Wineglass Bay, Tasmania, Australia

If you want to feel like you’re the only person on this planet for a short while at least; if you want to be at one with nature; if you want to witness a pristine part of earth before it disappears, then Wineglass Bay should be on your list to visit.

Read more: Wineglass Bay, Tasmania, Australia

Located on the Freycinet Peninsula on the east coast of Tasmania is Wineglass Bay.  The beach has been consistently voted in the top ten beaches in the world and this is what drew me to it in the first place.

This is a beautiful pristine part of the world.  If you love hiking you will be in heaven. Pink granite mountains, clear water and untouched beaches made me feel like I was in the last piece of wilderness in Australia.  From the carpark you need to hike to the beach but on the way the views from the lookout are stunning.  There were so few people around that for most of the walk I was alone.  It was a strange feeling because how often are we totally alone? I kept looking over my shoulder.  Once down at the beach there were friendly wallabies who came up to me.  One had a joey (baby) in her pouch.  They were just gorgeous!  I loved it.

How to Get There

Freycinet Peninsula is situated within Freycinet National Park, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours’ drive from the capital city of Hobart or Launceston. Travelers can easily reach this coastal paradise by car, driving along the well-signposted highways and scenic routes. Alternatively, guided tours and shuttle services are available from both cities, offering a convenient and stress-free way to experience the wonders of the peninsula.

Geography and Landscape

The Freycinet Peninsula is characterized by its rugged granite peaks, sweeping white-sand beaches, and azure waters. The star attraction of the peninsula is Wineglass Bay, a crescent-shaped bay consistently ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The Hazards, a series of pink-hued granite peaks, provide a dramatic backdrop to the bay and offer hiking opportunities for those seeking panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding wilderness.

Things to Do

Freycinet Peninsula offers a diverse range of activities for visitors to indulge in. Nature lovers can embark on picturesque bushwalks, exploring well-marked trails that lead to breathtaking lookouts and secluded coves. The popular Wineglass Bay Lookout hike rewards hikers with a postcard-perfect view of the bay below.

Water enthusiasts can dive into the clear waters for snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming adventures or simply bask in the sun on the pristine beaches. Birdwatching enthusiasts will delight in spotting a variety of seabirds and native wildlife that call the peninsula home.

Freycinet Peninsula beckons travelers with its unspoiled beauty and serene ambiance, offering an opportunity to reconnect with nature and experience the very best of Tasmania’s coastal splendor. Whether it’s a relaxing beach retreat or an adrenaline-filled outdoor exploration, this coastal paradise has something to captivate every traveler’s heart.

Another one of my favourite activities was when I flew over the peninsula in a Cessna.  There were acres and acres of national park (the park is 169 square kilometres or 65.3 square miles), spectacular cliffs, deserted beaches, rugged coastline, azure water and, of course, the beautiful Wineglass Bay.  This was a definite highlight of my trip.

Where to Stay

I stayed in one of the environmentally friendly cabins at the Freycinet Lodge which overlooks Great Oyster Bay.  While not cheap the cabins aren’t as expensive as the nearby luxury Saffire Lodge.  I would have loved to stay there but it was quite out of my budget!  There is also camping by ballot available at the Freycinet National Park, however, this option is only available over the warmer months as it can get quite cold in Tasmania.  The nearest small town is Coles Bay so you can grab supplies there and find more accommodation choices.  Check availability for accommodation.

Don’t forget to visit the Discover Tasmania website for plenty of ideas about other areas of Tasmania. Whatever you do, don’t miss this very special part of Australia.