The First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting the East Coast of Tasmania: Where to Stay, Where to Eat and What to Do!

Last month I wrote a first-timers guide to exploring the Tasman Peninsula and this month I am sharing a guide to exploring Tasmania’s East Coast! Now, this is very much an overview of the region, as it’s a lot bigger than the Tasman Peninsula with so much to discover, but this should give first-time visitors a detailed place to start when planning where to stop if you’re doing a road trip all along the East Coast or just visiting one or two of these places. This is a region I know very well, having grown up in Orford and visited many other attractions further up the coast over the years, including showing Dennis around a few of them on our most recent trip home. If you’re looking to find out what you should see and do on Tasmania’s East Coast then this is the guide for you!

About the East Coast of Tasmania

The East Coast of Tasmania is a gorgeous part of the state, with plenty of sunshine in the warmer months to properly enjoy the many beautiful beaches, coastal towns and natural splendour of the region. Stretching roughly between the town of Orford (about an hour’s drive from Hobart) and the Bay of Fires Conservation Area in the northeast, this area is popular with people from Hobart for their holidays as well as interstate and overseas visitors. The highway that stretches along the coast is perfect for a spectacular road trip, it’s even known as The Great Eastern Drive, with white sandy beaches, red rocks and the possibility of spotting whales or dolphins along the way.

The Coolest Things to See and Do on Tasmania’s East Coast

There are plenty of lovely little towns and attractions to experience along the East Coast, whether you’re doing a road trip or simply want to visit one or two spots for a few days. Here are the main highlights of my personal favourite areas:

Orford and Spring Beach

Of course, I have to include my home town of Orford. Even though it’s pretty small it has some beautiful beaches, all of which feature views across to Maria Island National Park. Sometimes you might even see whales or dolphins from these beaches, the best of which is (in my personal opinion) Spring Beach, which is located about a ten-minute drive from Orford proper. I’ve written a full guide on visiting Spring Beach here, which also includes things to see and do in Orford but the main highlights are also listed below.

Highlights of Orford/Spring Beach:

• Darlington Vineyard: Perched on a hill overlooking the main town of Orford, this vineyard was actually founded by one of my former school teachers when he retired and is now owned and run by our former next-door neighbours! It’s a lovely spot for a platter and some wine tasting while enjoying the views across the bay.
• Spring Bay Distillery: Spring Beach is now also home to a distillery if you want to try some Tasmanian single malt whisky or other spirits including gin, vodka and brandy. They’re open Wednesday to Sunday for cellar-door sales and tours of the lovely little site.
• Orford’s beaches: Besides Spring Beach, there are lots of little beaches along the coast of Orford. Raspins Beach and Millington’s Beach are the best for visiting with kids, as the waves don’t get too big. There’s also a lovely coastal walk from Millington’s Beach to West Shelly Beach and East Shelly Beach. Also, don’t miss out on visiting Our Park, the part in front of Millington’s Beach which has lots of play equipment for kids including a cute little road setup for bikes.

Maria Island

Maria Island is the island you can see from all the beaches in Orford, but it’s also a National Park and former convict settlement that you can visit via a ferry from the nearby town of Triabunna. I’ve previously written a guide to exploring Maria Island here but basically, it’s a beautiful island if you like bushwalking, seeing wildlife (including kangaroos and wombats), natural phenomena and exploring convict ruins.

Highlights of Maria Island:

• Darlington Probation Station: The main settlement on the island used to be a convict station, but has now been converted into rustic accommodation if you want to stay over on the island. Since this is a National Park you need to bring everything you will need with you (there are no shops on the island) but if you don’t fancy camping then you can sleep in bunks within the former penitentiary.
• Fossil Cliffs: These cliffs have lots of fossils that are around 300 million years old, and this is one of the main sites to visit after following a hiking trail. Along the way, you’ll most likely see plenty of wildlife, the old Miller’s Cottage and the Maria Island Cemetery.
• Painted Cliffs: Perhaps the most famous sight on Maria Island are these sandstone cliffs that look like they’ve been painted with stripes of yellow and gold. You can also hire bikes on the island (or bring your own) if you want to explore by cycling instead of walking.
• Frenchs Farm: If you want a challenge, it takes 6 hours to walk (or 3 hours biking) to reach Frenchs Farm, where you can camp overnight as well as explore the old farmhouse and shearing sheds.
• Point Leseur Probation Station: Not far from Frenchs Farm is another historical landmark to check out, the convict ruins that once made up the Long Point Probation Station.

Swansea

The drive from Orford to Swansea is one of the most beautiful along the East Coast, particularly around the Rocky Hills area where you’ll have spectacular views across the cliffs to the Hazards of Freycinet. The township of Swansea is another pretty little coastal town that’s popular for swimming and fishing, particularly from the jetty on the main foreshore.

Highlights of Swansea:

• Spiky Bridge: Before you get to Swansea proper you’ll pass Spiky Bridge, the photo at the beginning of this whole ‘things to do on the East Coast’ section. This old convict-built bridge is all that’s left of another former convict station in the area, and quite unique to look at, particularly when you know that it was constructed without any mortar or cement!
• Kate’s Berry Farm: Just before the township of Swansea you’ll see signs to a turn-off to visit Kate’s Berry Farm, which you absolutely shouldn’t miss! This cute little berry farm sells lots of delicious sweet treats in the store and is a lovely spot for a snack or meal looking out over the fields and bay below.
• Morris’ General Store: The main store in Swansea might not seem like a tourist attraction but the store has been around since 1838 and has a sort of little museum room where you can see some relics from the past.
• Bark Mill Tavern & Bakery: Swansea was also home to a bark mill dating from 1885, which is also now home to an interesting museum, along with a bakery and tavern, making it an excellent stop for a meal and mosey around while you’re there.

Coles Bay

Coles Bay is a picturesque coastal town located at the entrance to the stunning Freycinet National Park. It’s usually a holiday destination for travellers planning to explore Freycinet, but it’s also a lovely spot for a relaxed break in and of itself. The town itself has a laid-back, welcoming vibe, with plenty of opportunities for activities like sailing, fishing, and wildlife spotting. It’s also a great base for tasting local produce, especially fresh seafood and wines from nearby vineyards.

Highlights of Coles Bay:

• Coles Bay Lookout and Foreshore Walk: Make sure to take a stroll along the Foreshore Walk and stop off at the lookout while you’re in Coles Bay, for stunning views of the Hazards Mountain Range.
• Muirs Beach: There are quite a few great beaches close to Coles Bay (that aren’t part of the National Park) but Muirs is the closest if you’re staying in town. It’s also gorgeous and perfect for a day enjoying the sun and sand.
• Freycinet National Park Visitor Centre: You don’t need a Parks Pass to visit the Freycinet National Park Visitor Centre, which contains lots of information about the park. I wouldn’t normally suggest a visitor centre as a destination but this one is really cool and interesting.

Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park is one of Australia’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Known for its dramatic landscapes, the park features rugged pink granite mountains, dense coastal forests, and pristine beaches. Freycinet is also rich in wildlife, with opportunities to spot dolphins, whales, wallabies, and numerous bird species. You can organise cruises around the park from Coles Bay or get a Parks Pass to explore the highlights from within.

Highlights of Freycinet:

• Wineglass Bay: The park’s most iconic feature is Wineglass Bay, a perfectly curved beach with white sand and turquoise waters, consistently ranked among the world’s most beautiful. You can join cruises to see this from the water or hike up to:
• Wineglass Bay Lookout: The view of Wineglass Bay from the lookout on the Wineglass Bay Track is a must-see, offering a stunning panorama of Freycinet’s most famous bay. This is the best way to see why it’s named Wineglass Bay, as it’s shaped like a wineglass but it’s difficult to see unless you’re up above it!
• Hazards Beach: If you continue hiking past the Wineglass Bay Lookout then you will eventually come to Hazards Beach, just one of the many stunning beaches in the area. The Hazards is the name of the mountain range in Freycinet which can be seen from all along the coastal drive up to Swansea but the beach is definitely no hazard.
• Cape Tourville Lighthouse and Lookout: Even if you don’t have the time or inclination for hiking, you can drive out to Cape Tourville Lighthouse for more incredible views. The road is unsealed but the views are worth the journey.

Bicheno

Bicheno is a charming seaside town surrounded by rocky bays and sheltered beaches. This is another popular holiday spot in Tasmania, with plenty of accommodation for those who want to spend their time at the beach and enjoying local seafood. It’s also located right between Freycinet National Park and Douglas-Apsley National Park, so it makes a great base to explore those areas more deeply.

Highlights of Bicheno:

• Bicheno Blowhole: The Bicheno Blowhole, a natural granite feature that sprays water high into the air, is a popular sight along the coast and especially dramatic during rough seas.
• Bicheno’s Glass-Bottom Boat: For a fun little excursion you can take a cruise on Bicheno’s Glass-Bottom Boat to see what is swimming under the waters! It operates from September through April and the tours take 45 minutes.
• Lobster Shack Tasmania: For some of the freshest local seafood, you can’t miss Bicheno’s Lobster Shack, although the name is a bit odd since we call them crayfish in Australia. Either way, this is one of the best places for a seafood meal with lovely views to accompany your food.
• Waub’s Beach: This is the smaller of the two beaches within Bicheno proper, and is also the safer option in terms of swimming. I also like the fairly unique surroundings with pine trees in the background (see the photo above). Redbill Beach is also lovely but the swell can be bigger so it’s popular with surfers and a bit more dangerous for children or people who just want to swim.
• Bicheno Penguin Tours: One of Bicheno’s biggest draws is its local penguin colony. Evening penguin tours allow visitors to watch these little creatures waddle ashore to nest, which is a very special experience.
• East Coast Natureworld: Just outside of Bicheno is East Coast Natureworld, a nature park with free-roaming kangaroos, wallabies, Cape Barren Geese and native hens, along with multiple enclosures to see Tasmanian Devils! This is an excellent spot for getting up close and personal with native Tasmanian wildlife, and you can also read more about our recent visit here!

Douglas-Apsley National Park

Douglas-Apsley National Park is a rugged, unspoiled haven known for its diverse landscape of dry eucalypt forests, dramatic gorges, and refreshing waterholes. The park offers several scenic hiking trails, including the popular Apsley Gorge walk, where visitors can cool off in a natural swimming hole surrounded by striking rock formations. The park is also a sanctuary for native wildlife like wallabies, echidnas, and a variety of bird species, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled while there.

Highlights of Douglas-Apsley National Park:

• Apsley Waterhole: You can drive almost all the way to this spot and then hike a short way to a beautiful waterhole, which is safe for swimming as we don’t get crocodiles in Tasmania!
• Apsley Gorge: If you continue along the track after visiting the main waterhole then you will also get to enjoy the beautiful scenery as you hike a relatively easy track further into the forest and to another section of the river. If the river levels are low you can hike back along the river or return the same way you came. Find out more here.

Saint Helens

Saint Helens is the largest town in the Bay of Fires region and is often considered the state’s premier fishing destination. Known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and excellent seafood, Saint Helens is a popular base for visitors exploring the nearby Bay of Fires with its stunning orange-tinged granite coastline.

Highlights of Saint Helens:

• Serpentarium Wildlife Park: Saint Helens is also home to a wildlife park but this one is much more focused on reptiles, so if you’ve ever wanted to get up close with some of Australia’s snakes in a safe way then this might interest you.
• St Helens Conservation Area: Without even going into the Bay of Fires you can experience beautiful natural sights in the conservation area around the town, including St Helens Point and the Peron Dunes.
• Mainly Maritime Museum: If you’re interested in maritime history then you might enjoy this little museum that’s packed with fascinating items, all curated by one man who’s been collecting them for 64 years!
• St Helens Books: This little bookstore and café next door to the museum is also well worth a stop, with plenty of books to peruse and places to sit either inside or outside with some sweet treats and coffee.
• Bay of Fires Art Gallery: Make sure you also check out this art gallery featuring stunning prints of local landscape photographer Wolfgang Glowacki’s work. It’s a great spot for some souvenirs of the beautiful places you’ve been visiting.
• Sco & Co and The Lifebuoy Cafe: Another café well worth a visit in St Helens is The Lifebuoy Café, which is also connected to a lovely shop called Sco & Co. Stop in for some lunch or a coffee and then check out the lovely homewares, clothing and gifts in the shop.
• The SOCIAL Tasmania: This is a very cool venue for some drinks and live music on weekends, with the decor making you feel like you’ve gone back in time to the 70s/80s. You can also get street food here if you want dinner. They don’t seem to have a website or any social media but according to Google, they’re open Thursday to Saturday from around 3pm.

Bay of Fires

The Bay of Fires is renowned for its strikingly clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, and the unique, orange lichen-covered granite boulders that line its shores. Stretching over 50 kilometres from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point, the area is ideal for beachcombing, swimming, snorkelling, and photography. This remote and pristine region feels untouched but is widely celebrated as one of Tasmania’s most beautiful natural landscapes.

Highlights of the Bay of Fires:

• Binalong Bay: This is a small but cute town in the Bay of Fires, with lots of holiday rentals to experience the beauty of the area without camping. The beaches and rockpools here are excellent for snorkelling and kayaking plus swimming, of course, while the town only seems to have one restaurant so you’ll feel pretty remote while still having some creature comforts.
• The Gardens: There are plenty of stunning beaches between Binalong Bay and The Gardens, although this area is widely regarded to be the most stunning in the region. There are some more holiday homes here and quite a few campsites. Check out this site for more info on camping in the Bay of Fires.
• Eddystone Point Lighthouse: And if you’ve made it all the way to Eddystone Point then you’ve covered the entire East Coast and made it to the North-east region. This pink granite lighthouse was constructed in 1889 and makes a great photo op with the famous red rocks of the region around it.

The Beaches!

Since this is the east coast of Tasmania there are many, many beautiful beaches, some of which I have already mentioned. There are way too many to try and list here plus you will be sure to find your own favourites as you explore. However, the following are a few of my personal favourites that I think are particularly stunning or special that you should try and stop off at during your trip – not including Spring Beach as I already mentioned that one in the very first section!

Best beaches on the East Coast:

• Kelvedon Beach: Kelvedon Beach (pictured above) is located a bit before Swansea if you’re driving from Orford and I always loved seeing it whenever we were driving along the coast. The southern end of the beach features an old shed and when the weather is wild the waves here can get pretty fierce. I especially love the view of the beach with the sweeping hills behind.
• Spiky Beach: Just a little way up the road from Kelvedon Beach and almost directly opposite Spiky Bridge is Spiky Beach. This small beach requires a bit of a scramble down the hill to get to but if the tide is right you might be rewarded by hot-tub-sized rockpools to sit in (as you can almost see in the photo below, there was a couple sitting in one when we last visited). Two of my friends also got married on this beach and you’ll often have it to yourself.
• Honeymoon Beach: The aptly named Honeymoon Beach within the Bay of Fires is also gorgeous, with red rocks in the background, white sand and azure waters to enjoy. Not to be confused with Honeymoon Bay within Freycinet which is also nice, but not quite as nice (in my opinion) as this beach!

Where to Eat and Drink on Tasmania’s East Coast

Aside from the few places I’ve mentioned in a couple of specific spots, there are lots of excellent restaurants, cafés and wineries to enjoy as you explore Tasmania’s East Coast. One of my favourite quirkier choices is the Pondering Frog Café, which you can see above and below, where they sell all sorts of frog-themed merchandise.

I’ve arranged this list in order of when you would encounter them if you are driving from Hobart up the East Coast drive, but if you’re coming from Launceston then you would encounter them the other way around.

• Scorchers (Orford): This is a great little wood-fired pizza restaurant, that only sells Tasmanian produce and even does gluten-free pizzas if you need them. We had takeaway one night on our last visit to Tassie and it was delicious, plus you can also eat in if you want to and they do serve other dishes besides pizza.
• Boomer Creek Vineyard & Cellar Door (Between Triabunna and Swansea): This vineyard/farm has a lovely cellar door where you can stop in for some tastings of their wines with platters of local produce. Along with wine they also farm Merino sheep and Hereford cattle, along with an olive grove.
• Kate’s Berry Farm (Swansea): Located just before you get into Swansea proper is this lovely berry farm and café that sells some of the most delicious ice cream, chocolates, jams and other sweet treats made from their own fresh produce. I know I already mentioned it in the Swansea section but I just have to reiterate how this is a must-visit while you’re driving along the East Coast!
• Saltshaker Restaurant (Swansea): Inside the township of Swansea proper is this restaurant perched overlooking the beautiful bay views. They also do takeaway but I think if you’re going there then sitting and looking out at the water is half the fun. They’re open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with plenty of local seafood along with other delicious dishes.
• Devil’s Corner Cellar Door (Between Swansea and Bicheno/Freycinet): Another one of the best wineries on the East Coast is Devil’s Corner, which also has a beautiful cellar door location, including a lookout so that you can enjoy the incredible views. After climbing up to admire you can retire to the tasting room or courtyard to sample wines and food, including a decadent-sounding wine and chocolate pairing.
• The Pondering Frog (Between Swansea and Bicheno/Freycinet): Named for the giant frog statue sitting overlooking a dam and pondering life, this cute café is an excellent spot for a break as you’re driving to or from Bicheno. Along with all the frog goodies they sell some tasty treats that make good gifts and it is a café so you can sit down for a snack while the kids play on the playground (which includes a big frog slide).
• Freycinet Marine Farm (near Coles Bay): As you’re driving to Coles Bay, make sure to stop off at this Marine Farm since they also have a restaurant where you can try all the seafood they produce as fresh as it’s possible to get! They’re only open from 9am until 4pm but you can always stock up on seafood to take back to your accommodation for dinner.
• Geographe Restaurant and Espresso Bar (Coles Bay): This is the best spot for eating out within Coles Bay, plus they’re open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. The views from the deck are beautiful and the food is excellent, particularly their wood-fired pizzas. Of course, if you’re visiting in summer then make sure you visit the ice creamery next door as well!
• The Wharf Bar & Kitchen (Saint Helens): Even though Saint Helens is far from a metropolis, it has a couple of really fantastic eateries including The Wharf Bar & Kitchen. You can get seafood takeaway here or sit down and enjoy the seaside view (it is located on a wharf, after all) with some more upmarket fare.
• Furneaux Restaurant & Comptoir (Saint Helens): And for something very fancy, Furneaux Restaurant & Comptoir is a very swanky French restaurant with a truly drool-worthy menu! They’re open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner but this would be an excellent spot for a special occasion.

And I couldn’t resist including some more photos to show you Kate’s Berry Farm, one of my favourite places to bring anyone who’s never been before. I very much enjoyed my gluten-free scones with jam and cream and a milkshake on my last visit!

Where to Stay on the East Coast of Tasmania

I haven’t actually stayed at any of these places (aside from camping in the Bay of Fires) because I lived on the East Coast of Tasmania and never really needed to, but they are the best-rated and well-known spots for each price point and I am hoping to try some out for myself on our next trip home!

Budget: If you’re looking to save as much money as possible then there are many campsites in beautiful surroundings along the East Coast, that are open for tents or campervans. Mayfield Bay campsite (pictured below) is just one of the lovely options, directly next to Mayfield Beach. Otherwise, the Eastcoaster Tasmania resort between Orford and Triabunna (the photo above is the view from their restaurant which is also very good) is nice and has a pool! Further up the coast is the Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park, which is nicely situated between Bicheno and St Helens and features lovely glamping safari tents, including one with a private hot tub.

Mid-Range: For more comfortable options there’s Piermont Retreat just outside of Swansea, which features beautiful stone cottages that look out towards Freycinet. Diamond Island Resort in Bicheno also has lovely chalets and provides little penguin viewing right on the property! Or you might like the Bay of Fires Bush Retreat, which offers glamping in very cool bell tents with shared amenities including a kitchen.

Luxury: If you’ve got the budget then Freycinet Lodge is a stunning choice with private cabins in the stunning surroundings of the national park. Or if you really want to splurge, Saffire Freycinet is one of the most luxurious properties in the whole state, with a price tag to match!

Public Transport and Tours of the East Coast of Tasmania

If you won’t have access to a car it is still possible to visit parts of the East Coast via a regional bus service or on a day tour from Hobart. This website shows the bus timetable (and fares) to get from Hobart to Bicheno, including stops at Orford, Triabunna and Swansea. From Bicheno, you can then catch another bus to Coles Bay. Also, if you go to this website and check out the timetable then it is also possible to get a bus between Coles Bay and Saint Helens, then from Saint Helens to Launceston or from Launceston to Saint Helens, Bicheno and Coles Bay.

I’ve also included the best tours available from GetYourGuide below, including ones that depart from Coles Bay if you’re already there:

• From Hobart: This day tour will take you to Maria Island from Hobart (and back) so you can do some walks and see lots of wildlife!
• From Hobart: This day tour will allow you to explore Freycinet National Park including a hike to the Wineglass Bay Lookout.
• From Hobart: For a really special experience you could even fly over Freycinet and Maria Island, with a landing to explore Maria Island!
• From Launceston: This day trip from Launceston includes stops in Campbell Town and at the Devil’s Corner winery, along with time exploring Freycinet and the Cape Tourville Lighthouse.
• From Coles Bay: You can also enjoy the sights of Freycinet and Wineglass Bay on board this lovely cruise, with lunch included.
• From Coles Bay: Or you could explore Freycinet via a guided kayaking tour, with all gear provided and a stop at one of the beaches for some snacks.

Map of the East Coast of Tasmania

I’ve included all of the places I’ve mentioned in this guide on a map so you can more easily see where everything is and plan your own visit. I hope you have a great time!

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Have you visited the East Coast of Tasmania before? Let me know your favourite experiences in the comments or pin one of these if you’re planning your own trip!