Freycinet National Park is an Idyllic Combo of Walks, Wine, & Wallabies

From a hair-raising Mount Amos rock climb to wallabies rustling among the forest, and fresh oysters paired with cool-climate wines, Explorer Amy’s two-day trip to Freycinet National Park served up moments of thrill, awe, and relaxation.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the toorerno-maire-mener clan, who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

Freycinet National Park is made up of a peninsula of wild beauty on the East Coast of Tasmania, two hours from Launceston and 2.5 hours from Hobart. Defined by the pink-hued Hazards Mountain Range that overlooks the curvaceous Wineglass Bay, it’s bursting with walking tracks, wildlife, and panoramic lookouts.

Fun Fact! To avoid funny looks from the locals, use the pronunciation ‘Fray-sin-ay’ rather than ‘frey-sin-et’. You’re welcome.

About Freycinet National Park

If you’re constantly torn between visiting the mountains or the beach (a difficult choice, I know), you’ll relish the landscapes of Freycinet National Park. The Hazards soar over the landscape like kings of the valley. The iridescent blue ocean meets sand as white as snow, and the rocks are sprinkled with vibrant orange lichen. Often referred to as the jewel of Tasmania, Freycinet National Park is undoubtedly one of the most jaw-dropping destinations in Australia’s southernmost state.

With dozens of walking tracks weaving through the rugged bushland, it’s easy to spend a week here during the summer. If you’re short on time, two days in Freycinet is more than enough to catch the highlights. 

But it’s not just walking tracks that draw people to this peninsula. The azure blue waters produce some of the finest oysters in Australia, and a stone’s throw away are cool climate wineries with views that’ll knock your socks off – even after you’ve laid eyes on the iconic Wineglass Bay.

Consider yourself warned, the views are addictive

History of Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park’s unique landscape was formed over 400 million years ago in the territory of the Oyster Bay nation, home to the toorerno-maire-mener clan. Today, the area is home to significant Aboriginal artefacts, heritage sites, and rock shelters, including the largest shell middens on the East Coast.

The area has been a national park since 1916, making it Tasmania’s oldest national park. It was named after the French explorer, Louis de Freycinet, who travelled through the region in the 18th century.

How To Get to Freycinet National Park

The park is a two-hour drive southeast of Launceston Domestic Airport via National Highway 1, Lake Leake Highway, and the B34. If you have time to spare, drive east to Binalong Bay from Launceston and slowly make your way down the East Coast to enjoy squeaky white-sand beaches and coastal towns on your way to Freycinet. 

Read more: Tassie’s East Coast on Wheels

From Hobart International Airport it’s a 2.5 hour drive northeast along the Tasman Highway and the A3. The route is peppered with celebrated wineries, old and new, so don’t forget to treat your wine-drinking passenger to a few stops along the way! 

To get to the Freycinet Visitor Centre, drive straight through the township of Coles Bay.

The views just keep getting better

Where To Stay in Freycinet National Park

To experience the best of the area, I recommend staying in Coles Bay or in Freycinet National Park itself. There’s no shortage of cabins and rentals online but you’ll need to plan well in advance for a summer trip as it’s understandably popular.

Freycinet National Park Campgrounds

Freycinet National Park caters to multi-day walkers and campers, with several campgrounds dotted around the peninsula. Try your luck at the first-come, first-served Isaacs Point at Friendly Beaches. It’s suitable for tents, campervans, and self-sufficient campers. 

At Richardsons Beach and Honeymoon Bay Campsite, powered and non-powered sites sit just metres from the beach. It’s so popular that a ballot system has been introduced for the summer season and Easter holidays. The ballot entries close at midnight on the 31st of July. Open your diary friends, you’ll want to pencil that one in. 

BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park

For a guaranteed powered campsite or a cabin, book yourself into the family-friendly BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park. Located opposite Meirs Beach in Coles Bay, it’s perfectly positioned near shops, trails, and beaches. The holiday park has an on-site bistro, playground and cafe, among many other amenities.

Where To Eat in Freycinet National Park

Geographe Restaurant and Espresso Bar

Whether you’re looking for a hot brew, a woodfired pizza or a stack of pancakes, Geographe Restaurant and Espresso Bar pretty much has it all. It’s the go-to for those staying in Coles Bay, especially in winter when most other restaurants are closed. The best bit? The cafe is perched directly in front of the Hazards. Grab an alfresco seat and admire that view.

Freycinet Marine Farm

If you think you don’t like oysters, I recommend trying the freshly shucked goodies from Freycinet Marine Farm. You’ll find it along the road in and out of Freycinet, where fresh seafood, local beers, and wines are sold daily.

Devil’s Corner

I’ve been to a lot of beautiful wineries, but none come close to Devil’s Corner. Head over for a wine tasting (I recommend the chocolate pairing), and soak in the Hazards from a new perspective. The kitchen serves up a mean wood-fired pizza and seafood from Freycinet Marine Farm.

Best Things To Do in Freycinet National Park

• Hike to the summit of Mount Amos (3.6km return) 
• Walk the 11km Wineglass Bay & Hazards Beach circuit
• Go wine tasting at Devil’s Corner
• Shuck oysters straight from the ocean at Freycinet Marine Farm
• Go kayaking to discover hidden caves, resident marine life, and secluded beaches 
• Join a Wineglass Bay cruise, complete with local food, wines, and historic tales
• Watch the sunrise from Cape Tourville Lighthouse
• Traverse the region on the four-day Freycinet Experience Walk or give the three-day circuit a try

It’s just as magical being on Wineglass Bay as it is looking at it from above

Essential Gear for Freycinet National Park

• Hat (woolly, for the winter months), sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Water bottle 
• Hiking shoes
• Waterproof jacket
• Camera to lap up those Insta scenes
• Swimwear (summer months only, unless you’re brave)
• First aid kit (essential if you’re out on a hike)
• If you’re oyster-obsessed – like my partner – a shucking knife
• An appetite for heights if you’re planning on braving Mount Amos

What It’s Like to Visit Freycinet National Park

Mount Amos Hike

Adventurous? Check. Incredible views? Check. Weather permitting, we were climbing Mount Amos. No questions asked. 

A few minutes into the hike, we saw a warning sign stating that ‘boulder scrambling’ would be required. Not afraid of an adventure, we cracked on. Before long we were bellowing, ‘This is easy! I don’t know what the fuss was about’, at each other as we followed the little yellow arrows, effectively trail running up the mountain. 

And then the bouldering began. Let’s just say there were tears, shaky legs, and a new-found fear of heights. At one point – very close to the top – we gave in. But after a mental reset and a pep talk, we did it. 

Was it worth it? Absolutely. The walk faces north which means that the killer view of Wineglass Bay is only revealed at the summit. Looking down at that piercing blue water that perfectly curves around the sparkling white sand, deep green forest, and jagged mountain peaks, filled with pride from conquering the mountain, was a moment I’ll never forget.

My Strava description perfectly sums it up:

‘The most terrifying, sketchy, and awe-inspiring hike I’ve ever done! Rock climbing, vertical drops…we almost gave up. SO GOOD!’

Might as well have been the top of the world

Wineglass Bay & Hazards Beach Circuit

Our first day at Freycinet National Park was a little cloudy, but we decided to go ahead and walk the 11km Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit. The walk is steep in sections, but a lot easier than tackling Mount Amos. 

Feeling the squeaky white sand between my toes on Wineglass Beach was the highlight. We perched ourselves on a rock coated in bright orange lichen and tucked into a picnic. The remainder of the walk mostly winds through the forest, home to over 49 species of wildlife. We spotted five wallabies along this stretch. It was the perfect way to end our hike.

Read more: Wineglass Bay Walk – A Glorious Panoramic Trail Through Freycinet National Park

Cutie pies everywhere

Cape Tourville Lighthouse

We opted for a mid-morning walk around this 20-minute circuit, on what felt like the windiest day of winter. On this particular morning, the walk encapsulated Tasmania’s wild side; the dark clouds loomed over the ocean’s white caps creating a mysterious atmosphere. It was awesome. 

We followed the boardwalk which hugged the edge of the rocky cliff, revealing Wineglass Bay, the Hazards, and a cluster of offshore rocks called The Nuggets.

Tips for Visiting Freycinet National Park

• You’ll need to purchase a Parks Pass to access Freycinet beyond Coles Bay. You can do this online, or at the visitor centre when you arrive
• The Mount Amos hike requires a high level of fitness, a stomach for heights, and in some parts, boulder scrambling. It becomes dangerous in wet conditions so pre-plan your hike according to the forecast. If you’re unsure, ask at the visitor centre
• If you’re visiting in winter like we did, note that some businesses may be shut for the off-season, or only open on certain days of the week
• Water stations are sparse in the park. Pack your bag with enough water to see you through your hike

Allow for as many days as you can spare and it still won’t feel long enough

FAQs Freycinet National Park

How long is the Mount Amos hike?

The hike to the top of Mount Amos is 3.6km return.

Is the Mount Amos hike suitable for beginners?

The Mount Amos hike is an intermediate to advanced hike that involves steep ascents, rock scrambling up sheer rock, and uneven tracks. It is suited to hikers with experience and should only be attempted in ideal weather conditions.

Where can you eat in Freycinet National Park?

Our favourite places to eat in Freycinet National Park are the Geographe Restaurant and Espresso Bar, Devil’s Corner winery, and Freycinet Marine Farm.

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