Australia Travel Planner · Tasmania

Freycinet for backpackers

Freycinet National Park on Tasmania's east coast is famous for the round Wineglass Bay with white sand, pink granite mountains and local oysters. Here you'll find all the checked spots from our map with tips.

Location
About 2.5 hours north of Hobart
Highlight
Wineglass Bay Lookout
Swimming
December–March, cold water
Camping
Ballot in summer
Arriving

Getting there and best time to visit Freycinet

You reach Freycinet by car from Hobart in about two and a half hours along the east coast. Buses run to the turn-off, but after that it's awkward without a car. Coles Bay is the town at the park entrance. The route is part of the Great Eastern Drive road trip.

December to March is the warmest, but the water stays cold. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking. The national park campsites are allocated by ballot for the summer holidays.

Sleep

Hostels and camping in Freycinet

BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet: backpacker lodge and camping

A holiday park opposite Muirs Beach with a small backpacker lodge, campsites, a shop, a bakery and a tavern. The most practical place to stay in Coles Bay.

Sleep · Hostel & camping · Coles Bay · Price level $$

Freycinet NP Campground: camping on the beach in the national park

Campsites on Richardsons Beach in the national park. In the summer holidays sites are allocated by ballot.

Sleep · Camping · Richardsons Beach · Price level $

Swim

Swimming and snorkelling in Freycinet

Wineglass Bay: white beach, only on foot

The white beach in the bay can only be reached on foot; from the lookout it's a steep descent. The water is cold and there's no shade — bring food and water.

Swim · Freycinet · Best time: December–March

Views & photos

Lookouts and photo spots in Freycinet

Wineglass Bay Lookout: view of the round bay

The lookout above the perfectly round bay is about an hour return. It's quieter in the morning. Park pass required. If you want more, walk on down to the beach.

Views & photos · Freycinet · Best time: morning

Honeymoon Bay: bay with pink granite rocks

A small bay with pink granite rocks facing the Hazards, just a short walk from the car park. At sunset the mountains glow.

Views & photos · Coles Bay · Best time: sunset

Cape Tourville: lighthouse with views along the east coast

A lighthouse with a short, flat boardwalk and views along the east coast. Most beautiful at sunrise.

Views & photos · Coles Bay · Best time: sunrise

Food

Cheap eats in Freycinet

Coles Bay: town at the park entrance with oysters

A small town at the park entrance with local oysters. There are only a few eateries — book early or cook yourself.

Food · Coles Bay · Best time: evening

Common questions

Freycinet for backpackers: frequently asked questions

How long is the walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout?

About an hour return. Down to the beach and back, allow three to four hours.

Can you swim in Wineglass Bay?

Yes, but the water is cold even in summer. Bring food; there's no shade.

Do you need a park pass for Freycinet?

Yes, you need a park pass for the national park.

Next

Travelling on from Freycinet

All spots on the Freycinet map. Nearby: Hobart and Launceston. The east coast on the Great Eastern Drive road trip.

Updated September 2026. Checked against official sources and operator websites. Prices, opening hours and seasons change — check before you go.