Set between the pristine wilderness of the Freycinet National Park and a beautiful conservation area, this town on Tasmania’s East Coast is a spectacular getaway.
Explore the crystal clear waters of Coles Bay by kayak and meet the local wombats, quolls and echidnas on a bush walk. Watch the sun setting over the dramatic landscape of pink granite peaks while enjoying a dinner of locally farmed oysters and wine.
Appreciate the tranquility of sleepy Coles Bay from a waterfront camping site, a beach shack or a luxury eco-cabin. Around the township are a number of restaurants where you can savour fresh seafood, tasty drinks and a pleasant ambience.
Start your exploration of the coast’s beautiful wilderness at the Freycinet National Park Visitor Centre at the edge of town. Purchase your pass to the park here and learn through interactive displays about the biodiversity of the area and its cultural value.
Tackle the challenging walk up Mount Amos, one of the mountains known as the Hazards, or do the 31-kilometre (19-mile) hike through the Hazards to Wineglass Bay plan for 2 to 3 days. Relax for a day at the Friendly Beaches, with white sand between your toes. The beaches lead on to Cape Tourville to the south and Cape Lodi in the north. The park has limited facilities, so always carry enough water and food when you are setting out on a walk.
Follow the coastline on a boat cruise to explore sea caves and visit the remote and stunning beach of Wineglass Bay. Go for a sail or rent a kayak to paddle along the coast and look for dolphins.
Just out of town on Coles Bay Road, you’ll find Moulting Lagoon, where you can see the incredible variety of birds that breed in this wetland reserve. Thousands of black swans come here to moult their flight feathers. Look for songbirds, ducks, eagles and long-legged water birds too.
Drive about 2.5 hours from Hobart or Launceston to reach Coles Bay, a perfect place from which to explore the Freycinet National Park.
