13 Best Things to Do in Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

Experience world-renowned white-sand beaches, iconic wildlife, scenic hiking trails and awe-inspiring viewpoints in this guide to the best things to do in Freycinet National Park!

Most travellers planning a trip to Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula are all undoubtedly eager to see the pristine shores of Wineglass Bay. But, what if I told you that there are so many more things to do in Freycinet National Park?

I spent several weeks based on Tasmania’s East Coast while traveling in our van, photographing and documenting its beauty from its world-class hiking trails and awe-inspiring lookouts. In this guide, I’ll reveal all of the best activities to do, things to see, and spots to visit in Freycinet National Park, one of Tasmania’s first National Parks (1916)!

2. Watch the Sunrise from Mount Amos

• Hike Distance: 4 km return
• Duration: 2-3 hours return
• Elevation: 434 m of elevation gain

So, you've heard of Wineglass Bay Lookout, right? What if I told you that the view of Wineglass Bay is infinitely times better from the top of Mount Amos? The thing is, you actually have to earn this one.

Mount Amos is one of three dominant granite peaks overlooking the Freycinet Peninsula. These are known as the Hazards and Amos is the only one with a dedicated hiking trail. You'll find the trailhead near the main walking track car park at the end of Freycinet Drive.

While certainly more difficult than regular sealed trails, I believe this hike's difficulty is overhyped. As long as you have a decent level of fitness, are okay with heights and pick a dry day to climb, you should be fine. If you're only in the park for a day, then I'd say that climbing Mount Amos for sunrise or sunset is the best thing to do in Freycinet National Park.

3. Swim at Wineglass Bay

If you've already seen it from above, then I'm sure that the allure of that jewel-coloured water is ever so tempting. Most visitors will tell you that swimming in the fresh waters of Wineglass Bay is another one of the top attractions in Freycinet National Park and I believe its worthy of of any Tasmania bucket list!

To get to Wineglass Bay, you will need to take the Wineglass Bay lookout trail and continue on down "1,000 steps" to the beach. I could imagine that this might be a little demanding for some. But, the good news is that instead of walking back up these steps, walkers can loop back around the longer but less-steep Hazard's Beach Circuit.

6. Visit Cape Tourville

Cape Tourville is located on the eastern side of the peninsula, opposite Coles Bay. It's famous for its quaint lighthouse overlooking the Tasman Sea. There is a sealed road leading to a car park where you can walk the rest of the way.

The Cape Tourville Lighthouse walk is rated as very easy and follows a scenic raised boardwalk for most of the track. Views from the cape include the Hazards, Wineglass Bay and "The Nuggets".

8. Climb Mount Freycinet

Mount Freycinet is the park's tallest peak and offers the best vantage point over the entire peninsula. But, getting to the summit is no easy feat. Hikers will need to plan to spend at least one night camping at one of the many free walk-in sites in the park and tackle a steep ascent.

However, let me assure you that climbing Mount Freycinet is well worth the effort and easily one of the best things to do in Freycinet National Park if you are looking for amazing sunrise views.

The climb is an optional side trip on the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit (more below). However, it's also possible to reach the summit in one long day of hiking and return the following day.

9. Go Beach Hopping

The Freycinet Peninsula is edged with jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches all with pristine, turquoise waters lining their shores. There are a couple of beaches easily accessible by car including

• Honeymoon Bay
• Richardson's Beach
• Sleepy Bay.

However, the most beautiful spots like Hazards Beach, Cooks Beach, and Wineglass Bay will require a walk. My favorite beach is Cooks Beach and definitely worth visiting if you have a few hours to spare!

10. Spot Iconic Aussie Wildlife

Freycinet National Park is a haven for thousands of native Tasmanian wildlife species. Here's a list of iconic Australian animals you can spot in the park.

• Tasmanian Devils - Although more elusive and primarily nocturnal, Tasmanian devils are native to Tasmania and can sometimes be found in the park.
• Wallabies - Bennetts wallabies are common in the park and can often be seen grazing, especially during dusk and dawn.
• Wombats - These burrowing marsupials are also common in Freycinet and are known for their cube-shaped feces.
• Echidnas - These spiny anteaters are one of the only egg-laying mammals in the world and can be spotted in Freycinet National Park.
• Tasmanian Pademelons - Small, forest-dwelling marsupials that are often seen in the park, especially in more secluded areas.
• Birds - Freycinet National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with a variety of bird species including sea eagles, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, and many other native birds.

For the best chance of spotting wildlife, I recommend taking a walk around Coles Bay or on the Hazard's Beach Circuit. You'll also see an abundance of native nesting and migratory birds on the Isthmus Track, close to Wineglass Bay.

11. Camp at Cooks Beach

Cooks Beach campsite is one of the most popular free spots to camp overnight on the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit. However, when I was here I realised that many people spend the night here without attempting the whole loop.

Cooks Beach is an incredibly beautiful beach on Freycinet's southwest coast. There are plenty of flat, sandy spots to pitch a tent, a dedicated compost toilet and even an old hut with clean tank water (subject to rain).

Getting here takes approximately 3-4 hours on a mostly flat, 12 km track, passing Wineglass Bay lookout and beach on the way.

12. Experience it All on the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit

I know I've mentioned it before on this list of things to do in Freycinet National Park, but I will say it again. The Freycinet Peninsula Circuit is by far, the best way to see all of the attractions this incredible park has to offer.

What you might not know is that this track is recommended as a great introduction to overnight hiking in Tasmania. That's because it is relatively easy to navigate and traverse. I walked this circuit, including a summit of Mount Freycinet and a side trip to Bryan's Corner in two days. However, it's also possible to take a bit more time and walk it in three days.

Overnight camping is free in Freycinet National Park, which means you can experience pretty much everything on this list without paying a cent (bar the NP fees).

13. Watch the Sunset from Coles Bay

Coles Bay is the primary township providing access to Freycinet National Park. Consequently, all visitors pass through here on the way to the park. However, while often neglected, Coles Bay is a great attraction in itself and also one of the best places to stay during your visit.

One great perk is that Coles Bay is an excellent spot to see the sunset near the impressive Hazards mountain range. I recommend heading down to the boat ramp or the free river and rocks campground to watch a stunning sunset paint its vibrant colours on the pink granite peaks.

Driving to Coles Bay

There is only one road into Coles Bay, named Coles Bay Road. This road is sealed the entire way and accessible by any car or bike. However, I'd avoid driving at night since the road is in the middle of wilderness areas and there are loads of wallabies and wombats around.

Once at Coles Bay, you'll need to take Freycinet Drive (also sealed) all the way to the end to reach the carpark for Freycinet National Park.

How much is the Freycinet National Park Fee?

Unlike many other Australian states, visiting Tasmania's National Parks requires a paid permit. It's possible to purchase these online or at the visitor centre on Freycinet Drive.

These passes are valid for entry to all of Tasmania’s parks and the receipt must be displayed in your vehicle. If you are spending a fair bit of time in Tassie, then I recommend picking up the Annual pass as it covers your vehicle and up to eight people in your party.

National Parks Pass Cost:

• 24-hours: $44.75 per vehicle/$22.35 per person
• Holiday Passes – up to 2 months: $89.50 per vehicle/$44.75 per person
• Annual Pass all parks: $95.30 per vehicle (up to eight people)

Camping Near Freycinet National Park

We explored Tasmania in our self-converted campervan, so I consider us experts at finding free campsites. After spending several nights across a few free spots in the area, I can certainly recommend the River and Rocks campsite, which is a little out of Coles Bay but completely free.

Otherwise, there is a convenient spot within the park but this requires entry into a ballot system well in advance. Below are a few more spots work checking out:

• Big4 Iluka
• Swan River Campsite
• River and Rocks Campsite (free)
• The campground at Freycinet Paintball ($10)

Freycinet National Park Travel Tips

Here are a few things that I learned when exploring the park.

• Cases of Ross River, a mosquito-transmitted disease have been found in Freycinet National park. It’s a good idea to bring mosquito repellent (deet) to prevent bites.
• Unfortunately, there is a bit of Phytophthora around in Freycinet National Park. This is an introduced pathogen that attacks the roots of native plants, causing them to die and “rot”. As a result, you definitely want to clean your gear and boots before setting off to other parks around Tassie after hiking in Freycinet National Park.
• Once in the park, there are no bins. This means that you have to follow the leave no trace principle, and pack out all of your rubbish.
• Make sure to check out the visitor centre for more inspiration and to plan your hikes in Freycinet National Park.

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I hope that you enjoyed my guide to the best things to do in Freycinet National Park, Tasmania.

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