Coles Bay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Coles Bay
Set between the pristine wilderness of the Freycinet National Park and a beautiful conservation area, this town on Tasmania’s East Coast is a spectacular getaway.

Explore the crystal clear waters of Coles Bay by kayak and meet the local wombats, quolls and echidnas on a bush walk. Watch the sun setting over the dramatic landscape of pink granite peaks while enjoying a dinner of locally farmed oysters and wine.

Appreciate the tranquility of sleepy Coles Bay from a waterfront camping site, a beach shack or a luxury eco-cabin. Around the township are a number of restaurants where you can savour fresh seafood, tasty drinks and a pleasant ambience.

Start your exploration of the coast’s beautiful wilderness at the Freycinet National Park Visitor Centre at the edge of town. Purchase your pass to the park here and learn through interactive displays about the biodiversity of the area and its cultural value.

Tackle the challenging walk up Mount Amos, one of the mountains known as the Hazards, or do the 31-kilometre (19-mile) hike through the Hazards to Wineglass Bay plan for 2 to 3 days. Relax for a day at the Friendly Beaches, with white sand between your toes. The beaches lead on to Cape Tourville to the south and Cape Lodi in the north. The park has limited facilities, so always carry enough water and food when you are setting out on a walk.

Follow the coastline on a boat cruise to explore sea caves and visit the remote and stunning beach of Wineglass Bay. Go for a sail or rent a kayak to paddle along the coast and look for dolphins.

Just out of town on Coles Bay Road, you’ll find Moulting Lagoon, where you can see the incredible variety of birds that breed in this wetland reserve. Thousands of black swans come here to moult their flight feathers. Look for songbirds, ducks, eagles and long-legged water birds too.

Drive about 2.5 hours from Hobart or Launceston to reach Coles Bay, a perfect place from which to explore the Freycinet National Park.

Iluka Holiday Centre
Iluka Holiday Centre
2 out of 5
Reserve Road, Coles Bay, TAS
The price is £97 per night from 1 May to 2 May
£97
per night
1 May - 2 May
Stay at this holiday park in Coles Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 4 restaurants. Popular attractions Freycinet National Park Visitor Centre and Richardsons ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (383 reviews)
"Lovely park with cafes/bars within walking distance. Great views of oyster bay and not far from lookout to see the hazards (beautiful sunset location). Only short drive to Freycinet national park and walking tracks to some beautiful views including wine glass bay and sleepy bay. We had a wonderful ..."

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2024

Iluka Holiday Centre
Freycinet Lodge
Freycinet Lodge
4 out of 5
Coles Bay Road, Freycinet National Park, Coles Bay, TAS
The price is £206 per night from 13 May to 14 May
£206
per night
13 May - 14 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Coles Bay. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants and in-room massages. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Everything was perfect, wonderful staff especially Sam who went overboard to make us feel welcome. Would highly recommend Cabin 33, so private, with balcony outlook onto the beach."

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024

Freycinet Lodge
Freycinet Resort
Freycinet Resort
4.5 out of 5
1799 Coles Bay Road, Coles Bay, TAS
The price is £147 per night from 1 May to 2 May
£147
per night
1 May - 2 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Coles Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a terrace. Popular attractions Freycinet Marine Farm and Sandpiper Beach are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (129 reviews)
"Amazing views, beautiful cabins small but thought of everything from blankets for the balcony to heated bathroom floors. Wildlife at your door. Tasty cheese plater. Loved our stay!"

Reviewed on 10 Apr 2024

Freycinet Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Numie | Waterfront | Glamping | Wineglass Bay
Numie | Waterfront | Glamping | Wineglass Bay
Coles Bay, Tasmania
Stay at this campsite in Coles Bay. Enjoy on-site parking, barbecues and a kitchen. Popular attractions Freycinet Marine Farm and Sandpiper Beach are located ...
Numie | Waterfront | Glamping | Wineglass Bay
Hazards Homestay, a newly refurbished private holiday home, 5 minutes from town.
Hazards Homestay, a newly refurbished private holiday home, 5 minutes from town.
Coles Bay, TAS
Stay at this golf holiday home in Coles Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, on-site parking and a garden. Popular attractions Sandpiper Beach and Muirs Beach are located nearby. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (28 reviews)
Brilliant!
"A fabulous family home, excellent facilities, very clean and comfortable, best place we've stayed so far in Tassie!"

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

Hazards Homestay, a newly refurbished private holiday home, 5 minutes from town.
Wineglass - Quaint and comfortable.
Wineglass - Quaint and comfortable.
Glamorgan-Spring Bay, TAS
Stay at this apartment in Coles Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, on-site parking and a balcony. Popular attractions Coles Bay and Richardsons Beach are located nearby. ...
8/10 Very Good! (2 reviews)
A little disappointed
"Good accommodation but some maintenance required e.g. wardrobe door falling off its hinges."

Reviewed on 18 Dec 2023

Wineglass - Quaint and comfortable.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Coles Bay

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
" "5 - Excellent 80%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
23 Aug 2019

It’s sweet and small. Lovely location for wineglass bay

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
1 Feb 2019

Coles Bay was a lovely small town. Good local shop and a superb ice cream parlour!

Cities near Coles Bay