Wineglass Bay is one of the most photographed destinations in Tasmania. You find all this in the beautiful Freycinet National Park. Are you planning a trip through Tasmania? Then Wineglass Bay cannot be missed! I will tell you more about how you can experience 2 beautiful days in Freycinet.
Contents
About Freycinet National Park
Before we take you along on our adventure, a bit of background first. Freycinet National Park, one of the oldest parks in Tasmania, is not just any park. It is known for its breathtaking combination of pink granite mountains, white sandy beaches and turquoise water. The most special thing? Wineglass Bay, a perfectly shaped bay that looks like a wine glass when you view it from above.
The name actually has a double meaning by the way: in the past, when whaling was still common here, the water sometimes turned red – like a glass of red wine. Fortunately, that is history now and it is a protected nature area.
The Wineglass Bay hike: a challenging adventure
We start our day with the famous hike to Wineglass Bay. A substantial hike of 12 kilometers that is known as one of the most beautiful hikes in Tasmania. On AllTrails, this hike is marked as #1 of all of Tasmania, so that promises something!
The first kilometers are tough, with a lot of elevation gain and stairs. But every step is worth it. Via the ‘saddle’ between Mount Amos and Mount Mayson you reach the first highlight: the iconic view over Wineglass Bay. This elevation gain is listed as 40 minutes, but we did it in 25 minutes. The hike is still quite busy up to this point. However, most hikers turn back after this point. A shame in my opinion!
You can therefore continue walking. After the viewpoint, head down to the beach itself, where we enjoyed our lunch. Funny detail: we were so impressed that we forgot to take photos of this most photographed beach in Tasmania! Fortunately, we did take the photos from the viewpoint and got a second chance the next day with the Wineglass Bay Cruise. More about that later.
Via the Isthmus Track and Hazards Beach Track you complete the route. A hike of about 3 hours through diverse landscapes: from dense forests to open beaches, from rocky paths to flat tracks. Especially when you walk along the beach itself on the quiet side (read: where most hikers have already dropped off) is special.
With this hike you also walk through forest area for a long time. You might consider doing the hike in reverse if you want to end with the viewpoint as the highlight. You can also opt for shorter hikes.
Wineglass Bay Cruise: a different perspective
The next day we explore the park from the water. First tip we get when boarding: two ginger pills. Because the Tasman Sea can be quite wild! These pills were handed out by the crew. By the way, we were lucky, because the Tasman Sea can sometimes be so wild that they sail an adjusted route. Something they had to do reluctantly the day before we went. But rest assured, it almost always goes ahead anyway.
The cruise turns out to be a fantastic choice:
- We see playful seals
- Spot a sea eagle and its nest
- Admire an albatross
- Sail past the same cliffs where we were standing on top yesterday
- See Wineglass Bay from a completely new perspective
Tip from us: even though it was sunny and 20 degrees with us, it was quite cold on the boat due to the wind. Take an extra jacket with you, even if it doesn’t feel necessary.
Make sure you book your spot on the boat in advance. We were on a sold-out boat, on a Monday outside the holiday season. We were there at the end of February. See it a bit like September in Europe, when everyone with children is back at work and everyone without children goes on vacation. We therefore felt quite young on the boat. There is only one provider, unless you go for a private trip.
Our stay at Freycinet Resort
We stay two nights at Freycinet Resort in Coles Bay, and what a great choice! Our cottage has:
- Panoramic views over Friendly Beaches
- A terrace perfect for stargazing
- A spectacular sunrise over the sea
- A delicious well-prepared breakfast
From the high hill you have views over the beautiful bay on all sides. And especially at night it is worth stepping outside for a moment. The area is very dark and therefore very suitable for stargazing!
Practical tips for your visit
Timing
- Plan at least two days
- Start the hike early (less hot, better light)
- The hike is also good to do in moderate weather
- You must book the boat trip in advance
- Sunrise & sunset are spectacular here
What do you bring?
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Enough water
- Lunch package for during the hike
- Warm layer (weather can change quickly)
Good preparation
- Check the weather for your boat trip
- Book your accommodation well in advance
- Bring anti-seasickness pills for the cruise if you know you suffer from this
- Download routes and maps (coverage can be variable during the hike and the boat trip)
Is this destination worth it?
Absolutely! Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay are an absolute must-see for every trip through Tasmania. Whether you come for:
- The iconic hike
- The wildlife spotting
- The breathtaking views
- The crystal clear sea
- Or simply to relax on a world-famous beach
The combination of active hikes, the many activities, beaches, restaurants, hotels and campsites makes it a perfect part of your Tasmania trip.
In the evening we round off with a game on our terrace, under a spectacular starry sky.
Now on to our next adventure, but Wineglass Bay and Freycinet will go down as one of the highlights of Tasmania in our memories!
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