On a recent road trip around Tasmania I spent two amazing days in Coles Bay which is based in the Freycinet National Park in Tasmania. The seaside holiday village sits beneath stunning, sheer pink granite mountains overlooking the calm, crystal clear water of Oyster Bay. The uncrowded beaches and crystal clear waters offer the ideal location for swimming, boating, kayaking and fishing. So what did I get up to with my two beautiful days in Coles Bay Tasmania?
After checking into our gorgeous little self contained apartment that overlooked the ocean it was a chilly Tasmanian afternoon so I sat down with a cuppa and watched the kangaroos that were grazing on the grass right outside the door!
For sunset we headed to the Freycinet Lodge which is lodged and dining overlooking Oyster Bay and has a very famous jetty that stretches right out into the bay. I have always wanted to photograph this jetty so I was excited to finally see it. There is a gate to get onto the jetty but we asked someone who worked there if we could walk out onto the jetty. He was super lovely and let us on whilst giving us a run down of the area! It was a gorgeous sunset that night and it was so peaceful sitting there watching the sun go down and the sky changing colours.
Freycinet Lodge has a big dining area so we decided to stay and have dinner there that night. You can also hire cabins to stay in which looked awesome.
The next morning we drove up the road from our accommodation to The Hazards which is a mountain chain positioned between Coles Bay and Wineglass Bay. The Hazards are made of granite and are famous for their pink tint. The four mountains in the group from west to east are Mayson, Amos, Dove and Parsons. Sunrise was a moody one.
After breakfast we were off to do the Wineglass Bay walk. The walk one is approximatley 1 hour return. It’s a moderately steep, stepped track that climbs up between Mt Amos and Mt Mason to the saddle lookout. From the lookout you can see views over Winglass Bay to Mt Freycinet and Mt Graham.
From the lookout you can continue down to the beach, returning on the same track. It is approximately 2 and a half hours return from the carpark. Add another 40 minutes if you plan to walk to the southern end of the beach. The beach is stunning with pure white sand and aqua blue water. Orange lichen grows on the rocks which looks amazing against the colour of the water. There are pademelons (a type of wallaby) everywhere that are very tame. Wineglass Bay is rated as one of the ten best beaches in the world and I can see why.
There are plenty of other walks that you can do in the area:
ISTHMUS TRACK CIRCUIT (9 ½ KM RETURN)
Taking the same track to Wineglass Bay walk to the beach, then follow the Isthmus Track past Hazard Lagoon to Hazards Beach. You then walk North along Hazards Beach, following the Hazards track back to the car park around Mt Mayson. Approximately 4 – 5 hours.
COOKS BEACH (20KM RETURN)
This will take approximately 8 hours return. Take the Hazards track from the car park to Hazards Beach, continuing along the beach to the peninsular track and onwards to Cooks Beach. Return on same track.
PENINSULAR TRACK(30KM)
This one is recommended as a 2 day hike, camping at Cooks Corner overnight. The walk is the same as the Cooks Beach but returning via Mt Graham and linking up with the wineglass bay walk, along the beach and over the saddle back to the car park
SLEEPY BAY
A short walk, good for an afternoon look about. It’s about 20 – 30 minutes walk (return) taking you down a track along the cliffs to the beach.
MT AMOS: (APPROX. 4KM RETURN)
This walk will take approximately 3 hours. It is a steep and difficult climb in parts and should not be attempted in wet weather or in poor footwear. This walk is not recommended for the elderly or young children. It is well worth the effort through as it offers magnificent panoramic views of Wineglass bay and the southern part of the Peninsular.
CAPE TOURVILLE LIGHTHOUSE
There is a short, wheelchair friendly walk around the lighthouse. It’s perfect for a quick look around the afternoon you arrive.
FRIENDLY BEACHES
Beautiful surf beach where you can walk for miles. Located about 16kms from Coles Bay (back towards the Tasman Highway). It is approx. 2km from the main road (gravel road).
I would love to go back to Coles Bay again one day soon and do some more of these walks. It is such a stunning place and I enjoyed every minute that I was there. Have you been to Coles Bay, Tasmania? If so, I would love to know so leave a comment below!
Another amazing place that you have been to Larissa and another that I will have to add to the list. My list just keeps getting longer and longer from reading your blogs! Thanks for sharing!
haha, there are just so many amazing places to see. As I tick something off my list I am adding another 10 Jake! 🙂
Your photos are so amazing Larissa – Wineglass Bay looks like the sort of beach you could sit and soak up nature all day!
Aww, thanks so much Claire! Wineglass Bay was stunning! I need to get back there! 🙂
Hi! I’m heading here soon and was wondering where the lookout to the Hazards is located. Thanks!
Wow I never knew tassie had such beautiful beaches!
I didn’t either Nicki! They are absolutely stunning though! I think they are keeping secrets from us down there! haha!
I’m probably slightly biased because back in 2000-2001 I spent a year anda half of my life at Freycinet Air, flying people around the Freycinet Peninsula. The airfield is just off the Friendly Beaches road, on the left hand side as you drive towards the beach. I was also lucky enough to spend some of my time as volunteer deck hand on ‘Kahala’, which was the local cruise boat at the time, with Capt. Mike Dicker and Sam the dolphin dog. It is one of the most stunning parts of the world, and a brilliant area in general. I love that photo of Wineglass Bay!
Thanks Stephen. Aren’t you a lucky duck! I absolutely loved this area of Tasmania. I have a huge picture that I took of Friendly beaches hanging in my house because I loved that beach so much! I think I might have to book another trip down there again soon. Its such a stunning place!!
Tasmania would have to be one of the most amazing places to visit. As always your blog & photos are amazing!!!
Thanks so much Andrew! Tasmania is awesome. I need to get back there! 🙂
So beautiful! That photo of Wineglass Bay = AMAZING!
Aww, thanks so much Lisa. When is your trip to US? Must be coming up soon!!
Tasmania is the most wonderful place for photography! My son (RYAN ENNIS PHOTOGRAPHY) and I had a great trip around there, we both loved the East Coast. Ryan took a beautiful dawn shot of the jetty at Freycinet Lodge, unfortunately no one was around to open the gate!
Love your photography Larissa – thank you for sharing!
Hi Jan, I know your lovely son Ryan! Well not personally but through Facebook and Instagram! I think I remember seeing his stunning shot of the jetty. Tasmania certainly is a photographers paradise, Im so glad you enjoyed your trip there! 🙂
Wow – simply amazing!!!
Thank you so much Ella. Its a beautiful part of Australia! 🙂
Love this post – I’m going to Coles Bay in September! Would love to know where you stayed?! Your photos are beautiful 🙂
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Some amazing photos there Larissa, I have bookmarked your site for when I go on my Tasmanian road trip at year-end!
Thank you so much Sze! I hope you have an amazing time in Tasmania. Its a beautiful place so Im sure you will! 🙂
Hi larissa, im gonna be visiting tassie on december and planning a day trip to colesbay and freycinet. What do u suggest for a place to take a picture of wineglassbay? Got 3 hours to spend there though, i knew it wasnt enough but maybe next time will spend longer.
Cheers