Freycinet Peninsula

On Tasmania’s east coast, the Freycinet Peninsula curves into the Tasman Sea in a sweep of pink granite peaks, white-sand beaches, and waters so clear they seem lit from below. It’s a place where very bend in the road reveals another picture postcard view. For travellers seeking wild beauty, Freycinet delivers

Established in 1916, Freycinet National Park is one of Australia’s oldest national parks—and easily one of its most photogenic. The park is dominated by the Hazards, a serrated line of rose-colored granite mountains that glow at sunrise and blush deeper at sunset.

The highlight for most who travel here is the walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout. The trail climbs steadily for about an hour before revealing a postcard-perfect panorama: a flawless crescent of sand embracing turquoise water.  From the lookout, a steep descent of around 1,000 steps leads down to the beach itself. 

There’s another way to experience Wineglass Bay. A 6.5-kilometre walk from Coles Bay to Hazards Beach connects to the Isthmus Track, which crosses the narrow strip of land to Wineglass Bay Beach.

There are two trails leading to Wineglass Bay. From the Wineglass Bay Lookout, you can walk down to the beach via 1000 steps. 

The other option is a 6.5 km hike from Coles Bay to Hazards Beach, where you pick up the Isthmus track to Wineglass Bay Beach.

We chose a different adventure. Booking a Pennicott water taxi, we travelled south to Cooks Beach, then began a 9-kilometre coastal hike along heathland and bush track to Hazards Beach. From there, we joined the Isthmus Track for a further 4-kilometre return walk to Wineglass Bay before catching the water taxi back to Coles Bay.

Freycinet Peninsula reminds you how powerful simplicity can be: granite, water, sky—and space to breathe. Nature at its finest.

We arrived at Cooks Beach and waded through knee-high water to reach the shore. We were completely alone. Standing barefoot on powdery sand, listening to the gentle lapping of waves and gazing out beyond the turquoise water, the world felt vast and beautifully simple.

Thinking of swimming? The water is crisp—this is Tasmania, after all—but invigorating.

We are camping at Freycinet National Park. It’s right on the beach, overlooking Coles Bay. 

 Perfect!