With its granite mountains, white sand beaches and sheltered bays, Freycinet National Park is an unmissable destination on your road trip around Tasmania. Even among all this stunning scenery, there’s an area of Freycinet that gets people excited more than any other...
That’s right - we’re talking about Wineglass Bay.
The jewel in Freycinet's crown, Wineglass Bay is nestled at the feet of forest-covered mountains. From above, you can see the emerald waters of the bay shaped by a crescent of white sand.
But there are no roads in and out, and that gorgeous beach is a long way down… how can you get to this irresistible spot? As a matter of fact, getting to Wineglass Bay is easier than it looks.
If you want to sink your toes into that soft, inviting white Wineglass Bay sand, you have two options: hike down or sail in.
If you’re content to gaze at the beautiful bay from afar, you don’t have to trek all the way down to the beach - there’s a shorter walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, where you can see the whole bay in all its glory.
It’s easy to fit a visit to Freycinet into your Tasmania holiday itinerary. Read on and we’ll help you plan your visit to incredible Wineglass Bay.
Freycinet National Park is located on the Freycinet Peninsula, which juts out from the East Coast of Tasmania. It’s around 195km from Hobart to the south and 175km from Launceston to the north. The main entry point for visitors to Freycinet National Park is the small town of Coles Bay.
The drive to Wineglass Bay normally takes around 2.5 to 3 hours from Hobart, and around 2.5 hours from Launceston. However, during the summer season (December to February) you can expect more holiday traffic snaking along winding roads, which may affect your travel time.
From Hobart, you simply follow the Tasman Highway (A3) up the east coast. When you reach the turn-off to Coles Bay Road (C302) follow it for 25km through to the seaside village of Coles Bay. This is the main entrance point for Freycinet National Park. You will find Freycinet National Park and the Wineglass Bay Lookout Car Park clearly signposted from here. It takes around 10 minutes to drive from Coles Bay to the Lookout Car Park.
Take the Midland Highway (National Highway 1) south towards Hobart. When your reach Campbell Town (after approximately 70km), turn left onto Montagu Street (Lake Leake Highway), continuing until you reach the Tasman Highway (A3). Continue south through Bicheno to the Coles Bay Road turnoff (C302). When you reach Coles Bay, follow the signs to Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay.
There is an alternative, more coastal route to Freycinet from Launceston: you can take the Tasman Highway (A3) from Launceston through Scottsdale until you reach St Helens on Tasmania’s east coast. Continue south through Bicheno and on to the Freycinet junction.
Are you driving from Hobart to Launceston (or Launceston to Hobart) during your Tasmania road trip? Visit Wineglass Bay on the way! Simply follow the directions from Hobart to Wineglass Bay above. Then when you’ve enjoyed a super-scenic beach walk and a picnic, use the instructions above for driving from Launceston to Wineglass Bay but in reverse.
Be aware - this would be a long day with an early start. You might want to consider getting someone else to do the driving for you…
To enter Freycinet National Park, you will need a National Parks Pass. You can buy a pass online, or in person at National Parks Visitors Centres or accredited Tasmanian Visitor Information Centres. There is a visitors centre on the edge of Freycinet National Park where you can buy your pass on the day you visit.
For international visitors to Tasmania, there are 2 main options:
A Daily National Parks pass allows entry to Tasmanian national parks for a 24 hour period.
A Holiday National Parks Pass covers entry to all national parks for a 2 month period.
You can find up-to-date pricing information on the Tasmanian National Parks and Wildlife Service website.
So once you have arrived at the Wineglass Bay Lookout Car Park armed with your park pass, how do you get to the Lookout Point and into Wineglass Bay itself? Let’s find out.
(45 minutes’ walk, 1.5hrs return)
Confession time: you haven’t arrived at your destination just yet. Grab some comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, water and snacks (and of course your camera) - you’re going the rest of the way on foot. One of Freycinet’s most popular destinations, the Wineglass Bay Lookout Point is situated on a saddle between Mount Amos and Mount Mason.
It’s 201 metres above sea level, so yes, you guessed it - you’re going to be walking uphill. It takes around 45 minutes to reach the top. The Wineglass Bay Lookout track is very well signposted and very well used, so there is little chance of getting lost.
The trail does have a consistent incline (with some stairs to climb) as it gradually ascends towards the lookout. But it’s suitable for most fitness levels, and it’s an awesome walk for the whole family. Take plenty of water and allow time to take plenty of breaks along the route.
What about if you have very young children? The trail isn’t pram or pushchair-friendly, but if you have a baby carrier they can still enjoy the walk with you. The lookout point is as far as many visitors go: the views over Wineglass Bay from here are breathtaking.
But if you’re thirsty for more, here’s how to get from the Wineglass Bay Lookout to that beautiful white sand beach below:
(45 minutes’ walk, 1.5 hrs return)
The trail down to Wineglass Beach from the Lookout Point does require a higher level of fitness. The descent is steep… which means the climb back up will be steep too. Fortunately, the trail was upgraded in 2017. You’ll find a series of stairs to help you make your way down to the red rock formations, soft sands and clear blue waters below.
Because of the strenuous hike to the beach, you’ll find it relatively quiet and peaceful.
Yes, you can swim here, so it’s worth bringing swimwear with you. You might find the water a little chilly, so summer is the best time to take a dip. There are no lifeguards on the beach, so be vigilant if you are swimming with children.
Remember: If you are walking from the Wineglass Bay Lookout Point Car Park all the way to the beach and back, you need to allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours to complete the 6km round trip. That’s not including rest stops and beach picnics though - in all, you should allow at least 4 hours for your visit to make the most of it. And remember - it will take you longer to walk uphill than down, so allow more time on the way back for the steep ascent from the beach.
If hiking doesn’t appeal, head to nearby Coles Bay and hop on a relaxing Wineglass Bay Cruise instead. Cruises offer a different perspective of the Bay, with dramatic views of the granite coastline. They are ideal for wildlife lovers: you may spot seals sunbathing on the rocks, bottlenose dolphins showing off their tricks, and even sea eagles overhead.
With commentary from the crew, you’ll learn about the rich indigenous history of the area, and they’ll point out sea caves and blowholes you can’t see from on land. You can expect your day cruise to last around 4-5 hours. You can buy lunch on board or bring your own. And if you love the idea of exploring Wineglass Bay (and beyond) by water, our 4-day Wineglass Bay Sail & Walk vacation could be the luxury break you’re looking for.
Day tours to Freycinet National Park are a convenient way to visit Wineglass Bay during your Tasmania vacation. You can book these from Launceston or Hobart and you can even travel one way (Launceston > Wineglass Bay > Hobart or Hobart > Wineglass Bay > Launceston).
These trips generally include a guided walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, with free time for anyone who wishes to hike the rest of the way down to the beach.
Our 12 Day Great Ocean Road & Tasmania Itinerary includes a day tour from Launceston > Wineglass Bay > Hobart: check it out for ideas on how to combine day tours to get you around Tasmania without having to drive.
At First Light Travel we can plan the perfect self-drive holiday for you. To get started and find ideas you can view our most popular itineraries - just remember that all of our trips are fully customisable.
RELATED
TOURS
The price is based on current exchange rates but is only an approximation. Please contact us for a final price
