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Sleepy Bay
Sleepy Bay (photograph: Chris Crerar)

Sleepy Bay

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    20 minutes return, 500m return
    Grade 3: Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps.
    Supervise children, unpatrolled beaches, high clifftops.
    A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
    Once inside Freycinet National Park, follow the main road, then turn left onto the Cape Tourville Road and follow it to the carpark at Sleepy Bay.

    About

    ​Gently graded steps lead to the rocky shoreline of Sleepy Bay which, despite its name, often experiences wild and rough seas. Enjoy the views over the beautiful rocky bay with its turquoise waters and orange lichen-encrusted rocks.

    After enjoying the seascape of Sleepy Bay, you can continue on for another 10 minutes. This provides beautiful coastal views before a steep descent to a delightful cove. While the track is easy to follow, it is rough underfoot in places and passes close to some high cliff tops.

      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.

      • May - November 9am to 4pm
      • ​December -April 8am to 5pm

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

      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.

      ​Remember the safe walking guidelines

      • ​Plan to walk safely
      • Be prepared
      • Avoid walking alone and let someone know your plans
      • Record your trip intentions in the log books 
      • Be prepared to turn back

      Walker safety - day walks​

      ​Even for a short walk on a fine day, carry a light pack with a weatherproof jacket, warm hat, water (1 litre per person for every 3 hours of walking), some high energy food and a first aid kit that includes an emergency space blanket. At the same time, be prepared for bright sunshine—carry a sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen. Insect repellent can also make your walk more comfortable and be sure to take a rubbish bag and carry your rubbish out with you.

      If your mobile phone has a signal t​​ake it with you. Limit use of your phone to conserve the battery. If your short walk takes you into very remote areas it would be wise to pack extra food and an emergency shelter or tent.

      For full safety information please refer to Safety in parks.