.
• Road Rules: The East Coast is a paradise on wheels, yet it also contains narrow and twisted roads. Fuel stops in bigger towns like St Helens (stops might be wide apart)
• Book ahead: December to March is the peak time. Book well in advance, especially in Freycinet and Bicheno.
• Wildlife Etiquette: Respect all animals space, and don’t feed them— they are wild animals, not influencers.
• Tasmania National Parks Pass: Buy online or at tourist information offices. It’s your golden passport to Freycinet, Maria Island, and many other parks.
• Phone Signal: Telstra is slightly better covered in this area, but don’t rely on it. Your Take a Local tour will work with or without coverage!

Experiences to have on Tasmania’s East Coast.

• Hike Like a Boss: Mt Amos summit in Freycinet (return 3hr) offers 360-degree reward. If something less strenuous is your preference, then the Cape Tourville Lighthouse Loop is worth a visit.
• Paddle power: Paddle across Coles Bay’s boulders of granite or join a guided boat trip to spot dolphins.
• Snorkel Squad: The waters of the Bay of Fires are crystal clear and full of fish. Take equipment!
• Bike Maria Island: Rent a bike in Darlington and ride past convict remains and wombat colonies.
• Fish ‘n’ Feast: Rent a boat in St Helens to fish salmon or tuna.
• Devil Encounters: Meet the Tassie Devils up close at East Coast Natureworld near Bicheno. They are louder than you think.
• Sip & Savour: Settle in at one of the East Coast’s spectacular wineries. Actually…why restrict it to one! Just make sure you have a dedicated driver!

Final Thought: Go For It

Tasmania’s East Coast is less of a destination, and more of an experience. Whether you’re sipping on champagne with views, snorkelling in pastel-maned coloured seas, or searching for  wombats, this side of Tassie promises memories (and selfies) to last a lifetime.

And, you know, let the Take a Local app be your wingman as it’s loaded with off-the-beaten-path secrets, insider tips, and know-how to make your trip a breeze. So get on with it then. Put on your Blundstones, pack the esky, and hit the road. Adventure awaits, mate.