Tasmania Cottages

Hiking in Freycinet National Park

Make sure you stop at the National Park's info centre at the edge of the park, to get your park pass and maps. This is a great centre and one of the most well-managed parks we have ever visited. 

Hiking options for Wineglass Bay - walk from the National Park car park to Wineglass Bay Lookout which is a beautiful walk with a steady climb and views back across Great Oyster Bay on a 3 km loop track. The reward is the quintessential view of Wineglass Bay. Then walk down to the beach, a further 4.5 km. Then choose to walk along the Isthmus Track to Hazards Beach and back along the coastline to the car park. This is called the Wineglass Bay Hazards Beach Circuit, with a total walk length of 13.5 km. You can turn around at the viewpoint, or at the beach, and return along the same track. You can elect to take a water taxi to Hazards Beach and simply walk 1.5 km along the flat Isthmus Track to Wineglass Bay. See tickets below for the water taxi. Having completed the full circuit, I can highly recommend it for stunning views, diverse ecosystems, beach walking and wildlife. 

There are many other tracks, as you can see on the map. There are multi-day hikes across this beautiful granite rocky coastline with stunning mountain ranges. 

The Freycinet Walk and Cycle Track is 4 km. It is an easy walk from the car park along the coast to Richardson's Beach through wonderful coastal heathland with views to the Hazards. 

We spotted lots of wildlife in the park, including these stunning Green Rosellas, nibbling on a pepper tree. Keep your eyes out for wallabies, sea birds, black cockatoos, wattle birds and gorgeous coastal heath with banksia, ferns, orchids and flowering wattles. See whales in season.

Tasmania Cottages - East Coast Wine Trail

Devil's Corner Vineyard - offering a cellar door and two restaurants, the location alone makes this vineyard worth visiting as it offers expansive views across Great Oyster Bay to the Freycinet Peninsula and Mount Freycinet. Taste their Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Shiraz. 

Gala Estate - the tasting rooms alone are a must for cottage lovers - classic country cottages in various states of disrepair. Located right on the Tasman Highway, halfway between Swansea and Bicheno, ideal for your east coast jaunts. Taste award winning wines. Try their Pinot Noir, sparkling, Riesling and Pinot Gris. 

Priory Ridge Estate - this is a boutique winery north of St Helens with a rustic shack as their tasting room and a down to earth approach. Taste Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, with relaxing views over the vines. 

The town of Bicheno, with a history as a whaling station and a fishing town was settled in 1866. The modern town is full of surprises and makes a great base from which to explore the east coast.

We loved it and suggest these things to do:

• Admiring the granite rocky coves with orange-hued lichens at Waubs Bay Beach
• Walking around Peggy’s Point and along the Whale Trail; great for birding
• Swimming at Red Bill Beach
• Visiting the Old Goal and Old School House
• Walking from Red Bill Beach to Diamond Island
• Walking up to Whalers Lookout, enjoying the loop track and fabulous views
• Walking around the coastal path to the Blowhole
• Spotting seals and seabirds at The Gulch
• Seafood and chips with a view of The Gulch at The Lobster Shack
• A visit to Waubs Harbour Distillery at The Gulch
• Drinking plenty of good coffee all about town
• Wine tasting in town
• Night penguin watching - this is well worth it to see the Little Penguins come in to roost for the night - awesome
• Look out for the penguins (and penguin road signs) all about Bicheno

Wagner's Cottages - Swansea - Tasmania - Australia

Choose from 4 enchanting self-contained cottages set on 2 acres of beautifully sculptured gardens just outside Swansea on the east coast of Tasmania.

Wagner's cottage (pictured) dating from 1860, brings plenty of history with its heritage listing. Located on Great Oyster Bay, 120 km or 73 miles north of Hobart Airport. Close to Freycinet National Park and wineries, beaches and hiking.

'We loved our stay... the cottage and grounds are absolutely adorable, and the couple who own the property are extremely warm and welcoming to their guests. A fresh loaf of sourdough bread, farm fresh eggs, and more were awaiting us in our romantic, impeccably furnished cottage. It felt like we were staying in someone's private home rather than a vacation rental.'

Shepherd’s Cottage at Lisdillon Estate - Little Swanport - Tasmania - Australia

The Shepherd's Cottage at Lisdillon Vineyard in Little Swanport has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom welcoming 2 guests. This holiday home has direct beachfront access with a private beach area. Relax on the beach or enjoy sea views from the garden. This coastal winery, established in 2009, produces Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Learn the story of this sheep and salt farm dating back to the 1830's. Choose from a variety of historic cottages. A dream location easy driving distance from Hobart airport on the magical east coast of Tasmania.

'Superb. We had a lovely stay at the Shepherd's Cottage, had plenty of room with everything we needed. A very peaceful location overlooking the river and handy to the beach. Wished we were able to stay longer.'

Cherry Tree Hill - Bicheno - Tasmania - Australia

A quintessential Australian bush experience. Offering 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and accommodation for 6 guests, this country eco-home has a full kitchen, balcony and sea view. Relax in the outdoor bath or sauna. Enjoy wildlife sightings at your doorstep. Tucked into the bush 36 km or 22 miles from Freycinet National Park. 

'Very good. Peaceful and relaxing.'

Freycinet Lodge - Freycinet National Park - Tasmania - Australia

With the unique feature of being set within a national park, this lodge is ideally situated within the bush and next to the sea. Choose a cabin for complete privacy. Experience all the comforts of a luxury lodge, two restaurants and a bar, a fireplace, optional spa cabins and massage. Enjoy guided walks, snorkelling or kayaking. 2.2 km from Coles Bay village. 

'Highly recommended lodge experience. Absolutely sensational stay. Staff were exceptionally friendly and welcoming. Room superb - warm & comfortable and very clean. Restaurant and bar facilities were excellent and top notch service. We were fully recharged after our stay here.'

Freycinet Stone Studio 5 - Greystone - Coles Bay - Tasmania

Charming cottages ideally located in Coles Bay Village with views to the striking Hazard Mountains, across the bay. This studio offers 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and space for 4 guests. Relax with the kitchenette, fireplace and BBQ or stroll to excellent local restaurants. Just 200 metres to the centre of Coles Bay and 400 metres to Richardson's Beach. 

'Magical view, superbly managed and great value for money. Incredible view of the Hazard mountains! I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived to see that the bed literally faces them. I enjoyed delicious ground coffee provided in the morning under the duvet watching the sunrise - perfect. The kitchen was well equipped. The location couldn’t have been better. A stone’s throw from the water, great supermarket and walking paths!'

Lobster Pot Cabin - Coles Bay - Tasmania - Australia

With 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom this seaside cottage sleeps 4 in comfort with absolute beachfront access. Relax in your full kitchen with air-conditioning and BBQ. Expansive views, privacy and handy to cafes and restaurants. 8 km or 5 miles to the National Park entrance. 

'A beautiful escape. An amazing spot, beautifully curated with everything you need plus a thousand tiny lovely details.'

Gaol House Cottages - Bicheno - Tasmania - Australia

Choose the restored Gaol House which sleeps 4 or the Old School House which sleeps 4, or two other smaller cottages for 2 guests. Full of authentic local character. The atmosphere, historic restorations, cosiness and location make these a wonderful choice for a holiday on the east coast of Tasmania. Stroll to Waubs Bay Beach or down town Bicheno. 

'Loved Goal House Cottages. Great atmosphere, very clean, great facilities, and safe parking, plus perfect location for local beaches and beauty spots. Excellent staff.'

Seaside Cottage on Warbs Bay - Bicheno - Tasmania - Australia

This 4-bedroom cottage has direct beach frontage, amazing views, balconies, a wide open garden, 2 bathrooms and sleeps 8. Full kitchen, air-conditioning, fireplace and BBQ. Bring the whole family and friends for a beach side holiday. 200 metres from down town Bicheno. 40 km or 25 miles to Freycinet National Park. 

'Loved this seaside house. This was a truly special stay! Amazing location and fairy penguins!'

Bush Hideaway - Binalong - Bay of Fires - Tasmania - Australia

This perfect bush to beach cottage has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom and space for 5 guests. Enjoy the full kitchen, air-conditioning and balcony. A 4 minute walk to Binalong Beach. 10 km or 6.5 miles to St Helen's town. 

'A beautiful place to stay. The location was beautiful, walking distance to the beach. House was beautiful and clean. Towels were big and soft, bed was made well and had good quality sheets on it. The bottle of local wine was a lovely touch.'

Amberley Cottage - Sandy Bay - Hobart - Tasmania - Australia

Amberley is an 1880 rustic gothic character cottage immaculately restored and kept. With 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms this historic home welcomes 9 guests in comfort. Cook in the full kitchen, enjoy air-conditioning and parking. Ideally located for exploring Hobart. Walk just 1.2 km to Salamanca Market. Walk 450 metres to Short Beach.

'Great house and location. Lovely house with everything we needed for a three night stay for 2 families (adults and teenagers). Very spacious and well appointed in a super convenient location.'

Connage Cottage - Battery Point - Hobart - Tasmania - Australia

This historic cottage dating from 1876 offers 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and sleeps 8 in comfort. If the walls could talk they could tell stories from the days when it was the Battery Point Police Station. Enjoy the full kitchen, parking and BBQ. Just a 5 minute walk to Salamanca Market. 

'Fantastic place to stay. The cottage has all the mod cons and then some! So many restaurants and cafes within walking distance. The host was so approachable. We would stay here again in an instant! Fantastic.'

The Corinda Collection – Glebe – Hobart – Tasmania - Australia

Choose from nine different cottages all cosy and historic, dating from 1878. This is an unusual character-filled welcoming accommodation, perfect for cottage lovers. Make coffee and tea in your cottage and enjoy breakfast on the verandah of the main house. Relax at the bar or in the lounge, or in the exquisite gardens. Off-street parking is available. Just a 1.8 km or 1.1 mile walk to Salamanca Market. 

'The Gardener’s Cottage at Corinda Collection is like stepping back in time. Beautifully situated in a perfectly maintained garden with views of Hobart and Mount Wellington, this cosy cottage is within walking distance of many sights and restaurants. The bed is comfy, the cottage warm, and the atmosphere quaint. Definitely a special experience.'

From Coles Bay: Freycinet National Park Water Taxi Service

5 / 5 (3 reviews)

'We absolutely loved our cruise to Hazards bay. We were able to see the seals up close and enjoyed the scenery.'

From Hobart: Wineglass Bay, Freycinet Park, and Richmond Tour

Start the morning with a stop at a bakery for breakfast, visit Raspins Beach on the east coast, hear past history of Maria Island. Discover the pristine beaches, rugged coastline and serene bays of Freycinet NP. Be amazed by the pink granite peaks of the Hazards mountains. Explore Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay with your expert tour guide. 11 hours.

4.8 / 5 (273 reviews)

'Exceeded our expectations. Our guide provided a great day out that included outstanding views and extensive knowledge on the history of the places visited. Highly recommended.'

From Hobart: Wineglass Bay & Freycinet Active Day Tour

Explore Freycinet National Park. Walk to the spectacular Wineglass Bay Lookout. Visit the highlights of Freycinet National Park; Honeymoon Bay and Sleepy Bay. Take in the spectacular 360 degree views on the Cape Tourville Lighthouse Walk. Visit Devils Corner Winery to enjoy seafood, wine or pizza. 1 day.

4.6 / 5 (184 reviews)

'This was a great day. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and so friendly. All the spots we went to on Freycinet were amazing - gorgeous scenery and a bit of a hidden gem. The winery at the end was a nice touch. Would highly recommend.'

My partner’s wish for his visit to Tasmania was to get up close and personal with a Tasmanian Devil. I didn't share his love for these unusual creatures but I was determined to make this happen. See his comment below about his experience.

Tasmanian Devils are the world's largest carnivourous marsupial and found only in Tasmania. They are listed as endangered, due to human intervention since the modern settlement of Tasmania, and since the mid 1990's they have become nearly extinct due to a contagious tumour disease. Conservationists have been working for a cure for the disease and undertaking species management to ensure their survival.

East Coast Natureworld at Bicheno has been rescuing Tasmanian Devils for years and recently opened up their pens for a Devil Encounter. This is only possible with the young ones, called joeys, until a certain age. As their teeth and jaws develop, it just becomes too dangerous. I can believe it. I was able to see the adults devouring meat and crunching bones up close. They use their strong jaws with 1200 pounds per square inch of power to crush down their food. This just goes to show that they are scavengers, nature’s 'cleaner uppers'. When in the wild, they will eat insects, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds and due to their sense of smell will locate decaying meat. They scavenge at night and stay in their dens, generally, during the day. This niche of scavenging is an important part of the ecology of Tasmania.

The wildlife sanctuary is located on 150 acres of natural coastal bushland and lagoons 7 km or 4 miles north of Bicheno or 185 km or 115 miles north of Hobart, on the Tasman Highway. The displays are wonderful, there is a lot of wildlife here, all in one place. Most of the characters here are rescues, and some are reintroduced to the wild. See kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, wombats, emus, parrots and the Spotted-Tail Quoll and the Tassie species Eastern Quoll.

Free Devil feeding demonstrations are held throughout the day, led by the keepers with a wealth of information on the Tasmanian Devils, their ecology, why they are threatened and ongoing conservation efforts. This was a real highlight for me. The keepers are passionate and informative.

The Baby Devil Encounter is available between the months of May to September for a reasonable fee. I watched along as my partner was taken by his guide through this experience and I was very impressed with her knowledge and enthusiasm. I started to like the little guys. They are just so full of character. They growl and fuss and carry on, and play like little pups.

'I have admired Tasmanian Devils since I was a little kid. I jumped at the chance to have a one-on-one interaction with them. What I loved most about them was their ‘rascal‘ nature. They are just cheeky. I enjoyed the surprising sounds they made when playing with each other. They made short bursting screeching grunts, just like little devils. They tried to bite my ankles, but were only playing. The Natureworld guide was excellent. You could tell she really loved the animals and her job. All over, a memorable experience.' Taso

I chose a Sugar Glider Encounter and our guide was extraordinary. These gliders were so sweet. They are nocturnal and very, very small. Almost the opposite of Devils, they are heavenly creatures. I learned that, unfortunately, they are an invasive species in Tasmania, and a major predator for the local Swift Parrot, a species that is now endangered. East Coast Natureworld keeps the gliders in captivity and does not release them. Conservationists are working like mad to get these little ones out of Tassie, and save the Swift Parrot.

You can also choose an Echidna or Wombat Encounter. I cannot say enough about how well this day went for us. We were looked after from the moment we arrived, and thoroughly enjoyed the park. We didn’t mind paying good prices and also making a donation to help them with their wonderful conservation work. Highly recommended.

Fauna

Bennett's Wallaby - Notamacropus rufogriseus

Eastern Quoll - Dasyurus viverrinus

Tasmanian pademelon - Thylogale billardierii

Birds

Pied Oystercatcher - Haematopus longirostris

Green Rosella - Platycercus caledonicus

Pacific Gull - Larus pacificus

Flora

Common Heath - Epacris impressa

Wattle - Acacia dealbata

White Kunzia - Kunzea ambigua

To get to Freycinet National Park

• fly into Hobart Airport HBA
• drive 180 km or 110 miles to Coles Bay, on the park's doorstep
• or drive 162 km or 100 miles to Bicheno
• then drive 40 km or 25 miles from Bicheno to the park
• or fly into Launceston Airport LST
• Drive 162 km or 100 miles to Coles Bay, on the park's doorstep

Arrange your hire car for your journey, choose from petrol, electric or hybrid vehicles.

By Katia Luz, sharing my fairytale bush cottage, discovering enchanting, charming, whimsical cottages, cabins and cosy little places to inspire your dreams. Contact Me. About Me.

I trust you have enjoyed the magic of My Fairytale Cottage. Bon Voyage!