RoadAtlas
Tasmania East Coast — Australia — Scenic
Australia & Pacific

Tasmania East Coast

Australia

In short: Tasmania East Coast is a 410 km scenic road trip in Australia, typically driven over 3–4 days, best in Nov–Apr. Highlights: Hobart, Freycinet Peninsula, Bicheno.

Distance
410 km
Duration
3–4 days
Best Season
Nov–Apr
IconicEasyScenicEV-friendly

The Tasman Highway from Hobart up Tasmania's beach-lined east coast, through dry hills, Freycinet Peninsula's geometrically perfect Wineglass Bay, the Bay of Fires' white sands and orange lichen-stained rocks, and the Pyengana Dairy Company to Launceston. The gentle counterpoint to the wild west coast.

~0 refuels
~1 charge
Practical notes
The Tasman Highway is sealed and straightforward, but it can be slow in winter rain, fog, and strong coastal winds. Expect wildlife at dawn and dusk, especially near forested stretches and open farmland, and fuel up in larger towns because services thin out between the east coast settlements.
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Plan this trip

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Stops along the route

Hobart — Departure — Tasmania East Coast — Australia
Departure
Hobart
The east coast route heads north up the Tasman Highway as Hobart gives way to dry sclerophyll hills and the first glimpses of Tasmania's extraordinary coastline.
Hotels
Bicheno — City — Tasmania East Coast — Australia
City
Bicheno
The east coast's diving capital, with a natural foreshore rock pool, the Gulch fishing harbour, and nightly little penguin parades as blue penguins return to their burrows after dusk.
Hotels
Launceston — Arrival — Tasmania East Coast — Australia
Arrival
Launceston
The Tamar Valley city that closes the east coast loop. The Stillwater restaurant in a historic flour mill is one of Australia's finest, a perfect end to the coastal drive.
Hotels

Things to Do

Freycinet Peninsula — Nature — Tasmania East Coast — Australia
Nature
Freycinet Peninsula
Pink granite Hazards peaks frame Wineglass Bay, one of the world's most beautiful beaches. The 45-minute climb to the saddle lookout is the essential non-negotiable stop.
Bay of Fires — Nature — Tasmania East Coast — Australia
Nature
Bay of Fires
White sand, turquoise water, and rocks blazing orange with lichen in a palette of impossible intensity. Named for the Aboriginal fires Abel Tasman's crew saw from the sea in 1642.
Wineglass Bay Lookout — Scenic Viewpoint — Tasmania East Coast — Australia
Scenic Viewpoint
Wineglass Bay Lookout
Hike to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the iconic Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park.
Bicheno Blowhole — Natural Feature — Tasmania East Coast — Australia
Natural Feature
Bicheno Blowhole
Witness powerful ocean sprays through a natural rock formation in Bicheno.
Bay of Fires Conservation Area — Nature Reserve — Tasmania East Coast — Australia
Nature Reserve
Bay of Fires Conservation Area
Explore pristine white beaches and crystal-clear waters along the Bay of Fires.
Cataract Gorge Reserve — Nature Reserve — Tasmania East Coast — Australia
Nature Reserve
Cataract Gorge Reserve
Discover walking trails, a suspension bridge, and scenic views in Launceston's natural reserve.

Where to Eat

Pyengana Dairy — Food & Drink — Tasmania East Coast — Australia
Food & Drink
Pyengana Dairy
A working farmhouse cheese factory in a lush valley just inland from St Helens. The cloth-matured cheddar is among Australia's finest, sold direct from the farm cellar door.
The Lobster Shack — Seafood — Tasmania East Coast — Australia
Seafood
The Lobster Shack
Enjoy fresh, locally caught seafood with panoramic ocean views in Bicheno.
Freycinet Marine Farm — Seafood — Tasmania East Coast — Australia
Seafood
Freycinet Marine Farm
Savor freshly harvested oysters and mussels straight from the farm in Coles Bay.
Blue Edge Bakery — Bakery — Tasmania East Coast — Australia
Bakery
Blue Edge Bakery
Delight in artisan breads and pastries made daily in Bicheno.
Stillwater Restaurant — Modern Australian — Tasmania East Coast — Australia
Modern Australian
Stillwater Restaurant
Experience fine dining with a focus on local produce in a historic mill in Launceston.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Tasmania East Coast drive?

The Tasmania East Coast covers 410 km from start to finish.

How long does the Tasmania East Coast take to drive?

Most travellers spend 3–4 days on the Tasmania East Coast, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Tasmania East Coast?

The recommended season for the Tasmania East Coast is Nov–Apr.

Where does the Tasmania East Coast start and end?

The Tasmania East Coast runs from Hobart to Launceston.

What are the main stops on the Tasmania East Coast?

The Tasmania East Coast passes through Hobart, Freycinet Peninsula, Bicheno.

Can I drive the Tasmania East Coast in a regular car?

Yes — the Tasmania East Coast is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Tasmania East Coast?

Plan around 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Tasmania East Coast, based on its 410 km length.

Is the Tasmania East Coast EV friendly?

Yes — the Tasmania East Coast has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Tasmania East Coast safe to drive?

The Tasman Highway is sealed and straightforward, but it can be slow in winter rain, fog, and strong coastal winds. Expect wildlife at dawn and dusk, especially near forested stretches and open farmland, and fuel up in larger towns because services thin out between the east coast settlements.

What scenic tier is the Tasmania East Coast?

The Tasmania East Coast is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.