What to do in East Coast Tasmania

Activities, attractions and tours

A rocky beach with a person standing on the rocks, a flowing stream, and mountains in the background.
A lobster on a white plate with lemon wedges and parsley, on a blue table with a glass of white wine and a cooler in the background.
A coastal town with houses, a beach, and a boat in the water.
A white building with a red roof and a white picket fence.
A coastal landscape with a clear blue bay, a sandy beach, and a forested mountain range in the background.

East Coast Tasmania Attractions

Breathtaking scenery, a wealth of outdoor activities and a great climate make the eastern coast of Tasmania a haven for nature lovers and adventure sports enthusiasts. Activities on offer include hiking, cycling, mountain biking, kayaking, quad biking, diving and surfing. Alternatively, if you want to explore the region’s culture and heritage, you’ll find a wide choice of characterful towns and historic sites to explore throughout.

Areas & Neighbourhoods on the East Coast of Tasmania

Bicheno – One of the most popular destinations on the eastern coast, Bicheno is a family friendly town with great beaches, fantastic fishing and excellent eateries. Visit the nearby Governor Island Marine Reserve to see its kelp covered reefs and sponge gardens, or join a penguin tour and get up close to the region’s wild residents.

Bay of Fires – The Bay of Fires gets its name from the bright orange lichen that covers the boulders which line the beach. As well as this dramatic backdrop, the Bay of Fires also boasts crystal clear water and white sand, making it a great destination for a day by the sea.

Maria Island National Park – Not only is Maria Island a great place for hiking, bird watching and cycling, it’s also a fantastic destination for anyone who wants to learn more about Australia’s past. Visit the Darlington Probation Station to find out about the convicts who were shipped to Tasmania in the 19th century.

Coles Bay – Home of the famous Wineglass Bay and boasting an excellent choice of beaches and easy access to the Freycinet National Park, Coles Bay is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Go hiking, biking or bird watching or hit the water to try your hand at kayaking or sailing.

Things to See on the East Coast of Tasmania

The landmarks and sights are as varied as the landscape. Explore the area’s origins and learn about the convicts who were transported to Tasmania, see the dramatic orange rocks in the Bay of Fires or visit the aquamarine waters and white sands of the spectacular Wineglass Bay on the Freycinet Peninsula. The characterful towns that line the East Coast are also well worth a look during your time on the area, with St Helens, Triabunna and Swansea among the liveliest.

Things to Do on the East Coast of Tasmania

If you’re looking for outdoor activities and adventure, Tasmania’s eastern coast will not disappoint. The section of coast between Bicheno and Beaumaris is ideal for surfing, while many of the other beaches in the area offer kayaking, diving, sailing and fishing. The sparsely populated coast is perfect for exploring by foot, with a number of routes crisscrossing the area. Cycling and mountain biking can also be found in this action packed region, with scenic flights available for those who want to see the east coast from the sky. For great food and wine, visit the east coast’s beautiful towns and villages, or for arts and culture, attend one of the regular events that take place throughout the year along the coast.

Things to do


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Top places to visit

1. Freycinet National Park

Enjoy the scenic coastline and pristine habitats of Freycinet National Park. Relax with a glass of Tasmanian wine and oysters fresh from the farm as you watch the sun set over the Hazards mountain range. Keep an eye on the horizon to spot whales. The park is also home to some of Australia’s other iconic species, such as potoroos, echidnas, quolls and wombats.
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A sunset over a coastal landscape with rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation.

2. Wineglass Bay

Gleaming white sands and aquamarine waters form the wide arc of Wineglass Bay, a breathtaking beach on the Freycinet Peninsula. This remote paradise is renowned for its beauty and is an idyllic spot to stop for a swim or a beach stroll. Accessible only via a bushland walking track or a scenic cruise, Wineglass Bay is an ideal daytrip within the pristine Freycinet National Park.
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A coastal landscape with a turquoise beach, clear blue waters, and a backdrop of green mountains.

3. Port Arthur Historic Site

The UNESCO-listed Port Arthur was one of the British Empire’s most brutal penal settlements. Located on the stunning Mason Cove, the natural beauty of the landscape stands in stark contrast to the history of convict prisoners who were sent here, condemned to hard labor. See these stunning ruins at your own pace or on a guided or themed tour.
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An ancient stone structure with arched doorways and a central tower.

4. Bicheno Blowhole

Bicheno Blowhole is a spectacular natural phenomena that is powered by the waves of the Tasman Sea. Millennia of erosion has caused this coastal fountain to be moulded out of solid granite. The large, upright boulder that towers right beside the blowhole is a dramatic addition to this fascinating scene.
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A person standing on a rocky shore with waves crashing against the rocks.

5. Tasman National Park

Tasman National Park is a dramatic area that protects one of Australia’s most astounding coastlines, the Tasman Peninsula. Dizzyingly high dolerite cliffs plunge into the surging ocean below, where waves have sculpted fascinating formations in the rock. Check out viewpoints from precipitous cliffs or go on a hike to experience some of the remarkable coastal flora that thrives on the park’s weathered headlands.
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A natural rock arch formation with a narrow passage through it, surrounded by greenery and overlooking a body of water.

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What to do in East Coast Tasmania


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