11 Best Things To Do in Freycinet National Park: Wineglass Bay & Beyond

In this post, discover the best things to do in Freycinet, Tasmania's oldest national park. It includes 2026 Park Pass prices and where to find the best parking spots.

Freycinet National Park is a must-visit destination on a trip to Tasmania. After exploring Strahan's remote west coast village, I was ready to spend two nights on the east coast on the next leg of my 8-night Tasmania road trip.

Some unmissable sights in Freycinet National Park include Wineglass Bay, Cape Tourville Lighthouse, and Honeymoon Bay. These spectacular Tasmanian landmarks were a "must-see" on my list of Australia's best places to visit.

I already had an idea of what Freycinet National Park might have in store for us after 2 nights in Cradle Mountain, where enchanting mountain views, magical walking trails, and the world heritage wilderness gave us a glimpse of Tasmania's unspoilt natural beauty.

We were now ready to explore the stunning natural sights in Freycinet, Tasmania's oldest national park.

In this post, I share my experience of Freycinet with you to inspire you to visit this beautiful destination.

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Freycinet FAQ's and Travel Tips

Where is Freycinet National Park?

Freycinet is on the mid-east coast of Tasmania. Coles Bay, located on the edge of Great Oyster Bay, is the nearest town with access to the national park.

Do you need a Tasmania Parks Pass?

Yes. To enter Freycinet National Park, you must purchase a National Parks Pass. If you plan to visit several Tasmanian parks, a holiday pass will give you entry to all of them. 

2026 Holiday Passes - all Tasmanian national parks for up to 2 months. This works out more economically than buying daily passes if you are doing a Tasmania Road Trip, as you will no doubt be planning to visit other national parks like Cradle Mountain and St. Clair.

Excludes Cradle Mountain shuttle service.

Per vehicle (up to 8 people)	AUD$95.50
Per person (travelling by bus, cycle or on foot)	AUD$47.75

Is there parking in the national park?

Yes, there is a car park at the Freycinet National Park visitor centre. You can also pick up a Freycinet National Park walk map from there.

Angie's Top Tip: Arrive before 10:00 AM to be assured of a parking spot, as Wineglass Bay is one of Tasmania's most popular tourist spots, and so the car park fills quickly.

How long are the driving times to Freycinet National Park?

Launceston to Freycinet - 2 hours

Devonport to Freycinet - 3 hours

Hobart to Freycinet - 3 hours 30 minutes

Cradle Mountain to Freycinet - 4 hours

Strahan to Freycinet - 5 hours 30 minutes

Where is the nearest accommodation to Freycinet National Park?

Coles Bay sits on the edge of the park. It is the best place to book accommodation for visitors to Freycinet National Park.

I can recommend Edge of the Bay Resort in Coles Bay. It features a superb restaurant and bar, as well as direct beach access. We booked a fabulous cabin with unending views across the sea to the Hazard Mountain Range.

Other Freycinet accommodation options are:

Eagles Peak Freycinet offers a choice of luxury one- and two-bedroom cabins, situated on the beach with stunning garden and sea views.

Pricing and Availability for Eagles Peak

Freycinet Lodge is situated on the waterfront, offering secluded cabins in a coastal bush setting, along with two restaurants and a bar.

Pricing and availability for Freycinet Lodge

Hazards Hideaway - An entire one-bedroom holiday house with one bathroom, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with sensational views.

Pricing and availability for Hazards Hideaway

Freycinet Resort - Freycinet Resort offers luxurious accommodations with 360-degree views of The Hazards, Friendly Beaches, Great Oyster Bay and the Tasman Sea.

Pricing and availability for Freycinet Resort

Big 4 Freycinet - This self-catering accommodation is just a minute's walk from the white sand beaches of Coles Bay. 

Pricing and Availability for Big 4 Freycinet

Saffire Freycinet - For complete luxury but with a hefty price tag, Saffire is the most premium accommodation in Freycinet National Park.

Reviews for Saffire Freycinet

Is camping allowed in Freycinet?

Yes. Richardson's Beach Campground is adjacent to the park's visitor centre.

When is the best time to visit Freycinet National Park?

December to February is summer in Tasmania, and so the weather is beautiful, but the visitor numbers swell. Visit in the shoulder seasons, Spring (September - November) or Autumn (March to May), and you will still enjoy good weather in Tasmania but without the crowds of summer.

Winter in Tasmania (June to August) is not a good time to visit, as rain and snowfall (in Cradle Mountain) are likely, so days hiking won't be pleasant unless you are a hardened outdoor type and aren't fazed by cold, wet weather.

Angie's Top Tip: Even though I visited in the summer months and it was warm, I did encounter rain during my week in Tasmania, so make sure you pack a raincoat.

What to bring to Freycinet National Park

The park has no shops and limited toilets, so stop in Coles Bay for provisions before arriving. If you plan to hike, be prepared and bring these essential items to Freycinet National Park.

• Good hiking shoes
• Protective sun hat
• High factor 50 sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Plenty of fluids in an insulated water bottle to keep it cold.
• Snacks
• Umbrella for shade when needed
• A good daypack to carry it all
• A good fitness level - there are some steep inclines and steps to navigate.

Best Things to do in Freycinet National Park

The best things to do in Freycinet National Park include hiking to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, exploring the pink granite boulders of Honeymoon Bay, and summiting Mount Amos for panoramic views

Hike the Wineglass Bay Lookout Track

The Wineglass Bay Lookout Walk was at the top of my list of things to do in Freycinet. The 3-km, 1 to 1.5-hour return walk went higher and higher through huge granite boulders and eucalyptus trees until we reached the lookout point.

Reaching the Wineglass Bay lookout requires some effort; it's a 430-step uphill walk, and the Tasmanian sun is particularly hot. Nevertheless, seeing one of Tasmania's most photographed views was worth it.

The bay was named in the 1800s, when whaling was a significant industry in Tasmania. The water in the bay used to turn red from the whale's blood. From the lookout, it looked like a wineglass filled with red wine: an unfortunate fact that, thankfully, is in Tasmania's distant past.

Angie's Top Tip: Make sure to wear sturdy trainers or walking boots. I saw people struggling to walk up to the viewpoint because they were wearing flip-flops, and one lady even had high heels on!

Hike to Wineglass Bay Beach

One of the most popular walks in Freycinet National Park is to Wineglass Bay Beach. We contemplated continuing from the lookout point down to Wineglass Bay, but we were shattered and decided against it.

Those who want to complete the 6 K walk can start from the car park. It takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to complete (excluding breaks).

The walk takes you to the lookout point (which is as far as we made it to), continues over boulders, through the forest, along Hazards Beach and Wineglass Bay, and finishes back at the car park.

Attempt the Mount Amos Hike

The 3.6 km Mount Amos hike involves scaling almost vertical rock faces at times, which is challenging and suitable only for the seriously fit. It is a 3-hour return hike, and needless to say, we didn't attempt it. However, we watched as quite a few bedraggled hikers arrived back at the car park after completing it.

Take a boat tour of Wineglass Bay

One of the best things to do in Freycinet is to get out onto the water. With many great water activities and tours in Wineglass Bay, including the Freycinet Paddle, a three-hour guided tour around the park by kayak, and the very popular Wineglass Bay lunch cruise, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Catch the Freycinet Aqua Taxi to Hazards Bay

Getting around Freycinet National Park by boat is easy and a lot of fun. Freycinet Aqua Taxi operates water transport services departing from the Coles Bay jetty.

The water taxi takes you to Hazards Bay, and from there you can walk to Wineglass Bay, where you can relax on the beach or explore one of the walking trails.

Angie's Top Tip: If you want the beach to yourself, take the first Aqua Taxi at 9:00 AM before the cruise crowds arrive

Wander along the beach at Honeymoon Bay

Honeymoon Bay is a 5-minute drive from the visitor centre, located along Freycinet Drive, and is a lovely place to visit. It has large pink granite boulders, a rock-and-sand beach, clear blue water & magical mountain views.

Check out the unique pink boulders at Sleepy Bay

Sleepy Bay is a few minutes' drive from Honeymoon Bay along Cape Tourville Road.

We parked in the small, designated car park and walked the short trail down the stairs to the beach. We couldn't wait to see what Sleepy Bay was like with such a charming name, and we weren't disappointed.

Our first encounter in Sleepy Bay was with a wallaby relaxing on the beach - this was the Australia we had hoped to experience!

Sleepy Bay was small and tranquil, and its most unique feature was its huge boulders scattered along the foreshore.

We thought that these pink granite rocks, with their unusual natural features, resembled prehistoric cave dwellings or the "Remarkable Rocks" we had seen on Kangaroo Island.

Do the Cape Tourville Lighthouse Walk

This stunning walk offers sweeping views of the Freycinet Peninsula, Wineglass Bay, the Tasman Sea, and Friendly Beaches.

It is an easy 30-minute circular walk via boardwalks from the Cape Tourville car park to the lighthouse. It is relatively flat and so accessible for wheelchair users.

We loved how empty the trail was when we arrived in the late afternoon - it felt like we had the place to ourselves. The views out to sea from the various lookout points were breathtaking.

You can see Humpback whales in Tasmania along the east coast from May to July, and from September to November. We were there in February, so it was the wrong time for any sightings. We focused hard on the waters for any sea life activity, but sadly, it eluded us.

Cape Tourville is a 10-minute drive from the park visitor centre or a 2-minute drive from Sleepy Bay via a turning off the main road just after the Freycinet Lodge.

Spot the Freycinet Park Wildlife

Keep your eyes open for native Australian wildlife in Freycinet National Park. We only spotted wallabies and birds, but know that possums, echidnas, wombats and many other species call this natural setting home.

There were a few warning signs for snakes, but we didn't see any during our trip around Australia, including in Freycinet. We were a bit disappointed as we both love snakes, but maybe not the ones that could harm us!

Watch the sunset or sunrise over Freycinet

As the sun sets, the granite rocks around the Freycinet Peninsula slowly change from a pink hue to a burnt orange. This was one of many beautiful sunsets we witnessed on our six-week trip around Australia.

Discover the East Coast Beaches 

Friendly Beaches is situated just outside Coles Bay and boasts a single pristine white sandy beach with spectacular views of the sea and surrounding mountains. Visitors can reach the beach via a turnoff on Coles Bay Road.

In Coles Bay, you'll also find Richardson's Beach and Mure's Beach on either side of the village.

Places To Visit Near The Freycinet National Park

Bicheno

Bicheno is the only beachside town on Tasmania's East Coast, a 30-minute drive from Coles Bay. It has incredible ocean beaches and beautiful seascapes.

There are plenty of things to do in Bicheno, including swimming, snorkelling, beach walks, fishing, and wildlife viewing. You can also join a guided tour to see local wildlife. Tours include seeing Little Penguins and Tasmanian Devils, which are a must if visiting the area.

Douglas Apsley National Park

A one-hour drive from Coles Bay will take you to Douglas Apsley National Park to see native forests and waterfalls.

Apslawn

If you want to taste some of Tasmania's finest wines, head to Devil's Corner Winery in Apslawn.

This beautiful setting, only a 25-minute drive from Coles Bay, has sweeping views across the land and the sea. It is the perfect place to enjoy a light bite with local wine.

We arrived here en route to Coles Bay, but didn't get a chance to go in as it was closed.

The garden was full of butterflies and looked like a charming place to visit during the day.

Bay of Fires

Slightly further afield from Coles Bay is the Bay of Fires, a popular stop for travellers to Tasmania.

The two-hour drive up the East Coast will take you to the orange-coloured granite rock formations formed by lichens, a combination of algae and fungus, and lovely rock pools.

However, it was time for us to head to Hobart, the capital of Tasmania and the last stop on our 8-night Tasmania Road Trip.

My Ultimate 2-Day Freycinet Itinerary

Day 1: The Iconic Peaks & Hidden Coves

Morning: The "Big One"

• Wineglass Bay Lookout & Beach Hike: Start early (8:00 AM) to beat the crowds. Hike up to the lookout for that postcard view, then take the 1,000 steps down to the beach to feel the white sand between your toes.
• Lunch: Head back to Coles Bay for a quick bite or a picnic at the Boat Jetty while watching the aqua taxis zip across Great Oyster Bay.

Afternoon: Relaxation & Wildlife

• Honeymoon Bay: Spend the early afternoon wandering the beach and enjoying the clear, sheltered waters.
• Sleepy Bay: A 2-minute drive away. Explore the unique boulders and keep your eyes peeled for the resident wallabies on the beach.
• Sunset: Watch the sun dip below the horizon from the granite rocks at Honeymoon Bay or the deck of your accommodation.

Day 2: Lighthouses, Luxury & Local Flavours

Morning: Aerial Views & Ocean Breezes

• Mount Amos Hike: (For the fit and adventurous). If it’s a dry day, scramble up for the most spectacular 360-degree view of the peninsula.
• Alternative: If you prefer something gentler, take the Cape Tourville Lighthouse Walk. It’s accessible and flat, offering incredible views of the Tasman Sea.

Afternoon: Cruises & Coastal Drives

• Wineglass Bay Cruise or Aqua Taxi: After lunch, see the park from the water. It’s the best way to spot dolphins, seals, and the dramatic red cliffs you can’t see from the trails.
• Friendly Beaches: Drive 15 minutes north to finish your trip on this massive, pristine stretch of sand that feels miles away from the main tourist hubs.

Evening: The Farewell Toast

• Stop at Devil’s Corner Winery on your way out for a celebratory glass of Tasmanian Pinot Noir overlooking the Hazards.

Conclusion: Is Freycinet Worth the Trip?

Freycinet National Park is more than just a quick stop for a photo of Wineglass Bay; it's a destination that appeals to all travellers and rewards those who slow down. Whether you are scrambling up the granite face of Mount Amos, sharing a quiet moment with a wallaby at Sleepy Bay, or simply watching the Hazards turn pink at sunset, this corner of Tasmania stays with you long after you leave.

By spending at least two days here, you get to experience the park's dual nature: the popular, world-class landmarks and the silent, untouched wilderness. It truly is the crown jewel of the Tasmanian coast.

Before You Go...

I’d love to hear from you! Are you planning a trip to Tasmania, or have you already stood on the sands of Wineglass Bay?

Leave a comment below and let me know which of these 11 things is at the top of your bucket list. And if you found this guide helpful, please save it to your Pinterest boards for your future Tassie adventure!

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