The Ultimate Guide: 16 Best Things to Do on the East Coast of Tasmania

Tracing the edge of the Tasman Sea along the Great Eastern Drive, Tasmania’s East Coast is a world-class playground of brilliant white-sand beaches, fiery orange lichen-covered boulders, turquoise mineral lakes, coastal wine regions, and rich convict history.

Whether you are mapping out a 5-day road trip or an extended getaway, here is the definitive Aussie Bucket List guide to the absolute best things to do on the East Coast of Tasmania.

1. Marvel at Wineglass Bay & Freycinet National Park

No trip along Tasmania’s eastern shore is complete without visiting Freycinet National Park. The crown jewel of the peninsula is Wineglass Bay, famous for its perfect crescent of blindingly white sand framed by azure water and the pink granite peaks of The Hazards.

What to do: Take the 45-minute uphill hike to the Wineglass Bay Lookout for iconic panoramic views, or continue down the track for a dip in the pristine bay. For an extra thrill, tackle the steep climb up Mount Amos or take a sea kayaking tour along the coastline.

Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds and secure a park spot at the car park.

2. Walk Across the Orange Boulders at the Bay of Fires

Stretching from Binalong Bay up to Eddystone Point, the Bay of Fires is globally renowned for its brilliant orange, lichen-encrusted granite rocks, powder-soft white sand, and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

What to do: Go beachcombing, swim in the calm lagoon waters, or capture sunrise photos as the morning light illuminates the orange boulders.

Don't miss: Binalong Bay, the main township and southern gateway to the Bay of Fires, offers excellent cafes and easy ocean access.

3. Admire the Neon Waters of Little Blue Lake

Located in South Mount Cameron (just a short drive inland from Derby and the Bay of Fires), Little Blue Lake is one of the most eye-popping natural and historical stopovers in northeast Tasmania. Originally a natural sinkhole resulting from historic alluvial tin mining, the lake's water reflects a shockingly vivid, vivid aqua-blue hue due to its high mineral content.

What to do: Walk up to the designated viewing platform to take photos of the striking, neon-blue water contrasted against white clay banks and lush green bushland.

Visitor Safety Note: While the lake is a popular photography location, swimming is strictly discouraged due to the high mineral acidity of the water.

4. Spot Wombats & Historic Ruins on Maria Island

Accessible via a short 30-minute passenger ferry from Triabunna, Maria Island National Park is an car-free sanctuary brimming with wildlife and history.

What to do: Hire a bike or walk the island's tracks to spot wild wombats, Cape Barren geese, and wallabies grazing near the historic Darlington Convict Site.

Top Highlights: Take the short walk to the Painted Cliffs to admire swirling sandstone patterns carved by water, or hike out to the dramatic Fossil Cliffs.

5. Catch the Evening Penguin Parade in Bicheno

The laid-back seaside town of Bicheno is one of the best places in Australia to see Little Penguins (fairy penguins) returning to their burrows at dusk after a day of fishing at sea.

What to do: Join an official nightly guided penguin tour to watch these adorable seabirds waddle up the beach just meters away without disturbing their natural habitat.

6. Experience the Bicheno Blowhole

While in Bicheno, make a quick stop at the Bicheno Blowhole. Carved into the granite shoreline, this natural sea cave forces ocean swells high into the air, creating a dramatic water geyser and awesome photo opportunity.

7. Sip & Feast at Devil’s Corner Vineyard

Perched on a hill overlooking Great Oyster Bay and The Hazards, Devil’s Corner Vineyard is an essential stop along the Great Eastern Drive for wine lovers and foodies alike.

What to do: Sample cool-climate Pinot Noir and crisp Chardonnay at the cellar door, then grab fresh oysters from The Fish Shop or wood-fired pizza from Tombolo.

8. Discover the Quirky Convict-Built Spiky Bridge

Just 7km south of Swansea lies one of Tasmania’s most unusual historical landmarks: Spiky Bridge. Built by convicts in 1843 using fieldstones placed vertically along the parapets, this unique bridge served as a critical road link on the old coach route.

9. Indulge in Fresh Oysters at Freycinet Marine Farm

Seafood enthusiasts cannot pass Coles Bay without pulling into Freycinet Marine Farm. Plucked directly from the surrounding ocean waters, the oysters, mussels, rock lobster, and abalone served here are as fresh as it gets.

10. Take in Panoramic Views at Cape Tourville Lighthouse

If you want big ocean views without a strenuous hike, the boardwalk loop at Cape Tourville Lighthouse inside Freycinet National Park delivers. The flat, accessible path clings to the cliff edge, offering sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean—a prime spot for whale watching between May and November.

11. Dip Into the Fresh Waterholes at Douglas-Apsley National Park

Swap the salt for fresh water by heading inland to Douglas-Apsley National Park, located just northwest of Bicheno. This tranquil park protects one of Tassie’s last remaining dry eucalyptus forests and features deep river gorges, waterfalls, and clear swimming holes like the Apsley Waterhole.

12. See World-Record White Gums at Evercreech Forest Reserve

Tucked into the hinterland inland from St Helens, Evercreech Forest Reserve is home to the "White Knights"—the tallest known white peppermint gum trees in the world, stretching over 90 meters high. Short, easy boardwalk loops lead you through lush fern gullies directly under these towering giants.

13. Trek to St Columba Falls

Located in the Pyengana Valley (a short detour inland from the coast), St Columba Falls drops over 90 meters over granite ledges into a rainforest valley filled with tree ferns. The easy 20-minute return walk leads to a viewing platform right near the base of the cascade.

14. Unwind at Honeymoon Bay & Sleepy Bay

While Wineglass Bay gets all the fame, Freycinet Peninsula holds smaller, quieter coastal treasures:

• Honeymoon Bay: A sheltered, shallow cove with granite peaks in the background—ideal for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding.
• Sleepy Bay: A secluded cove featuring reddish granite boulders and deep blue water, perfect for quiet beachcombing.

15. Taste Craft Cheeses in the Pyengana Valley

Combine your trip to St Columba Falls with a stop at Pyengana Dairy. Watch traditional cloth-bound cheddar being crafted on-site, enjoy a tasting flight, and relax with milkshakes and lunch at the Farm Gate Cafe overlooking the lush green pastures.

16. Mountain Bike or Stroll Around St Helens

As the largest town on the East Coast, St Helens is the fishing capital of Tasmania and the gateway to both the Bay of Fires and world-class mountain biking. Hit the St Helens Mountain Bike Trails for adrenaline-filled ridgeline rides with ocean views, or rent a boat charter out of Georges Bay.

Planning Your Trip: East Coast Tasmania Quick Guide

Recommended Duration: 4 to 7 days for a complete road trip

Best Time to Visit: November to April (warmest temperatures for swimming & hiking)

Starting Point: Drive north from Hobart or south from Launceston

Parks Pass Required?: Yes, a National Parks Pass is mandatory for all national parks including Freycinet National Park & Maria Island.

Save This to Your Aussie Bucket List

Ready to hit the Great Eastern Drive? Add these iconic stays, tours, and experiences directly to your personal Aussie Bucket List to start planning your dream Tasmanian road trip today!