Things to Do in East Coast Tasmania: Best Places to Visit

On By saar.decosterIn Australia

Tasmania’s East Coast is one of the highlights of any Tasmania road trip. With crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches, dramatic coastal landscapes and incredible wildlife, the region feels like a completely different side of the island.

Stretching from Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay in the south to Bicheno, St Helens and the Bay of Fires in the north, the East Coast is packed with beautiful places to visit.

Whether you want to hike to famous viewpoints, watch little penguins return to shore, explore colourful coastal landscapes or simply spend time on quiet beaches, there are plenty of things to do on Tasmania’s East Coast.

Planning your full adventure? Check out my Full Tasmania Travel Guide for the best places to visit, road trip ideas and practical tips for exploring the island.

Best Things to Do in East Coast Tasmania

1. Explore Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park is one of the most famous places to visit on Tasmania’s East Coast and a must-stop on any East Coast road trip.

The national park is known for its dramatic pink granite mountains, turquoise bays, white sandy beaches and beautiful hiking trails. The combination of mountains meeting the ocean creates some of the most spectacular scenery in Tasmania.

There are walks for different fitness levels, from shorter trails to longer hikes, so you can experience Freycinet even if you don’t want to spend an entire day hiking.

If you’re planning an East Coast Tasmania itinerary, I would definitely make Freycinet one of your main stops.

Sunset over Freycinet National Park in Tasmania with warm orange sky and coastline views.

2. See Wineglass Bay

Wineglass Bay is one of Tasmania’s most iconic natural attractions and one of the most photographed places on the island.

The famous curved white beach, surrounded by mountains and turquoise water, has become almost a postcard image of Tasmania.

The viewpoint is reached via a walk with some uphill sections, but the panoramic view over Wineglass Bay makes the effort worthwhile.

For many travellers, seeing Wineglass Bay for the first time is one of the biggest highlights of their Tasmania road trip.

Since Wineglass Bay is located inside Freycinet National Park, it’s easy to combine both attractions during the same day.

3. Discover Bicheno

Bicheno is a relaxed seaside town and one of the most popular stops on Tasmania’s East Coast.

The town is known for its coastline, fresh seafood and wildlife experiences. Its location also makes it a convenient stop between Hobart and Freycinet National Park.

Bicheno is a great place to slow down, enjoy the ocean views and experience a more relaxed side of East Coast Tasmania.

If you’re driving along the coast, I’d recommend spending at least some time here rather than treating it purely as a place to sleep.

Bicheno Tasmania coastline with ocean views along the East Coast road trip

4. See the Bicheno Blowhole

The Bicheno Blowhole is a quick but fun coastal stop when exploring Bicheno.

When the ocean conditions are right, waves crash against the rocks and force water through a small opening, creating a powerful spray into the air.

The blowhole is easy to visit and only requires a short walk, making it a good addition to your East Coast Tasmania itinerary if you’re already spending time in Bicheno.

It’s not something I would plan an entire day around, but it’s definitely worth stopping at while you’re in the area.

5. Watch Little Penguins in Bicheno

One of the most special things to do in Bicheno is watching little penguins return to shore around sunset.

After spending the day out at sea, these tiny penguins make their way back towards the coast. Seeing them arrive at dusk is a memorable wildlife experience and one of the highlights of travelling along Tasmania’s East Coast.

Of course, sightings are never guaranteed because these are wild animals. If you do see them, keep your distance and avoid using flash photography so you don’t disturb them.

If you’re travelling the East Coast of Tasmania, this is one experience I’d definitely consider adding to your itinerary.

6. Stop in St Helens

St Helens is the largest town on Tasmania’s northeast coast and an important stop on an East Coast road trip.

It may not have the same famous attractions as Freycinet or the Bay of Fires, but it’s a practical place to stop for:

St Helens is also a convenient base for exploring the nearby Bay of Fires.

7. Explore Bay of Fires

The Bay of Fires is one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Tasmania and one of the top places to visit on the island’s northeast coast.

The region is famous for its bright turquoise water, white sandy beaches and distinctive orange granite rocks covered in colourful lichen.

The contrast between the blue ocean, white beaches and orange rocks makes the Bay of Fires one of the most unique landscapes in Tasmania.

It’s a great place to walk along the beach, swim when conditions are suitable, take photos and simply enjoy Tasmania’s coastline.

If you’re driving north from Bicheno towards St Helens, the Bay of Fires is one of the main highlights you shouldn’t skip.

Bay of Fires Tasmania with orange rocks, turquoise water, and white sandy beach
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How Many Days Do You Need on Tasmania’s East Coast?

I recommend spending 3 to 5 days exploring Tasmania’s East Coast.

That gives you enough time to visit the main highlights without having to rush from one place to another.

A possible East Coast Tasmania itinerary could look like this:

Day 1: Freycinet National Park + Wineglass Bay
Day 2: Bicheno + Bicheno Blowhole + little penguins
Day 3: St Helens + Bay of Fires

If you have 4 or 5 days, you can slow down and spend more time at the beaches, coastal walks and smaller towns along the way.

The East Coast is one of those parts of Tasmania where having a little extra time makes the road trip much more enjoyable.

Best Time to Visit East Coast Tasmania

The best time to visit Tasmania’s East Coast is generally during summer, from December to February.

I visited Tasmania during the summer months and found it to be a great season for exploring the East Coast. The weather was warm enough for beaches and outdoor activities without feeling unbearably hot.

Another advantage is that even during peak season, the East Coast can still feel surprisingly peaceful compared with some other popular Australian destinations. With such a long coastline and so many beaches, it’s possible to find quieter spots away from the busiest areas.

Spring and Autumn

Spring and autumn are also good times to visit, especially if hiking and exploring are your priorities.

Temperatures are cooler and there are generally fewer visitors, although the weather can be more unpredictable.

Summer

Summer is the best choice if you want to make the most of the beaches and warmer weather. It is also a particularly good time for swimming, coastal walks and spending more time outdoors.

Keep in mind that summer is also Tasmania’s busier travel season, so it’s worth booking popular accommodation ahead of time.

Is East Coast Tasmania Worth Visiting?

Absolutely.

If you’re planning a Tasmania road trip, the East Coast is one of the regions I would prioritise.

The landscapes are incredibly varied: you have the mountains and beaches of Freycinet, the relaxed coastal atmosphere of Bicheno, wildlife experiences, and the colourful rocks and beaches of the Bay of Fires.

It’s also a great region if you want a combination of hiking, beaches, wildlife and road-tripping rather than focusing on just one type of experience.

Final Thoughts

Tasmania’s East Coast is one of the most beautiful regions on the island and a highlight of any Tasmania road trip.

From world-famous Wineglass Bay and Freycinet National Park to little penguins in Bicheno and the colourful coastline of the Bay of Fires, this part of Tasmania perfectly showcases the island’s natural beauty.

If you’re planning a Tasmania road trip, I’d definitely make room for the East Coast. Give yourself at least a few days, take your time and don’t be afraid to stop at the smaller beaches and coastal spots along the way.

Continue planning your trip with my Full Tasmania Travel Guide for more regions, highlights, road trip ideas and practical travel tips.

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FAQ

What are the best things to do on Tasmania’s East Coast?

The best things to do on Tasmania’s East Coast include visiting Freycinet National Park, hiking to Wineglass Bay, watching little penguins in Bicheno, and exploring the beaches and orange rocks of Bay of Fires.

How many days do you need on Tasmania’s East Coast?

I recommend spending 3 to 5 days on Tasmania’s East Coast to experience the highlights without rushing.

Is Tasmania’s East Coast worth visiting?

Yes, Tasmania’s East Coast is absolutely worth visiting. The region offers some of the island’s most famous landscapes, including Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park, and Bay of Fires.

What is the best time to visit Tasmania’s East Coast?

The best time to visit Tasmania’s East Coast is during summer (December to February), when the weather is ideal for beaches, hiking, and outdoor activities.

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