Discover Tasmania along one of Australia's most dramatic coastal drives through spectacular national parks, beautiful beaches and wildlife and maritime experiences.
Hobart to Orford
From Hobart, buckle up and head towards Orford, with its pristine and scenic beaches including Millingons, Raspins, Rheban and Spring, As the original mainland port for the convict settlement on Maria Islands, Orford is steeped in history. but also contains a campground in Raspins Beach. Decide upon one of many exquisite trails, one of them being the Convict Trail. At the core in Triabunna, obtain a ticket for the passenger ride to Maria Island National Park in an island where animals roam where they please in this special sanctuary.
HIGHLIGHTS:
✔️ Walk along the Prosser River's Old Convict Trail
✔️Take the 30 minute passenger ferry ride to Maria Island National Park
✔️ Visit the remains of the Darlington convict settlement, dating back to 1825 and wander among the ruins of the mess room, miler's cottage, barn, hop kiln, chapel, prison cells and religious instructor's original house.
✔️ 9 Holes of golf at Orford Golf Course
✔️ Visit the Darlington Vineyard for a taste of one of their four wine varieties
Orford/ Maria Island to Swansea
Continuing north towards the Freycinet Peninsula, you will find some of Australia’s finest scenic views. Take in the unique view along the sweeping curve of Great Oyster Bay, a fringe around Maria Island and the hard-wearing Freycinet Peninsula, crowned by Schouten Island.
In Swansea, stop by the Bark Mill and Tavern, for it is Australia’s only restored, working black wattle bark mill. Just a few kilometres away, you can trailer award-winning wines at the doors of wineries containing Spring Vale, Milton, Coombend and more.
HIGHLIGHTS:
✔️ Stop of lunch at the famous Bark Mill Tavern and Bakery - Australia's only restored black wattle bark mill.
✔️ Stop to look at the unusual construction of the convict built Spikey Bridge (1841) before Swansea
✔️ Sample berries and some of Australia's best ice-cream at Kate's Berry Farm's "Just Desserts Cafe"
✔️ Sample award-winning cool-climate wines at the cellar door of one of the areas wineries
Swansea to Bicheno (Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park)
Travel the spectacular coastal drive to Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park (Park Fees from $24 per vehicle apply)
Take a break at the Freycinet Marine Farm, 10 minutes prior to Coles Bay and devour a seafood lunch with shellfish, including abalone, fresh from the sea. Hike the trail to the Wineglass Bay observation post with its picturesque scene of Wineglass Bay, one of the world’s most photographed beaches, or continue to climb over the peak of the Hazards (Mountains) and descend to Hazards Beach.
For the more adventurous, enjoy the sparking on-water experience with Freycinet Adventures kayaking, or take a 4 day guided walks with Freycinet Experience Walk to explore the coastline.
For something truly inspirational, indulge in a scenic flight seeing Wine Glass Bay, Cape Tourville Lighthouse and the Freycinet Peninsula before being treated to a truly Tasmanian Dining Experience with three courses of fresh Tasmanian produce, a cheese selection and wine all prepared by your private chef with Tiger Adventure Tours.
HIGHLIGHTS:
✔️Climb the trail to Wineglass Bay Lookout, with it's picture-postcard perfect view of Wineglass Bay.
✔️Catch the birds eye view of the famous region with a scenic flight with Freycinet Air.
✔️Kayak through unspoiled coastline with Freycinet Adventures.
✔️Explore the coastline by all-terrain vehicle with All-4 Adventures for an unforgettable tour.
✔️Head out to sea with a relaxing Wineglass Bay Cruises for stunning view up the granite coastline.
✔️Indulge in a luxury stay at the region's premier accommodation at Freycinet Lodge
Take a break at the Freycinet Marine Farm, 10 minutes prior to Coles Bay and devour a seafood lunch with shellfish, including abalone, fresh from the sea. Hike the trail to the Wineglass Bay observation post with its picturesque scene of Wineglass Bay, one of the world’s most photographed beaches, or continue to climb over the peak of the Hazards (Mountains) and descend to Hazards Beach.
For the more adventurous, enjoy the sparking on-water experience with Freycinet Adventures kayaking, or take a 4 day guided walks with Freycinet Experience Walk to explore the coastline.
For something truly inspirational, indulge in a scenic flight seeing Wine Glass Bay, Cape Tourville Lighthouse and the Freycinet Peninsula before being treated to a truly Tasmanian Dining Experience with three courses of fresh Tasmanian produce, a cheese selection and wine all prepared by your private chef with Tiger Adventure Tours.
HIGHLIGHTS:
✔️Climb the trail to Wineglass Bay Lookout, with it's picture-postcard perfect view of Wineglass Bay.
✔️Catch the birds eye view of the famous region with a scenic flight with Freycinet Air.
✔️Kayak through unspoiled coastline with Freycinet Adventures.
✔️Explore the coastline by all-terrain vehicle with All-4 Adventures for an unforgettable tour.
✔️Head out to sea with a relaxing Wineglass Bay Cruises for stunning view up the granite coastline.
✔️Indulge in a luxury stay at the region's premier accommodation at Freycinet Lodge
Coles Bay to Bicheno and St Helens
Driving further north to Bicheno, you can explore the Gulch and the Blowhole accessible from the esplanade. Be amazed when seeing Tasmanian devils, wombats, snakes and birdlife at East Coast Natureworld, over 150 acres of natural beauty.
Penguins are able to be seen year-round, however are especially plentiful between November to January, when the baby chicks are out in force. See these cheery fairy penguins making their way around their beach burrows with Bicheno Penguin Tours and watch as up to 600 penguins surface the water!
On the coast, stroll along on an expanse of glorious white sand in the beachside townships of Beaumaris or Scamander., or enjoy a refreshing dip in the Apsley River Waterhole in Douglas Apsley National Park.
Penguins are able to be seen year-round, however are especially plentiful between November to January, when the baby chicks are out in force. See these cheery fairy penguins making their way around their beach burrows with Bicheno Penguin Tours and watch as up to 600 penguins surface the water!
On the coast, stroll along on an expanse of glorious white sand in the beachside townships of Beaumaris or Scamander., or enjoy a refreshing dip in the Apsley River Waterhole in Douglas Apsley National Park.
The St Helens History Room showcases the region's tin-mining history and Aboriginal and Chinese heritage.
Then take a detour to Binalong Bay and Humbug Point Reserve with its rare and extraordinary views, walks, white beaches and so much more. Take time out of your day to wander through the truly unique Bay of Fires, reaching from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point with its white beaches, shamrock coloured waters, lagoons, wildflowers and endorse yourself with its lichen-enveloped granite rocks.
You can continue along to Launceston by joining the North East Trail at St Helens to further explore all Tasmania has to offer.
Then take a detour to Binalong Bay and Humbug Point Reserve with its rare and extraordinary views, walks, white beaches and so much more. Take time out of your day to wander through the truly unique Bay of Fires, reaching from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point with its white beaches, shamrock coloured waters, lagoons, wildflowers and endorse yourself with its lichen-enveloped granite rocks.
You can continue along to Launceston by joining the North East Trail at St Helens to further explore all Tasmania has to offer.