Things to do in Coles Bay

Take advantage of a rare opportunity to experience Wineglass Bay from the water. Step aboard Schouten Passage II for an unforgettable cruise departing from Freycinet National Park. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board while discovering your surroundings with the help of a guide. Board your cruise at the meeting point, just 3 hours outside of Hobart. Cruise from the gentle shores of Coles Bay to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches: Wineglass Bay. Gaze at sheer granite cliffs, and get up close to diverse wildlife, such as penguins, dolphins, and seals. Learn about the local landmarks, wildlife, and history with an informative onboard commentary. Taste a Ploughman's style lunch and purchase drinks and beverages from the bar. Marvel at the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Vista Lounge, with viewing decks, and baby-changing facilities.

See Wineglass Bay from the water as you step aboard for a vessel for a scenic journey. Hear informative commentary as you enjoy your food and take in views of Coles Bay and the Freycinet Peninsula. Depart from Freycinet National Park aboard the Schouten Passage II. Cruise from the gentle shores of Coles Bay and gaze at the sheer granite cliffs. Get up close to the wildlife and learn about the landmarks, wildlife, and history from the onboard commentary. Feast on morning tea as well as a ploughman's-style lunch. Complete ou meal with local beverages and wines, which are available for purchase in the wine bar. Enjoy the privacy and peace of being in the Sky Lounge, an adults-only area that offers comfort, direct access to the bridge, and stunning views from the top deck. You are also welcome to use the downstairs areas.

Depart Hobart heading east then following the coastline north. Travel through the seaside towns of Orford and Swansea as you make your way to Freycinet National Park. Freycinet is one of Tasmania’s first National Parks, and the area is famous for its stunning coastal landscapes. Colorful granite mountains form the backdrop for secluded bays, pristine waters, white sandy beaches, local wildlife, and a variety of walking trails to explore the area. As you enter the Freycinet peninsula, make a brief stop at the Freycinet Marine Farm for anyone interested in the local oysters, mussels, or crayfish, fresh from the surrounding waters. Walk as a group to the Wineglass Bay Lookout; this is a moderate uphill walk of around 45 minutes. Once at the top you are rewarded with that world-famous view of Wineglass Bay and the stunning Freycinet National Park. Enjoy the moment, take in the views, and let your guides help you with those sought-after photographs. The walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout is one of the Great Short Walks of Tasmania and requires good mobility and adequate fitness. It is 1.3 kilometers uphill, before returning downhill. From the Lookout you have the option to return to the start of the walk with your tour guide, or keen hikers can choose to spend the rest of their time completing the walk down to Wineglass Bay beach. The Wineglass Bay Beach Walk is a 2.5-hour return walk and good fitness is required. The tour allows ample time for you to do the full walk to Wineglass Bay Beach and return. Once on the beach you can enjoy your lunch in this stunning setting, jump in the pristine waters for a swim, or wander along the white sands. This is one of the most rewarding walks in Tasmania. If you prefer to select the shorter walking option, return from the Lookout with your guide to explore other areas of Freycinet National Park. Visit Honeymoon Bay or Cape Tourville Lighthouse, take the Great Short Walk, and/or visit Sleepy Bay lookout. After around 4 hours at Freycinet National Park, re-group and get ready to begin the trip back to Hobart. Make the final stop for the day, a visit to Kate’s Berry Farm. Reward your hiking efforts with one of Kate's delicious berry ice creams or other sweet treats. Return to your Hobart accommodation in the evening.

Discover the history and natural beauty of Tasmania's stunning east coast on this full-day tour from Hobart to Wineglass Bay. Before leaving Hobart you will take in expansive views of the city, Mount Wellington, and the Derwent River from Rosny Hill Lookout. Then visit historic Richmond, where you can admire the oldest convict-built bridge still in use. Travel on to Tasmania's east coast through farmland and forest with a stop at the quaint church in Buckland to marvel at 14th century stained glass windows. Follow the Great Eastern Drive through the seaside towns of Orford and Swansea, with stops at Raspins Beach, Spiky Beach, and a second convict-built bridge, Spiky Bridge. Explore Freycinet National Park, including a guided walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout. The views of this world-renowned beach will take your breath away. Enjoy more stunning coastal views, white sandy beaches, and inviting crystal clear water when you visit Cape Tourville, Sleepy Bay, Honeymoon Bay, and Friendly Beaches. If fresh seafood is something you fancy, stop at Devils Corner Winery where the Freycinet Marine Farm has an outlet, where you can indulge in an array of local seafood, wood-fired pizza and wine, while enjoying spectacular views of the Hazards and Great Oyster Bay. At Kate's Berry Farm you can have the best coffee on the East Coast and be tempted by chocolates, jams, homemade desserts, and ice cream before returning to Hobart.

Start the tour by meeting your guide and departing from Freycinet Lodge. Follow your dedicated guide over the spectacular Hazards mountain range to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, where views of the iconic bay will be sure to astound you. After a quick photo (your guide will be sure to take a group shot to send to you later), make the short descent along the Eucalyptus-lined trail to the pristine white sands of Wineglass Bay beach. Here your guide will offer a short break to enjoy a hot drink and take in the breathtaking scenery. The next leg will take you to the west of the peninsula to the stunning Hazards Beach. Leaving only your footprints, learn about the unique animals that call this special place home and the history behind its magnificent shores and pink granite peaks. From here, be guided to the southern-most point of the beach to enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch and wander along the beach looking for treasures. After exploring the beach, jump aboard the Freycinet Aqua Taxi to see the peninsula from a different perspective as you journey back to the Freycinet Lodge where you tour concludes.

Departing from Hobart, escape into Tasmania's wilderness and travel coast to coast to explore and experience the best of the island on this 5-day tour. Journey to the wild and rugged West Coast for waterfalls, rainforest and wildlife. Then experience the startling change of scenery as the tour continues on through the alpine wilderness of Cradle Mountain to the white sands of the Bay of Fires. Full of famous attractions, fun and adventure, this tour will show you the best of Tasmania! Day 1: Hobart to Strahan Depart Hobart at 7:00 AM and drive through the Derwent Valley, traveling east to west across the island. You’ll see the beautiful Russell Falls, walk among the Mt Field National Park Tall Trees, and visit Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, Lake St Clair. Explore the pristine Franklin-Gordon Wild River National Park and end the day in Strahan where you will stay overnight. Day 2: Wild West Coast (B)   In the untouched wilderness of Tasmania’s West Coast, explore the shifting sands of Henty Dunes. Then, continue into the Tarkine Rainforest and walk to Tasmania’s highest waterfall Montezuma Falls. Or choose to join the world famous Gordon River Cruise (optional, at your own expense). Stay overnight at Strahan. Day 3: Cradle Mountain to Launceston (B) Around 950m above sea level is the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Claire National Park, where you choose a walk to suit you. With an extensive range of tracks, stroll around Dove Lake or challenge yourself with a hike to Marion’s Lookout. A short drive takes you through Sheffield, the "town of murals", to Launceston. Stay overnight at Launceston. Day 4: Launceston to Bicheno (B) Head to the East Coast and the beautiful Bay of Fires. If the conditions are right, this is the perfect place for a swim in turquoise waters, with plenty of time to enjoy the pristine white sands and orange lichen-clad boulders. Tasmania’s most scenic coastal drive takes you from St Helens to the seaside town of Bicheno. Tonight, you may want to join an evening viewing of the Little Penguins (optional at your own expense and seasonal). Stay overnight in Bicheno. Day 5: Freycinet National Park to Hobart (B) An early start means you are the first to the Wineglass Bay lookout, beating the crowds and the heat for that postcard photo. Relax on the secluded beach or choose the more challenging Mount Amos or Hazards Beach walk. Continue further along the scenic east coast via the seaside towns of Swansea and Orford on the way to Hobart.

Depart Launceston traveling through the well-preserved Georgian townships of Evandale and Campbell Town. Make a short stop in Campbell Town. Discover the Convict Brick Trail that extends through the town, visit the Red Bridge, and check out the tree sculptures. Enter the Freycinet National Park and admire the sight of The Hazards mountain range. Begin by stretching your legs on the Cape Tourville Lighthouse circuit. One of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks, this easy 20-minute walk provides spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding coastline. Next, walk for about 60 minutes to the Wineglass Bay Lookout. Once at the top you are rewarded with the world-famous view of Wineglass Bay and the stunning Freycinet National Park. From the Lookout you have the option to return to the start of the walk with the tour guide, or for the keen hikers, you can choose to spend the rest of your time completing the Wineglass Bay beach hike and enjoy some time on the famous beach. The Wineglass Bay Beach hike is a 2.5-hour return walk and good fitness is required. Once on the beach, you can jump in the pristine waters for a swim, or wander along the white sands. If you prefer to select the shorter walking option, return from the Lookout with the tour guide, where you will have time to relax at Honeymoon Bay in the afternoon. The final stop on the East Coast is the stunning Devil’s Corner Winery, where you will have time to take in the magnificent view. On site, you can choose to purchase some wine tasting, wood-fired pizza, fresh seafood, or ice cream. Then, relax on the journey back to Launceston.

Day one: Port Arthur Historic Site Begin your trip with a pick up around 7:00 AM. After a quick look at Australia’s best preserved colonial village, Richmond, head south to explore Tasmania’s ruthless convict past at the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site. A guided walk and harbor cruise are included. Rich in visual history, learn of the chilling life of a convict in the restored sandstone prison buildings and preserved ruins. Visit selected geological wonders within Tasman National Park, to top-off a full day on the Tasman Peninsula before returning to Hobart. Day two: Hobart to Strahan Drive through the Derwent Valley. Travel east to west across the island. See the beautiful Russell Falls, walk among the Mt Field National Park tall trees, and visit Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, Lake St Clair. Explore the pristine Franklin-Gordon Wild River National Park and end the day in Strahan, where you will stay overnight. Day three: Wild West Coast  In the untouched wilderness of Tasmania’s West Coast, explore the shifting sands of Henty Dunes. Then continue into the Tarkine Rainforest and walk to Tasmania’s highest waterfall, Montezuma Falls. Stay overnight again in Strahan.  Day four: Cradle Mountain to Launceston  Around 950 meters above sea level is the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Claire National Park. Here, choose a walk to take. With an extensive range of tracks, you can stroll around Dove Lake or challenge yourself with a hike to Marion’s Lookout. After, take a short drive through Sheffield, the town of murals, to Launceston for your overnight stay.  Day five: Launceston to Bicheno Start the day with a journey to the East Coast and the beautiful Bay of Fires, where the beaches are gleaming and the is water inviting. If the conditions are right, this is the perfect place for a swim and to explore the orange lichen-clad boulders, white sands and turquoise waters of the stunning East Coast. Tasmania’s most scenic coastal drive takes you from St Helens to Bicheno. You will stay overnight at accommodation in Bicheno. Day six: Freycinet National Park to Hobart After breakfast, get ready for an early start to be the first to the Wineglass Bay lookout at the Freycinet National Park. Beat the crowds and the heat for that picture postcard photograph. Relax on a secluded beach or choose the more challenging Mount Amos or Hazards Beach walk. Continue further along the scenic east coast via the seaside towns of Swansea and Orford. Return to Hobart for 5:30 PM.