The East Coast
Five national parks spread along the coast including the stunning Freycinet National Park with its pink granite mountains, white beaches and crystal clear sea. The two largest towns on the east coast are Bicheno and St Helens - both busy fishing ports, so expect some of the freshest seafood around.
Synonymous with the beauty of this coast are the locations of The Bay of Fires, thought to be named for the red rocks, Freycinet Peninsula and the iconic Wineglass Bay with its white sands. A trip out to Maria Island will reward with World Heritage-listed convict site at Darlington Probation Station, colonial-era ruins, the extraordinary sandstone sculptures of Painted Cliffs and the geological storybook of Fossil Cliffs. The whole island is a national park, free of vehicles. It is a refuge for Forester kangaroos, wallabies and the round small pademelons. You can stay in the tiny settlement of Darlington, watch the Cape Barren Geese or any of the 130 resident bird species, and relax as you learn of the Aboriginal, convict and settler histories.
General Information
| Summer Temperature | 25°C |
|---|---|
| Winter Temperature | 12°C |
| Population of Bicheno | 950 |
| Population of St Helens | 2065 |
Highlights
Freycinet National Park Guided Walk
Immerse yourself in Freycinet National Park during a 5.5-hour guided walk with a local guide.
Wineglass Bay Cruise
Let our experienced and friendly crew guide you through the sights and history of the Freycinet Peninsula; taking you from the gentle shores of Coles Bay, to one of the world’s most
Maria Island National Park - Cruise & Wildlife
Maria Island National Park is Tasmania's only island park, six kilometres off the east coast and an easy 30-minute ferry ride across the Mercury Passage from Tri
Locations
Bicheno
Bicheno, just north of the Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania's east coast, is known for its laid-back lifestyle and outdoor activities. If a holiday relaxing by white, sandy beaches, dining on fresh seafood and playing leisurely games of golf sounds appealing, you'll love Bicheno. You can explore the coast at your own pace in a sea kayak, or pick up some local knowledge on a guided boat trip. There is plenty to do on dry land as well. Motor tricycle tours, a Grape Escape wine tour and walks to Rocking Rock and the blowhole or along the sandbar to Diamond Island Nature Reserve are popular.
St Helens
St Helens is the largest town on the north-east coast of Tasmania, Australia, on Georges Bay. It is known as the game fishing capital of Tasmania and is also renowned for its oysters. It is located on the Tasman Highway, about 160 km east of Tasmania's second largest city, Launceston.
Freycinet National Park
Jutting out into the sea on Tasmania's mild east coast is the rugged and beautiful Freycinet Peninsula. Freycinet National Park consists of knuckles of granite mountains all but surrounded by azure bays and white sand beaches. The dramatic peaks of the Hazards welcome you as you enter the park. The National Park offers a wide variety of activities. Take a walk to the pass overlooking the perfectly shaped Wineglass Bay or try less strenuous activities like beach strolls, swimming or wildlife spotting.
Maria Island National Park
Maria Island has been called Tasmania's Noah's Ark. Since it's an island National Park with no residents, no cars and no predators, it's a haven for wildlife...
