Travel Guide: Freycinet, Tasmania
Welcome back to my Tasmania Travel Guide Series. If you haven’t already read my Hobart Travel Guide, which includes all the things to see and do in and around Hobart including Huon Valley, D’Entrecasteux Channel, Woodbridge, Richmond, Cambridge, Dunalley and Eaglehawk Neck, make sure you check it out here. I’ve always had a love affair with Tasmania and our recent trip to the Apple Isle was my seventh visit. Its beauty has continued to blow me away because there is so much to see and do. I know that might sound surprising for a small island, but it’s true. For this second instalment in my Tasmania Travel Guide Series I’m going to whisk you away to the East Coast of Tasmania to Freycinet and up north to the Bay of Fires. Enjoy!
GETTING THERE & AROUND
We flew direct from Brisbane to Hobart with Virgin Australia. A car is essential in Tasmania, even Hobart and we booked car hire with Alamo a few months before our trip. For more information about Alamo (definitely worth a read) click here. Freycinet is north of Hobart and is approximately 2.5 hours by car. You can take the long route inland, or the coastal route which is quicker and prettier in my humble opinion. The coastal drive is beautiful, so pack road trip snacks and enjoy the views along the way.
WHERE TO STAY
There are quite a few accommodation options in Freycinet to suit all budgets. You can stay in town or in Freycinet National Park. In town there are a few Airbnb properties and if you want a luxury experience and budget is not an issue, I highly recommend staying at Saffire Freycinet. We did a few years ago and out of all the places I’ve stayed around the world, this is by far the best experience I’ve ever had. For this trip we really wanted to stay inside Freycinet National Park, so we stayed at Freycinet Lodge. There are a range of basic, family and luxury cabins available, which is perfect for all budgets. You can also camp through Freycinet National Park too if that’s more your thing.We were very impressed with Freycinet Lodge; it has such a cosy Scandinavian feeling, which is even more cosy in winter thanks to their stunning main lounge area that faces the water and has a huge fireplace. A La Carte breakfast was included each day in our booking, which is what you need for big days of adventuring!
WHAT TO SEE & DO
Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay & Honeymoon Bay:
Before you get to Freycinet National Park there one thing you absolutely must do and that is to stop into the Freycinet Marine Farm for the freshest oysters of your life. When I visited almost 10 years ago, they were serving out of a tiny shack but today, it’s a bit more of a formal affair with more seating, proper demountable toilets and shaded areas to sit underneath. They serve up their oysters in a variety of ways, but in my humble opinion, the best oysters are always served natural with a squeeze of lemon juice.
The first thing you’re going to want to do is explore Freycinet National Park (click the link and you’ll also be taken to an interactive map of the area). In fact, this is “the” thing to do in Freycinet. My two favourite spots within the national park are Wineglass Bay and Honeymoon Bay. The drive into the National Park is so beautiful and you’ll pass Freycinet Lodge on your right. You’ll need to pay for a National Parks Pass when you arrive.
I recommend finding a park, walking down to Honeymoon Bay and exploring the little beaches along this strip. They are incredibly beautiful, especially when the sun is out as you’ll be able to appreciate how clear and stunning the water is. This is also the perfect spot for a picnic - just remember to take any rubbish with you and only leave footprints.
A visit to Freycinet National Park is not complete without seeing Wineglass Bay. Although in saying that, it’s not accessible for young kids - the hike to the top of The Hazards is too much for their little legs. We didn’t go on this trip, but we went before we had kids. Put your best walking shoes on, throw plenty of water and snacks into a backpack including sunscreen and a hat, and make sure you’re wearing appropriate walking gear. The weather in Tasmania can change very quickly, so pack a raincoat and a warm jumper just in case. The walk to the top is steep in parts but you’ll be rewarded with 180 degree views of Wineglass Bay. When you reach the summit you have two options - enjoy the view and walk back down to your car, or walk down to Wineglass Bay and explore the beach, and go for a swim if you are happy to brave the cold ocean water. If you do hike down to Wineglass Bay, I recommend doing this before lunch so you have plenty of time to hike back before it gets dark.
Freycinet Town:
Freycinet Town is so quaint and gorgeous. Expect super cute cafes, ice creameries and fish & chip shops in town.
For the most incredible views looking over Great Oyster Bay to Freycinet National Park, head down to the water in town and take some photos of The Hazards at sunset and sunrise. The views are spectacular to say the least. If you are lucky to be staying at Saffire Freycinet, you’ll be able to experience the views overlooking The Hazards from the comfort of the lodge and their private beach.
Bay of Fires, Binnalong Bay, Bicheno & St Helens:
When you feel like you’ve explored everything you want to see at Freycinet National Park, it’s time to jump in the car and head north to explore all the beaches along the Bay of Fires. Grab your map and enjoy a couple of day trips along the coast. Make sure you stop into Devils Corner Winery, grab a lobster roll from the Lobster Shack in Bicheno, walk along the beaches at Bay of Fires and Binnalong Bay, and stop into Lifebuoy Cafe at St Helen’s for a little shop and the best salad sandwich of your life, which after travelling around Tasmania for a couple of weeks is the freshness hit you’ll need.
