East Coast Tasmania
Australia
The long way from Hobart to Launceston, up Tasmania's sun-drenched east coast past convict sandstone, Wineglass Bay's perfect crescent, penguin colonies, and the fire-orange boulders of the Bay of Fires.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Hobart
Salamanca Market on Saturdays, the extraordinary MONA museum, and Battery Point's Georgian sandstone terraces to explore before departing.
- Richmond
Australia's best-preserved Georgian village. The 1825 convict-built bridge is the oldest in the country still in daily use.
- Freycinet National Park
Pink granite peaks of the Hazards drop to the Tasman Sea. The saddle walk rewards with Wineglass Bay's perfect white crescent below.
- Bicheno
Little penguins waddle ashore every night at dusk. By day, swells explode through the granite blowhole on the foreshore walk.
- St Columba Falls
At 90m, one of Tasmania's tallest waterfalls plunges through ancient rainforest. The walk in is lined with towering tree ferns.
- Bay of Fires
Kilometres of deserted white beach edged by boulders blazing with vivid orange lichen. Frequently listed among the world's most beautiful coasts.
- Cataract Gorge
A wild gorge just five minutes from Launceston's city centre. Peacocks roam the gardens and a chairlift crosses the First Basin.
- Launceston
Tasmania's second city and Australia's third-oldest. Craft breweries, the Harvest Market, and the Tamar Valley wine region await.
Where to Eat
- The Richmond Arms HotelPub
Historic pub offering hearty meals and local beers in a charming Georgian-era building.
- Freycinet Marine FarmSeafood
Freshly harvested oysters and mussels served straight from the farm in a rustic setting.
- The GulchSeafood
Casual eatery known for its fresh fish and chips, overlooking the scenic Bicheno harbor.
- StillwaterModern Australian
Upscale dining in a restored 1830s flour mill, featuring local produce and wines.
Things to Do
- Richmond BridgeHistoric Site
Australia's oldest stone bridge, built by convicts in 1825, offering picturesque views.
- Wineglass Bay LookoutScenic Viewpoint
A rewarding hike leading to panoramic views of the iconic crescent-shaped bay.
- Bicheno BlowholeNatural Feature
Natural rock formation where seawater erupts dramatically through a hole in the granite.
- Bay of Fires Conservation AreaNature Reserve
Pristine white beaches and crystal-clear waters, famous for its orange-hued granite rocks.