Are you planning a Tasmania East Coast road trip? You definitely won’t be disappointed with your choice of travelling the east coast of Tasmania. We had only 5 days to spend on our East Coast road trip but wished we had planned to spend 10 days – it is just so beautiful! Picture perfect!
You will experience stunning beaches, 220 km of stunning coastlines, wonderful national parks, cool-climate wineries and some of the best cellar doors, local restaurants showcasing the best of the great local produce, the freshest seafood from its coastal waters, and accommodations to suit all types of travellers and more on your east coast drive.
The Freycinet National Park & Wineglass Bay has to be one of the best scenic parks we have visited in Australia. There are so many East Coast Tasmania attractions to enjoy you will be spoilt for choice.
The best thing about the East Coast Tasmania road trip is that you can plan your itinerary without driving long distances, there are plenty of towns to visit and stay along the way.
The East Coast has some of the best places to stay in Tasmania as well.
If you are planning to visit Hobart we have put together 1, 2 and 3-day suggested Hobart itineraries for you.
In our Staycation Australia article you will learn:
- Driving distances on the East Coast of Tasmania
- Places to visit on the East Coast
- Where to stay on the East Coast – Coles Bay, Beaumaris and Launceston and more recommendations
- Things to do on the East Coast
- Weather
- Walks
- National Park Information
- Wineries
- Tours
- Driving tips
- Frequently asked questions
For more Tasmanian travel inspiration – Port Arthur Day Tour from Hobart – read more here
Check out our Youtube Video of our East Road Tasmania Road Trip here:
After you have visited the East Coast you may like to spend a day or two on Bruny Island, a short distance from Hobart.
We share with you our east coast Tasmania itinerary for 5 days from Hobart and returning to Hobart. Our accommodation on the east coast of Tasmania was spent in the towns of:
Before we took off on our East Coast Tasmania itinerary we stayed at the Vibe Hotel in Hobart (you can read our review here or check out the latest deals and availability here).
In Coles Bay we stayed at the luxury Edge of the Bay Resort – find out more here
In Beaumaris Beach we stayed at the Beaumaris Beach Guest House – find out more here
In Launceston we stayed at the Kurrajong House B & B – find out more here
Did you know that Tasmania is reputed to have the cleanest air in the world!
Map of East Coast of Tasmania – Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary
Driving Distances East Coast Tasmania Road Trip
N.B. We took an Uber from Hobart City to Hobart International Airport to pick up our car rental from East Coast Car Rentals.
Distance from Hobart to Coles Bay: 183.2 km driving time 2 hours 43 minutes route Tasman Highway/A3
Distance from Coles Bay to Beaumaris Beach: 103.1 km driving time 1 hour 21 minutes route C302/Tasman Highway/A3
Distance from Beaumaris Beach to Launceston: 155.7 km driving time 2 hours 2 minutes route Esk Highway/A4/National Highway 1
Distance from Launceston to Hobart International Airport: 190.3 km driving time 2 hours 13 minutes route National Highway 1 (this is a direct route, we travelled via the historical town of Richmond via the B31 then onto the airport)
Other distances for your information:
Distance from Hobart to Wineglass Bay – 194 km
Distance from Hobart to Swansea – 135.1 km
Distance from Launceston to St Helens – 166.1 km
Distance from Hobart to Freycinet National Park – 169 km
Distance from Launceston to Hobart CBD – 202 km
East Coast Tasmania Itinerary
Day One – Hobart to Coles Bay
Travel tip: Spending a few nights in Hobart at the centrally located Vibe Hotel before you embark on your road trip or even on your return is recommended. We enjoyed luxury accommodation with views over the city. After a day of sightseeing, we enjoyed a cocktail beside the fire and then a meal in their Belvedere Restaurant and Bar. The Restaurant is open for breakfast and they offer an excellent breakfast menu.
Address: 36 Argyle Street Hobart (easy walking distance to Hobart’s waterfront and 0.85 km from Salamanca Place where the famous Saturday markets are held.
Hobart to Triabunna with a lunch stop at the Fish Van. The Fish Van was a recommendation from a local for the best fish and chips on the way to Coles Bay. It is very popular with locals and tourists and you can expect a long queue at lunchtime, but it is well worth the wait.
Address: 19 Esplanade W, Triabunna
Distance 90 km and our travelling time was 1 hour 30 minutes
If you have time you can take a self-guided Discovery Walk of the town’s preserved convict-era buildings from the Triabunna Visitors Centre.
Things to do in Triabunna
Visit Maria Island
Maria Island is a mountainous island situated off the east coast of Tasmania. Maria Island is known for its sweeping bays, stunning landscapes and its world heritage convict probation station.
Maria Island is home to kangaroos, wallabies and wombats, with some great walking and biking trails to enjoy. Most visitors visit on a day trip or spend one or two nights on the scenic island. There are no cars on the island except for National Park vehicles. You will need to bring your own food as there are no shops. Drinking water is available from signed taps in the barbecue shelter and Mess Hall at Darlington.
Good to know: There is a limited supply of water so bring a full water bottle with you.
The ferry to Maria Island from Triabunna.
The ferry rides take approximately 30 minutes and the current costs are $45 for adults, $39 for Pensioners and those who have a Health card, $28 (children 4 – 16 years) and free for infants up to 3 years of age.
Click here for bookings and more information
What you need to know to visit Maria Island
As Maria Island is a National Park you will require a National Parks Pass.
Can you stay on Maria Island?
Maria Island has several types of accommodation available.
The Old Penitentiary at Darlington which is located close to the jetty has 9 rooms available with bunk beds that sleep 6 in each room. There is room #10 that will sleep up to 14 people. Each room has a picnic-style table and chairs and a wood heater. Bookings need to be made in advance.
If you are interested in camping there are campsites located behind the sand dunes at Darlington. There is no need to book in advance for these, fees apply.
There are also free campsites available at French’s Farm and Encampment Cove – some three to four hours walk, or one to two hours ride away.
What to do on Maria Island
- self-guided Darlington Township Walk – allow 1/2 – 2 hour
- explore the Darlington Probation Centre – a world Heritage Australian Convict Site
- GYG Day Tour
- Cycle Maria Island – bring your bike or hire one (bookings in advance are required)
- Cruise to the Painted Cliffs, Fossil Cliffs, Riedle Bay, Ile Des Phoques seal colony and Maria Island’s south coast. Experience a gourmet lunch and local wines in one of Maria’s secluded bays.
- A variety of walks are available from short walks, half and full-day walks and overnight walks.
Reservoir Circuit: 1.5 hours circuit – easy
Fossil Cliffs Circuit: 1.2 – 2.5 hours – easy
Painted Cliffs/Oast House – 1.5 – 2.5 hours – easy but beware of slippery rocks
Bishop and Clerk – 3 – 5 hours return – difficult
Mount Maria – 8 hours – difficult
Frenchs Farm – 6 hours – easy
Encampment Cove – 8 hours – easy
Point Lesueur Convict Cells – 8 hours – easy
McRaes Isthmus (northern end – 8 hours – easy
Robeys Farm – 12 hours – moderate
Haunted Bay – 14 hours – moderate
Triabunna to Swansea
Distance is 49.3 km with an average driving time of 37 minutes.
Swansea is a pretty seaside town located on Great Oyster Bay. A town full of history, historical buildings and a local history museum that is worth a visit. When the town was established in the 1820s it was known as Waterloo Point. It is one of Tasmania’s oldest towns.
Drop into the Morris General Store for a history lesson at the rear of the building in a small dedicated room. The stone building was constructed in 1838. Trading of goods was carried out during that time on the ground floor and front section of the 2nd floor. The rear of the 2nd floor was for the residence. The top floor was used as a warehouse for wool and skins waiting for shipment. In 1965 a new supermarket and butchers shop was constructed adjoining the old building. In 2001 the area was expanded.
What to do in and around Swansea
Visit Kate’s Berry Farm at 12 Addison Street in Swansea for berry wines, ice creams, jams and fruit.
Pop into Swansea Bark Mill and Tavern at 98 Tasman Highway Swansea for bakery items, wood fire pizza, and grazing platters and the kids can enjoy the children’s playground.
15 minutes north of Swansea is the Melshell Oyster Shack at 9 Yellow Sandbanks Road Dolphin Sands. Enjoy fresh oysters on the river bank at Moulting Lagoon whilst learning about the growing process of oysters and oyster farming.
Swansea Cycle Tours and Bike Hire – visit working farms and vineyards by bicycle with lunch. They will collect you from your accommodation and return you at the end of the tour.
Address: 17 Old Spring Bay Road, Swansea.
Swim at one of Swansea’s local beaches – Jubilee, Waterloo, Schouten, Nine Mile, Kelvedon, Spiky or Cressy.
Take a Swansea Heritage Walk for a self-guided tour through town – information from the Heritage Museum and Visitor Centre.
Craigie Knowe Vineyard & Cellar Door at 80 Glen Gala Road Cranbrook. Enjoy platters, wine tasting, chocolate tasting, and tours of the oldest vineyard on the Freycinet Coast.
Devils Corner Winery at Apslawn
From Swansea to Devils Corner Winery at Apslawn is 25.2 km with an average driving time of 22 minutes. Devil’s Corner Winery is one of the largest vineyards in Tasmania. There is plenty of parking when you arrive at the scenic sight, make sure you head to the tower and climb the tower for stunning views. Dine on wood-fired pizza or seafood, taste some of the best Tasmanian wines and finish your day with a cup of coffee with a view.
Address: 1 Sherbourne Road Apslawn
The driving distance from Devils Corner Winery to the Edge of the Bay Resort at 2308 Coles Bay Road, Coles Bay is 31 km with an average driving time of 24 minutes. We spent two nights at the Edge of the Bay Resort.
Accommodation in Coles Bay: Edge of the Bay Resort
We booked the ocean-view suite for adults only. If these rooms are available we would recommend booking them. You have direct access to the beach and bay with a small balcony for those dreamy sunset cocktails. The sunrise and sunsets are magnificent here. In the morning a family of wallabies came to visit. We welcomed the under-floor heating, even in April, when the nights and mornings can be quite chilly.
Recommendations for Dinner: Check out the list from Tripadvisor Coles Bay on the top restaurants voted by travellers.
On the night of Day 2, we booked dinner at the Luz Restaurant which is located in the Edge of the Bay Resort. Excellent menu, very good service and a good wine list. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening.
Good to know: you need to reserve a table in advance
Day Two – Coles Bay, Frecinet National Park, Bicheno
On day 2 we planned to spend it in the Freycinet National Park doing a few hikes and visiting the towns of Coles Bay and Bicheno.
To enter the National Park you will need to purchase a Day Pass which currently is $40.00. If you need a longer pass there are several available – for more information click here
It is easy to purchase the pass from the National Park Office. There are discounts available for seniors.
Walks Around Freycinet National park
Travel tip: Ensure that you have good walking shoes, water, sunscreen and insect repellent before you set off for walks.
Great Oyster Bay Walk 10 minutes from the National Park Office where you can purchase your day pass – easy-level
Wineglass Bay Lookout Walk 1 – 1.5 hours return. A gravel track that winds up to the lookout for spectacular views over Wineglass Bay – moderate level. There are a lot of steps and can be uneven at times. Be prepared to wait for your iconic shot of the bay – it is a popular walk.
Cape Tourville Walk – A 20-minute Easy walk around the Lighthouse with views over Wineglass Bay and Friendly Beaches – easy level. The boardwalk around the lighthouse is wheelchair accessible.
Sleepy Bay Walk – 20 minutes return walk with lovely coastal views before a steep descent to a small cove – easy level
Wineglass Bay – 3 hours return with a steep ascent and descent – moderate level
Wineglass Bay/Hazards Beach – 5-hour circuit taking in Wineglass Bay, Hazards Beach and returning via a coastal forest track – moderate level
Mt Amos – 3 hours return best suited for an experienced bushwalker, can be steep and slippery, especially after rain – difficult level
Good to know: To beat the crowds and the heat of the day if you are visiting during Summer we would recommend starting the walks before noon or after 3 pm.
Coles Bay
Coles Bay is framed by the Hazards Mountains and the waters of Great Oyster Bay. There are many accommodation options from bed and breakfasts, beach houses, eco-lodges, luxury retreats and campgrounds. If you are planning to camp bookings need to be made in advance and you will need to apply to Parks and Wildlife for bookings.
Where To Stay in Coles Bay
Booking.comPlaces to Eat in and Around Coles Bay
For lunch head to the Granite Bakery Cafe and enjoy freshly baked pies, pastries, breads, toasted sandwiches, salad rolls and cakes with great coffee.
Address: Coles Bay Esplanade Shop 2 Coles Bay
The best pizza in town can be found at Geographe, also locals recommend their breakfasts and their coffee. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Geographe is a licensed cafe selling Tasmanian Beer and wine.
Address: 6 Garnet Avenue, Coles Bay
For the best ice cream, the Ice Creamery has a great range of flavours. A firm favourite for little kids and big kids.
Address: 4 Garnet Avenue Coles Bay
For the best fish and chips, seafood platters and seasonal seafood dishes head to The Fisher’s @ Devils Corner.
Address: Sherbourne Road Apslawn
For that special dinner, we can recommend the Luz Restaurant at the Edge of the Bay Resort.
Address: 2308 Coles Bay Road, Coles Bay
Supermarkets around Coles Bay
Coles Bay Express at 2/15 Esplanade, Coles Bay
Coles Bay Convenience & Australia Post Office at 3 Garnet Avenue Coles Bay
Both of the above have ATM facilities.
Top Things to Do Around Freycinet National Park
Wineglass Bay Cruise Including Sky Lounge
Experience the turquoise waters of Wineglass Bay on a 4-hour cruise and indulge in a delicious lunch on-board. Choose to upgrade to the Sky Lounge for a premium cruise experience.
Beaches to visit for long walks or swimming are Richardson’s, Muirs or Friendly Beaches.
Freycinet Vineyard
Located at 15919 Tasman Highway Apslawn for award-winning wines and extra virgin olive oil in a lovely country setting.
Wines available from the Cellar Door include Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sparkling, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot and Botrytis.
Bicheno
A popular holiday destination for all types of travellers and a favourite of Tasmanians. A great place for swimming, fishing, beach walks and wildlife. There are many things to do in Bicheno, so ensure you allow time to visit all.
The Bicheno Blow Hole is located at 33 Douglas Street in Bicheno. The best time to visit is when the wind is high and the waves coming in from the North-East direction. There is a car park close by.
Good to know: You can join a local wildlife guided tour to see the Little Penguins and Tasmanian Devils.
Visit Douglas Apsley National Park, one of Tasmania’s scenic parks with waterfalls, gorges, untouched forest areas, wildlife and endangered plants.
Enjoy wine tasting at the Farm Shed at 53 Burgess Street Bicheno. They showcase 90 wines from 20 East Coast Vineyards, whiskey and gin as well as local art and design.
Where to stay in Bicheno
Booking.comDay 3 – Coles Bay to St Helens and Bay of Fires
Our accommodation for 1 night was spent at the Beaumaris Beach Guest House
Located 103.1 km from Coles Bay with an average driving time of 1 hour 20 minutes the Beaumaris Beach Guest House was a great find for our one night’s accommodation. St. Helens was a further 11.1 km with an average driving time of 15 minutes.
Our deluxe queen room had a four-poster bed with views over the garden. Owners, Judy and Stuart, really looked after us. After our sightseeing adventures to St Helens and the Bay of Fires, we were welcomed on arrival with a cheese platter and a glass of wine in front of the fireplace. Not feeling like going out for dinner, Judy prepared a sumptuous evening meal with wine for us. Our cooked breakfast the next morning was perfect with homemade bread and locally sourced produce. We should have stayed an extra night.
Find out more on the latest deals and availability here
Address: 16 Belair Cresent Beaumaris Beach
St Helens
St Helen’s is a popular fishing village on the East Coast and as such, it is famous for its fresh seafood. It is also the gateway to the Bay of Fires.
Where To Stay in St Helens
Booking.comThings to do in St Helens
Visit Priory Ridge Vineyard at Route C843 80 Ansons Bay Road St Helens
A popular boutique winery on 20 hectares close to St Helen’s. The Cellar Door offers Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. If you want to visit the Cellar Door phone ahead for bookings on +0408 479 699. Enjoy wine tasting in the adapted 1900’s shearing shed and view their collection of memorabilia along with records of pioneering families.
Secret River Kayak Tours – for luxury peddle kayaks tours, fishing, bird watching and photography
Walking Tours around St Helens
Take a walk:
- to Peron Dunes – around one hour
- Walk around Georges Bay from Moulting Bay to Dora Point
- St Helens Point to Beerbarrel Beach – 1-hour return – easy.
- Stroll from the northern end of the Golden Fleece Bridge along the Georges Bay Foreshore to Lions Park and return
- Visit the History & Information Centre for walks and tours available
Where To Eat Around St Helens and Binalong Bay
If you are looking for a good breakfast, brunch or lunch spot in St Helens we can recommend the Lifebuoy Cafe at 29 Quail Street St Helens. You know it is a great find when the locals queue for takeaway coffees and tables. There is a small emporium selling homewares too!
We were recommended by friends to have lunch at the Meresta Eatery 66 Main Road in Binalong Bay. Unfortunately, it was closed when we visited, they close Mondays and Tuesdays. Meresta Eatery has views over Binalong Bay and offers wood-fired pizza, seafood and more.
Bay of Fires – a simply drop-dead gorgeous part of Tasmania
The Bay of Fires is famous for its orange-coloured lichen boulders that line the shoreline. The sea is a dazzling blue combined with the white silvery beaches makes this area one of the most idyllic places to visit on the East Coast. The coastline stretches from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point a distance of 50 km from South to North.
Good to know: A great time to visit Binalong Bay is at sunrise.
Bay of Fires Eco Tours offer fully guided boat tours:
Sloop Rock Express – 60 minutes tour to Sloop Rock – summer departures from October to April
The Gardens Explorer – 2 hours tour north to The Gardens – year-round departures
Bay of Fires Discovery – 3 hours Summer departures only October to April sailing 28 km of breathtaking coastline to the northern tip of the Bay of Fires, past Mount William National Park and the lighthouse reserve at Eddystone Point.
The Gardens
The Gardens is located 15 minutes drive north of Binalong Bay and 25 minutes from St Helens. It was named after the wildflowers that grew there by Lady Jane Franklin, the wife of the Governor of Tasmania in the 1800s. It is a good spot to view the migration of whales and pods of dolphins. There is a small car parking area and a short boardwalk with a viewing platform for stunning views over the coastline.
North East Tasmania Coastal Reserves
Bay of Fires Conservation Area is located between Eddystone Point and Binalong Bay. The area was named Bay of Fires in 1773 by Captain Furneaux when he sighted the fires of aborigines on the shore.
Humbug Point Nature Recreation Area is popular for bushwalking and bird watching. Short walks and all-day hikes are available.
St Helens Point Conservation Area for sand dunes and horse riding. There are several short walks with views across to St Helen’s barway and across the Tasman Sea.
Scamander Conservation Area
Four Mile Creek Conservation Area
Mt William National Park for wildlife encounters such as the Forester kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, possums, echidnas and Tasmanian devils. There is a 1.5-hour return walk to the summit of Mt. William.
Take a scenic drive at dusk or dawn to see the Forester kangaroos grazing on the grassy plains
Inland reserves:
Weldborough Pass Scenic Reserve – a 20-minute walk is available to the rainforest
St Columba Falls State Reserve – The Falls plunge 90m from the Mt Victoria foothills to the valley of the South George River
St Marys Pass State Reserve – a 10-minute walk to a viewing platform
St Patricks Head State Reserve 2-hour walk for coastal views and surrounding areas
Mt Pearson State Reserve – large forest reserve where you can view local birdlife and the Yellow Rock Orchid
Day Four – Beaumaris Beach To Launceston
Launceston
The travelling distance from Beaumaris Beach to Launceston is 155.7 km with an average driving time of 1 hour 55 minutes. The road can be windy at times, you will need to drive carefully – it is only a two-way road.
Accommodation in Launceston at the Kurrajong House B & B on the Cnr of 17 Adelaide Street and 18 High Street Launceston.
What a lovely welcome we received as we arrived at Kurrajong House in the pouring rain. The rain was so heavy we really could not venture out to explore, so we relaxed in the beautiful surroundings of the reception area and our luxurious bedroom.
Our stopover was for one night as a short taster of what Launceston has to offer. We are planning to return to visit the Tamar Valley wineries and more of the North West of Tasmania.
Good to know: Kurrajong House is very popular so we recommend booking in advance.
Where to Stay in Launceston
Booking.comTop Things to do in Launceston
Visit the James Boag Brewery 10 William Street Launceston which offers brewery tours, a bar, dining experiences, a museum and a gift shop.
Tamar River Cruises
Tamar River Cruises – Cataract Gorge Cruise
A 50-minute cruise down Launceston’s spectacular Cataract Gorge. As you glide down the charismatic river, you can enjoy your skipper’s commentary which will be provided on your surroundings.
Duration: 50 minutes
Timings: September to May 09.20 am, 10.30 am, 12.30 pm, 1.30 pm, 2.30 pm and 3.30 pm
June to August – 11.30 am, 12.30 pm, 1.30 pm
Tamar River Lunch Cruise – Cataract Gorge
Cruise the Cataract Gorge via Launceston’s riverfront precinct. Head north past Tamar Island, historical buildings, churches, hotels and significant homesteads. Sample the rich diversity of life as we cruise past quaint riverfront communities, vineyards and farms to the notable Batman Bridge. The Tamar Valley is steeped with romance and studded with bushrangers, explorers and tales of gold diggers. Australia’s longest navigable estuarine river has many natural coves and protected inlets that provide sanctuary for thousands of native water birds that can only be seen on the river.
This cruise includes morning tea, a light lunch and a cheese and fruit platter as well as local beer and wine tastings.
Departure from the Home Point Cruise Terminal every Saturday, Monday and Wednesday at 10.00 am between September and May and returns at 2.00 pm.
Franklin House is Launceston’s only house museum built in 1838 by convicts. In 1960, Franklin House became the home to the National Trust of Tasmania.
Relax under a 180-year-old oak tree, wander through the Victorian Kitchen Garden, send the children in search of Patrick’s Pails and explore this beautiful home on a self-guided tour.
Address: 413 Hobart Road Youngtown
Opening hours: Monday – Friday 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Saturday – Sunday 12.00 pm – 4.00 pm
Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day & Good Friday
Visit the Launceston Cataract Gorge located at 69 Basin Road. You can ride the world’s longest single chairlift that spans 308m linking the Cliff Grounds with the First Basin and main car park.
Dine at the Basin Cafe for breakfast, morning and afternoon tea and lunch 7 days a week from 8.00 am.
The Gorge Restaurant is open for lunch from noon Tuesday to Sunday and for dinner from 6.30 pm from Tuesday to Saturday.
Visit the Launceston Tramway Museum at the Inveresk Precinct between QVMAG and UTAS Stadium. You can see beautifully restored trams that ran in Launceston from 1911 – 1952.
Opening hours are 10.00 am to 4.00 pm from Tuesdays to Sundays.
Visit Harvest Launceston – Community Farmers Market on Saturdays between 08.30 and 12.30 pm at Climitiere St Car Park Launceston
Where To Eat in Launceston
We were recommended to have dinner at one of Launceston’s top Indian Restaurants the Pickled Evenings which was in walking distance from Kurrajong House. We were not disappointed and had some of the best Indian dishes we have had outside India. If you are staying at Kurrajong House don’t get too pickled as the walk home is all uphill.
Good to know: you will need to reserve a table in advance
Address: 135 George St, Launceston
Visit some of the new wine bars that have opened recently:
Havilah at 178 Charles Street Launceston
Devil’s Door at 91 George Street Launceston
Bar Two at 47a Brisbane Street Launceston
Geronimo Aperitivo Bar and Restaurant 186 Charles Street Launceston
Day Five – Launceston to Hobart via Ross and Richmond
At breakfast this morning at Kurrajong House Bed & Breakfast a regular guest advised us to visit Ross on our return back to Hobart. We had time to drive through and wished we had left more time to visit. The town was built by convicts in the early 1800s. Tree-lined streets and the third-oldest bridge in Australia make Ross a great little detour on the way to Hobart.
Ross is located 80.7 km from Launceston – the drive took about an hour.
Richmond
If you have time on the return journey visit Richmond which is only 17.9 km from Hobart Airport. The driving time was 19 minutes. Richmond is a town of around 50 historic buildings dating back to the 1820s. The Richmond Bridge is the oldest in Australia and was built by convicts in the 1820s.
You can spend a few hours wandering through the galleries, a lavender shop, boutiques, great cafes and wine bars. The Richmond Wine Wall lists over 20 cellar door venues and vineyards located throughout the Coal River Valley wine district.
East Coast Wine Trail
Due to Covid, we would recommend booking ahead as some cellars are only open by appointment. The East Coast Wine Trail has 10 Cellar Doors to visit from Orford in the south to Binalong Bay in the north.
- Darlington Vineyard – 63 Holkham Court Orford
- Boomer Creek Vineyard – 10922 Tasman Highway, Little Swanport
- Kelvedon Estate – 12371 Tasman Highway Swansea
- Milton Vineyard – 14635 Tasman Highway Swansea
- Spring Vale Vineyards – 130 Spring Vale Road Cranbrook
- Craig Knowe Vineyard – 80 Glen Road Cranbrook
- Gala Estate – 14891 Tasman Highway Cranbrook
- Devils Corner Cellar Door – 1 Sherbourne Road, Apslawn
- Freycinet Vineyard – 15919 Tasman Highway Bicheno
- Priory Ridge Vineyard/Cellar Door – 280 Ansons Bay Road St Helens
East Coast Tasmania Weather
Winter temperatures can range from 3 – 11 degrees and during summer you can expect temperatures between 17 – 23 degrees. The west coast has different weather patterns to the east coast. Be prepared for 4 seasons in one day.
Our visit took place in April which locals told us was the best time to visit the East Coast outside of summer. The days were crisp and sunny. We would also consider visiting in October and November.
Tasmania Glamping Experience
We did not try this but locals recommended having a glamping experience in Scamander which is located halfway between Falmouth and Beaumaris Beach.
Latest review: “Everything, our safari tent was fantastic – the bed was super comfortable, the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a while! All of the facilities were well looked after (looked quite new) and best of all, we’re very clean.”
Self-Catering Accommodation
If you would prefer to self-cater on your East Coast road trip – check out the latest properties from Stayz.
Driving Tips for the East Coast of Tasmania
Slow down and look out for animals at dawn and dusk.
Keep this information handy: For Tasmania Police, emergency road closure alerts click here.
Keep your car full of petrol, some smaller towns may not have fuel available in the evening.
Most roads are single lanes in each direction and can be narrow, with sharp corners and very windy. Allow plenty of time for travelling as travel times can be longer than expected e.g. 150 km can take 2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions on Tasmania’s East Coast
Which airports service the East Coast of Tasmania?
Hobart and Launceston are the two closest to the East Coast but you can also look at Devonport and Burnie.
Can I travel by sea to Tasmania from Victoria?
Spirit of Tasmania runs regular services where you can take your car, caravan and campervan.
Is there free wifi we can access on Tasmania’s east coast?
Various locations have access to free wifi you can check here
Is electric vehicle charging available on the East Coast of Tasmania?
For updated charging outlets click here
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our article on the Tasmania 5-day itinerary of the East Coast of Tasmania. The region is spectacular and well worth allowing as much time as you can to visit. You do need to book in advance, in particular, if you are hiring a car or campervan. Tasmania has always been a popular destination but more so since Covid hit. We will be returning to visit the parts of Tasmania we could not cover in our 8 days.
The East Coast of Tasmania has so many things to do. We can’t stress enough to allow as much time as possible.
Flights to Tasmania.
Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar fly to Tasmania.
Hobart’s International Airport (domestic and international flights share one terminal) is located 17 km from Hobart’s CBD.
For the latest flight deals to Hobart and Launceston click here
Tasmania’s Quarantine Regulations
As an island, Tasmania has strict quarantine regulations. Keep up to date with the latest information here
Car Rental in Tasmania
If you are going to hire a car click here – remember to book in advance as vehicles are limited and as such prices can be higher here than on the mainland.
If you are considering hiring a campervan find out more details here.
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