Discover Tasmania’s spectacular East Coast, from Bay of Fires and Wineglass Bay to Bicheno and St Helens. Explore beaches, national parks, road trips, wildlife and travel tips.
East Coast Tasmania Travel Guide
Tasmania’s East Coast is one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal regions. Stretching from the southern reaches of the Freycinet Peninsula to the pristine beaches of the Bay of Fires, this remarkable coastline is famous for white sand beaches, turquoise waters, rugged granite headlands, charming seaside towns and unforgettable road trips.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a week-long adventure or an extended Tasmania road trip, the East Coast offers some of the state’s most iconic attractions and hidden gems.
Where Is Tasmania’s East Coast?
Tasmania’s East Coast extends from the Freycinet region in the south through Bicheno, Scamander and St Helens to the Bay of Fires in the north-east.
The region is renowned for its mild climate, stunning beaches and abundant wildlife. Compared to Tasmania’s west coast, the east enjoys more sunshine and generally calmer weather conditions throughout the year.
Why Visit Tasmania’s East Coast?
The East Coast attracts travellers from around the world thanks to its unique combination of natural beauty and accessibility.
Highlights include:
- Wineglass Bay
- Freycinet National Park
- Bay of Fires
- Bicheno Blowhole
- St Helens
- Scamander
- Douglas-Apsley National Park
- East Coast wildlife encounters
- Great Eastern Drive road trip
The region offers opportunities for hiking, swimming, kayaking, surfing, fishing, wildlife photography and scenic driving.
Best Places to Visit on Tasmania’s East Coast
Freycinet National Park
Freycinet National Park is one of Tasmania’s most visited natural attractions. The park is known for its dramatic pink granite peaks known as The Hazards and its world-famous beaches.
Popular activities include:
- Wineglass Bay Lookout Walk
- Mount Amos Hike
- Cape Tourville Lighthouse Walk
- Honeymoon Bay
- Sea kayaking tours
Wineglass Bay
Frequently listed among the world’s most beautiful beaches, Wineglass Bay is famous for its curved white sand beach surrounded by granite mountains and crystal-clear waters.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Scenic lookouts
- Beach walks
- Photography
- Boat cruises
- Wildlife spotting
Bicheno
Bicheno is a relaxed coastal town famous for its marine life and scenic coastline.
Top attractions include:
- Bicheno Blowhole
- Whalers Lookout
- Redbill Beach
- Diamond Island
- Little Penguin tours
Bicheno is also one of the best places in Tasmania to see little penguins returning to shore after sunset.
St Helens
As the largest town on Tasmania’s East Coast, St Helens serves as the gateway to the Bay of Fires.
Popular activities include:
- Game fishing
- Mountain biking
- Beach exploration
- Bay of Fires day trips
- Local seafood dining
Bay of Fires
The Bay of Fires is one of Tasmania’s most iconic coastal destinations.
Famous for its orange-lichen-covered granite boulders, white beaches and crystal-clear waters, the area stretches for more than 50 kilometres along the north-east coastline.
Highlights include:
- Binalong Bay
- The Gardens
- Swimcart Beach
- Photography
- Coastal walks
- Camping
The Great Eastern Drive
The Great Eastern Drive is one of Australia’s most scenic coastal road trips.
Running between Hobart and St Helens, the route passes through beaches, vineyards, national parks and charming seaside towns.
Popular stops include:
- Orford
- Swansea
- Freycinet
- Bicheno
- Scamander
- St Helens
- Bay of Fires
The drive can be completed in a few days or enjoyed over a week-long exploration.
Wildlife on Tasmania’s East Coast
Tasmania’s East Coast is home to a remarkable range of wildlife.
Visitors may encounter:
- Little penguins
- Dolphins
- Seals
- Wombats
- Wallabies
- Echidnas
- Sea eagles
Many national parks and coastal reserves provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year.
Best Beaches on Tasmania’s East Coast
Some of the region’s most beautiful beaches include:
Wineglass Bay
Known for its iconic crescent shape and pristine waters.
Friendly Beaches
A long stretch of untouched coastline near Freycinet National Park.
Binalong Bay
The gateway to the Bay of Fires and one of Tasmania’s most photographed beaches.
Redbill Beach
A favourite swimming and walking beach near Bicheno.
Swimcart Beach
A family-friendly beach famous for its clear water and scenic granite formations.
Best Time to Visit Tasmania’s East Coast
The East Coast can be visited year-round.
Summer (December to February)
- Warm temperatures
- Ideal beach conditions
- Peak tourism season
Autumn (March to May)
- Mild weather
- Fewer crowds
- Excellent hiking conditions
Winter (June to August)
- Quiet roads
- Wildlife encounters
- Dramatic coastal scenery
Spring (September to November)
- Wildflowers
- Pleasant temperatures
- Great photography opportunities
East Coast Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Hobart to Swansea
Day 2
Swansea to Freycinet National Park
Day 3
Freycinet to Bicheno
Day 4
Bicheno to St Helens
Day 5
Bay of Fires Exploration
Day 6
Return via the Great Eastern Drive
Travel Tips for Visiting Tasmania’s East Coast
- Book accommodation early during summer.
- Carry layers as weather conditions can change quickly.
- Allow extra time for scenic stops.
- Respect wildlife and keep a safe distance.
- Check national park conditions before hiking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I spend on Tasmania’s East Coast?
A minimum of 3–5 days is recommended, although 7–10 days allows for a more relaxed experience.
Is the Bay of Fires worth visiting?
Absolutely. The Bay of Fires is considered one of Tasmania’s most beautiful and unique coastal destinations.
Can you swim on Tasmania’s East Coast?
Yes. Many beaches are suitable for swimming, particularly during the warmer months.
What is the most famous attraction on Tasmania’s East Coast?
Wineglass Bay is generally regarded as the region’s most famous attraction.
Discover Tasmania’s East Coast
From the iconic beauty of Wineglass Bay to the orange granite boulders of the Bay of Fires, Tasmania’s East Coast offers unforgettable landscapes, wildlife experiences and coastal adventures. Whether you’re planning a road trip, beach holiday or outdoor escape, this region showcases some of the very best experiences Tasmania has to offer.