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Wineglass Bay from Mount Amos
Wineglass Bay from Mount Amos (photograph: Luke O'Brien)

Freycinet National Park

The jewel of Tasmania’s eastern coastline.

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Alerts for Freycinet National Park

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Planned event: Freycinet Helicopter Operations - Planned Event
Applies from 30/5/2023

On 30 May 2023 the Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) will be carrying out helicopter operations from the old quarry site at Freycinet National Park to complete the annual service of remote toilets at Schouten Island, Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach campsites. 

If the weather is unsuitable for flying on 30 May, then 31 May is the planned backup day. 

Operations involve the use of a helicopter to fly out and replace sealed toilet 'pods' and composted waste. The waste is then transferred to an appropriate waste processing facility.

During operations, there will be an increase in vehicle traffic movement on Malunna Road, The Fisheries. 

The Parks and Wildlife Service ask visitors to the National Park and residents of the Fisheries to comply with staff and contractor directions during these operations. Some walking track access may be delayed briefly during operations.

The Parks and Wildlife Service is committed to providing a safe and quality experience for visitors to our reserves.

For further information contact Freycinet National Park on 6256 7000 or freycinet@parks.tas.gov.au

​

Last reviewed 23/5/2023 01:28 PM

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • Access friendly
  • Barbecues
  • Boat ramp
  • Camping
  • Caravan access
  • Fishing
  • Fuel stove only
  • Huts
  • Kayaking
  • Overnight walk
  • Park ranger
  • Picnic facilities
  • Short walk
  • Showers (cold)
  • Snorkelling
  • Swimming
  • Toilets
  • Visitor centre

ContactExpand/Collapse

About

Around the world, national parks have been created to preserve truly magical places and t​here’s no doubt Freycinet National Park has a magic all of its own. Freycinet has global appeal – it is iconic, memorable and breathtaking. The park is best known for the stunning beauty of Wineglass Bay - its crystal-clear waters and curvaceous white beach is one of Tasmania’s most celebrated views.

Beyond Wineglass Bay, there’s plenty more to uncover at Freycinet. The diversity in the coastal landscape is dramatic, with rocky coves and surging surf around one corner, and sheltered bays and sandy beaches around the next. As you explore the park, the Hazards – a spectacular granite mountain range that rises dramatically from the sheltered turquoise bays – provides a breathtaking backdrop that is never far from view.

Although one of Tasmania’s most popular national parks, it is still possible to find solitude in the variety of experiences that await you at Freycinet National Park.

National park

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Jutting out into the sea on Tasmania’s mild east coast is the rugged and beautiful Freycinet Peninsula. Freycinet National Park, which consists of knuckles of granite mountains all but surrounded by azure bays and white sand beaches, protects a superb array of plants and animals

The scenic beauty of the area attracts many visitors each year. It also offers a wonderful range of activities and is a popular place to camp, particularly in the summer months.

Variety is what Freycinet is all about. You can walk to the pass overlooking the perfectly shaped Wineglass Bay, trek the entire length of the Freycinet Peninsula on a three-day walk, kayak to secluded beaches or try less strenuous activities like beach strolls, swimming, fishing, birdwatching or wildlife spotting.

Separate to the main section of​ the park are the Friendly Beaches, accessed via a signposted turnoff on the Coles Bay Road. The Friendly Beaches offer spectacular views and miles of unspoiled white sand and were added to the National P​ark in 1992.

​​​​​​The Freycinet Peninsula is one of the State's most scenic coastal areas. The waters off the Freycinet Peninsula are regularly visited by whales, particularly southern right whales, during the winter months. Mammals such as Bennett​s wallabies, pademelons, and echidnas are commonly seen on land, while seals may be spotted resting on rocks.

Freycinet is also a great place to see birds, ranging from small nectar-feeding birds to spectacularly large birds. From Wineglass Bay and Cape Tourville lookouts you may be lucky enough to see white-bellied sea-eagles gliding overhead or Australasian gannets diving for food in the ocean. Wildflowers are also common at most times of the year.

The Freycinet Peninsula has formed over 400 million years and is effectively two eroded blocks of granite – the Hazards and the peninsula of Mount Graham and Mount Freycinet – connected by the sand isthmus that forms Wineglass Bay.

For more information on our wildlife please see Tasmania's wildlife.

Visit our caring for wildlife page for more information on interacting with and protecting our native animals.


Freycinet National Park is located within the territory of the Oyster Bay nation which consisted of an estimated 600-700 people, and whose territory extended from the Derwent Estuary up the east coast to the Fingal Valley and westward to the Midlands. 

In 1816, Captain James Kelly recorded a party of Aboriginal people on Schouten Island. The historic records suggest that the Freycinet Peninsula and Schouten Island were part of the area of the toorerno-maire-mener clan within the Oyster Bay nation.

Today, significant Aboriginal sites are found along the coastlines, dunes and estuaries. This heritage includes shell middens, rock quarries, rock shelters, stone artefacts and other significant sites. The camping ground at Richardsons Beach is located adjacent to one of the most extensive shell middens known on the east coast, a highly significant cultural resource. These sites have a strong and continuing connection to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community and we request visitors to respect and appreciate these areas that are of global significance.

Since the early years of European settlement, whaling parties, tin and coal miners, and pastoralists are among those who have lived and worked on the Freycinet Peninsula. Old mine shafts, abandoned farmers' huts and the remains of whalers' camps today form part of the rich cultural heritage of the park.

The majestic beauty of Freycinet's granite mountains and sandy beaches have also long been admired by naturalists, artists and writers. The area was reserved as a national park in 1916, making it the oldest national park in Tasmania, alongside Mount Field National Park.

Freycinet National Park map Buy a map from TasMap

​​​​The park is about 2.5 to 3 hours from either Launceston or Hobart. Turn off the Tasman Highway (A3) onto the Coles Bay Road (C302), 12km south of Bicheno.

The turn-off to the Friendly Beaches section of the park is via a gravel road about 9km after leaving the Tasman Highway (A3).

The main park entrance and Freycinet Visitor Centre are accessed by driving straight through the Coles Bay township, 28km from the highway on a sealed road.​

You can also access the park by public transport or tours.

Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.

​​

​​Freycinet Visitor Centre

​​​The visitor centre is located within the main entrance to the park and introduces the region’s natural and cultural heritage through creative displays. The centre is open daily with friendly staff on hand to assist with enquiries.

  • ​January-December 9am to 4pm

The shop at the visitor centre sells a range of products, including park passes, postcards, souvenirs, outdoor equipment, clothing and an extensive range of natural history books.

Seasonal activities, including guided walks and presentations, are run during peak seasons.

Drinking water

Please note that drinking water is scarce in the National Park. Refill your water bottles from the visitor centre’s filtered/chilled water station. Taps are also located at Honeymoon Bay and the Wineglass Bay Walking Tracks Car Park.

Facilities 

Electric barbecues, picnic tables and toilets are located at Honeymoon Bay and Ranger Creek. Toilets are also available at the Walking Tracks Car Park.

​Drones are not permitted to be used within Tasmanian national parks or reserves.

Please take all your rubbish out when you leave.


Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our Know before you go section.

​​​​Freycinet National Park walks are often on steep granite and loose gravel surfaces – sturdy footwear is recommended. This park has unpatrolled beaches and hazardous cliffs. Supervise children at all times.

​​The visitor centre at the entrance to the national park is fully accessible. There is a 10 minute, wheelchair accessible circuit track starting from just beside the visitor centre. 

The Richardsons Beach Campground (adjacent to the visitor centre) has accessible toilets, and accessible powered and unpowered sites. 

The nearby Ranger Creek day use area has sheltered picnic tables and BBQs. There is an accessible toilet and shower block adjacent to the carpark. 

Located about 7 km from the visitor centre, the Cape Tourville Circuit walk offers spectacular coastal views. The track surface and width are good, although wheelchair users may require assistance due to the moderate gradient.

A TrailRider all-terrain wheelchair is available at Freycinet National Park for visitors with mobility limitations. Go to TrailRiders for futher information on use and assistance requirements​. 

Advanced bookings are required and the Trailrider is available for hire free of charge.​ For bookings contact the Freycinet Visitor Centre on (03) 6256 7000 or freycinet@parks.tas.gov.au​.

For information on visiting with assistance dogs see the access friendly​ page.​

​

Experiences in Freycinet National Park

20 minute circuit, 600m circuit, Grade 1

If you don't have much time on your hands while visitng Freycinet National Park, this easy walk offers remarkable coastal views in a short amount of time.

Freycinet National Park

Cape Tourville

If you don't have much time on your hands while visitng Freycinet National Park, this easy walk offers remarkable coastal views in a short amount of time.

20 minute circuit, 600m circuit, Grade 1
Read more
Fishing on the rocks at Friendly Beaches, Freycinet National Park

Tasmania has a wealth of excellent inland and ocean fishing locations where you can cast your line.

Statewide

Fishing

Tasmania has a wealth of excellent inland and ocean fishing locations where you can cast your line.

Read more
2 - 3 days, 27km, Grade 3

Freycinet Peninsula Circuit offers a taste of Freycinet National Park’s finest offerings: ocean views, sandy beaches, rocky coves, orange granite boulders, mountain summits, forests, heathlands, abundant birdlife, friendly wildlife – and the iconic Wineglass Bay.

Freycinet National Park

Freycinet Peninsula Circuit

Freycinet Peninsula Circuit offers a taste of Freycinet National Park’s finest offerings: ocean views, sandy beaches, rocky coves, orange granite boulders, mountain summits, forests, heathlands, abundant birdlife, friendly wildlife – and the iconic Wineglass Bay.

2 - 3 days, 27km, Grade 3
Read more
1 hour, 4km one way, Grade 2

A short shared walk and cycle track connects the Freycinet Visitor Centre with the start of the Walking Tracks.

Freycinet National Park

Freycinet Walk and Cycle Track

A short shared walk and cycle track connects the Freycinet Visitor Centre with the start of the Walking Tracks.

1 hour, 4km one way, Grade 2
Read more
5 minutes to 5 hours, 100m to 5km, Grade 2

Located in Freycinet National Park, this spectacular white sandy beach with turquoise waters begs for long, slow exploration.

Freycinet National Park

Friendly Beaches

Located in Freycinet National Park, this spectacular white sandy beach with turquoise waters begs for long, slow exploration.

5 minutes to 5 hours, 100m to 5km, Grade 2
Read more
3 hours return, 3.6km, Grade 4

The panoramic view of Wineglass Bay from the summit rewards the experienced bushwalker.

Freycinet National Park

Mount Amos

The panoramic view of Wineglass Bay from the summit rewards the experienced bushwalker.

3 hours return, 3.6km, Grade 4
Read more
Group rafting on the Franklin River

Tasmania’s oceans and rivers have a well-deserved reputation as some of the cleanest in the world, and what better way to explore these wondrous waterways than up-close and self-propelled.

Statewide

Rafting and kayaking

Tasmania’s oceans and rivers have a well-deserved reputation as some of the cleanest in the world, and what better way to explore these wondrous waterways than up-close and self-propelled.

Read more
20 minutes return, 500m return, Grade 3

Located in the picturesque Freycinet National Park, Sleepy Bay is a beautiful rocky bay with turquoise waters and orange lichen-encrusted rocks.

Freycinet National Park

Sleepy Bay

Located in the picturesque Freycinet National Park, Sleepy Bay is a beautiful rocky bay with turquoise waters and orange lichen-encrusted rocks.

20 minutes return, 500m return, Grade 3
Read more
Beachside snorkelling

Bring your wetsuit, mask and fins to discover the underwater life.

Statewide

Snorkelling and scuba diving

Bring your wetsuit, mask and fins to discover the underwater life.

Read more
Wedding at Highfield Historic Site

Tasmania's parks and reserves can make for a beautiful backdrop for your special day. See some of our favourite locations for simple, outdoor wedding ceremonies, through to full packages offered by Highfield Historic Site.

East coast, Hobart and South, Launceston and North, North West

Weddings

Tasmania's parks and reserves can make for a beautiful backdrop for your special day. See some of our favourite locations for simple, outdoor wedding ceremonies, through to full packages offered by Highfield Historic Site.

Read more

1 current alerts

2.5-3.5 hrs return, 6 km, Grade 3

Step down into world-renowned Wineglass Bay.

Freycinet National Park

Wineglass Bay

1 current alerts

Step down into world-renowned Wineglass Bay.

2.5-3.5 hrs return, 6 km, Grade 3
Read more
4-5 hours circuit, 11km circuit, Grade 4

Embrace the crystal-clear waters of Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach.

Freycinet National Park

Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach

Embrace the crystal-clear waters of Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach.

4-5 hours circuit, 11km circuit, Grade 4
Read more
1-1.5 hours return, 2.6 km return, Grade 3

The Wineglass Bay Lookout gives you the chance to enjoy one of Tasmania’s most celebrated views in the picturesque Freycinet National Park.

Freycinet National Park

Wineglass Bay Lookout

The Wineglass Bay Lookout gives you the chance to enjoy one of Tasmania’s most celebrated views in the picturesque Freycinet National Park.

1-1.5 hours return, 2.6 km return, Grade 3
Read more

Accommodation

Stay Overnight

  • Freycinet overnight walker camping

The overnight campsites of Freycinet allow the visitor to further explore this breathtaking national park on foot.

Bookings and more info

Freycinet overnight walker camping

  • Friendly Beaches camping (Isaacs Point)

Nestled among coastal scrub in Freycinet National Park, Isaacs Point offers low-key tent and campervan sites for you to enjoy.

Bookings and more info
View from Friendly Beaches campsite

Friendly Beaches camping (Isaacs Point)

  • Richardsons Beach, Honeymoon Bay and Ranger Creek camping

Freycinet has beachfront camping at its finest.

Bookings and more info

Richardsons Beach, Honeymoon Bay and Ranger Creek camping

Gallery

Freycinet National Park

Wineglass Bay from Mount Freycinet, Freycinet National Park

Wineglass Bay from Mount Freycinet, Freycinet National Park

Abseiling at Freycinet

Abseiling at Freycinet

Wineglass Bay Lookout, Freycinet National Park

Wineglass Bay Lookout, Freycinet National Park

Wineglass Bay

Wineglass Bay

Cooking with a fuel stove - Freycinet National Park

Cooking with a fuel stove - Freycinet National Park

Sunrise at Friendly Beaches, Freycinet National Park.

Sunrise at Friendly Beaches, Freycinet National Park.